CA cancels caucus due to reported House leadership change

The Commission on Appointments (CA) canceled its scheduled committee meeting, caucus, and plenary session scheduled on Wednesday amid the talks of a leadership change at the House of Representatives. 

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who serves as ex-officio chairman of the CA, said the decision was made upon coordination with CA vice-chairperson and Pangasinan 5th district Rep. Ramon Guico Jr. 

“CA vice Chairman Cong Guico called me last night to ask for the cancellation/postponement because according to him, there will be a change in leadership today,” Sotto said. 

Based on its website, the bicameral body was supposed to consider the ad interim appointment of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. The commission was also set to hold a caucus and plenary session at 12 p.m. to discuss administrative and other matters. 

The CA is mandated to approve or disapprove appointments made by the President of the Philippines, the confirmation of which is required under the 1987 Constitution.

Aside from the ex-officio chairman, the body is composed of 12 senators and 12 members of the House of Representatives. 

It was only last week when the Senate elected a new batch of senators to sit as members of the CA, when Sotto replaced Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as the Senate President. 

Should there be a change of leadership at the House, the lower chamber’s contingent in the CA may also adjust. 

Earlier in a radio interview, House Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Rep. Ronaldo Puno said that Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez will resign from his post on Wednesday and has called on his colleagues in the House of Representatives to support the election of Isabela Rep. Francisco "Bojie" Dy III as his replacement. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News