By Vanne Elaine Terrazola
The Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed on Wednesday the appointment of Wendel Avisado as Department of Budget and Management (DBM) secretary.
(R) DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado (ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO)
Avisado, who was Davao City's former administrator, was appointed by President Duterte in August 2019.
Before his confirmation, the CA committee on budget and management discussed in the hearing Avisado's ad interim appointment.
Among others issues, he was asked by Sen. Panfilo Lacson about the DBM's decision to withhold P84 billion in congressional realignments under the P4.1-trillion 2020 budget, and the process of its release.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo had confirmed Lacson's earlier information that President Duterte and the DBM delayed releasing the amount which lawmakers allegedly tried to realign from the Build, Build, Build program to their districts’ pet projects.
Avisado, in response, said the projects would have to undergo an evaluation and vetting process, including validation from the Regional Development Council (RDC) that they are needed by their constituents.
Lacson, who is known for his anti-pork advocacy, lauded Avisado's decision. "Continue what you are doing in the DBM...Particularly on the national budget. He (Duterte) cannot do it without your input and wise counsel. Please continue what you started."
Aside from serving as Davao City administrator from 2004 to 2010, Avisado also served as Presidential Assistant for Special Concerns for the rehabilitation of areas affected by super-typhoon Yolanda.
He was also Deputy Secretary General for the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council from September 2010 to April 2015.
Besides Avisado, the CA also confirmed the appointments of four senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), namely: Roberto Ancan to the rank of lieutenant general; Simeon Felix Jr. to the rank of major general; and Fernando Reboja and Maning Tawantawan to the rank of brigadier general.
(R) DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado (ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO)
Avisado, who was Davao City's former administrator, was appointed by President Duterte in August 2019.
Before his confirmation, the CA committee on budget and management discussed in the hearing Avisado's ad interim appointment.
Among others issues, he was asked by Sen. Panfilo Lacson about the DBM's decision to withhold P84 billion in congressional realignments under the P4.1-trillion 2020 budget, and the process of its release.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo had confirmed Lacson's earlier information that President Duterte and the DBM delayed releasing the amount which lawmakers allegedly tried to realign from the Build, Build, Build program to their districts’ pet projects.
Avisado, in response, said the projects would have to undergo an evaluation and vetting process, including validation from the Regional Development Council (RDC) that they are needed by their constituents.
Lacson, who is known for his anti-pork advocacy, lauded Avisado's decision. "Continue what you are doing in the DBM...Particularly on the national budget. He (Duterte) cannot do it without your input and wise counsel. Please continue what you started."
Aside from serving as Davao City administrator from 2004 to 2010, Avisado also served as Presidential Assistant for Special Concerns for the rehabilitation of areas affected by super-typhoon Yolanda.
He was also Deputy Secretary General for the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council from September 2010 to April 2015.
Besides Avisado, the CA also confirmed the appointments of four senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), namely: Roberto Ancan to the rank of lieutenant general; Simeon Felix Jr. to the rank of major general; and Fernando Reboja and Maning Tawantawan to the rank of brigadier general.