CA rejects Saludo one last time, bypasses Atienza and Reyes

The Commission on Appointments on Wednesday reaffirmed its decision to reject the nomination of Ricardo Saludo as chairman of the Civil Service Commission. This was after Batangas Rep. Eileen Ermita-Buhain wrote the CA for the withdrawal of her vote rejecting Saludo’s appointment. The lawmaker, daughter of Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, disagreed with Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza, CA committee chairman, about his view that the head of CSC should be a lawyer. [See: Saludo appointment as CSC chair nixed by CA] Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, CA chairman, said Ermita-Buhain’s letter did not ask for the reconsideration of the body’s decision on September 30 “but simply asked to withdraw the votes." "The action of the plenary is final. The CA has lost jurisdiction there being no motion for reconsideration in accordance with the rules... The rejection stays," said Enrile. Other CA members such as Rep Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza believed that no motion for reconsideration should be entertained once the body makes its decision. On the other hand, the appointments of Comelec commissioners Elias Yusoph and Gregorio Larrazabal were approved without much question. This was in contrast with the fates of Environment Secretary Jose “Lito" Atienza Jr. and Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, who have been bypassed anew by the CA. The body has bypassed Atienza and Reyes eight times. Malacañang has to reappoint the two officials again. - Amita O. Legaspi, GMANews.TV