CA panel OKs Nograles' reappointment as CSC chair

The Commission on Appointments' (CA) constitutional commissions and offices panel on Wednesday approved the nomination of Karlo Nograles as chairman of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Nograles's appointment got the panel's nod after he cited his vast experience as a lawyer and later a public servant, serving as a Davao City lawmaker, a House appropriations committee chairperson, and the spokesperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases during the Duterte administration.

During the hearing, Nograles answered questions on rightsizing of the government workforce and ensuring benefits for contractual and job order workers.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri moved to approved Nograles' appointment, saying he had to make up for his earlier call for the deferment of the CA's approval of Nograles' nomination to allow then newly-elected President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to pick his appointees.

Nograles was a nominee for the CSC top post by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Para makabawi naman ako sa kanya since I sought the deferment of his appointment. I lobbied for him to be retained as CSC chairman for his information because I really believe in this gentleman," Zubiri said.

"I am also a friend of your father, and I am sure he is looking down at you very proud at what you have accomplished today," Zubiri added, referring to the late Speaker Prospero Nograles.

CA Majority Leader and Camarines Sur Representative LRay Villafuerte shared Zubiri's sentiments.

"I was his Appropriations panel vice chair, and I can attest to his competence and integrity," Villafuerte said.  —KBK, GMA News