The draft report of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigation recommended that the Senate take no action on the nomination so that the cash-strapped government can save money.
The draft report also recommended “a re-examination of the structural make-up of the Superior Court considering the significant reduction of cases and the government revenues.”
Pangelinan, D-Saipan and a member of the panel, said the draft report has yet to be signed by the other committee members and the chairman, Sen. Paterno S. Hocog, R-Rota.
She said it is normal for the committee membership to prepare a preliminary report, which is not always final.
According to the senator, the draft report was merely discussing an “alternative” action on Inos’ appointment.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial nominated Inos on June 19.
When asked how the committee will approach Inos’ appointment, Pangelinan said, “We should have a public hearing, and put [his appointment] on the floor for a vote.”
The Variety tried to get in touch with Hocog at his office on Capital Hill but his staff said he was not available to give an interview about the issue.
Pangelinan believes there is a need to cut the judiciary’s costs because of the government’s declining revenues.
Gregorio T. Cruz Jr. of the Taotao Tano group earlier accused Inos of having a conflict of interest involving “expedited sole-source construction contracts from capital improvement funds derived from the Commonwealth Ports Authority.”
Sen. Henry H. San Nicolas, Covenant-Tinian and also a member of the panel, earlier said he will ask the committee chairman to look into this allegation.
Variety tried to call Inos’ office but his phone line had been temporarily disconnected.
