4 Cabinet members bypassed by CA; 88 AFP senior officers confirmed

At least four ranking Aquino Cabinet officials long seeking congressional confirmation were bypassed anew by the Commission on Appointments (CA) even as it confirmed at least 88 senior officers of the Armed Forces before it adjourned for the traditional Christmas recess on Wednesday.

 

Under the rules, President Aquino would need to reissue ad interim appointments to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman and Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla so they could continue to perform their duties in acting capacity until they are finally confirmed when the CA reconvenes next year.

 

The bicameral commission, chaired by Senate President Frank Drilon, however, managed to confirm the promotions of 88 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including four lieutenant generals, nine major generals, 21 brigadier generals, three rear admirals, five commodores, as well as 46 Colonels in the Army, Air Force and Navy.

 

This developed as the CA adopted a resolution, sponsored by Majority Leader Rodolfo Farinas, prodding the AFP and the Philippine National Police, the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation “to determine, in the most expeditious manner, the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Jonas Burgos, son of the late journalist Jose Burgos, and exert all efforts to locate him without further delay.”