Villar scotches talks money greased confirmations

BY DENNIS GADIL

SENATE President Manuel Villar yesterday rejected allegations that money changed hands during the "en masse" confirmation Wednesday by the Commission on Appointments of Palace officials led by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez.

"Hindi namin papayagan iyan. Pag may nalaman kaming ganyan, may ethics committee ang Senado para sa mga ganyang usapan," Villar, also CA chairman, said.

Villar said senators accusing the CA as engaging in extortion and bribery should come forward.

"Maaaring sila ang nakakaalam niyan. Wala akong nalalaman na ganyan lalo na on the part of the senators na may nagkakapera diyan. Hindi ko lang alam sa ibang miyembro," Villar said.

Sen. Jamby Madrigal has called the CA a haven for "bata-bata" system and where money is exchanged for the confirmation of Cabinet and military officials.

Negros Oriental Rep. Herminio Teves, in June 2007, accused some members of the House contingent in the CA of asking his son, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, to cough up P5 million in exchange for his confirmation.

Villar said the Palace appointees were confirmed based on their merits and not on financial considerations.

He said he respects the opinion of senators who oppose the confirmation of nominees but they should not expect the CA as a whole to agree with them.

He also said any senator is welcome to question the CA's composition before the Supreme Court.

"Ang komposisyon ng CA ay ginawa at dinesisyunan ng Kamara at ng Senado. Iyan ang mga ipinadalang mga miyembro at trabaho namin na magkumpirma ng mga appointees ng gobyerno," Villar said.

The confirmation of Palace appointees on Wednesday was marred by a walkout by Senators Panfilo Lacson and Madrigal.

Madrigal protested the composition of the CA which she said was unconstitutional.

Lacson questioned the jurisdiction of the CA on the promotion of Air Force Col. Arthur Abadilla.

Madrigal said she will bring the matter to the SC.

She also lashed at Villar for lack of leadership for not acting on her complaint about the CA composition. Villar just shrugged it off.

Other Cabinet members confirmed were Teves, Francisco Duque III as health secretary, Rolando Andaya Jr. as budget secretary, and Ronaldo Puno as DILG secretary.

The CA also approved the appointment of Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano, two constitutional officials, eight ambassadors, 47 diplomats and 39 other military officials