Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri presides over the last session in this photo taken on September 28, 2022. Senate PRIB file photo / Bibo Nueva España
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Appointments (CA) of the 19th Congress has confirmed the designations of eight Cabinet members and 144 other government officials, making it the “best performer” among the past four administrations, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Tuesday.
Between July 25 and September 30, the CA confirmed 38 percent or eight Cabinet members out of 21 appointees.
The 17th Congress’ CA, meanwhile, confirmed 31 percent during the same period. The 15th Congress did not get any appointments for confirmation while the 13th Congress confirmed one appointment in the same time frame.
Aside from eight Cabinet members, the current CA confirmed the nominations of two Constitutional Commission members, the sole Judicial Bar Council appointee, 28 diplomats, and 113 military officers.
Zubiri stressed that the congressional body “carried out its constitutional duty to confirm” the appointees of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “in the most expeditious and efficient manner.”
“Lest it be forgotten, the function of the Commission is never ministerial, perfunctory nor clerical. We held hours-long hearings to swiftly act on the appointees’ confirmation.
“Records will show that Senate hours meant for legislation were considerably affected and pushed back to accommodate the conduct of marathon Commission hearings,” the Senate president said in a statement.
He added that the CA has approved the appointments despite the Congress’ simultaneous hearings on the 2023 national expenditure program and other measures.
Since the Congress is in recess starting October, the officials whose appointments were not acted by the CA need to secure a reappointment to be confirmed by the body. They are considered bypassed.
To date, 133 appointments have been bypassed in the 19th Congress.
