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EAGI set to meet with latest appointees
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Posted on Jul 09 1999
The Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations is set to hold its closed-door meeting with the latest batch of Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio’s appointees to various boards and agencies, including Supreme Court Chief Justice-designate Miguel S. Demapan.
Eight government officials, including three to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation Board of Directors, are up for Senate confirmation, and EAGI members said they see no problems in approving their nominations.
“What the committee intends to do is just to call the nominees and meet with them to discuss some of the issues needed to be discussed,” said Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes.
The meeting, scheduled for next week, will be conducted in lieu of a public hearing to hasten confirmation of Demapan and seven other new officials.
They are Frank T. Flores, Edward C. Sablan and Janet H. King as CUC board members; Lenny A. Diaz, Retirement Fund Board; Elizabeth S. Balajadia and Jesus DLG Takai, Board of Professional Licensing; and Elphidia C. Sanchez, Board of Public Lands.
All were appointed last week by the governor, except for King, whose nomination was submitted to the Legislature early this week. She replaced Edwin Hofschneider, who resigned last week from the CUC policy-making body for failure to meet the board’s qualifications.
Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez, EAGI vice chairman, assured the confirmation would be smooth as the committee does not object to these nominees, particularly Demapan.
Named last week by governor, Demapan appeared to be a popular choice, edging out Supreme Court Associate Justice Alexandro C. Castro despite his being senior than the former.
Both Reyes and Villagomez expect the new chief justice to be confirmed by next week. The Senate has the sole authority over this function as stipulated under the Constitution.
In the past, senators have successfully blocked nominations made by the governor whom they don’t support.
