Reyes considered bypassed - Pimentel

MANILA, Philippines – Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes had joked once that the Commission on Appointments might not confirm him until the end of President Arroyo’s term on June 30. It’s turned out to be a reality.

A few months before she steps down, Mrs. Arroyo might have to reappoint Reyes or he would have to leave office for failing to get the CA confirmation.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said Reyes was again considered bypassed since Congress already went on recess for the campaign period.

The third regular session of Congress adjourned last Feb. 5 and would resume on May 31 to June 4 after the elections. The sine die adjournment is on June 5 to July 25.

Reyes had been bypassed many times by the CA. He only got the CA nod when appointed defense secretary but was rejected when he was named interior and local government secretary, later environment secretary and now energy chief.

He was bypassed for the nth time along with Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, who already resigned to seek an elective position.

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.

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

There were reports that the energy secretary was planning to seek a local elective post in Taguig City but this did not push through.