Quimbo Named Acting Appropriations Panel Chair

Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo will be taking over the post of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co as chairman of the House of Representatives' appropriations committee, but only in an acting capacity, House secretary general Reginald Velasco said yesterday.

- By DELON PORCALLA

For purposes of clarity, Velasco cited Rule 9 of the House governing committees, of which Section 32 provides rules on "vacancy and succession" with regard to the 19th Congress (July 2022 to June 2025).

"The designation of Quimbo as the acting leader of the House committee on appropriations is in compliance with the rules," he stressed, noting the lawmaker-economist sits as the panel’s “senior vice chairperson,” which fits and qualifies her under the House rules.

As per House rules, in cases of “vacancy, death, resignation, permanent disability or removal” of the panel chairman, such post shall be “filled by the member next in succession in the committee list,” which is Quimbo, a second-term legislator.