MALACAÑANG on Monday reiterated that the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to appoint heads of departments in the executive branch as “acting secretaries” was not meant to demean or take for granted the power of the Commission on Appointments (CA).
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro issued the statement in reaction to Sen. Imee Marcos’ criticism that the president’s “rampant practice” of appointing agency heads in acting capacities is an “emerging modus operandi” that seems to render the CA inutile of its mandate to give or withhold consent to appointments.
Senator Marcos’ callout is “very harsh,” Castro said during a press briefing. “The President means no offense to the Commission on Appointments. The President is merely exercising his constitutional prerogatives. He can make an appointment in temporary or permanent positions.” Among the officials still to face the CA are acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto; acting Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez; acting Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon; acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez; acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida; acting Finance Secretary Frederick Go; acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo; and acting Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna.
Castro said that acting secretaries can perform their roles “for a period of one year.” “The President will submit the appointments [to the CA] in due time,” she said.
The CA is a constitutional body that confirms or disapproves appointments made by the president, such as those for Cabinet positions, ambassadors and military generals.
It is composed of 25 members from the Senate and House of Representatives.
