Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo will stay as the country’s top diplomat until he receives the nod from the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA), Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Tuesday, June 3.
Manalo remains as DFA chief until his confirmation—ES Bersamin
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (DFA Photo)
President Marcos earlier designated Manalo as the country’s next permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, a post he already held under the previous administration.
But Bersamin, during a press conference, clarified that Manalo’s appointment will “most likely” take effect on Aug. 1 “because of the necessity for him to be confirmed before going over as permanent envoy to the United Nations.”
“In the meanwhile, he will remain as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Because there was a misunderstanding maybe about when he would really stop performing or discharging his duties as Secretary,” he said.
“That means that Secretary Manalo's courtesy resignation was declined. He continues to be the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. It's necessary to clarify that because there should be no uncertainty about his status,” Bersamin explained.
Once Manalo steps down as Foreign Affairs chief, DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations Ma. Theresa Lazaro will take over the agency.
Manalo will replace current UN Ambassador Antonio Manuel Lagdameo, who has signified his desire to retire as envoy.
A seasoned career diplomat, Manalo was previously DFA Undersecretary for Policy and the Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva.
Other notable positions that he held were Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Belgium, Assistant Secretary for European Affairs, Minister Counselor and Deputy Permanent Representative in the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, and First Secretary and Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC.