CA DEFERRED CONFIRMATION TO DOE CHIEF ANEW, MULLS QUITTING THE POST
[PHOTO - Department of Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras]
MANILA, DECEMBER 15, 2010 (STAR) By Marvin Sy - The Commission on Appointments (CA) has deferred anew the confirmation of Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, leaving him with no other option but to go through another grilling next year.
Even after answering all the questions raised by lawmakers about various issues in the previous hearing, Almendras was told to return for the second hearing yesterday, which ended the same way it did the last time.
The repeated deferment by the CA of his confirmation has left Almendras contemplating the possibility of quitting his post.
"I never wanted to be in this position so I cannot say I am keen to stay in this position. I think decisions have to be made, many things have to be considered," Almendras said.
Almendras said, "it (deferment of his appointment by the CA) gives me the perfect wonderful opportunity to say to my friend that maybe it's time to move on."
On the other hand, Education Secretary Armin Luistro and Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim will be the first two members of the Cabinet who will be affirmed today, the CA chairman, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, announced.
Unless a CA member invokes Section 20 of the CA rules preventing the confirmation of any of the two officials, Enrile said Luistro and Lim are set for plenary confirmation today after they hurdled the scrutiny on their credentials and capabilities.
Enrile though hoped that the appointment of Almendras would be tackled before Congress goes on Christmas break.
Enrile noted Almendras failed to answer the questions raised by a member of the CA over his credibility as a member of the Cabinet. – With Christina Mendez
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