By BEN ROSARIO
Sacked on the last day of session as chairman of the powerful House Committee on Public Accounts, Anakalusugan partylist Rep. Michael Defensor was cited by his successor, Probinsyano Ako partylist Rep. Jose “Bonito” C. Singson Jr., yesterday for his success in steering the House panel into “a potent anti-graft arm of the House of Representatives.”
Singson said he is ready to take over the House panel’s chairmanship but admitted that Defensor’s brand of leadership “can be a tough act of follow.”
Before his chairmanship of the public accounts panel, Singson was assistant minority leader.
It will be recalled that the minority bloc has sought leadership of the House panel.
Singson lauded Defensor for demonstrating uncommon statesmanship and competent chairmanship of the Committee on Public Accounts.
Defensor readily accepted the current House leadership’s decision. The former Quezon City congressman previously assured House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco that he was ready to give up the chairmanship if asked to.
Following his election, Singson immediately reached out to Defensor to assure the former chairman of swift action on legislative measures pending before the committee.
He asked Defensor to continue to actively play a vital role in the House panel’s bid to pursue measures that would guarantee Filipinos utmost observance of public accountability, competence, and honesty among State employees and officials.
Singson said he and Defensor share a common goal of strengthening the oversight powers of Congress, pointing out that this one way of delivering efficient and honest governance.
“Mike’s style of leadership of the committee was uncompromising and endowed with utmost intellect but always fair. That can be a tough act to follow but I will do my utmost to measure up,” said Singson.
Before his election as committee chairman, Singson was deputy minority leader. He joined the majority camp as soon as Velasco was elected speaker last October.
Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante was also a former minority bloc member as its leader. He is now deputy speaker.
According to Singson, the Committee on Public Accounts will immediately line up for hearing 20 pending legislative tasks, 16 of which are resolutions proposing congressional inquiries on various issues affecting various government agencies and programs.
