16 March 2005 – The Commission on Appointments (CA) today unanimously confirmed the appointment of Alberto G. Romulo as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, concurring with the endorsement by the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the CA on the importance of an officially confirmed Foreign Secretary in order to uphold and promote the national interest abroad.

Secretary Romulo said during his opening statement before the Committee that his experience working for the Legislative and Executive branches of government will serve him in good stead as Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

“I have seen foreign policy from many perspectives and I expect to bring to my new responsibility the experience and good sense that I believe will help me carry out my duties and responsibilities,” Secretary Romulo said. “I accepted my nomination as Secretary of Foreign Affairs with a clear idea of the particular challenges and opportunities that face our country.”  (Please refer to the separate press release for the full statement of Secretary Romulo.)

In endorsing the appointment of Secretary Romulo, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the CA, said the nominee had “acquitted himself admirably” during the proceedings.

All 18 members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the CA were present during the confirmation.

Also upon endorsement by the Committee, the Commission on Appointments also confirmed the nomination of  Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Delia D. Albert as Philippine Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, Elizabeth P. Buensuceso as Philippine Ambassador to the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos  and Acmat D. Omar as Philippine Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman.  END
 

/jay