Senator Bam Aquino admitted on Monday that the secret voting system in the Commission of Appointments (CA) was “problematic,” citing not only the issue of accountability but also the issue of “honesty” by some of its members. “The secret voting system proved to be problematic with former Sec. Lopez’ confirmation,” Aquino, a CA member, said in a text message, referring to outgoing Environment Secretary Gina Lopez, whose confirmation was rejected by the Commission last Wednesday. Aquino, deputy minority leader in the Senate, said he would take up the matter with the CA minority if there is a need to revisit or modify the current secret voting system. Some CA members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, however, claimed that at 16 members voted to reject Lopez and only eight voted for her confirmation.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 08, 2017 07:07 UTC