New PSG, ISAFP chiefs to undergo CA screening

MANILA, Philippines — Two newly appointed military officials are set to undergo vetting by the bicameral Commission on Appointments.

The CA is set to check the credentials of newly appointed Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Maj. Gen. Edmundo Peralta and Presidential Security Group commander Maj. Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales, according to Surigao del Sur District 2 Rep. Johnny Pimentel.

Peralta is from the Philippine Army while Morales is with the Philippine Air Force.

Pimentel, assistant minority leader at the House of Representatives, said the CA has received the two officials’ appointment papers.

“They will be vetted by the CA’s committee on national defense, chaired by Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo,” Pimentel, a member of the 12-member House contingent to the CA, said.

Pimentel’s announcement came shortly after National Security Adviser Eduardo Año denounced calls for Mindanao to break away from the rest of the Philippines, and warned that any attempt at secession would be met with “resolute force.”

The Constitution empowers the 25-member CA to examine the competence, fitness and integrity of key presidential appointees, including senior military officers from the rank of colonel, and to approve or reject them.

The commission is composed of 12 members each from the House and the Senate, with the Senate president as ex-officio presiding officer.