DMW chief Cacdac, 25 others to undergo CA grilling

MANILA, Philippines — Newly designated Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and 25 other presidential appointees will undergo grilling by the congressional Commission on Appointments (CA) this month, a member of the bicameral body said.

“We already have Secretary Cacdac’s appointment papers from Malacañang, together with the promotion papers of eight military generals and 17 career diplomats,” said Rep. Johnny Pimentel, a member of the 12-man House contingent in the CA.

Cacdac previously served as Department of Migrant Workers officer-in-charge for seven months.

Pimentel said he expects Cacdac and other appointees to be vetted by the CA before Congress adjourns on May 25.

“We would encourage the public to send to the CA Secretariat any information, written report, or complaints or oppositions to the appointees,” he added.

In March, the CA bypassed an Army colonel’s promotion to brigadier general following strong opposition by his estranged wife on grounds of alleged physical abuse, adultery and neglect in providing financial support to their children.

The Constitution empowers the 25-member CA to scrutinize the competence, fitness and integrity of key presidential appointees and to approve or reject them.

The CA is comprised of 12 members each from the House of Representatives and the Senate, with the Senate President as ex-officio presiding officer.

Military generals awaiting CA confirmation of their promotions are Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, Armed Forces deputy chief of staff for operations; Air Force Maj. Gen. Pablo Rustria Jr., commander of Air Installation and Base Development Command; Air Force Brig. Gen. Genaro Menor, deputy wing commander of Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao; Marine Brig. Gen. Gregorio Hernandez Jr., commander of Combat Support Brigade; Army Brig. Gen. Romulus Joseph Canieso, chief of the unified command staff of the Northern Luzon Command; Commodore Felipe Bautista; Commodore Diosdado Caluya Jr. and Commodore Vincent Sibala.

Meanwhile, the new batch of career diplomats awaiting their confirmation hearings is led by Ambassadors Paul Raymond Cortes and Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat, who were both promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission I.

Cortez and Vinzon-Balatbat are the country’s sitting ambassadors to Portugal and Chile,respectively.