THE Commission on Appointments’ national defense committee yesterday endorsed for plenary approval the appointments of 86 generals, flag officers, and senior officers of the armed forces after they satisfactorily answered the queries of panel members.
The date for their plenary approval has yet to be set.
Senate minority leader Risa Hontiveros, during the deliberations, questioned the alleged unaccounted increases in the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth of Brig. Gen. Nhel Richard Patricio, Brig. Gen. Dean Mark Mamaril, Brig. Gen. Allan Genete, and Col. Orville Dizon.
Patricio said the increase in his SALN was due to their tax-free allowances and benefits while they were posted overseas.
Mamaril cited the same reason.
Genete and Dizon said they have included all their assets in their respective SALNs, which explains the increase in their net worths.
Hontiveros asked the senior officers to submit their respective explanations in writing.
Sen. Ronald dela Rosa urged the members of the Armed Forces to remain “politically neutral” and loyal to the country amid the recent political developments in the country.
He asked them not to be influenced by politicians.
“The Filipino people are expecting you to be politically neutral. You should be apolitical in every way and the only time that you will be allowed to express your political biases is when you exercise your right to suffrage,” Dela Rosa said.
“I hope you remain steadfast in maintaining your values. Don’t get carried away by politics, whatever the political climate in the Philippines, whether it’s chaotic or stressful, don’t let it affect you. You need to remain loyal to the Filipino flag, loyal to the Constitution, and loyal to the Filipino people. Forget about politicians…I hope you never let yourselves be used by politicians,” he added.
The CA Committee on Constitutional Commissions and Offices also endorsed for plenary approval the confirmation of the appointments of Luis Meinrado Pañgulayan as Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission, and Douglas Michael Nocum Mallillin as commissioner of the Commission on Audit.
However, due to the lack of material time, Sen. Cynthia Villar, panel chairman, suspended deliberations on the appointments of Commission on Elections Commissioners Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal and Noli Rafol Pipo.
