Japan accepts Siazon

The Japanese government has accepted the designation of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr. as Philippine ambassador to Tokyo even without his confirmation from the Commission on Appointments (CA).

In a note verbale dated April 30, the Japanese Embassy said Tokyo was pleased to grant its agrémont to the appointment of Siazon.

Siazon was named ambassador to Japan shortly after President Arroyo assumed office in January. He, however, cannot take the place of current Philippine ambassador to Tokyo Romero Arguelles because the CA will not meet yet until the Congress convenes in June.

If the CA does not approve of his nomination, Japan’s acceptance will also be useless for Siazon.

Siazon resigned as foreign affairs secretary when former President Joseph Estrada was ousted by a peaceful people’s uprising last January.

He was first appointed by then President Fidel Ramos on May 1, 1995 and was retained by Mr. Estrada upon his election in 1998.

The highlight of Siazon’s diplomatic career was his election in 1985 as Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Siazon was the first head of that agency to hold the position for two consecutive terms (1985 to 1993) and was the highest-ranking Filipino executive in the United Nations System.

As UNIDO Director General, he transformed the organization from an autonomous department into an independent specialized agency. He has been recognized for initiating innovative programs to support the industrialization efforts of developing nations in a sustainable manner. – Aurea Calica