Manila: The Commission on Appointments (CA) of the 20th Congress held its initial organizational meeting and plenary session, with Senate President Francis Escudero overseeing the oath-taking of its newly elected members and officers. Escudero, serving as the chair of the 25-member constitutional body, expressed gratitude to the members of both the Senate and the House for their attendance despite adverse weather conditions and the suspension of work in the executive branch.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the session, the CA elected Pangasinan Rep. Ramon Guico Jr. as vice chairperson, Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo as majority leader, and named Senator Joel Villanueva and Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. as assistant majority leaders. Senator Risa Hontiveros was appointed as the minority leader, with Rep. Antonio Albano and LPGMA Rep. Allan Ty serving as assistant minority leaders.
The plenary session also saw the designation of chairpersons for various standing committees, including Senator Jinggoy Estrada for Foreign Affairs, Rep. Jose Aquino II for National Defense, and Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri for Finance, among others. The comprehensive list of committee chairpersons covers a wide range of sectors, ensuring diverse representation.
From the Senate, the CA members include Senators Ronald Dela Rosa, JV Ejercito, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Go, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Raffy Tulfo, Joel Villanueva, and Mark Villar. Minority members include Senators Zubiri, Hontiveros, and Legarda.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, nominated by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Zubiri, expressed her gratitude for being elected as the CA's minority leader. She emphasized the body's role in diligently fulfilling its mandate to confirm or reject key presidential appointments, focusing on individuals with the right qualifications and dedication to the country.
The CA's constitutional mandate, as outlined in the 1987 Constitution, involves the confirmation or rejection of presidential appointments, including heads of executive departments, ambassadors, public ministers and consuls, and senior military officers.
