Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday voluntarily withdrew his nomination to the Commission on Appointments (CA), giving up his seat to resolve a standoff after Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III raised concerns over the “lopsided” representation in the powerful congressional body.
The move followed a tense exchange between Sotto—who argued that the minority bloc was being sidelined—and Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, who had earlier pushed for 10 majority senators to take part in the 12-member Senate contingent in the CA.
“May I propose this temporary measure just so that we’ll have more time to discuss the representation in the CA and the interpretation of the Supreme Court (rulings),” Cayetano said during the plenary.
“May I ask that my name be withdrawn as a nominee for the CA,” added the senator, who also previously served as a diplomat.
Cayetano’s withdrawal cleared the way for three minority senators to secure seats in the CA, which holds the power to confirm or reject presidential appointees.
So far, the Senate contingent already includes Villanueva, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, JV Ejercito, Jinggoy Estrada, Christopher “Bong” Go, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Raffy Tulfo, and Mark Villar.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero praised Cayetano’s move, saying:
“We thank Senator Cayetano for his magnanimity and as well as thank the distinguished Minority Floor Leader Sotto for his understanding and patience.”
Cayetano, however, underscored the CA’s critical role in ensuring accountability of Cabinet officials, citing the need to confront allegations of corruption in flood control projects.
“The CA is such a powerful tool to get the secretaries on the right track. Kung hindi sila dapat i-confirm o kung ico-confirm, through our collective effort, I think itong flooding at kuryente madi-discuss nang maaga,” he said.