The Commission on Appointments (CA) has officially received the appointment papers of newly designated Transportation Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jaybee Ruiz, according to CA Assistant Minority Leader and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel.
“We have already received Secretary Dizon’s papers, as well as those of newly appointed PCO Secretary Jaybee Ruiz,” Pimentel announced in a statement on Sunday.
Confirmation Process Delayed Due to Congressional Adjournment
However, Pimentel clarified that the CA will not be able to deliberate on their appointments immediately because Congress is currently adjourned and will not reconvene until June 2.
Under the Constitution, Malacañang can issue “ad interim” appointments when Congress is not in session. These take immediate effect, allowing appointees to assume their duties right away.
“Ad interim appointments take immediate effect, allowing appointees to begin performing their duties right away,” Pimentel explained.
However, if the CA disapproves an ad interim appointment or fails to confirm it before the next congressional adjournment, the appointment automatically becomes invalid.
Dizon and Ruiz Among Key New Appointees
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Dizon as Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on February 21, following the resignation of Jaime Bautista due to health reasons. The CA received Dizon’s appointment papers on February 24.
Dizon previously served as:
Presidential Adviser on Flagship Programs and Projects
President of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) during the Duterte administration
Meanwhile, Ruiz was appointed PCO Secretary on February 24, and the CA received his appointment papers the following day.
CA Also Reviewing Appointments of Four Constitutional Commissioners
The CA has also received the appointment papers of four new Constitutional Commissioners, all appointed on February 10:
Noli Pipo – Commissioner, Commission on Elections (Comelec)
Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal – Commissioner, Comelec
Luis Meinrado Pañgulayan – Commissioner, Civil Service Commission (CSC)
Douglas Michael Mallillin – Commissioner, Commission on Audit (COA)
The 25-member Commission on Appointments is responsible for vetting, approving, or rejecting key presidential appointments, including Cabinet members and Constitutional Commissioners. It comprises 12 members from the House of Representatives, 12 from the Senate, and the Senate President as the ex officio presiding officer.The confirmation process for these appointees will begin when Congress reconvenes on June 2.