Post of RP envoy to Iraq a ‘juicy’ job

Being ambassador to Iraq could be a rewarding job.

Key figures in the Arroyo administration are said to be lobbying to be named the next ambassador to the oil-rich country now under US military occupation.

Last week, President Arroyo announced the appointment of Jose Ibazeta, a consultant of Andres Soriano Corp., as the new ambassador to Iraq.

But Malacañang said Ibazeta will go to Iraq, "not as a diplomat but as head of a task force."

Diplomatic sources told The STAR being chief of the Philippine mission in post-war Iraq would be a "juicy" post because there would be "a lot of opportunities" to corner contracts for construction, manpower, materials, systems processes and technology.

"It will be a juicy post (appointment as ambassador to Iraq)," one source said.

Sources said Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has been lobbying for Ambassador to Kuwait Bayani Mangibin, a fellow Pangasinense, to be named envoy to Iraq on a concurrent capacity.

"Here, JDV would have an interest (if the person he is lobbying gets appointed ambassador) for contracts on construction, manpower, materials, procedures, systems processes and technology," a source said.

Sources said if Malacañang formally names Ibazeta ambassador to Iraq, he would have "opportunities" to corner contracts in Iraq’s reconstruction.

"Not for himself, but for the Philippines and Kamag-Anak Incorporated," the source said.

Ibazeta was recommended by the group of former foreign affairs secretary Roberto Romulo, whose opinion is "valued" by Mrs. Arroyo.

Sources said Malacañang announced Ibazeta’s appointment last week to "preempt" De Venecia’s lobbying for Mangibin to be the country’s chief of mission in Iraq.

Despite the intramurals, Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople said he is confident the Philippines will have the edge over other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for business opportunities in post-war Iraq.