Six individuals nominated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to serve as Philippine ambassadors to foreign countries are set to face scrutiny before the congressional Commission on Appointments (CA).
CA Assistant Minority Leader and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel named the presidential nominees awaiting their confirmation hearings as follows:
- Eduardo Jose De Vega, as ambassador to France, with concurrent jurisdiction over Monaco;
- Aileen Mendiola-Rau, as ambassador to Israel;
- Christopher Montero, as ambassador to Indonesia;
- Domingo Nolasco, as ambassador to Estonia, in addition to Finland;
- Patrick Chuasoto, as ambassador to Sweden, with concurrent jurisdiction over Latvia; and
- Elizabeth Te, as ambassador to Laos.
The public may submit to the CA secretariat any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints against or oppositions to the nominees, Pimentel said.
The new posting or place of assignment of an ambassador and the rank promotion of senior foreign service officers require the consent of the CA.
The new posting or place of assignment of an ambassador and the rank promotion of senior foreign service officers require the consent of the CA.
Under the Constitution, the 25-member CA is empowered to vet the competence, fitness, and integrity of key presidential appointees, and to approve or reject them.
The CA is composed of 12 members each from the House of Representatives and the Senate, with the Senate President serving as ex-officio presiding officer.
CA confirmation hearings are a crucial check on Malacañang’s power to appoint key officials.
