MANILA, Philippines — As the lifting of the one-year appointments ban draws near, lawmakers predict a more intense rivalry between two Malacanang factions gunning for appointment to available vacancies in the government. Reps. Angelo Palmontes (AGHAM Party-list) and Neri Colmenares (Bayan Muna) said the move of the so-called Balay group to push for the appointment of Commissioner Carlos Medina of the Truth Commission to a vacancy in the Commission on Elections can be an indication that Aquino’s allies are ready to throw his good government program in the background in exchange of power andsecurity of tenure.
The Balay group is identified with losing vice presidential bet and former Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas, who is also expected to get a powerful assignment in Malacañang after May 10, the end of the election ban on appointments.
Palmontes and Colmenares urged Aquino not to allow his vow to pursue good and honest governance sidetracked by demands from political allies for appointment to juicy government assignments.
“The Comelec must not be used as payback for political debts if President Aquino adheres to his battle cry of Matuwid na daan,” said Palmones.
Palmones noted that the Balay group’s endorsement of Medina to the Comelec is aimed at ensuring security of tenure for him. The Comelec commissioner’s post has a fixed term but the Truth Commission appointment has not, considering that the body’s creation had been struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional.
Ben Rosario, Manila Bulletin
