By DJ Yap
PDI
The Department of Foreign Affairs said on Friday it has designated a temporary replacement for outgoing Secretary Alberto Romulo, who has filed an indefinite leave of absence until the appointment of a new secretary.
DFA spokesperson Eduardo Malaya said Romulo picked his undersecretary for policy, Erlinda F. Basilio, to serve in an acting capacity for the duration of his leave of absence, effective February 18.
Malaya would not confirm reports that former Ambassador to Washington Albert del Rosario has been chosen to replace Romulo as foreign affairs secretary. “You have to ask Malacañang,†he said.
A senior DFA official questioned the timing of the change of leadership at the DFA, considering the major issues facing the agency at present.
“Now is not the best time to have a change of leadership at the department, given the three Filipinos who may be executed in a few days, the Taiwanese deportation protest and many countries in the Middle East in turmoil,†he said.
“There is need for an experienced leadership at DFA in these critical times. Since Congress adjourns only on March 25, the nomination of his successor will require confirmation by the Commission on Appointments,†the diplomat said.
Basilio rose from the ranks of the DFA, starting as Foreign Service Officer IV in 1970.
She served as Ambassador to Sweden from 1997 to 2003 and Permanent Representative to the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in Geneva from 2007 to 2010.
At the DFA, she served as Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific affairs from1995 to 1997 and Undersecretary for policy from 2006 to 2007.
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