The Commission on Appointments can reinforce the vetting of envoys to strengthen the screening of future ambassadors, Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas said Sunday.
“The CA, if it wants to, can put ambassadorial nominees under a more powerful microscope, considering that they are supposed to represent our country abroad and their actions overseas reflect on us,” Gullas said following the involvement of two envoys in scandals abroad.
“The CA is highly capable of performing more extensive background checks on nominees—well beyond just scratching the surface of their credentials.”
Gullas had previously served as CA vice chairperson and head of the 12-member House contingent to the bicameral appointments body.
The CA’s Appointments Review and Investigation Service can conduct deeper inquiries into the personal history and circumstances of nominees besides looking into their experience, education and training, according to Gullas.
“The ARIS generates an individual investigation report (on every nominee) that is given to CA members prior to committee hearings,” he said.