Gaa named charge d’affaires to Washington

The Philippines’ consul general to Los Angeles has been appointed charge d’affaires to Washington.

Consul General Willy Gaa said he was given verbal instructions to assume the post on July 25 when he returns to the United States.

"But I am still waiting for the official order," he told reporters.

Earlier reports said Gaa is being considered as a replacement for Ambassador to the United States Albert del Rosario, who resigned last month. His resignation took effect on July 8.

Gaa said he had no idea that he would be named charge d’affaires. He will be in the Philippines until July 22. Gaa is giving a 500-strong delegation of Filipino-Americans, Filipino-Canadians, Americans and Canadians a tour of the Philippines.

Many Filipinos in the delegation have not been back in the Philippines for years while the visit is a first time for the others.

"Many of you have taken American and Canadian citizenships but many of you have also applied and taken dual citizenship. Thank you for your faith in the Philippines and your love for democracy," Mrs. Arroyo told them during their visit to Malacañang yesterday.

"I wish you could help us communicate the good news and the real issues to all our friends in North America." — Aurea Calica