Rodriguez accepts nomination as envoy to Germany

Former Immigration Commissioner Rufus Rodriguez has accepted his nomination as Philippine ambassador to Germany, and expressed his thanks to President Arroyo for giving him the opportunity to serve the government "for a second time."

Rodriguez, the current chief of staff of Sen. Luisa Ejercito Estrada, and the BI commissioner during the Estrada administration said that his acceptance of the nomination was made easier by the hearty approval given by former President Joseph Estrada.

Rodriguez had also served as lawyer of the former president and of the opposition coalition Puwersa ng Masa.

"They told me to go ahead and accept the post for my personal advancement and for the opportunity to do more for the country," Rodriguez told The STAR.

Sen. Blas Ople, chairman of the Senate committee on foreign affairs, said that he welcomes the appointment of qualified men in the opposition like Rodriguez in the administration "provided the opposition men are not used for partisan purposes."

Rodriguez gave assurance that he would not perform any partisan act but only to further the greater national welfare.

"I still have to hurdle confirmation by the Commission on Appointments, but if I am confirmed, I would not be a diplomat who would be attending solely cocktails and rituals," he said.

He said that once he becomes ambassador, he would devote most of his time to protecting the interests of thousands of Filipinos working in Germany, inviting businessmen to invest in the Philippines, and helping open German doors to more Philippine products. — Efren Danao