IF SENATORS IN CA SAY NO: Cuenco won't insist taking post as ambassador to Italy

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City South District Representative Antonio Cuenco said he will not insist on taking his ambassadorial post in Italy if the Senator-members of the powerful Commission on Appointments don’t want him to get the post.

Cuenco said he will not force the issue if Senators Miriam Defensor Santiago and Jinggoy Estrada will not withdraw their opposition to his appointment.

“Dili ko mamugos,” Cuenco said.

Although, he admitted, having talked to them after the confirmation hearing last Wednesday wherein Santiago questioned the timing of his appointment.

Santiago described it as “midnight appointment” considering that it is only six months away before the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ends.

Estrada on the other hand moved to defer the deliberation.

According to Cuenco, Estrada admitted to him that he was hurt by Cuenco’s participation in the impeachment of his father, former President Joseph Estrada, at the House of Representatives.

“That is his prerogative, mahadlok sab ko nga dunay bugti ang akong hangyo niya basin iya unyang pasuportahan ang iyang amahan. Dili na pwede,” Cuenco said.

The former president whose term was cut short by the popular people power revolution in 2001, is running again for president in the coming election.

Cuenco defended his appointment saying it is not true that it is “midnight appointment” as described by Santiago.

According to him, a “midnight appointment” is made two days or few days before the term of the appointing authority expires.

Cuenco said he will not also be spending millions for his deployment in Italy because he will not be bringing along staff with him.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, it will cost the government P10 million to relocate Cuenco and his predecessor. — Fred P. Languido/NLQ   (FREEMAN NEWS)