More Cabinet officials, diplomats secure CA confirmation

CONFIRMED. Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (4th from left) of the Department of Budget and Management poses for a souvenir photo with members of the Commission on Appointments (CA) after her confirmation at the Senate plenary Hall in Pasay City on Wednesday (Sept. 28, 2022). The CA also confirmed the ad interim appointments of several national government officials that day. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – The ad interim appointments of Secretaries Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Enrique Manalo of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) were officially approved on Wednesday by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

As the chair of the CA’s Committee on Budget and Management, Senator Grace Poe said the committee found Pangandaman to be fit as DBM secretary.

“Our nominee is a lone rose among thorns of our country’s pool of economic managers. Pero huwag po tayong magpapalinlang sa kanyang kabataan at angking kagandahan (But we should not be deceived by her youth and beauty) because she is ready to take the mantle of the Department of Budget and Management since Day 1,” Poe said endorsing Pangandaman’s appointment to the CA plenary.

She also mentioned Pangandaman’s outstanding educational background and experience both in the fields of economics and budget preparations.

Pangandaman is the first female secretary of the DBM since its creation in 1978.

Meanwhile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada said the CA’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, which he chairs, ruled to confirm Enrique’s appointment because of his more than two decades of experience as a diplomat.

“He is widely praised by his peers and colleagues. His appointment was lauded across the diplomatic service community, a testament to his professionalism, competence, and outstanding work throughout his professional career,” Estrada said.

The lawmaker said his committee was convinced that Enrique is the best option to take the post of DFA secretary amid the current situation in the international community.

Aside from Enrique, Estrada also endorsed the appointment of 23 Filipino diplomats consisting of ambassadors and other embassy officials.

Among the appointees, Nesauro Firme’s appointment was also confirmed by the CA as a member of the Judicial and Bar Council representing the Academe for a term expiring on July 9, 2026.