confirmation by the Commission on Appointments of the Regional Assembly and shall hold office co-terminus with the Regional Governor, unless sooner removed. The Regional Governor shall submit the nominations or appointments of the cabinet secretaries within fifteen (15) days from signing thereof. The nominee shall submit to the Commission all pertinent documents required by the Assembly within fifteen (15) days from the date of submission of his/her nomination or appointment by the Regional Governor to the Commission. Failure to comply with the provisions of the preceding paragraphs may be a ground for the rejection of the nomination or appointment. Nominees who are yet to be confirmed are only authorized to exercise routine administrative authority such as to approve and sign voucher and payroll for salaries and wages of personnel, countersigning check corresponding therefor, purchase of minimal quantity of office supplies and material, approve official travel attendance or participation in trainingseminar workshop and conference. SEC. 18. Appointment Process. - The regular appointments which are contemplated under Section 2, Article VII of RA 9054 go through the following stages: (1) Nomination; (2) Consent; and (3) Appointment. The Regional Governor sends to the Commission the nomination of the candidate. After the Commission has given its consent, the Regional Governor issues the appointment. It is only when the last stage has been completed may the officer concerned take his oath of office. The Regional Governor may issue appointments while the Regional Assembly is not in session. Such appointments are called ad interim appointment, and it goes through the following stages: (1) Appointment; and (2) Confirmation. An ad interim appointment is permanent in nature and takes effect immediately. Thus, one who is issued an ad interim appointment may immediately enter upon the discharge of his functions. It ceases to be valid upon disapproval by the Commission on Appointments or, if not confirmed, until the next adjournment of the Regional Assembly. 42