Inside Philippine politics & beyond

Dear CA: Be more honest in explaining why you bypassed Robredo 3 times

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Just my opinion

By Raïssa Robles

CA confirmed Sonia Brady as Beijing envoy in just FIVE DAYS; and bypassed Robredo for THIRD time

Over the past  two years  year Jesse Robredo was bypassed THRICE, not twice by the Commission on Appointments (CA) for his confirmation as the Department of Interior and Local governments Secretary.

On top of that, his confirmation allegedly scheduled last Wednesday August 15, 2012 – or three days before he died – was postponed to later this month.

Consider that the CA confirmed Sonia Brady as Philippine ambassador to China in FIVE DAYS. Brady’s appointment was never on the table and was only submitted by Malacañang Palace to the CA on May 25, 2012. The CA confirmed her on May 30, 2012. To read about Brady’s appointment, please click on this link.

Between Sonia Brady and Jesse Robredo, Brady was probably an unknown to many of the 25-member CA and yet it was she who got the nod quickly.

This is why I say the 25-member CA and Senator Vicente Sotto III – chairman of the CA Committee on Local Governments – owes the public a brutally honest explanation why  it did not confirm Robredo’s appointment a year after his appointment papers were submitted to Sotto’s CA committee. As the chair, it was Sotto’s responsibility to check the veracity of graft complaints submitted to his committee against Robredo. Did he do that? And what was his conclusion? He has not told the public.

Now that, in the wake of Robredo’s death, the public is beginning to show their love for him, congressmen and senators are falling all over themselves trying to cover up their hostility or indifference to the unconfirmed secretary.

Sotto, the TV comedian accused of plagiarism,  has swiftly floated the idea of giving Robredo a “posthumous confirmation.” Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, the ex-officio chair of the CA, has backed the idea. [UPDATE, 6:41 AM Aug 24, 2012: I based this sentence on a radio report. However, commenter @eoaquino has since pointed out to me that Enrile never endorsed this. I checked and she’s right. Here’s the link to Enrile’s ambush interview on the matter.]

A posthumous confirmation would make for an interesting scenario. How would the DILG staff, mayors and governors get in touch with the Secretary? Through prayers? [UPDATE, 7:10 AM, Aug 24, 2012: Other quarters have suggested using “spirit of the glass” or the ouija board in case of posthumous confirmation. What do you think?]

I once covered the CA extensively. I’d like to share with you what I learned about this “august” body which I once called “The Commission of Disappointments” in a column I wrote for Business Star.

Robredo was bypassed 3x

CA officials from L to R: Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Cong. Roilo Golez, Cong. Rodolfo Antonino, Sen. Alan Cayetano, Sen. Franklin Drilon, Cong. Rosendo Labadlabad, Sen. Joker Arroyo, Cong. Simeon Datumanong

The CA said Robredo was bypassed twice this year. Technically, that’s correct – because the CA qualified its statement by saying “this year”. The CA did not mention about last year – December 14, 2011 to be exact – when Robredo was bypassed for the first time. You can read about it by clicking here.

The second time Robredo was bypassed was in March 2012 and then again in June 2012. So, a total of three times. This is not counting the fact that three days before he died, Robredo was supposedly set to be confirmed according to Sotto. But the fact that Robredo still talked to Ca member-Congressman Rex Gatchalian and Senator Loren Legarda showed he was unsure of confirmation. Read about that here. And here.

Besides, even if Sotto’s committee approved his nomination for plenary deliberations by the entire CA, there is no telling what Robredo’s uncle, Congressman Luis Robredo Villafuerte, might have done. Any CA member can cast a “Section 20” vote during the plenary for any reason whatsoever – such as “I don’t like your face” – and that would stop the confirmation cold. At least on that day. Uncle and nephew had a falling out a long, long time ago.

In any case, I believe the CA should come clean with the public and just admit that they kept bypassing Robredo, not because of incomplete paper requirements or their lack of time, but because of POLITICS.

Robredo’s confirmation was stuck for one year inside Senator Vicente Sotto’s committee. Sotto recently said that Robredo’s paper requirements were only completed last November 2011. He told the Philippine Daily Inquirer:

It’s not difficult to have him confirmed. It was just a matter of time. It was just a matter of timing.

Sotto also told Inquirer that in fact, Robredo was scheduled to be confirmed by his committee “by lunchtime of August 29” and by the CA body the same day.

Then Sotto passed the buck of non-confirmation to fellow CA member Congressman Villafuerte. You can read more about what Sotto said here.

Yesterday, I heard Villafuerte on DZMM radio passing the buck to certain individuals who had filed graft charges against Robredo before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Again, I only have one question to ask the CA: WHAT ABOUT SONIA BRADY?

A CA confirmation is like a hazing

CA chairmen-members: Senators Vicente Sotto III, Miriam Santiago, Loren Legarda, Ralph Recto, Sergio Osmena III, Panfilo Lacson, Francis Escudero and Jinggoy Estrada

Why couldn’t Jesse Robredo get the Sonia Brady treatment?

There are two other possible reasons why not.

First, being confirmed by the CA is like undergoing hazing. Second, confirmation is part of political horse-trading and power play.

The reality is that lawmaker-members of the CA were holding hostage the confirmation not only of Robredo but also of Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr and Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman as a way of extracting concessions from the Executive Department. And also showing who’s boss.

Don’t be shy about admitting this, Sirs. This is how you play politics.

Recently, Senator Miriam Santiago praised Robredo in her Facebook account.

She also said of Robredo in an interview:

And I was very proud when he became a Cabinet member, although he was not bombastic—that was his way. This is ineffable. It is beyond words. It’s a loss.

Really, now. I did not hear her say this when Robredo was alive and needed confirming by the CA., of which she is a senior member. Did she lobby for him?

If there’s anyone in the entire CA who should know how the CA bullies presidential appointees, it is Senator Miriam Santiago.

I remember the first time I saw Miriam Santiago up close was during her confirmation hearing – or should I say her NON-CONFIRMATION hearings at the CA for the post of Agrarian Reform Secretary in President Corazon Aquino’s cabinet.

Miriam Santiago was wildly popular then, coming from her stint as the Immigration Commissioner who ate death threats for breakfast. The CA members tried to break her.

She fought back by bringing a book with her to the CA hearing and reading this in front of CA members and of TV cameras. I don’t recall now what the exact title of the book was, but it was on philosophy dealing with time and infinity.

Later while interviewing one of her University of the Philippines law school students, I learned that Professor Miriam had vented her anger and frustration in her UP class. My source – now a senior level official in an independent government commission – told me that Prof. Santiago had regaled her class with anecdotes about the lawmakers who were giving her such a hard time. Santiago once told them:

This senator in the Commission who opposes me is now being referred to as the third lady in the Senate, the one having an affair with a driver.

[NOTE: I extracted this quotation from a profile I wrote on Santiago for Philippine Star on May 7, 1992.]

I don’t recall Senator Santiago ever being confirmed by the CA as agrarian reform secretary. She was in that post only from July 1, 1989 to December 23, 1989. But I know she was bypassed by the CA on October 16, 1989 because I had written about it and I still have the news clipping below. Santiago was reappointed by Cory Aquino but she resigned before end-’89.

It’s quite interesting that to this day, the CA holds office in a building totally separate from the rest of the Senate. This is meant to discourage the media from covering the CA too much.

CA House members L to R – Luis Villafuerte, Pedro Romualdo, Rodante Marcoleta, Erineo Maliksi, Rex Gatchalian, Antonio A. Del Rosario, Eduardo Gullas, Antonio C. Alvarez

The CA is like a totally separate kingdom from Congress. Its 25 members are among the most powerful. Their criteria for confirming this or that government official is not based on the appointees’ professional qualifications or talents but on external things such as their perception of him or as a result of lobbying by a fellow CA member. For instance, Corazon Aquino’s transport secretary Reinerio Reyes had a hard time getting confirmed because CA members thought him “too arrogant”.

Senator Santiago was also found to be too arrogant by the CA but they concocted another reason to block her – she was not qualified for the job.

In another instance, Magdara Dimaampao bagged a seat in the Commission on Elections over a more qualified candidate because Senator Mamintal Tamano then lobbied his CA collagues saying – “pagbigyan mo na ko.”

Which is why it is highly likely that Congressman Villafuerte was able to freeze Robredo’s appointment for so long for a similar reason.

The implication behind the plea is that when their turn came, their gesture would not be forgotten.

In short, the paramount considerations for a nominee obtaining confirmation from the CA are not competence and character but meekness and patronage.

The CA treats nominees arbitrarily. They may be kinder to one and rude to another. For instance, they were very kind to Sonia Brady but not to De Lima or Robredo or Paje or Soliman.

I remember how they once exuded so much kindness and consideration towards a general but not to an envoy. I’m referring to how they grilled then Defense Secretary Fidel Ramos behind closed doors in order to ask the delicate question about his rumored mistress and child by her (which Ramos denied). But in the case of Ambassador Rodolfo Severino, CA members grilled him in open session about the intimate details of his love life.

What the CA did to Robredo it has long been doing to other presidential nominees. The only way to honor Robredo posthumously is to treat men and women like him who come before the CA in much better fashion.

I’m not questioning the power of the CA to do what it pleases. But I would like to ask the CA members to consider that perhaps they are frightening away good men and women who could otherwise do good for the nation from joining government service. That’s all.

And I would like to ask my fellow journos to please keep a jaundiced eye on the CA and its oftentimes arbitrary vetting process.

 

Comments

  1. It’s more fun in the Philippines indeed!

    The Philippines should take advantage of this unique and phenomenal aberration. It should promote to the world that the Philippines has the best BOZOs there is. Maybe it will help the tourism industry,

  2. My recollections of the magical illusionist Commission on Appointments was during the Senate Presidency, therefore the chairmanship of Sen Gil J. Puyat. I was then giving moral support to my boss, a lowly bureau director who was by-passed a few times.

    Along with other appointees needing the mandated blessings of the Commission, like the gods in the Armed Forces, the King Solomons of the judiciary, the raiders in government corporations, the ministers and jesters in the Presidential Court in Malacanang, my lowly boss with me trailing behind had to re visit after every by-pass the hell-hot corridors of the old Congress to visit the bosses of Hades.

    This Commission on Appointments pilgrims may be gods in their own fiefdoms, but in the foyer of the members, they are plain beggars armed with the re-appointment papers from their super god. In their quests of rejections, the rejects sometimes formed lasting friendships; and may have had the chance to get even with their tormentors.

    2012 minus 1966 equals 46 years, long enough for evil schemes to prosper and smart politicians to really retrogress and get worst. P Noy and his bosses really need to get cracking if these teenagers (according to J America) entrusted to make laws but pre-occupied with building roads and bridges and school houses and mini gymnasiums, HAVE TO GROW UP.

    As is the usual, this Ms Raissa’s piece entices, enthuses and enlightens. Thanks.

  3. Disgusted is the term and will take note of these CA officials not to be elected for POWER CORRUPTS THEM. Now they have seen Filipinos here and abroad are taking seriously and expect highly of MATUWID,MATINO AT MAHUSAY na official. No need for CA because it is the Filipino people who decide and forever Jesse Robredo will remember his example of good governance, THE TSINELAS LEADERSHIP.

    Thumbs to you courageous Raissa Robles for opening more info and your article had answered my doubts about the CA…now I know who are they. Will kneel to God for more righteous people in authorities to rise up to follow Jesse Robredo’s life. I always believe that Righteousness exalts a nation and the more righteous people arising and more are praying, no doubt our PHILIPPINES will be a great place to live, a shining glory of righteous people.

    I want to see the next generation politicians will follow Jesse Robredo’s life so am very amenable that his life be part of education and your write up will surely be a great learning to them to see WHO IS WHO in Philippine politics that could be trusted. In the meantime, I will do my part as an oversea Filipino to get involved in any way I can.

    Thanks and more power to you RAISSA ROBLES! Good health always and thank you again.

    • Thank you, Maria Elsa

      For now, Jesse Robredo is a rare political animal in the PH.

      Our goal should be to make him THE NORM across all parties.

      Raissa

  4. AGAIN, THE CA DID NOT DO THEIR JOB AGAIN! OUR TAXPAYERS’ MONEY GOING TO WASTE AND A BIG DISSERVICE TO US. TALAGA NAMAN, THE CA PEOPLE ARE A BUNCH OF SPOILED, MANIPULATIVE, LAZY AND SELF-SERVING CHILDREN! REVAMP! REVAMP! REVAMP!

  5. This is exactly how Jesus was crified to death.. everyone is now washing hands.
    Where was Sotto and what has he done? check out the noontime show of GMA–he’s there everyday, which he does his best, I must say.

  6. Pwede po ba na maglagay tayo ng listahan ng mga Cabinet appointies ni Pnoy na hindi na naconfirm ng CA?
    Kasama sa listahan ang:
    1. Position-para malaman kung gaano kasami ka “naka-pila” sa CA
    2. Partido-para malaman kung puro LP lang ang naka “standby” o meron din sa iba
    3. Panahon-para malaman kung gaano na katagal “inupuan” ng mga taga CA bago ma-confirm
    4. Dahilan-para malaman kung bakit di ma-approve.
    5. Pangalan-para malaman kung sino-sino ang mga politiko na humahadlang.

    • Why it takes them so long for Sec. Robredo to decide the position ? This is dirty politic, they get jealous of Pinoy, they do not like Robledo ? Senate hold the petition for him to be finalize? And people around Pinoy is holding the Sec. Now? Tito Sotto is in jeopardy for this case ? He kept the paper on hold because simple ? He doesn’t like Robledo period ?

      • Senator Tito Sotto should initiate a Senate Investigation into the PEPSI PALOMA Case……..SOTTO…….the Eat Bulaga Buffon !

  8. How about posting also the performance or maybe the background of the person who file a case against Sec Robredo.His complaint was used by Cong Villafuerte to exact revenge. This person has the gall to question a very impressive public servant. He must be wandering now. He must be ashamed of what he has done to this person. Any news about him? With the magnitude of support and testimonies to Sec Jesse good deeds, i wonder if he can bear it seeing in TV after of what he did.

    • yes ms. raissa, i’m excited to know that MF. he might have been a sentinel of LRV, coz his very reasoning of holding sec jesse’s confirmation is so superficial in essence…

    • THIS IS A GOOD ONE FOR CPMers. Expose the rascals, the evil
      ones who tries to destroy the good among Filipinos. CPMers
      should go after them. THEY HAVE NOWHERE TO HIDE since
      CPMers are all over the globe. CPMers should expose their WARTS
      and SMALL POX of their lives.

  9. Sana ma “ca” sa bulsa mga members of the Commission on Appointments.I mean ma cancer sana sila sa bulsa at maubos mga perang hindi nila pinaghirapan bagkos mga perang ninakaw sa mamamayang Pilipino na siyang nagdudulot ng sukdol na kahirapan….Shame on you guys!!!! You have faces which are as thick as the walls of the houses in the Batanes Islands…

  10. @CPMers
    No matter how Congressman Luis Robredo Villafuerte, Sr. (LRV) tries to redeem himself from the issue of Secretary Robredo’s confirmation, it cannot be denied that he is instrumental in the non-confirmation of the good secretary.

    See for yourself. Who then would you believe?

    Part of the article “CA scrambles to honor Robredo in death” (iloilonewstodaydotcom, Thursday, 23 August 2012 00:00)

    “Camarines Sur Rep. Luis R. Villafuerte, who happens to be Robredo’s uncle said that he will be asking the committee “to retain the matter of the late Secretary Robredo’s confirmation on the agenda. I intend to move that the committee unanimously recommend the posthumous confirmation of the late Secretary Robredo,” said Villafuerte.

    He reasoned that Robredo did a good job in the DILG and was one of the most hardworking members of the cabinet.”

    And part of Bong Mendoza’s Blog posted August 22, 2012 (bongmendozadotordpressdotcom)

    “The response of many: why wait until he dies before Robredo gets confirmed? Why was he not confirmed in the first place? After all, he has been in office for two years.

    The short answer to these questions: LRV. A member of the Commission on Appointments has veto power. By himself, he can block the confirmation of a Cabinet member.

    LRV is the uncle of Jesse. According to Juan Escandor Jr. of the Philippine Daily Inquirer Southern Luzon Bureau, LRV worked for the appointment of Jesse as chief of the Asian Development Bank-funded Bicol River Basin Development Project (BRBDP) and prepared him for Naga’s mayoral post. In 1988, Jesse was elected the youngest ever Naga City mayor.

    Escandor continues: Both parted ways in 1992 elections with Villafuerte fielding his sister Pura Luisa Villafuerte-Magtuto against Robredo. Robredo made such a mark in Naga City politics making him the only political leader here whose handpicked local candidates all won in the elections without let-up since 1992, including the local elections in 2010, for seven consecutive elections. The cause of the quarrel between uncle and nephew? Robredo supported Fidel Ramos in his presidential bid against Ramon Mitra whom Villafuerte supported.”

    Please take note of the sentence, “BY HIMSELF, he can block the confirmation of a Cabinet member.” (emphasis mine referring to Villafuerte)

  11. could somebody do a research and look in the recent appointment of the relatives of all CA members? Focus on the govt owned and controlled corporations either as board member or a high positions

    this may shed light and reveal the mystery of some nominees breeze through the process while others have to agonize and pass through the eye of the needle

    • Who I think bypass Sec. Robredo ? It is the politician who block his good appointment for a good governance because, Sec Robledo has a charismatic attitude to anyone especially to the poor people , but someone behind hanging around want the attention of the presidents
      this is a *JEALOUSY “positively?

  12. Just imagine if the CA still have the power to confirm members of the Supreme Court. The wonder of the parliamentary system of government are, all members of the executive, meaning cabinet ministers will come from the both houses of Congress. No need for a confirmation and they will be more accountable to the people by being an elected lawmakers and a government policy mouthpiece.

    • @danny…under the old system CA to confirm, CA will be the “hawkers’ market.” Buy & Sell.