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Sunday, July 6, 2025
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Lazaro to sustain Manalo’s gains under Marcos’ foreign policy

Incoming Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro has no issue taking over the leadership role at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) midway into the Marcos administration, saying it’s just a continuation of what outgoing Secretary Enrique Manalo has been doing for the past three years.

Lazaro was asked about her thoughts following her recent appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., as Manalo moves back into his previous role as Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

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“As far as foreign affairs, foreign policy, diplomacy, I think that’s not a problem. It’s just a continuation of what has been started by Secretary Manalo in the first three years. There are no challenges, there are no difficulties,” Lazaro told reporters in an interview on Friday.

Lazaro, a seasoned diplomat and long-time DFA undersecretary, has been the Philippines’ top negotiator to China. She acknowledged recurring challenges in the bilateral relations between Beijing in Manila, but said these are being addressed accordingly.

“There are challenges, but we have to continue to move on. This is a perfect example of people-to-people relationship and we just have to look into the positive areas. But, you know, the political part, the maritime issues, that is something that is being dealt with bilaterally,” she said.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian welcomed the appointment of Lazaro as the next DFA chief, expressing optimism that she will advance efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties between China and the Philippines.  

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