CAGAYAN devOro City — Camiguin’s lone district representative Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo’s election as Majority Leader of the Commission on Appointments (CA) could give Northern Mindanao a stronger voice in decisions involving key national government appointments.
Former Cagayan de Oro City Councilor George Goking said Romualdo’s new position strengthens Mindanao’s representation in an important national body.
“Mindanao is now well represented,” Goking said.
For business leader and former Oro Chamber of Commerce president and chairman Ray Talimio Jr., the bigger question is how Romualdo will use the position to push regional concerns at the national level.
Talimio said the role could give Romualdo greater influence that may benefit not only Camiguin but the entire Northern Mindanao region.
Romualdo was elected during the CA plenary session at the Senate on Aug. 13.
As Majority Leader, he will help manage the commission’s order of business, committee referrals and the confirmation process for presidential appointees.
The CA reviews and acts on the President’s appointments to key government posts, giving the commission an important role in determining who gets to serve in major national positions.
Goking said Romualdo’s election reflects the growing presence of Mindanao leaders in key national institutions.
Romualdo, a former Camiguin governor and longtime lawmaker, thanked his colleagues from the Senate and House for their trust.
“I am deeply honored by the trust reposed in me by my colleagues in the Commission on Appointments,” Romualdo said.
For Northern Mindanao, the challenge now is whether the new position will translate into greater regional influence and concrete attention to local concerns at the national level.
