‘Sim’ gets CA nod as DOJ chief

The Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed Simeon Datumanong yesterday as justice secretary.

Datumanong headed the Department of Public Works and Highways before he was moved to the justice department to replace Hernando Perez, who quit amid allegations he extorted $2 million from Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez.

Perez has consistently denied the accusation.

Also confirmed were the promotions of two congressmen, who are reservists. They are Tarlac Rep. Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who was promoted to colonel, Philippine Air Force; and Iloilo’s Augusto Syjuco Jr., who was elevated to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army.

Other officers who were promoted were Pedro Inserto, to brigadier general; Joaquin Tan and Mateo Mayuga, to rear admiral; Abraham Abesamis, to commodore; Danilo Garcia, Benjamin Carpio Jr., Ernesto Levanza, Benjamin Salvador, and Benjamin Baron, to colonel. – Jess Diaz