Six ambassador-nominees are set to face the congressional Commission on Appointments (CA)for confirmation of their interim appointments.
CA assistant minority leader and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel named the presidential nominees for the diplomatic service as Eduardo Jose De Vega as envoy to Franc with concurrent jurisdiction over Monaco, Aileen Mendiola-Rau (Israel), Christopher Montero (Indonesia), Domingo Nolasco (Estonia, Finland)
Patrick Chuasoto (Sweden, Latvia) and Elizabeth Te (Laos).
In a statement, Pimentel said the public may submit to the CA secretariat any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints against or oppositions to the nominees.
The new posting or place of assignment of an ambassador and the rank promotion of senior foreign service officers require the consent of the CA.
Under the Constitution, the 25-member CA is empowered to vet the competence, fitness, and integrity of key presidential appointees, and to approve or reject them.
The CA is composed of 12 members each from the House of Representatives and the Senate, with the Senate President acting as ex-officio presiding officer.
CA confirmation hearings are a crucial check on Malacañang’s power to appoint key government officials.
