MANILA — A Commission on Appointments (CA) panel postponed action on a resolution from the Sangguniang Bayan of the Municipality of Kalayaan seeking to remove remarks from the bicameral body’s records that suggested the Philippines should “give up” the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

The matter was discussed during the CA national defense committee meeting, which was held to consider the ad interim appointments of 81 generals, flag officers, and senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Senator Rodante Marcoleta moved to amend the proposed minutes of a February 4 hearing.

Marcoleta has faced criticism over controversial remarks he made during a previous CA hearing but has repeatedly maintained that his words were taken out of context.

In the resolution, local officials of Kalayaan emphasized that “not one inch of their municipality is negotiable” and that any record suggesting otherwise constitutes “a historical error that must be corrected.”

During Wednesday’s hearing, Marcoleta said his proposed amendments were meant “in the interest of accuracy, fairness, and safekeeping of accurate legislative record.”

“These proposed amendments are not intended to alter the substance of the proceedings, but merely to ensure that the minutes of the committee hearing faithfully and accurately reflect what was actually stated on record. The integrity of our institutional process depends upon the reliability of our official documents and any material mischaracterization, however unintended, must be rectified,” the senator said.

Marcoleta specifically sought to delete the portion of the minutes detailing his interpellation with Captain Jess Pilar and replace it with a detailed account of his discussion on the West Philippine Sea, the legal status of the Kalayaan Island Group, and his interactions with the Chinese Ambassador regarding possible diplomatic engagement.

Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned whether the committee had enough time to act on Marcoleta’s request during the session.

“Dahil mahaba po at saka possibly substantive ‘yung proposed revisions sa minutes … I’m wondering if we have the time to act on this proposal right now dahil pending po ‘yung plenary,” Hontiveros said.

Citing insufficient time, CA Majority Floor Leader Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo moved to refer the resolution to the commission’s secretarial legal service for further study and recommendations.

“We need more time for this to tackle this correction of the minutes of the last hearing,” Romualdo said.

Panel chairperson Rep. Jose Aquino II approved the referral with no objections.

Later in the afternoon, the CA formally approved the ad interim appointments of the AFP officials, following the committee’s endorsement to the plenary.