MANILA, Philippines -  Malacañang on Tuesday said it will investigate the alleged irregular appointments of 13 government officials to various departments and agencies despite an election appointment ban.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said a review of the so-called midnight appointments is needed to check if their appointment papers are aboveboard.

"So far it was reported only but I’m sure the government will try to see the truthfulness of its midnight appointees. If so, appropriate actions will be taken,”Lacierda said.

A Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism report earlier said President Arroyo approved the 13 midnight appointments on June 10, 2010, a day after Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III was proclaimed new President by the joint committee of Congress.

The 13 officials are:

1. Defense Undersecretary Proceso Domingo, appointed to the rank of CESO 1;
2. Public Works Regional Director Angelito Twano to CESO III;
3. Presidential Management Staff Director Susan Solo to CESO III;
4. Agriculture Regional Director Remedios Ongtangco to CESO III;
5. National Food Authority Department Manager Mercedes Yacapin to CESO IV;
6. Department of Education Regional Director Teofila Villanueva to CESO III;
7. Philippine Orthopedic Center Chief of Medical Professional Staff Luisito Maano to CESO V;
8. Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar to CESO I;
9. Science and Technology Undersecretary Graciano Yumul to CESO I;
10.  Interior and Local Government Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta to CESO II;
11.  Trade and Industry Provincial Director Desiderio Belas to CESO III; and
12-13.    Presidential Management Staff Directors Irene Calingo and Josephine Raynes to CESO III.