A was a career Ambassador when he accepted an ad interim appointment as Cabinet Member. The Commission on Appointments bypassed his ad interim appointment, however, and he was not re-appointed. Can he re-assume his position as career Ambassador? (5%)
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No, A cannot re-assume his position as a career Ambassador. Under Article VII, Section 13 of the Constitution, Cabinet Members are strictly prohibited from holding any other office during their tenure. Moreover, an
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Quick check
What is the legal nature of an ad interim appointment made by the President during a recess of Congress?
An ad interim appointment is permanent in nature and takes effect immediately upon acceptance.
What happens to an incumbent career official's former office upon accepting an incompatible ad interim Cabinet appointment?
Acceptance of an incompatible permanent position results in the immediate abandonment and forfeiture of the former office.
Under Article VII, Section 13 of the Constitution, what restriction applies to Cabinet Members regarding dual office-holding?
Article VII, Section 13 strictly prohibits Cabinet Members from holding any other office or employment during their tenure.
What is the legal effect when the Commission on Appointments bypasses an ad interim appointment?
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How can a former career Ambassador re-acquire their diplomatic post after abandoning it to accept a Cabinet appointment?
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Learn more about these topics
1. Ad Interim Appointments
An ad interim appointment is a permanent appointment made by the President during the recess of Congress. It takes effect immediately upon acceptance and remains valid until disapproved by the Commission on Appointments or until the next adjournment of Congress. Because of its permanent nature, acceptance of an ad interim appointment immediately vests the appointee with the title to the office. Consequently, accepting an ad interim position vacates any previously held permanent public office, as a public officer cannot simultaneously hold two incompatible permanent positions.
2. Incompatible Office Doctrine
Under the law on public officers, a person who accepts a second public office that is incompatible with their existing office is deemed to have ipso facto abandoned the first office. Incompatibility exists where the nature and duties of the two offices are such that holding both creates a conflict of interest, or where explicit constitutional or statutory provisions prohibit dual office-holding. Under Article VII, Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution, Cabinet members are strictly barred from holding any other office or employment during their tenure, causing immediate forfeiture of prior office.
3. Congressional Bypass Effect
The bypassing of an ad interim appointment occurs when Congress adjourns without the Commission on Appointments acting on the nomination. While a bypass terminates the appointee's right to continue serving in the ad interim post, it does not operate to revive or restore title to a previously held public office that was legally vacated or abandoned upon acceptance of the ad interim appointment. Once an office is vacated through the voluntary acceptance of an incompatible position, re-acquisition of the former post requires a completely new appointment and confirmation.