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AFTER CUC’S MANGLONA EAGI questions another appointment
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Posted on Aug 19 1999
The Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations will ask Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio to clarify the status of two government officials who are believed to have violated existing laws on appointments.
Laura I. Manglona, director of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation Board, and Connie Seman from the Board of Elections are under scrutiny after questions were raised whether they complied with the requirements when they were appointed to their present posts.
Seman, who was appointed to the elections’ board by former governor Froilan C. Tenorio, reportedly was not confirmed by the Senate as provided under the Constitution.
On the other hand, Manglona allegedly is still working as a public school teacher, which is a violation of a CUC law that forbids government employees from becoming a director of its policy-making body.
EAGI chair Sen. David M. Cing decided during a committee meeting yesterday to call first the governor’s attention on these potential violations before taking a formal step on their appointments.
“Instead of taking action now, the chairman agreed to send a letter to the governor and inquire what position he’s taking whether he supports these government officials,” said member Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes.
EAGI vice chair Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez, who earlier had discussed with Tenorio the problem on Manglona’s appointment, pointed out the committee is concerned about the oversight on Seman, who continues to perform her functions despite the failure by Senate to approve her nomination.
“The former governor acted as a senator when he appointed her to the Board of Elections,” he told reporters after the meeting.
Last Monday, Gov. Tenorio appeared to support a Senate plan to remove Manglona from board of the government-owned utility company when he tossed the issue back to the EAGI to decide on her fate.
He, however, admitted he had overlooked the requirement when he made the nomination in April.
Manglona, who is off-island and could not be reached for comment, is the latest casualty of the stringent CUC policy which already forced last month the resignation of two of its directors, including former chair Juan S. Dela Cruz.
