Reyes, Defensor, Abu get nod from Commission on Appointments

The senators and congressmen sitting as members of the powerful Commission of Appointments yesterday confirmed three presidential appointees led by Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes and Environment Secretary Michael Defensor, who had faced CA scrutiny over the past several months.

The CA, led by Senate President Franklin Drilon, also confirmed the appointment of Armed Forces chief Gen. Efren Abu.

The appointments of at least 23 military generals were also confirmed, including AFP deputy chief of staff Maj. Gen. Edilberto Adan, AFP deputy chief for intelligence Rear Adm. Tirso Danga, Army chief Maj. Gen. Alexander Yano and Lt. Gen. Alan Cabalquinto, commander of National Capital Regional Command (NCRCom).

Senate defense committee chairman Sen. Rodolfo Biazon outlined Reyes’ educational attainment and accomplishments since his graduation from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 1969 until he became a military officer, defense chief and head of task forces on kidnapping and illegal smuggling.

Sen. Juan Ponce Ernile raised an issue over the move by fellow opposition Sen. Sergio Osmeña III to further question Reyes’ appointments and his handling of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’ modernization fund.

Reyes, whose appointment was first to be heard, stood at attention while his appointments were being discussed. A handful of Reyes’ supporters, including members of his family, military officials and private businessmen watched the proceedings from the jampacked gallery.

Administration Senators Mar Roxas and Richard Gordon also placed on record their support for Reyes’ confirmation, having served with him in President Arroyo’s Cabinet.

Gordon cited Reyes’ contribution to the government’s efforts to combat kidnapping and smuggling among the major reasons for his confirmation.

Gordon, who chairs the Senate environment committee, cited Defensor’s role as presidential spokesman for Mrs. Arroyo in past elections.

Roxas spoke of Defensor’s "youthfulness" and "tenacity" in pursuing reforms at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Osmeña arrived in the middle of the interpellation for Defensor’s confirmation after Enrile moved to place on record Osmeña’s failure to follow up his reservations over Defensor’s appointment.

Gordon and Osmeña argued on the floor for over 15 minutes, further delaying Defensor’s confirmation.

Responding to Enrile’s query, Gordon said there were 23 objections to Defensor’s appointment, but added that these were quickly dispensed with because of Sen. Jamby Madrigal’s failure to appear during the hearing.

Abu was third to be confirmed by the CA. Abu’s confirmation was endorsed to the plenary after he passed through intensive questioning by CA members earlier in the day.

Abu’s confirmation hearing was temporarily disrupted by a bomb threat made by a male telephone caller at 11:10 a.m. yesterday.

Adan received a tongue-lashing from Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago over their unfriendly exchange of words following Adan’s pronouncements while still AFP spokesman.

Santiago simmered down after a brief suspension of proceedings, saying she would give in to the consensus of the other members of the committee.