THE Commission on Appointments (CA) will allow the confrontation between Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on February 11 when the senator returns from the United States.
This after the CA decided not to push through with the formal appointment of Aguirre, who faces rough sailing in the CA after Trillanes who is presently on an official trip to the US submitted his formal opposition to the powerful CA committee on Justice and Judicial Bar to reject Aguirre's appointment.
In his letter, Trillanes claimed that Aguirre is not fitted to be officially appointed as Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary citing his demeanor and the latter's being vindictive and vengeful.
According to Trillanes, the character of Aguirre has been revealed when the latter called him "Gagong Senador" and "Sundalong Kanin."
Aguirre admitted before the powerful committee that he uttered those words against Trillanes insisting that he was being accused as part of the scandal on the controversial Jack Lam, Wally Sombero-Bureau of Immigration bribery fiasco.
Senator Manny Pacquiao described Aguirre as a "very deserving public servant" who has all the credentials to head the Justice Department, which Senator Panfilo Lacson supported.
Senator Loren Legarda and other members of the CA from the House of Representatives, which include Manila Representative Rosenda Ann Ocampo agreed that this issue must not affect the appointment of Aguirre citing his role in curbing the illegal drugs inside the Bilibid Prison.
Aguirre said he is more than willing to face Trillanes on February 11 but was also quick to say that he recognized his mistake for uttering those words against the so-called senators linking him to the so-called BI scandal.
Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto, a member of CA, said it is part of the ruling to allow a member of the Senate to confront the Cabinet secretary so he can raise the issue clearly.
At least two Cabinet secretaries of President Rodrigo Duterte was able to get the nod of the CA, which include Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.
Aside from Trillanes, Aguirre was opposed by a certain Engineer Darwin Reci. (SunStar Philippines)