DFA, DAR chiefs get Commission on Appointments nod

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) Two members of President Benigno Aquino III’s Cabinet have been confirmed in the plenary by the congressional Commission on Appointments.

Members of the Commission were unanimous when they approved on Tuesday the appointments of Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes.

It was Camarines Sur Representative Luis Villafuerte who moved for the endorsement of Del Rosario’s nomination during the hearing of the commission’s committee on foreign affairs.

Del Rosario was Philippine ambassador to the United States before he was appointed by President Aquino to head the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Only one oppositor appeared during the hearing to block Del Rosario’s nomination but the committee immediately dismissed the complaint against the secretary.

Meanwhile, delos Reyes’ appointment has been approved without objection.

On Wednesday, the Commission will deliberate in the committee level the appointment of Commission on Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes.