GMA ends ‘midnight appointments’

MANILA, Philippines – President Arroyo is finished with her so-called “midnight appointments” or what Palace officials call a “reorganization” of the bureaucracy.

Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza yesterday maintained that the recent appointments made by the President are legal, having been made before the ban on appointments started last March 10.

He also said Mrs. Arroyo is not using the recent Supreme Court (SC) ruling which allowed her to appoint the next chief justice as a blanket authority for the numerous appointments she made.

“The reorganization was already completed before March 10. All the appointments have been issued. All the appointments were signed before March 10 as provided for by law on the election ban,” Mendoza said in a press briefing.

Click Philippine Star.

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SC blamed for Arroyo’s appointment binge

A MILITANT legislator blamed the March 17 ruling of the Supreme Court (SC) allowing President Arroyo  to appoint a new Chief Justice for the flurry of so-called midnight appointments by Malacañang.

Party-list Rep. Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna said the SC ruling was abused by the President, thus, the Court should consider reversing it.

“Given the rash of illegal and unconstitutional midnight appointments that followed the SC decision, the SC should immediately reverse its decision. It is not enough for the Court to say that its March 17 decision does not justify Arroyo’s recent appointments to various positions. Given this administration’s penchant to push the limits of the law, the Court should not allow any opening for abuse,” said Ocampo, a senatorial candidate of the Nacionalista Party of Sen. Manuel Villar.

Click BusinessMirror