Cabrera, Alabastro confirmed by Commission on Appointments

Citing their "impressive credentials," the 25-member Commission on Appointments (CA) voted unanimously yesterday to confirm the appointments of veteran journalist Noel Cabrera as press secretary and Estrella Alabastro as secretary of the Department of Science and Technology.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Regino Hermosisima Jr. was also confirmed as a member of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

In his sponsorship speech, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano, chairman of the CA committee on government corporations and other offices, said the experience of Cabrera as a journalist made him "perfect for the job." He also described him as a "self-effacing" man who "works in the background."

Sen. Blas Ople asked that the confirmation of Cabrera be fast-tracked so as not to prolong Cabrera’s anxiety. As a fellow journalist, he said he could attest to the integrity of Cabrera and his distinguished career in media.

Albano, also chairman of the CA committee on science and technology, said Alabastro is highly qualified for the post of DOST secretary, as she is a scientist herself and a long-time member of the department.

Supporting Alabastro, Sen. Edgardo Angara said that the DOST would have the chance to improve under her leadership. He urged her to implement programs to promote science and technology especially among the young so the Philippines would not lag behind other countries in these fields.

The confirmation of Cabrera and Alabastro yesterday left Secretaries Pantaleon Alvarez of transportation and communication, Heherson Alvarez of environment and natural resources and Emilia Boncodin as the Cabinet members still to be confirmed by the bicameral body.

The confirmations of Guillermo Carague and chairman of the Commission on Audit and Alfredo Benipayo as chairman of the Commission on Elections are also pending.

Sen. Renato Cayetano, for his part, said the CA committee on justice and the JBC dismissed the opposition to Hermosisima’s confirmation as lacking in merit, since it would not be the first time for Hermosisima to be a member of the JBC representing the retired justices of the Supreme Court.

Cebu Rep. Raul del Mar cited the "sterling performance" of Hermosisima as trial judge for 20 years, Sandiganbayan associate justice for nine years and SC associate justice for three years.