Recto not subject to CA confirmation

MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers will not have the chance to pass judgment on the fitness of former senator Ralph Recto to join the Cabinet as head of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Unlike other Cabinet members, the appointment of the socioeconomic planning secretary and NEDA director-general is not subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments (CA), Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza said yesterday.

“Former senator Recto will not go through the CA,” said Plaza, one of 12 congressmen sitting in the commission.

He said under the Constitution, only Cabinet members who are heads of departments are subject to congressional confirmation through the CA.

The commission has the power to approve or reject major Cabinet appointments and promotions in the military and diplomatic service. Almost always, however, it gives its go signal to those going through the confirmation process.

Some economists who have served in government have criticized Recto’s appointment as NEDA chief.

Former budget secretary Benjamin Diokno, who now teaches economics at the University of the Philippines, said the ideal appointment should be one who is an economist by education and profession.

“One in the mold of Gerardo Sicat, Felipe Medalla or Cayetano Paderanga,” he said. Sicat, Medalla and Paderanga headed NEDA.

But one congressman, Makati’s Teodoro Locsin Jr., welcomed Recto’s appointment.

“He’s bright, he’s sharp, he can lead NEDA,” Locsin said.      – Jess Diaz