Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to retain Secretary Enrique Manalo at the Department of Foreign Affairs, saying Manalo is “the most undeserving” of being replaced in the Cabinet.
Rodriguez praised Manalo’s clear vision and work in protecting Philippine sovereignty, especially in relation to the West Philippine Sea. He credited Manalo for pushing the Maritime Zone and Archipelagic Sea Lanes laws, both of which Rodriguez co-authored.
He also highlighted Manalo’s success in establishing international security partnerships and leading the DFA with professionalism, integrity, and efficiency as a career diplomat.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Manalo would be reassigned as the country’s permanent representative to the United Nations, replacing Antonio Lagdameo Sr., who is retiring on July 31. DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro is set to replace Manalo.
Rodriguez said the reassignment is effectively a “demotion,” since Manalo would report to his former subordinate. He instead urged the President to appoint another senior diplomat to the UN post, calling it a “plum” role that many career officials aspire to.
