Atienza, Reyes bypassed anew

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Appointments (CA) has again bypassed the appointments of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III said yesterday.

Albano, a member of the House CA contingent, said President Arroyo has to reappoint Atienza and Reyes soon if she wants to keep them in her Cabinet.

He said the two are considered bypassed because the commission did not confirm them in its last meeting last Wednesday before Congress went on a three-week break.

It was learned that the CA did not include the appointments of the two Cabinet members in its last two sessions upon the request of the House contingent led by Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas.

Gullas and his colleagues have arrived at a consensus to recommend the rejection of Atienza and Reyes. – Jess Diaz