President Aquino maintains his trust on Cabinet members bypassed by CA

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of the Bohol Fabrication Laboratory (FABLAB) Shared Service Facility Project and the 1st FABLAB Asian Network Boot Camp and Conference at the Bohol Island State University (BISU) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Friday (May 02). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA– Although four Cabinet officials were bypassed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) during their recent confirmation, President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday said that his trust on them remain.

In an interview with reporters after the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Manila Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management held at the Diamond Hotel, the President cited a possible reason for their being bypassed.

“In my opinion, I would say that the objections are done in a more personal than professional level,” the President said in Filipino.

The chief executive raised the issue a day after four Cabinet officials: Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje, and Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla were bypassed.

He, however, expressed hope that the CA would eventually confirm them.

President Aquino said he still trust the system and that “eventually, hopefully will confirm all of these people.”

“We are (also) hoping that they would change from being personal to professional,” he added.