MANILA, Philippines – It took less than two minutes for the so-called “little president” to be recommended for confirmation by a Commission on Appointments committee.

The CA committee on government corporations and other offices swiftly moved for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Wednesday, October 19.

Afer a short introduction from Medialdea, committee vice-chairman Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, a known ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, immediately moved to confirm Duterte’s childhood friend.

Zubiri’s motion was instantly seconded by Senator Loren Legarda, a member of the panel.

Medialdea, commonly known as “Bingbong,” was part of the Duterte transition committee that vet appointees to the new administration.

Medialdea, a lawyer, filed Duterte’s certificate of candidacy before the Commission on Elections in November 2015. He is the son of former Supreme Court Associate Justice Leo Medialdea.

He started government service in 1998 as member of the Boards of Trustees and Administrator of Livelihood Corporation (now National Livelihood Development Corporation), a  government-owned and controlled corporation.

Medialdea served the administration of President Joseph Estrada as undersecretary for political affairs. – Rappler.com