Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified on Tuesday that Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will continue to serve as the country’s top diplomat until his reassignment as Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) is confirmed.
Under the existing rules, Manalo has to go through the Commission on Appointments first before he can assume the position as UN ambassador. His designation also has to be approved by the UN.
“Because of the necessity for him (Manalo) to be confirmed before going over as permanent envoy to the United Nations, the President recognizes the designation to be considered as done only after his confirmation,” Bersamin told reporters in a press briefing.
This means President Marcos also declined to accept Manalo’s courtesy resignation and he remains as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Bersamin said his appointment as Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN will most likely take effect by August 1 or until it is confirmed.
Malacañang has earlier named Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro as the successor of Manalo.
“He (Manalo) will remain as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs because there was misunderstanding of when he will stop performing his duties as secretary… That means that Secretary Manalo’s courtesy resignation was declined,” Bersamin said.
