Atienza, Reyes face CA rejection anew

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Appointments (CA) may again reject the appointments of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, members of the 12-man House CA contingent said yesterday. 

Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza told reporters that his colleagues have reached a consensus to endorse the rejection of the two Cabinet members.

“If that happens, the two will lose their Cabinet jobs and President Arroyo can no longer reappoint them,” he said.

Plaza said members of the House CA contingent are now formalizing their majority decision.

“I know that something is being circulated for signature by members,” he said.

Negros Occidental Rep. Jose Carlos Lacson confirmed that they have indeed made a decision on Atienza and Reyes.

“I suggest that you talk to our chairman (Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas),” he said.

Gullas, CA vice chairman, could not be reached for comment.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, meanwhile, said his colleagues have not informed him of their decision. “I have no problems with Secretary Atienza and Secretary Reyes, but I have to abide by the consensus of our team,” he said.

By tradition, the Senate and House teams in the CA respect each other’s decisions. If the House contingent votes for the rejection of Atienza’s and Reyes’ appointments, its Senate counterpart would have to respect it.

Plaza said graft and corruption in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources worsened under Atienza.

“My complaint against him is that he has reinstated officials of his agency with unresolved graft cases. That has worsened graft and corruption in his department,” he said.

Lacson said he is opposed to Reyes’ confirmation because of his failure to curb the skyrocketing prices of gasoline in the country.

Among the members of President Arroyo’s Cabinet, Atienza and Reyes have waited the longest for CA confirmation, having been bypassed several times. They would be bypassed again if the commission does not vote to reject their appointments before Congress goes on break on Oct. 17.

Reyes once joked that he may never get the nod of the CA. He is reportedly planning to run for a local post in Taguig in the May 2010 elections.

Atienza, on the other hand, is eyeing to reclaim the Manila mayoral post from incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim.