Previous Story
Administration plans to address concerns on Cabinet appointees
The Inos administration plans to address concerns regarding some of the “sitting” department heads who have not been subjected to Senate confirmation.
Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres said the administration will look into the concerns brought up by some members of the Legislature.
Torres said, “This may be a different administration” but the “sitting department secretaries” were not appointed to different departments.
He cited a case in the U.S mainland, where a sitting secretary does not need to go through another confirmation unless he or she is appointed to a different Cabinet position.
Torres said there was also no advisory or letter because the title or position of the department head did not change.
Nevertheless, Torres said the administration will consult with the Office of the Attorney General to clarify if the current administration needs to issue new appointment letters.
Senate President Victor Hocog (R-Rota) earlier said some department heads have been in their positions without the consent of the Senate, and that there have been no advice from the present administration of the official capacities of these department heads.
He mentioned the fiduciary duties of these department heads and that there might be concerns on liability, because the department heads have been making decisions.
The lawmaker questioned if these decision are “official” since the sitting Cabinet members where not re-confirmed by the Senate and that the present administration has not submitted any reappointment letters.
The departments mentioned included the Department of Finance, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Public Lands, and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
