‘Unresolved’ issues vs DAR chief leave appointment hanging

“Unresolved” questions on Agrarian Reform Secretary John Rualo Castriciones’ qualifications and experience had derailed his confirmation at the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA).

Senator Panfilo Lacson said at least two members of the CA’s committee on agrarian reform were “not satisfied” with Castriciones’ answers on questions raised against his qualifications and experience.

Lacson said those two were Senator Risa Hontiveros and Davao Oriental Rep. Joel Mayo Almario.

The panel headed by Senator Grace Poe held an executive session on Wednesday to discuss Castriciones’ appointment but it suspended without acting on his confirmation.

“May mga issues pang hindi na-resolved like ‘yung qualification, experience… Minor lang naman,” Lacson told reporters.

“Merong members na hindi satisfied… Eh ni-respect na lang namin  ‘yung members na hindi pa satisfied,”  he added.           /kga