CA confirms appointments of ES Medialdea, DND chief Lorenzana

The bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the ad interim appointments of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Medialdea breezed through the CA plenary, just a few hours after his appointment was approved at the committee level in less than two minutes, with no questions from panel members.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon, a former Executive Secretary himself during the administration of the late former President Corazon Aquino, described the post as a “snake pit.”

“Luckily, because of the size of Secretary Medialdea, it is not easy to be devoured. Hindi siya lalamunin, talagang magaling ‘yan,” Drilon said.

Drilon said Medialdea possessed the qualities of competence and integrity, which his job required.

Senator Ralph Recto, who also supported the confirmation of Medialdea, said he has known the Executive Secretary for 35 years, and that apart from his discipline to deliver on what is expected from him, he also has down-to-earth humility and disarming humor.

“[The ES should be able] to do heavy but unheralded labor; to endlessly chase papers but never publicity; to run a tight ship, including whipping the egos of alter egos into line,” Recto said.

“I had the pleasure of meeting BingBong Medialdea about 35 years and 35 pounds ago. My impressions then as now are the same. He’s got what it takes to do the job,” the senator added.

Senator Gringo Honasan meanwhile seconded the confirmation of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenza.

“I can attest to his integrity, professional competence, and love of God, country and family,” said Honasan, a former Army officer.

Also confirmed by the CA were the appointments of Philippe Jones Lhuillier, ambassador to Spain; Antonio Lagdameo, ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Alan Timbayan, ambassador to Qatar, and Charles Jose, ambassador to Malaysia. — RSJ, GMA News