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Thursday, September 7, 2017
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MANILA – The Commission on Appointments (CA) rejected yesterday the appointment of Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano as Agrarian Reform secretary.
Voting in secret, the powerful legislative body denied Mariano’s designation after going into executive session.
Questions of partiality marred Mariano’s confirmation, as the CA grilled the former Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas chairman on his objectivity and ties to the Left.
He was accused of getting involved in the Lapanday incident in Davao City on April 29, when members of the New People’s Army attacked the corporation’s packing plant, and favoring farmers belonging to associations close to him.
Mariano denied these claims, saying he did not and would not endorse any illegal activity as Agrarian Reform secretary. He also assured that the rights of landowners and farmers would be upheld under his watch.
“This servant intends to serve justice in a fair and balanced way when it comes to dispute resolution,” he said. “I emphasize I will do my duties within the bounds of the laws.”
Eleven parties opposed Mariano’s appointment. The opponents spoke during hearings on Sept. 5 and Aug. 30.
Mariano was the fourth official in the Cabinet of President Rodrigo Duterte to get rejected by the CA.
Also rejected were Judy Taguiwalo (Social Welfare secretary), Gina Lopez (Environment secretary) and Perfecto Yasay (Foreign Affairs secretary).
Mariano was bypassed twice. His supporters had been campaigning for his confirmation and held a rally outside the Senate today.
Mariano was the last Left-leaning Cabinet member to undergo scrutiny by the CA.
Another Left-linked official in Duterte’s administration, Liza Maza, heads the National Anti-Poverty Commission. The position does not require confirmation. (CNN Philippines)
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