Appointees’ papers with CA since June

The appointment papers of all Cabinet members were submitted to the Commission on Appointments (CA) as early as June 23, Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said yesterday.

Tiglao was reacting to reports that President Arroyo has not relayed the appointment papers to the CA, supposedly indicating that they may be removed from their positions.

This developed as the CA’s committee on foreign affairs recommended yesterday the confirmation of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr. as ambassador to Japan.

The panel rushed Siazon’s confirmation so he could prepare for President Arroyo’s visit to Japan on Sept. 8.

The CA, in its plenary session today, may confirm Siazon’s appointment if he submits the statement of assets and liabilities of his wife.

Meanwhile, Sen. Sergio Osmeña III accused the Senate majority of failing to follow the Constitution in naming the chamber’s representatives to the bicameral CA.

Osmeña said the Senate majority erred in including independents in computing its quota of members to the bicameral body.

The Senate is supposed to have 12 CA members, or one for every two members of a political party or coalition. — Marichu Villanueva, Aurea Calica and Efren Danao