MANILA (Mabuhay) – Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago on Wednesday called Congressman Rodolfo Farinas “Mr. Never Wrong” after the latter insisted on sticking to the Commission on Appointment rules in confirming the appointments of foreign service officials.
“There is someone who is always Mr. Right. There is always someone who is Mr. Wrong. And there is always someone who is always Mr. Never Wrong. Yan ang problema natin diyan,” she said.
She said her normal procedure is that she would move to confirm the appointment of an ambassador or foreign service official if there were no questions. Since these nominees had no derogatory record, she said the confirmation process should be smooth sailing.
Santiago, who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, said she originally called for a hearing at 10 a.m. and then had it moved to 11 a.m.
She said she came on time while the other lawmakers had yet to arrive.
The senator said Farinas’ proposal would only delay the hearing as they waited for a majority of the 18 committee members to arrive.
“Patatagalin niya e. That is so bureaucratic and I hate it. I hate bureaucracy for the sake of delay,” she said.
“I am always punctual not as a personal eccentricity but because I hate to make the public wait.”
“Ano pang hihintayin mo dahil their majesties did not come on time? That is the problem with these people, especially people from the House. They are so legalistic. Law is made for man, not otherwise.”
She said Farinas’ act made her feel embarrassed in front of the committee and those waiting confirmation.
“I resent being embarrassed in front of my own committee and in front of nominees who have come here in barong tagalog,” she said. (MNS)