Commission on Appointments Confirms Key Cabinet Appointees
On the final session day of the 19th Congress, the Commission on Appointments confirmed the ad interim appointments of two major officials: Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon Pangilinan Aliling. The commission swiftly acted to approve these key positions before the Congress adjourned sine die on June 13, with its official end set at noon on June 30.
Despite the progress, the Commission on Appointments bypassed the ad interim appointments of Jay Ruiz as secretary of the Presidential Communications Office and Henry Aguda as secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology due to limited time. Sources noted that the limited remaining schedule played a critical role in this decision.
Lazaro Praised as Paragon of Excellence
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada enthusiastically sponsored the approval of Secretary Lazaro’s appointment, describing her as a “paragon of excellence in the Philippine Foreign Service.” He highlighted her significant role in easing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, especially her efforts to secure the continuous resupply of Philippine personnel stationed at Ayungin Shoal.
Estrada emphasized, “She has also worked tirelessly to build regional consensus on the long-standing efforts toward a rules-based Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, demonstrating her capacity for balancing assertive diplomacy with constructive engagement.”
Additional Confirmations and Promotions
Alongside the cabinet appointments, the commission confirmed seven ambassadors and 52 junior foreign service officers. Additionally, 118 senior officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines received promotions. Local leaders noted that these confirmations and promotions reflect a strong commitment to strengthening both diplomatic and defense sectors.
The Commission on Appointments’ decisive actions on these key posts underscore the importance of maintaining momentum in government functions as the 19th Congress concludes its session.
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