Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. back in CA in House reshuffle

MANILA, Philippines — The newest reshuffle in the House of Representatives saw Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. reclaiming his seat in the Commission on Appointments.

Aside from Floirendo, the latest batch of appointees included former speaker and Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr., who was named foreign relations committee chairman, and Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison, designated deputy speaker.

Belmonte replaced Isabela’s Ana Cristina Go, who took over from him as chair of the special committee on West Philippine Sea.

Arbison thanked Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo “for her trust and confidence.”

“We are thankful, for this will ensure the continued representation of the people of Mindanao in the leadership of the House,” Arbison said.

Floirendo lost his CA seat at the height of his bitter quarrel with erstwhile close friend former speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. He was also stripped of his membership in the ruling PDP-Laban party, of which Alvarez is secretary- general.

He is facing a graft case in the Sandiganbayan arising from a complaint filed by the former speaker.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda was elected chairman of the special committee on climate change, while Davao Oriental Rep. Corazon Malanyaon was chosen new chair of the committee on tourism, vice Leyte Rep. Lucy Gomez.

Gomez, who sided with Alvarez in the election for new speaker last July 23, also lost her membership of several committees.

Marikina Rep. Bayani Fernando was named chairman of the committee on public works and highways.

Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. presented the appointments, which the House plenary session approved.