Noynoy, DFA officials in hot water for diplomats’ extension
By Michaela P. del Callar 07/06/2010 Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo’s move to extend the term of 21 political ambassadors appointed by former President Gloria Arroyo beyond June 30 could be illegal and put him, those envoys, Department of Foreign Affairs finance officers and even President Aquino in hot water, two diplomats said yesterday. A senior DFA diplomat said that under the Constitution only the President has the power to appoint or re-appoint officials and diplomats “but not extend their terms.” “The political ambassadors’ term ended by operation of law on June 30. After that they have become private citizens. So there’s nothing to extend because their legal tie to the office was cut off,” the veteran diplomat, who asked not to be named, told the Tribune. In an internal memorandum circular, Romulo instructed the envoys to stay in their posts until Sept. 30 to allow them to finish protocol and administrative arrangements before they formally end their tour of duty. “Official action needed is an appointment, not extension and therefore the Commission on Appointments confirmation is needed. That extension could also be illegal,” the diplomat said. According to Romulo, additional period was needed to allow these ambassadors to make farewell calls on host government officials and diplomatic colleagues and wrap up their tour. The senior DFA diplomat, however, said deputy chiefs of mission or other lower-level diplomats can stay on to take charge of Philippine embassies and diplomatic functions while the new government looks for replacements. Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said in a statement issued by Malacanang that he and Romulo have jointly recommended to Aquino to allow a three-month extension of the terms of the ambassadors, whose terms were deemed to have ended with that of former leader Gloria Arroyo on June 30.... MORESource: The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100706hed6.html |
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