The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Tuesday deferred the appointment of retired Associate Justice Jose Catral Mendoza as a member of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).
Sen. Imee Marcos was the first to raise objections during the CA hearing on Mendoza’s appointment, saying she could not support the retired associate justice due to his ‘lack of responsive and adequate answers’ when questioned by lawmakers.
‘I am deeply disturbed [and] alarmed by the responses of justice Mendoza to the questions of the chair, of Congressman Garbin, of Senator Villanueva, and those of myself, casting doubt on the probity and independence of the JBC. At this juncture, I am unable – without further clarification and more responsive and adequate answers from the justice-to support the appointment of Justice Mendoza. I am sorry,’ said Marcos.
In a separate ambush interview also on Tuesday, Marcos herself said she asked the committee to defer the confirmation of Mendoza, citing what she described as ever-changing rules in the JBC.
Later, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s office confirmed that Mendoza’s appointment was deferred.
Meanwhile, the CA approved the nomination and ad interim appointment of the following officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs:
Noralyn Jubaira Baja
Charmaine Rowena Caoile Aviquil
Myla Grace Ragen Catalbas Macahilig
Miguel Carlo Narzo Hornilla
Paolo Marco Recio Mapula