Malacañang clueless on Romulo’s exit By Michaela P. del Callar and Aytch S . de la Cruz 02/19/2011

Malacañang clueless on Romulo’s exit

By Michaela P. del Callar and Aytch S . de la Cruz 02/19/2011

Even as Malacañang disclaimed reports on the exit of Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, it insisted that his departure has not been formalized even as he has taken an indefinite leave of absence from his position.

But DFA spokesman Eduardo Malaya had already announced earlier that Romulo formally had taken an indefinite of absence, with Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio designated as the department’s acting secretary until Romulo’s successor to the post is formally appointed by President Aquino.

Malaya said Romulo filed for an indefinite leave Friday. Businessman Albert del Rosario, former Philippine Ambassador to the US under then President Gloria Arroyo, will reportedlytake over the helm of the DFA

But Malacañang yesterday rejected speculations that the DFA is functioning as a headless organization following the departure of its Romulo, whom Aquino has broadly hinted would be transferred to another governent agency..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110219hed4.html