Andaya breezes through CA on committee level

MANILA, Philippines – Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. has been recommended for confirmation as secretary of the Department of Budget and Management at the committee level of the Commission on Appointments during the first CA hearing since the resumption of Congress last April 21.

Sen. Manuel Roxas II, chairman of the CA committee on budget and management, said that Andaya did not encounter any problems with committee members and his appointment is expected to be formalized by the commission.

According to Roxas, the committee is waiting for the CA to schedule plenary hearings to formally confirm Andaya.

“We are waiting for confirmation of the others,” Roxas said.

Apart from Andaya, those awaiting confirmation from the CA are Environment Secretary Joselito Atienza, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves and Labor Secretary Marianito Roque.

The CA was set to confirm Duque and elections commissioner Moslemen Macarambon last March. However, Senate President and CA chairman Manuel Villar Jr. was forced to abruptly suspend the last CA session on March 12 when Sen. Jamby Madrigal vehemently protested the appointment of Brig. Gen. Nestor Sadiarin.     – Christina Mendez