CA set to confirm Andaya in two weeks

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Appointments is set to confirm Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. in the next two weeks, Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas, a CA member, disclosed yesterday.

Gullas said Andaya, a three-term congressman before President Arroyo appointed him to the Cabinet, breezed through last week’s confirmation hearing held by the committee on budget chaired by Sen. Mar Roxas.

He said the commission would expedite hearings on the nomination of retired Supreme Court justice Jose Melo as chairman of the Commission on Elections, and on Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno.

Gullas added that the CA has a busy schedule ahead of the June 11 adjournment of the first regular session of Congress.

“We are purposely expediting confirmation hearings now, and looking to endorse as many qualified nominees and appointees as possible over the next three weeks,” he added.

The powerful commission will hold only three more plenary meetings before Congress adjourns session next month.

This week, three committees are scheduled to hold hearings: the committee on constitutional commissions on the nomination of Reynaldo Villar as head of the Commission on Audit today, the committee on finance on the appointment of Finance Secretary Margarito Teves tomorrow, and the committee on foreign affairs on Wednesday.

Teves has been bypassed several times, prompting his father, former Negros Oriental congressman Herminio Teves, to urge him to quit his job. – Jess Diaz