Reyes lobbies for Smith's confirmation

Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes said he has been lobbying other members of the Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations Committee to support the governor’s nominee to the Superior Court, lawyer Eric S. Smith.

The committee, which overwhelmingly endorsed new Supreme Court Associate Justice John A. Manglona for his confirmation by the Senate late last month, has yet to tackle his replacement in the lower court.

Both Justice Manglona and Mr. Smith were named by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio to their respective posts last April 13, but it was only the former judge who immediately received the senators’ nod.

Under the law, Mr. Smith’s appointment will remain in effect for 90 days and the governor must nominate another individual once that period expires without the Senate’s advice and consent.

It is now nearly half that term, but EAGI chair Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano has not yet scheduled a hearing for the newly designated judge.

“I’m very much in support of the confirmation of Mr. Smith for the position of Superior Court judge. I am trying to seek support from the members. I’m talking to some members already. I am trying to convince them to confirm him,” Mr. Reyes told in an interview yesterday.

Although he has discussed the matter with Mr. Adriano, he said he will sit down with each member of the committee to try to draw their support. “I hope that I could do something to help Mr. Smith before the time runs out,” added Mr. Reyes.

Mr. Adriano earlier has expressed reluctance to throw his support behind the governor’s Superior Court nominee, saying he prefers a local to occupy the position. Other members also have been lukewarm on the prospect of his confirmation.

But Mr. Reyes, who has been very vocal on governor’s appointments, believed Mr. Smith has the support of the community since none has come out in public to oppose his nomination.

“We have not received anything negative reports. There are some disappointed members of the public on some cases he handled, but other than that, there was nothing substantially wrong with the nominee,” he explained.

“There is no question on his qualifications . I am very comfortable to say that he will do a very good job as a judge,” added Mr. Reyes.