‘GMA’s appointment of ambassadors-at-large her prerogative’

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday said there is nothing wrong with President Arroyo’s appointment of several ambassadors-at-large, since this is a presidential prerogative.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Gilberto Asuque said the DFA is ready to clarify issues regarding the appointment of ambassadors-at-large if asked by the Senate.

"The DFA would be pleased to clarify this point at an appropriate time and forum. The President appoints people of her confidence to help her in governance," Asuque said.

He said the appointments of Presidential Adviser on International Competitiveness Roberto Romulo and businessman Donald Dee, whom she also named special envoy for international trade, are "honorific" titles for them to perform specific assignments given by the President and they are not entitled to emoluments and salaries.

"The appointments of ambassadors-at-large do not include emoluments due to foreign-service officers and chiefs of mission I and II (or ambassadors). They don’t carry emoluments for their posts. These are only honorific titles," he said.

Asuque added that the title of ambassador is held by career officers even after they retire from service, noting that all countries may opt to appoint ambassadors-at-large for specific functions the President may want performed.

"Once an ambassador, you hold the title forever for representing the country at some point in your career," Asuque added. "But certainly the DFA would explain the points raised by Sen. (Aquilino) Pimentel (Jr.) at the appropriate time and forum. It’s an honorific title that is not paid and (there is) no salary for that," he said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo defended the appointment of "retirable" ambassadors who passed the grilling of the Commission on Appointments (CA) last week.

In a press briefing, Romulo defended his decision to nominate the 11 ambassadors led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Sonia Brady, who has been confirmed as the country’s new envoy to China, saying they represent the highest and most outstanding qualities of diplomats.