Miriam seeks to mend friendship with solon after CA walkout

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Thursday wrote a letter to Ilocos Norte Rep. Rudy Fariñas to restore their friendship following her walk-out at a Commission on Appointments (CA) hearing on Wednesday.

In the letter posted on her Facebook account, Santiago said she does not wish to ruin the friendship between Fariñas and her family by their disagreements on how the CA foreign affairs committee hearing should proceed.

Santiago said her exchange of arguments with Fariñas may be resolved in a "conciliatory manner."

"I humbly believe that there is no need for apology on either side.  Instead, as usual – as indicated when I waved you into the hearing hall yesterday – I hold out the hand of friendship," Santiago told Fariñas.

On Tuesday, Fariñas stopped Santiago from hearing the nomination of ambassadors and foreign service officers, claiming that the CA foreign affairs committee that she chairs lacked quorum.

In response, Santiago argued that quorum may be declared even if only the chair, vice chair or three members of the committee are present.

Feeling that her authority was being questioned, Santiago walked out of the hearing.

In her letter to Fariñas, Santiago proposed that the committee conduct the investigation of every nominee with the chair serving as quorum.

The committee will then hold a meeting where the necessary voting will be a majority of all committee members.