Thursday, July 26, 2007 Nograles heads House reps to powerful CA By Ben O. Tesiorna
AFTER holding the post of a House majority leader in the 13th Congress, Davao City Representative Prospero Nograles has been chosen by his colleagues to head the Lower House's contingent to the powerful and controversial Commission on Appointments (CA).
Nograles was elected unanimously on the floor during Tuesday's session, replacing the post vacated by his namesake former Surigao Representative Prospero Pichay who lost in the senatorial race in the last election.
In a text message, Nograles said his latest position "is less stressful and not too much in the limelight."
"Good for someone like me who is in the last term," he said.
CA is composed of 12 congressmen and 12 senators who are mandated to approve or deny all presidential appointments and promotions of senior police and military officials.
The CA was recently thrown into a controversy when one congressman squealed that members of the CA are asking favors and money in exchange for the approval of the appointment of some Cabinet officials.
House Speaker Jose de Venecia and Pichay however denied the accusation.
Asked what measures he would take to improve the image of the CA, Nograles said they will have to study first what move to make.
He said first things first -- eleven other members of the CA contingent from the Lower House will have to be elected.
"There are at least 63 congressmen who signified their intention to be in the CA. Hard to choose who," said Nograles.
He said after all of the election of the 24 members, from both the House and the Senate, they will then meet and map out parameters of their functions.
"We intend to confirm or reject those who seek confirmation at the earliest possible time with utmost public transparency and pass upon their qualifications and their competence with clear objectivity. We will work closely with our Senate counterpart for a fresh start in the CA. yes we really intend to work very hard to attain these objectives," Nograles said.
Replacing Nograles as the House majority leader is Iloilo Representative Arthur Defensor. (BOT)
