Presidential appointments EDITORIAL 06/03/2010

Presidential appointments

EDITORIAL Click to enlarge 06/03/2010 It will be found, before June 30, 2010, just how many pre-dated appointments under the executive branch that Gloria Arroyo had made, most of which will then be claimed as being illegal, given the ban on midnight appointments as stated in the Charter, although this ban, as ruled by the Supreme Court recently, does not apply to the post of chief justice. A few days ago, reports were out that Gloria had re-appointed Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) Chairman Efraim Genuino. The appointment papers of Genuino, however, show that he had been appointed a day before the midnight ban took effect. It may be difficult, should his appointment be challenged, for one to prove that he had not been appointed prior to the ban. Still, with an incoming president, the truth is, if Genuino intends to stick to his post, even if the appointment is deemed legitimate, a new president can make life hard for him and even the board members who were also re-appointed. It would be best if they resign, under a new administration. It is a given in this country, that it is most easy for an administration in power — more specifically the president, whenever he chooses — to have any foe or any government official hostile to him charged for any crime — and merely on the basis of a complaint affidavit and depending on the type of crime, could be denied bail.  There is however, a negative public perception toward Genuino and his boys at Pagcor and this could spell more problems for them. Worse for them, is that there were, even during the time of the Arroyo presidency, already questionable contracts entered into by Genuino and his group, which, if proven to be detrimental to the interest of the country, could land them in jail — if they continue to resist calls for their resignation by the new president. After all, the Pagcor top position is not a constitutional office and that executive appointment, as it is always claimed by all these presidential appointees, is dependent on the pleasure of the president.... MORE     Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100603com1.html

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