filename: cb2-Sep4.doc
Camille P. Balagtas
People's TONIGHT
September 4, 2002
Gen. Leandro Mendoza passed the powerful commission on
appointment
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For the second time, Gen. Leandro Mendoza got the nod of the
powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) this time as
Transportation and Secretary.
Mendoza expressed gratitude for the confidence given to him by
the CA.
He vowed to work double time in order to solve the problem
confronting his department.
With his appointment now confirmed, Mendoza said his department
will move to modernize and effectively contribute to the
betterment of the transportation and communication infrastructure
of the country which is vital for the economic development.
But it was not so for Budget and Management Secretary Emilia
Boncodin whose appointment was effectively by-passed by the
powerful commission on appointment.
Senate President Franklin M. Drilon disclosed the ad-interim
appointment of the DBM chief was effectively bypassed after the
CA failed to act on her appointment before Congress goes on
recess this Sept 6.
He disclosed President Arroyo should reappoint her and submit her
nomination before the CA for another crack at confirmation when
Congress resumes its regular session on Sept.24.
Furthermore, Drilon bared Boncodin has failed to submit vital
documents needed for her confirmation by the appointments body.
The Senate president is the concurrent head of CA.
"Her ad-interim appointment will expire on the sixth of
Sept. So she's effectively bypassed, " he told reporters.
However, he clarified that Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople
and Education Secretary Edilberto De Jesus are not deemed
bypassed because Malacanang has not submitted their appointment
papers before the CA.
"They are holding office in an acting capacity. I hope the
President will submit their appointment for confirmation during
the recess," Drilon said.
Meanwhile, the Senate chief disclosed that the chamber might
approve the passage of the proposed Special Purpose Asset Vehicle
(SPAV) Law, including a proposed legislation for additional
benefits for balikbayans, before Sept. 6. ///camille p. balagtas