RP envoy to Germany wants term extension

MANILA, Philippines - Ambassador to Berlin Delia Albert wants to remain in Germany beyond the three-month extension of her tour of duty.

Sources at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) told The STAR yesterday Albert intends to resolve the Fraport-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 controversy.

“Ambassador Albert is lobbying to be retained,” a career diplomat said. “She said she is needed to resolve the Fraport problem.”

The German company had urged the Philippine government to honor legal contracts with them.

Last March, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo suddenly named Alfonso Yuchengco as Philippine ambassador to Berlin, with barely three months left in her term.

However, the 86-year-old business tycoon did not have a chance to face the Commission on Appointments for confirmation.

Albert stayed in Berlin pending the CA confirmation of Yuchengco.

She has been ambassador to Berlin since January 2005.

Albert was secretary of foreign affairs from Dec. 22, 2003 to Aug. 18, 2004, succeeding the late Blas Ople.