CA panel recommends Pascual's confirmation as DTI secretary

A Commission on Appointments (CA) committee on Wednesday recommended the plenary confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Alfredo Pascual as secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

CA Committee on Trade and Industry Vice Chairman and Pangasinan 5th District Rep. Ramon Guico Jr. made the motion to recommend the confirmation of Pascual’s appointment.

“Is there any objection? There being none, the same is hereby approved. Congratulations Secretary Pascual,” CA panel Chairman Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron said.

During the hearing, legislators questioned Pascual on the issues of skyrocketing prices of agricultural commodities, particularly onion and the actions that his department will take to combat hoarding and cartels.

Pascual, in response, said the DTI has already sought the assistance of the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) to “use the full force of the law” against anti-competitive and abusive business practices.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel again raised the issue that some employees of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority - an attached agency of the DTI - were either demoted or terminated.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that one employee was already reinstated and three contractual or job order employees were not renewed for another contract.

Pimentel suggested to Pascual to hire the contractual workers once they reapplied.

“Gusto ko lang ipabatid sa Commission na napadalhan na po ng e-mail ang tatlong contractual employees na hindi na-renew ang contract at pinaa-apply sila sa mga position na available ngayon,” Pascual said.

(I want to tell the Commission that the three contractual employees who weren't renewed were already sent with emails inviting them to apply for positions available.)

Various business groups have been rallying behind and endorsing the confirmation of Pascual as DTI secretary.

Among these groups are the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PhilExport), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), and Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc (FFCCCII).

The DTI-Employees Union and the Board of Investments Employees Association (BOIEA) also threw their support behind the appointment of Pascual as DTI secretary.

Pascual also received support from various business groups such as the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), PCCI Catanduanes, Albay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Region XI Chapter) Inc., and PhilExport Aklan Chapter Inc. —KBK, GMA Integrated News