3 DFA officials eyed as new envoy to US

Three career officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) have been recommended to replace resigned Ambassador to the United States Albert del Rosario.

According to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, he submitted the names of the three career officers to President Arroyo as possible replacements for Del Rosario, whose resignation takes effect on July 8.

Though Romulo did not identify the career officials, Consul General Willy Gaa of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Lauro Baja Jr. were reportedly being considered to replace Del Rosario. Both worked their way up as career diplomats.

Romulo expressed appreciation to Del Rosario for his outstanding work and remarkable achievements as Manila’s envoy to the US for the past five years.

He said Del Rosario played a crucial role in helping move Philippine-US relations forward at a time when both countries faced new challenges and fresh opportunities.

Romulo added Mrs. Arroyo accepted Del Rosario’s resignation and took note of the envoy’s contributions to the successful pursuit of Philippine foreign policy.

He said Del Rosario worked extensively with the Filipino-American community by mobilizing them to make even greater contributions to the growth and future of the country.

Del Rosario assumed the ambassadorial post on Oct. 13, 2001.

Reports said Mrs. Arroyo is considering Gaa to replace Del Rosario.

Gaa ended his tour of duty in Australia in January 2002. He headed the Asia Pacific Division of the DFA before his posting in Beijing in November 2003.

Romulo himself was also reportedly being groomed as next ambassador to Washington.

Romulo though maintained he had no interest nor desire for any ambassadorial post.

Former trade secretary Cesar Bautista and Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes were also considered as "probables" for the post. - Pia Lee-Brago