Davide takes oath as RP rep to UN

CEBU — Retired chief justice Hilario Davide Jr. took his oath yesterday as ambassador to the United Nations before President Arroyo.

He will replace Ambassador Lauro Baja Jr., a career diplomat.

Victoriano Lecaros, ASEAN spokesman, told reporters yesterday Davide took his oath after the ASEAN-Korea Summit at the Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort.

Diplomatic sources said Malacañang is determined to push Davide’s nomination, which has not yet been approved by the Commission on Appointments.

Malacañang expressed optimism that Senators Loi Ejercito and Jinggoy Estrada would no longer block Davide’s appointment.

The 71-year-old Davide’s nomination was deemed bypassed by the CA when Congress adjourned last Dec. 22 without taking up his appointment.

Lecaros said there was nothing irregular in Davide’s oath-taking.

"Filipino diplomats actually have the option to take oath before or after their confirmation," he said.

Lecaros said Baja, who served as foreign affairs undersecretary for policy, will be given a special assignment after he is recalled.

As Chief Justice, Davide presided over the unfinished impeachment trial of President Joseph Estrada in December 2000 to January 2001.

Baja, who was named ambassador to the UN after he retired from the service, has over 40 years of diplomatic experience.