No confirmation for Lim, Luistro

MANILA, Philippines - The confirmation ofTourism Sec. Alberto Lim and Education Sec. Armin Luistro before the Commission on Appointments (CA) hit another snag yesterday when several individuals filed their respective oppositions.

Lim was placed on the hot seat for the first time, with Robert Lim Joseph Jr. questioning his position on the open skies policy, his response to the Aug. 23 hostage drama at the Luneta, and the recent bungled “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” campaign of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

“That is his opinion. I am a public servant so I have to face these criticisms. I disagree with his opinion and he said it’s not personal but the words he used were very personal,” Lim said, referring to Joseph’s criticism of DOT’s re-branding campaign.

When asked his opinion on the campaign, Joseph said it was “idiotic.”

“I would have shelved it immediately because it was pangit (ugly) and idiotic,” Joseph said. “They should have studied it first rather than pushed and insisted on it.”

He said Lim has failed to show competence, professionalism, tact and wisdom that a tourism secretary should possess, especially in dealing with a national crisis.

He admitted, though, that he is affiliated with Tourism Educators and Movers, and the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, of which he is founding chairman.

“Mr. Lim cannot function properly as a Secretary of Tourism because he has represented, and continues to represent, foreign interests to the detriment of our national interest,” he said, pointing out that the Aquino appointee is a co-founder and member of the Freedom to Fly Coalition (FFC), which he said is a foreign-funded lobbyist for foreign aviation interests.

All’s well that ends well

Meanwhile, Luistro’s confirmation was derailed anew after two individuals opposed his appointment.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who initially blocked his appointment, has formally withdrawn her opposition after the Education secretary visited her at her home in La Vista, Quezon City and explained his side on the issues.

“We already talked and she received me very warmly. She was very open to the dialogue. Well, my response to her earlier letter was to request for an appointment, so finally I had a chance to explain my side,” Luistro said, adding that their meeting lasted about 30 minutes.

Santiago withdrew her opposition in a letter to the CA committee on education chairman Sen. Edgardo Angara. She said the two of them “have cordially agreed to disagree.”

“I am persuaded by his good faith, and I have to abide by the basic principle that any presumption should be resolved in favor of the nominee, as a gesture of courtesy to the incumbent administration,” she said. “I shall save my fire power, keep my powder dry, and fight another day.”

Luistro, however, was told to come back next week after two members of an urban poor group from Caloocan City filed a joint affidavit accusing him of failing to protect students of private schools.

He said he is ready to face the oppositors next week with a fervent hope that he will be confirmed before the Christmas break.

“I’m very thankful and appreciative that the good Senator sent her letter withdrawing her opposition. She received me warmly during our meeting yesterday and was very open to my explanation,” he said.

DepEd officials said Luistro and his team was already looking forward to the second attempt he was entitled to in getting CA confirmation.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, concurrent CA chairman, is optimistic that Luistro, Lim and Energy Sec. Jose Almendras will be confirmed in plenary session before Congress goes on Christmas break.

Sen. Joker Arroyo, on the other hand, said the failure of the Cabinet secretaries to hurdle the CA is reflective of President Aquino’s lack of “human touch” to push for the confirmation of his Cabinet members before the CA. – Rainier Allan Ronda