The Commission on Appointments on Wednesday confirmed the appointments of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab as colonels of the Philippine Army Reserve Command in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The promotions of the two Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) stalwarts, who both became AFP reservists in 2008, were confirmed with no objections from the members of the powerful body.
In his endorsement speech, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go hailed Duterte-Carpio’s knowledge and experience as a lawyer and a public servant.
Duterte-Carpio, who passed the Philippine Bar Examination in 2006, has served as the Vice Mayor of Davao City from 2007 to 2010 and as City Mayor from 2010 to 2013, and from 2016 up to the present.
“Under her leadership, Davao has continued to grow as a socio-economic powerhouse in the country. Ito po ay mas strikto pa po ito kaysa sa tatay niya lalung-lalo na po kapag interes ng bawat Dabawenyo at bawat Pilipino ang pinag-uusapan (She is more strict than her father, especially when the interest of every Dabawenyo and every Filipino is concerned),” Go said referring to Sara’s father, President Rodrigo Duterte.
He said Duterte-Carpio’s forming of the HNP, a political party that began with a regional scope but soon had national influence, “is proof of her exemplary leadership skills and organizational acumen.”
“With her strength of character, outstanding background and proven love for country, I am confident that Mayor Sara Duterte will be a great asset to the Philippine Army Reserve Command,” Go said.
On the other hand, Go hailed Ungab as the “first Mindanaoan lawmaker” to hold the chairmanship of the House Appropriations Committee.
“(It is) a position he held with integrity and resolve,” he said.
He said Ungab was also cited by the late Senator and Senate President Ernesto Maceda as one of the Top Ten Performing Congressmen in 2014 and was awarded a Reservist Katapatan “Lapu-Lapu” Badge in recognition to his spirit of volunteerism and willingness to support the programs of the AFP.
“I have confidence that Congressman Ungab is well-qualified to perform the duties and responsibilities that accompany his post,” Go said. (PNA)
