Atienza, Reyes bypassed by Commission on Appointments anew

MANILA, Philippines – The powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) has bypassed for the nth time Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes.

Also bypassed were Economic Planning Secretary Ralph Recto, Commissioners Leonardo Leonida and Elias Yusoph of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), and Chairman Ricardo Saludo of the Civil Service Commission.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, one of 12 congressmen sitting in the CA, told reporters yesterday that President Arroyo could either reappoint or replace these officials.

“If they are not reappointed, they will be considered as holdover officials until their replacements are named,” he said.

He cited the case of Moslemen Macarambon, a recent nominee to the Comelec, who was not issued a new appointment when the CA bypassed him until Yushop and Leonida were appointed.

Atienza and Reyes have been waiting for years for their CA confirmation.

Mining and logging issues have been hounding Atienza. In the case of Reyes, at least two senators — Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Jinggoy Estrada — have expressed opposition to his appointment as energy secretary.

Reyes once joked that he might not get confirmed until the end of Mrs. Arroyo’s term on June 30, 2010.

He has jumped from one department to another since he joined the Arroyo Cabinet.

There are reports that the energy secretary is planning to seek a local elective post in Taguig City in next year’s elections. His son unsuccessfully aspired for a congressional seat in May 2007.

As for Atienza, he is reportedly planning to reclaim the Manila mayor’s post from incumbent Alfredo Lim, who once served as his vice mayor.

Before Congress adjourned, the CA confirmed Press Secretary Cerge Remonde and several ambassadors and military officers. Congress convenes for its next regular session on July 27. — Jess Diaz