THE Senate yesterday unanimously confirmed the nominations of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Juan L. Babauta, Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Thomas B. Pangelinan, Public Works Secretary Juan S. Reyes and Civil Service Commissioner Vicky K. Mendiola.
There were allegations against some nominees, but Senate Vice President David M. Cing said they were “unsubstantiated and unsupported by evidence.”
Cing, D-Tinian and chairman of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigation, called on the public to “give their utmost support” to the newly confirmed officials.
Cing said Mendiola “will do a fine a job on the CSC board.”
Babauta’s stint at the Public School System and his enthusiasm to serve earned him the nod of the Senate, Cing added.
“Secretary Babauta is good educator and administrator—it will make a good combination,” Cing said.
Pangelinan, a former educator and lawmaker, has a varied background on the environment, the Senate vice president noted.
“Tom Pangelinan is a doer—he will contribute greatly,” Cing said.
Reyes, who is also a former lawmaker, has “extensive experience” at DPW, Cing said.
