Tag: DFA

Sponsorship Speech for 20 DFA Officials at the Commission on Appointments

Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Commission on Appointments, this Representation as the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs presided over a public hearing this morning to deliberate on the nominations of eight (8) Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

The Committee likewise deliberated on the ad interim appointments of twelve (12) Senior Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs consisting of two (2) Senior Officials who are promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class I; four (4) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class II; five (5) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Career Minister; and, one (1) Senior Official promoted to the rank of Foreign Service Officer, Class I.

Your Committee, after deliberating on their qualifications and fitness during the public hearing, determined that they are fit and qualified to be in the posts where they are nominated and appointed, and therefore ruled to recommend to the plenary their appointments for the consent and approval of this body.

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for 20 DFA Officials at the Commission on Appointments”

Panukalang Batas ni Ping: Pensiyon, Benepisyo ng mga Retiradong DFA Career Officials, Dagdagan

Karagdagang buwanang pensiyon at dagdag benepisyo sa mga retiradong career officials ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), pati sa mga naaksidente o nadisgrasya habang sinusulong ang kapakanan ng mga Pinoy at ng Pilipinas sa ibayong dagat.

Ito ang pangunahing nilalaman ng Senate Bill 2347 na inihain ni Senador Panfilo Lacson bilang pag-ayuda sa kapos na buwanang pensiyon na tinatanggap ng mga nabanggit na retiradong opisyales ng kagawaran, sa kabila ng halos pagbubuwis-buhay ng mga ito sa pangangalaga ng kapakanan ng mga Pinoy sa ibayong dagat, lalo na sa mga delikadong bansa.

“Personnel of the DFA are at the frontlines of Philippine foreign relations, sometimes risking their lives under dangerous conditions in their countries of assignment. While in active service, diplomats have demonstrated their resilience as the Philippines’ first line of representation in dealing with a plethora of concerns. Their initiative, competence, professionalism, and creativity have resulted in enduring bilateral and multilateral partnerships, strategic agreements and collaborative engagements that continue to be harnessed for our people’s benefits,” paliwanag ni Lacson sa naturang panukala.

Read in ENGLISH: Lacson Bill Pushes Better Benefits for Retired DFA Career Officials
Continue reading “Panukalang Batas ni Ping: Pensiyon, Benepisyo ng mga Retiradong DFA Career Officials, Dagdagan”

Lacson Bill Pushes Better Benefits for Retired DFA Career Officials

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson took the cudgels for retired career officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as he pushed for an increase in their monthly pension and disability benefits, in exchange for their long years of looking after the welfare of Filipinos and the interests of the Philippines abroad.

Lacson, in filing Senate Bill 2347, lamented that some of our DFA retirees were receiving a measly pension despite rendering long years of service at the frontlines of Philippine foreign relations, at times risking their lives under dangerous conditions in their countries of assignment.

“Personnel of the DFA are at the frontlines of Philippine foreign relations, sometimes risking their lives under dangerous conditions in their countries of assignment. While in active service, diplomats have demonstrated their resilience as the Philippines’ first line of representation in dealing with a plethora of concerns. Their initiative, competence, professionalism, and creativity have resulted in enduring bilateral and multilateral partnerships, strategic agreements and collaborative engagements that continue to be harnessed for our people’s benefits,” he said.

Basahin sa TAGALOG: Panukalang Batas ni Ping: Pensiyon, Benepisyo ng mga Retiradong DFA Career Officials, Dagdagan
Continue reading “Lacson Bill Pushes Better Benefits for Retired DFA Career Officials”

Sponsorship Speech for 16 DFA Officials at the Commission on Appointments

Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Commission on Appointments, this Representation as the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs presided over a public hearing this morning to deliberate on the nominations of two (2) Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

The Committee likewise deliberated on the ad interim appointments of 14 Senior Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs consisting of one (1) Senior Official who is promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class I; five (5) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class II; four (4) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Career Minister; and, four (4) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Foreign Service Officer, Class I.

Your Committee, after deliberating on their qualifications and fitness during the public hearing, determined that they are fit and qualified to be in the posts where they are nominated and appointed, and therefore ruled to recommend to the plenary their appointments for the consent and approval of this body.

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for 16 DFA Officials at the Commission on Appointments”

Ping: Anong Klaseng Kaibigan ang China?

Image: CTTO

Ito ang nagtatakang tanong ni Senador Panfilo Lacson bunga ng patuloy na pangangamkam sa sakop ng teritoryo ng Pilipinas, pang-aagrabyado at pagkibit-balikat ng China sa mga protestang inihahain ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) dahil sa mga ginagawa nito sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Bunga ng mga naturang pangyayari, iminungkahi ni Lacson, chairman ng Senate Committee on National Defense, na muling pasadahan ang mga nilalaman ng diplomatic ties ng dalawang bansa.

Sa kanyang Twitter post, nanawagan din ang mambabatas sa mga kasamahang senador na suportahan si DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. sa pagpalag nito sa isa sa pinakahuling ginawa ng China sa mga Pinoy na nasa WPS.

“Maybe a review of the country’s diplomatic relations is timely and called for. All the diplomatic protests that the Secretary of Foreign Affairs filed have been ignored as if nothing was filed at all. The continued incursions and bullying finally got his goat. The Senate must support him in this regard,” banggit ni Lacson.

Related: Lacson Pushes Review of PH-China Diplomatic Ties
Continue reading “Ping: Anong Klaseng Kaibigan ang China?”

Lacson Pushes Review of PH-China Diplomatic Ties

Image: CTTO

What kind of friend – or benefactor – would take what is ours, bully us, and ignore our protests?

On this note, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson is seeking a review of the diplomatic ties between the Philippines and China, in the wake of China’s recent incursions and bullying in the West Philippine Sea.

Lacson also said the Senate should throw its support behind Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who in a tweet had told China to “get… out” after filing numerous diplomatic protests over China’s conduct.

“Maybe a review of the country’s diplomatic relations is timely and called for. All the diplomatic protests that the Secretary of Foreign Affairs filed have been ignored as if nothing was filed at all. The continued incursions and bullying finally got his goat. The Senate must support him in this regard,” Lacson, who heads the Senate’s national defense committee, said on his Twitter account late Monday.

Related: Ping: Anong Klaseng Kaibigan ang China?
Continue reading “Lacson Pushes Review of PH-China Diplomatic Ties”

Sponsorship Speech for 5 Ambassadors, 51 Senior DFA Officers at the Commission on Appointments

Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Commission on Appointments, this Representation as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over a public hearing this morning to deliberate on the nominations of five (5) Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

The Committee likewise deliberated on the ad interim appointments of fifty-one (51) Senior Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs consisting of six (6) Senior Officials who are promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class I; ten (10) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class II; ten (10) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Career Minister; and, twenty-five (25) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Foreign Service Officer, Class I.

Your Committee, after deliberating on their qualifications and fitness during the public hearing, determined that they are fit and qualified to be in the posts where they are nominated and appointed, and therefore ruled to recommend to the plenary their appointments for the consent and approval of this body.

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for 5 Ambassadors, 51 Senior DFA Officers at the Commission on Appointments”

Sponsorship Speech for Ambassador Jose Malaya III and FSO1 Ricarte Abejuella III at the Commission on Appointments

Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Commission on Appointments, this Representation as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over a public hearing this morning to deliberate on the nomination of one (1) Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and the ad interim appointment of one (1) Foreign Service Officer Class I of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Your Committee, after deliberating on their qualifications and fitness during the public hearing, determined that they are fit and qualified to be in the posts where they are nominated and appointed, and therefore ruled to recommend to the plenary their appointments for the consent and approval of the body.

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for Ambassador Jose Malaya III and FSO1 Ricarte Abejuella III at the Commission on Appointments”

Sponsorship Speech for 13 DFA Officers at the Commission on Appointments

Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Commission on Appointments, our common idol, Mr. Senate President – the fightingest secretary of the DFA, this Representation as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over a public hearing this morning to deliberate on the nominations of six (6) Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The Committee likewise deliberated on the ad interim appointments of one (1) Senior Officer to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class I, and six (6) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Foreign Service Officer, Class II.

Your Committee, after deliberating on their qualifications and fitness during the said public hearing, determined that all of the six (6) nominees and seven (7) appointees are fit and qualified to the post and position to which they are respectively promoted or nominated, and ruled to recommend to the plenary their respective nominations and appointments for the consent and confirmation of this august body.

Mr. Chairman, it is therefore my honor and privilege to recommend that the Commission give its consent to the nomination of the following Department of Foreign Affairs’ Senior Officers, namely:

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for 13 DFA Officers at the Commission on Appointments”

On DFA Sec. Locsin’s Plan to Recommend Terminating PH Govt Contracts with Chinese Firms in SCS Reclamation Activities

Screengrab: CNN Philippines Facebook page

Kudos to DFA Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin for putting the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman in his place. Banning us from sending our military aircraft into airspace near Panatag Shoal surely deserves a strong rebuke. I’m proud that our top foreign policy implementor did it.

Indeed, it’s long in coming by way of a statement from our DFA secretary. China’s display of arrogance by accusing us of infringing on its sovereignty and security by sending military aircraft into airspace adjacent to Panatag Shoal/Bajo de Masinloc, urging the Philippines to immediately stop illegal provocations, tops it all.

*****

Sponsorship Speech for Ambassadors and Foreign Service Officers at the Commission on Appointments

Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Commission on Appointments, this Representation as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over a public hearing this morning to deliberate on the nominations of three Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Committee likewise deliberated on the ad interim appointments of 10 Senior Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs promoted to the rank of Foreign Service Officer II.

Your Committee, after deliberating on their qualifications and fitness during the public hearing, determined that those who are with us in the plenary today are fit and qualified to be in the posts where they are nominated and appointed, and therefore ruled to recommend to the plenary their appointments for the consent and approval of this body.

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for Ambassadors and Foreign Service Officers at the Commission on Appointments”

Sponsorship Speech for Foreign Service Officers at the Commission on Appointments

The CA Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Sen. Lacson took up the appointments and nomination of foreign service officers, including:
* 2 Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
* 1 Foreign Service Officer Class IV
* 1 appointed to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class I
* 1 appointed to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class II
* 1 appointed to the rank of Career Minister
* 18 appointed to the rank of Foreign Service Officer, Class II

Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Commission on Appointments, this Representation as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over a public hearing this morning to deliberate on the nominations of two Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and one Foreign Service Officer Class IV.

The Committee likewise deliberated on the ad interim appointments of 21 Senior Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs consisting of one Senior Official who is promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class I; one Senior Official promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class II; one Official promoted to the rank of Career Minister; and 18 Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Foreign Service Officer, Class II.

Your Committee, after deliberating on their qualifications and fitness during the public hearing, determined that they are fit and qualified to be in the posts where they are nominated and therefore ruled to recommend to the plenary their appointments for the consent and approval of this body.

It is therefore my honor and privilege to recommend that the Commission give its consent to the nomination of the following Department of Foreign Affairs Senior Officers, namely:

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for Foreign Service Officers at the Commission on Appointments”

Sponsorship Speech for 53 Foreign Service Officers at the Commission on Appointments

The CA Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Sen. Lacson took up the appointments and nomination of 53 foreign service officers, including:
* 5 senior officials appointed to the rank of Chief of Mission Class 1
* 10 senior officials appointed to the rank of Chief of Mission Class 2
* 17 senior officials appointed to the rank of Career Ministers
* 20 officials appointed to the rank of Foreign Service Officer Class 1
* 1 officer appointed to the rank of Foreign Service Officer Class 4

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Mr. Chairman, this representation as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over a public hearing to deliberate on the ad interim appointments of 52 Senior Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs consisting of five Senior Officials who are promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class I; 10 Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class II; 17 Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Career Minister; 20 Officials promoted to the rank of Foreign Service Officer, Class I; and the nomination of one officer to the rank of Foreign Service Officer, Class IV.

Your Committee, after deliberating on their qualifications and fitness during the said public hearing, determined that all of the 52 appointees and one nominee are fit and qualified to the post where they are respectively nominated or promoted, and has therefore ruled to recommend to the plenary their respective nomination and appointments for the consent and confirmation of this august body.

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for 53 Foreign Service Officers at the Commission on Appointments”

Interview on DZMM: MDT to Prevent, Not Trigger War; Former SFA in HK | June 21, 2019

In an interview on DZMM, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Mutual Defense Treaty to prevent, not trigger war
– former SFA del Rosario in Hong Kong

Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Interview on DZMM: MDT to Prevent, Not Trigger War; Former SFA in HK | June 21, 2019”

Interview on DWIZ: On Chinese Vessel Sinking PH Boat; Sen-elect Bong Go’s Help vs ‘Pork’ | June 15, 2019

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– sinking of a Philippine fishing boat by a Chinese vessel
– corruption at PhilHealth
– Sen-elect Bong Go’s potential help vs pork

Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ: On Chinese Vessel Sinking PH Boat; Sen-elect Bong Go’s Help vs ‘Pork’ | June 15, 2019”

Sponsorship Speech for 5 Ambassadors at the Commission on Appointments

The CA Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Sen. Lacson took up the appointments of:
* Ma. Teresita Cruz Daza: Ambassador to Chile with concurrent jurisdiction over Ecuador and Peru.
* Christopher Baltazar Montero: Ambassador to Brunei.
* Noel Eugene Eusebio Mejica Servigon: Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the ASEAN in Jakarta.
* Ramon Sevilla Bagatsing Jr.: Ambassador to India, with concurrent jurisdiction over Nepal.
* Noe Albano Wong: Ambassador to Korea.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, your Committee on Foreign Affairs conducted a public hearing this morning to deliberate on the nominations of five Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

After deliberating on the qualifications and fitness of the said nominees during the public hearing, the Committee has determined that they are fit and qualified to be in the posts where they are being nominated, and therefore ruled to recommend that their nominations be approved by the body.

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for 5 Ambassadors at the Commission on Appointments”

Sponsorship Speech for 6 Ambassadors and Chief of Mission

The CA Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Sen. Lacson took up the appointments of:
* Leah Basinang-Ruiz: Ambassador to Poland with jurisdiction over Georgia and Ukraine; Estonia; Latvia; and Lithuania.
* Alex Garcia Chua: Ambassador to Kenya with jurisdiction over Burundi, Union of the Comoros, Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan; and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT).
* Ma. Theresa Dizon-de Vega: Ambassador to Germany.
* Raul Salavaria Hernandez: Ambassador to Turkey with jurisdiction over Georgia and Azerbaijan.
* Leo M. Herrera-Lim: Ambassador to Denmark.
* Jesus Santos Domingo: Ambassador to New Zealand, with jurisdiction over Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa including Cook Islands.
* Henry S. Bensurto, Jr.: Chief of Mission, Class I.

Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, your Committee on Foreign Affairs conducted a public hearing this morning to deliberate on the nominations of six Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the ad interim appointment of one Chief of Mission, Class I.

After deliberating on the qualifications and fitness of the said officials during the public hearing, the Committee has determined that they are fit and qualified to be in the posts where they are nominated and appointed, and therefore ruled to recommend to the plenary their nominations and appointment for the consent of the body.

It is therefore my honor and privilege to recommend that the Commission give its consent to the nominations of the following senior officers of the Department, namely:

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for 6 Ambassadors and Chief of Mission”

Interview on DWIZ | Jan. 19, 2019

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– need for transparency in the bicameral conference committee on the 2019 budget
– DBM Sec. Diokno’s claim that deleting P75B from DPWH budget may harm economy
– US NGO’s claim that PH is a ‘war zone in disguise’
– Sri Lankan president’s reported intent to ‘copy” PH war vs drugs
– ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and efforts to reach out to Nur Misuari
– Sen. Pacquiao’s bout vs Adrien Broner

Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ | Jan. 19, 2019”

Sponsorship Speech for DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and 47 Foreign Service Officers

The CA Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Sen. Lacson took up the appointments of:
* Teodoro Locsin Jr.: Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs
* 2 senior officials promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission Class I
* 4 senior officials promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission Class II
* 7 senior officials promoted to the rank of Career Ministers
* 16 officials promoted to the rank of Foreign Service Officers Class I
* 18 officials promoted to the rank of Foreign Service Officers Class II

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Mr. Chairman, fellow members of the Commission on Appointments, a few minutes ago, this representation as Chairman of your Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over a public hearing to deliberate on the ad interim appointment of the HON. TEODORO ‘TEDDY BOY’ LOCSIN, JR. as the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Always the maverick, quick-witted, and acerbic — never dull and never ordinary – yun bang nang-iinsulto at nanlalait na masarap pa rin pakinggan at excited ka pang marinig ang mga susunod na sasabihin.

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and 47 Foreign Service Officers”

Interview on DZBB | Nov. 25, 2018

In an interview on DZBB, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– possible pork in the 2019 budget
– agreements signed by the Philippines and China
– confirmation hearing for DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr

Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DZBB | Nov. 25, 2018”

#PingTweets: On the upcoming confirmation of Teodoro Locsin Jr. as DFA Secretary

tweet1123-locsin

CA confirms PH ambassador to Australia, 38 DFA officials [Manila Bulletin]

photo0815-010

From the Manila Bulletin: The CA Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Senator Panfilo Lacson unanimously moved to confirm the ad interim appointment of the 39 DFA officials in their respective positions.  Continue reading “CA confirms PH ambassador to Australia, 38 DFA officials [Manila Bulletin]”

Sponsorship Speech for Ambassadors Sulpicio Confiado and Akmad Sakkam

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Mr. Chairman… this Representation, as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over a public hearing yesterday morning to deliberate on the nominations of two Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Related: More photos at the CA’s confirmation hearings

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for Ambassadors Sulpicio Confiado and Akmad Sakkam”

#PingTweets: On the unsung heroes helping distressed kababayans abroad

tweet0426-ofw

Sponsorship Speech for 4 Ambassadors at the Commission on Appointments

The CA’s foreign affairs committee chaired by Sen. Lacson deliberated on the nominations of four ambassadors:
* Jocelyn S. Batoon-Garcia: Ambassador to Norway with jurisdiction over Iceland, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden.
* Denis Yap Lepatan: Ambassador to Switzerland with jurisdiction over Liechtenstein.
* Eduardo Jose Atienza de Vega: Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, Commission of the European Communities and the Council of the European Union.
* Demetrio Remedios Tuason: Ambassador to the United Mexican States, with jurisdiction over Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Dominican Republic, and Cuba.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, this Representation, as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over a public hearing this morning to deliberate on the nominations of four Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, three of whom are career officers of the Department while one is a political nominee. Your committee, after deliberating on their qualifications and fitness during the public hearing, determined that they are fit and qualified to be in their posts where they are nominated and therefore ruled to recommend to the plenary their appointments for the consent of the body.

It is therefore my honor and privilege to recommend that the Commission give its consent to the nomination of the following DFA Senior Officers, namely:

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for 4 Ambassadors at the Commission on Appointments”

Sponsorship Speech for DFA Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano, before the Commission of Appointments

Mr. Chairman, this morning, this Representation, being the Chairman of your Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over probably the shortest public hearing to recommend to this honorable commission to give its consent to the nomination of Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano as the Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs.

In the spirit of consistency, I will now deliver the shortest sponsorship speech. Thus, Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, it is my distinct honor and privilege to move that the Commission give its consent to the nomination of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs.

I so move, Mr. Chairman.

*****

Sponsorship Speech for 3 Ambassadors and 2 Foreign Service Officers before the Commission on Appointments

Likewise, the Committee deliberated on the nominations of three Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and the ad interim appointments of two Foreign Service Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Chairman, having evaluated their fitness and qualifications, your Committee ruled that the three nominees and two appointees possess all the fitness and qualifications to the positions which they were nominated or appointed.

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for 3 Ambassadors and 2 Foreign Service Officers before the Commission on Appointments”

On the Appointment of Perfecto Yasay Jr. as DFA Secretary

Mr. Chairman, this representation as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over two public hearings on February 22 and March 8, 2017 to deliberate on the ad interim appointment of DFA Secretary-designate Perfecto Rivas Yasay, Jr. which was submitted to the Committee’s jurisdiction for its consideration.

In the short course of time since the appointment of Secretary Yasay, various compelling issues have been leveled at him in magnified proportions – all considerably relevant and pertinent to the deliberation of his fitness and qualification as the Foreign Affairs Secretary. Continue reading “On the Appointment of Perfecto Yasay Jr. as DFA Secretary”

Sponsorship Speech for Teodoro Locsin Jr. and 21 Career Officers of the DFA at the Commission of Appointments

Mr. Chairman, this representation as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided (over) a public hearing to deliberate on the nomination of MR. TEODORO LOPEZ LOCSIN, JR. as Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations and the ad interim appointments of 21 Career Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs that were submitted to the Committee’s jurisdiction for its consideration. The Committee ruled that the nominee and all the appointees possess the fitness and qualification to perform their duties, and recommended that their nomination and appointments be submitted to the plenary for its confirmation.

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for Teodoro Locsin Jr. and 21 Career Officers of the DFA at the Commission of Appointments”

Sponsorship Speech for Ambassadors at the Commission of Appointments

Mr. Presiding Officer, the distinguished Vice Chairman of the CA, your Committee on Foreign Affairs which I chair conducted a public hearing to deliberate on the nominations of four ambassadors that were submitted to the committee’s jurisdiction for its consideration. The Committee thereafter ruled that all the nominees possess the fitness and qualifications to perform their duties, and recommended that their nominations be submitted to the plenary for confirmation.

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for Ambassadors at the Commission of Appointments”