Executive Sec. Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. clarified on Friday last week that former ambassador Albert F. Del Rosario was appointed by President Benigno S. Aquino III as presidential adviser for international relations and acting foreign secretary in concurrent capacity so he could immediately take over the post vacated by Secretary Alberto Romulo.
"The President administered Secretary Del Rosario’s oath of office as presidential adviser for international affairs to allow him to immediately take over the responsibilities in the Department of Foreign Affairs following the resignation of Sec. Romulo," Ochoa told reporters at the sidelights of the unveiling of the statue of Cardinal Sin in Manila.
Ad interim appointments of Cabinet secretaries are prohibited when Congress is in session.
According to Ochoa, President Aquino wanted to ensure a quick and seamless transition at the Foreign Affairs department in the light of developments in Libya.
The Executive Secretary added, "Del Rosario was chosen for his experience as former ambassador and his sterling record in public service."
Del Rosario, who was head of the Philippine mission to the United States from 2001 to 2006, is a recipient of the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu; the EDSA II Presidential Heroes Award for fostering Philippine democracy; and the Philippine Army Award for his accomplishments as chairman of the Makati Foundation for Education. /MP
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