Another key ally of ousted speaker Alan Peter Cayetano lost his chairmanship of a major committee in the House of Representatives during its last plenary session for the year Wednesday night.
Anakalusugan Rep. Michael Defensor, who is identified with Cayetano, lost his chairmanship of the committee on public accounts to Probinsyano Ako Rep. Jose Singson Jr.
Defensor said he was surprised by his replacement.
“He didn’t even have the courtesy to talk with me even as we had a short meeting last week as regards the investigation to be conducted by the committee on public accounts. He even requested that we all suspend investigations until January which I respectfully agreed to.”
Defensor added: “I would not have resisted if he had asked me to give up the position as I have said in the past. Civility and leadership dictate that even as we had differences in the past leadership fight, that we treat each other in a respectable manner. I am comforted by the thought that clear lines have been drawn.”
Singson lauded Defensor for “competent chairmanship” of the committee, saying he succeeded in transforming the committee into a potent anti-graft arm of the House of Representatives.
Singson was elected as the new chairman of the public accounts panel Wednesday night, replacing Defensor.
Following his election, Singson assured Defensor of swift action on legislative measures pending before the committee.
He asked Defensor to continue to actively play a vital role in the House panel’s bid to pursue measures that would guarantee Filipinos utmost observance of public accountability, competence and honesty among state employees and officials.
Singson said he and Defensor share a common goal of strengthening the oversight powers of Congress, pointing out that this is one way of delivering efficient and honest governance.
“Mike’s style of leadership of the committee was uncompromising and endowed with utmost intellect but always fair. That can be a tough act to follow but I will do my utmost to measure up,” Singson said.
Before his election as committee chairman, Singson was deputy minority leader, He joined the majority camp as soon as Rep. Lord Allan Velasco was elected speaker in October.
Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante was also a former minority bloc member as its leader. He is now deputy speaker.
