The House of Representatives has elected new members to the Commission on Appointments (CA), a move timed ahead of the body’s scheduled confirmation hearings for Cabinet officials, military generals, and diplomatic appointees.
During Wednesday’s special session, lawmakers designated Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V, TGP Party-list Rep. Jose Teves Jr., Quezon City Rep. Franz Pumaren, Quezon Rep. Wilfredo Mark Enverga, and Negros Occidental Rep. Mercedes Alvarez as the House’s new representatives to the CA.
They replaced Camiguin Rep. Jesus Romualdo, Abono Party-list Rep. Robert Raymond Estrella, Agusan del Sur Rep. Eddiebong Plaza, Cavite Rep. Roy Loyola, and Camarines Sur Rep. Arnie Fuentebella.
The changes come as Congress responds to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Proclamation No. 1318, which called for a special session to tackle priority legislation and enable the CA to immediately convene and act on pending presidential appointments.
The CA is set to deliberate on eight Cabinet officials, five Armed Forces of the Philippines generals, and several diplomatic nominees in the coming sessions.
Under the Constitution, the CA serves as a check on the appointing authority, with the power to confirm or reject key presidential appointments in the executive, military, and foreign service.
Officials said the reconstitution of the House panel ensures the chamber is fully prepared to participate in upcoming confirmation proceedings as Congress continues its special session agenda.