Senate pushes new AG nominee

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio is likely to submit to the Senate his nomination for a new Attorney General in the next few days apparently bowing to pressure from members disgruntled over his current appointee.

The chief executive met yesterday with leaders of both houses of Legislature in which they discussed wide range of issues, including appointment of permanent Attorney General to replace Maya B. Kara who has held the position in acting capacity for the last 18 months.

Mr. Tenorio declined to provide details of what transpired in the discussion, but sources privy to the talks said a new name will be submitted to the Senate Committee on Executive Appointment and Government Investigations “within the next few days.”

Ms. Kara’s nomination was withdrawn by the governor in September 1998 at the last minute on the heels of clear Senate rejection. She has since been re-appointed to the post in acting capacity several times.

Prior to meeting with Mr. Tenorio over lunch at Hafa Adai Hotel, House and Senate leadership tackled several issues, including Ms. Kara’s position, for discussion with the governor. (see related story)

Senate President Paul A. Manglona disclosed that both chambers are concerned that there is no permanent official to head a critical agency like the Attorney General’s Office, noting that it is reminiscent of the administration of former Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio who appointed several chief government lawyers in acting capacity because of the Senate’s objection.

“That is not the intent of the Constitution,” he told reporters. “We plan to meet with the governor and discuss this concern so that we can come up with [someone] he wants.”

Questionable

Mr. Manglona underscored the need to have nomination for confirmation by the Senate as he said that a lot of court cases filed against the government question the authority of Ms. Kara as acting AGO chief.

“The point is we need to send names and confirm a permanent Attorney General. A lot of cases out there center around the fact that we have an acting attorney general. I believe the governor will be coming out with a name,” he said.

Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes, who has been outspoken about his displeasure over Ms. Kara’s appointment, stressed the message by lawmakers to the Tenorio administration will be “very firm” on this issue.

“Both houses agreed that a permanent AG is needed and so we need to work with the administration regarding this. We are not going to tell the administration who to nominate. We leave it up to his discretion because that is his prerogative,” he said.

Opposition to Ms. Kara’s nomination has snowballed in recent weeks after recently installed Sen. Ramon S. Guerrero vowed to press her ouster. Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez has also backed a move by the governor to submit his new nominee.

Mr. Tenorio last week dropped strong hints he would submit his nomination for the AG’s post, saying that he wants someone who will be confirmed by the Senate.

Ms. Kara, a former House legal counsel before her appointment in July 1998, drew the Senate’s rejection because of her alleged hand in settling the controversial agreement between the defunct MVB and a Japan-based advertising company — charges she had repeatedly denied.

In a recent lawsuit filed against the government, former Senate President Juan Demapan has contested Ms. Kara’s authority following the raid conducted by the AGO on his gambling establishment. A ruling is expected to be handed down soon by the court.