PNoy-appointed envoy to China may face tough CA grilling

Amid questions surrounding his competence, President Benigno Aquino III's choice for Philippine ambassador to China may get a grilling from the Commission on Appointments. CA member Sen. Franklin Drilon on Sunday said committee members will determine the fitness of Domingo Lee for the post. "We will raise concerns about the nominee's fitness and qualifications, especially considering that our embassy to China is an important post," Drilon said in an interview on dzBB radio. He said the CA intends to determine Lee's "fitness and qualification" as ambassador, amid speculations Lee got the post only because he is Aquino's friend. Lee's appointment comes amid tension between China and the Philippines over the "increasing presence and activities of Chinese vessels including naval assets" in the South China Sea. The Philippines conveyed to the Chinese Embassy last June 2 its protest against such "presence and activities." On Saturday, Malacañang deflected criticisms surrounding Aquino's appointment of a “family friend" as Philippine ambassador to China, and advised critics to contest the appointment before the CA. “We would not wish to question the president’s judgment. Siya ang appointing power at nakakakita what is not commonly known; it is the president who sees the broader spectrum of things. Given that point of view, mas nasa position siya para makita sino sa puwesto," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on dzRB radio Saturday. “It would be prudent for us to wait for the appointee to do his job before passing judgment on him. Besides, the proper venue to air concerns about his appointment is the CA," she added. — LBG, GMA News