Transcript of Interview of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile after CA

On the appointment of Secretary Reyes and Secretary Atienza..

SP: The cases of Secretary Reyes and Secretary Atienza have not been presented to the plenary. We will wait. In the case of Chairman Saludo, as explained by the Majority Floor Leader, he did not meet the minimum requirement for his office. But over and above that, there were lots of complaints from the members of the Commission where their requests are not attended to even if you make appointments with him. I understand that they were told that the Chairman of the Commission does not want to meet with politicians.

Q: Sir, update on the Php10 billion calamity fund.

SP: Ginagawa pa ang resolution. Sa House of Representatives manggagaling 'yun.

Q: Kailan po ang timetable?

SP: Baka mamaya kapag nagawa naming ang resolution, pag-uusapan na namin dito.

Q: In case of Chairman Saludo, since he was rejected, the President could no longer re- appoint him?

SP: No more. They will have to appoint another one.

Q: Is this the first time that the Commission rejected a presidential appointee?

SP: Yes.

Q: Since 1997?

SP: I do not know of anyone who has been rejected.

Q: So, once the President recommends him, outright rejection na?

SP: Yes, dahil rejected dito. He will have to vacate his office.

Q: What if he makes an appeal?

SP: Wala na. Rejected na. He cannot be re-appointed. Basta rejected, you cannot be brought back here.

Q: Even if the President nominates him?

SP: Yes. Even if the President issues another appointment.

Q: May balak ba po kayo magpalabas ng calamity assistance sa Senate employees?

SP: To Senate employees? Typhoon victims, meron ba kami? Wala pang request sa akin.

Q: Pero sir, sino na po ang nabigyan ninyo?

SP: Yung aking sariling tulong para sa Malabon, Cainta, Marikina, Baras, Pasig at marami pang iba.

Q: Sir, sino po ang mga Presidential appointees ang na-bypass?

SP: Marami. Pero yung rejection, ngayon pa lang.