The CA is chaired by Sen. Miriam Santiago and co-chaired by Representatives Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza of Cotabato, Eileen Ermita-Buhain of Batangas and Jose Yap of Tarlac.

President Arroyo held a luncheon meeting with the CA at Malacanang on Thursday and thanked the Committee for the confirmation of 13 Cabinet members, it was learned.

Seven Cabinet members are still awaiting CA confirmation. They are Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr., Environment Secretary Joselito Atienza, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes and Finance Secretary Margarito Teves.

Thus far, the CA has not received the appointment papers of Secretary Marianito Roque.

"We understand the papers of three appointees for ambassador and 59 chiefs of mission, Foreign Service officers and career ministers are already complete," Gullas said.

The three ambassador-designates referred to by Gullas are Francisco Benedicto, to India; Cristina Ponce-Enrile, to the Vatican; and Guillermo Wong, to Cambodia.

Gullas said he is hopeful the CA committee on foreign affairs would be able to set a hearing soon, possibly on May 13, to consider the nominations.

"Thus far, the CA of the 14th Congress has been highly productive. We’ve already confirmed five Cabinet members, 187 senior military officers, seven envoys and one career minister, plus one member of the Judicial and Bar Council," Gullas pointed out.

Gullas said the 12-member House contingent to the CA never had a problem about mustering a quorum.

The CA was set to confirm Duque and elections commissioner Moslemen Macarambon last March.

However, Senate President and CA chairman Manuel Villar Jr. was forced to abruptly suspend the last CA session on Mar. 12, when Sen. Jamby Madrigal vehemently protested the appointment of Brig. Gen. Nestor Sadiarin.

Gullas said the CA committee on budget and management is also set to hear and decide Andaya’s appointment on May 13.