Palace expresses regret over CA’s rejection of Mariano

Sec. Mariano with wife Estrelita “Ka Lita” at the Senate session hall waiting for final decision of CA on his confirmation as DAR chief. Mariano’s appointment was then rejected. Photo by Lyn Rillon

Malacañang was saddened with the rejection of the ad interim appointment of Rafael Mariano as Agrarian Secretary.

“We regret the news of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Rafael ‘Paeng’ Mariano’s rejection by the Commission on Appointments,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement on Wednesday.

Abella said Mariano, a former chairman of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, has been a key figure in promoting farmers’ rights.

“Improving the quality of life of our farmers is the commitment of the Duterte administration, and Sec. Mariano has been pivotal in promoting farmers’ rights and welfare and ensuring their security of land tenure,” he said.

“Our people will always be grateful to Sec. Mariano for his dedicated and passionate service to the nation,” he added.

The CA rejected Wednesday the appointment of Mariano, the remaining Leftist leader in the cabinet of President Rodrigo Duterte.

READ: CA rejects Mariano’s appointment at DAR

Mariano is the 4th Cabinet member of Duterte to be rejected by the CA, after the ad interim appointments of Perfecto Yasay, Gina Lopez, and Judy Taguiwalo were also rejected by the powerful commission. je