Luli’s batchmates take oath at DFA

President Arroyo’s only daughter was notably absent when the country’s latest batch of foreign service offi-cers took their oath yesterday.

Still, Evangeline Lourdes "Luli" Arroyo sent her best wishes to two friends mi-nutes before they were inducted by Vice President and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teofisto Guingona Jr.

"I will be there with you in spirit," the young Arroyo said in a text message to batchmate Noel Novicio.

Arroyo, Novicio and Myca Magnolia had earlier passed the foreign service officer exams last year – the only three successful examinees out of 3,000 who wanted to enter the diplomatic service.

While Mrs. Arroyo has signed the papers of Novicio and Magnolia, she has deferred action on the appointment of her daughter for fear of being accused of nepotism.

The President has already sought legal advice on whether the papers could be signed by other officials, but the Law of Public Officers dictates that the Chief Executive cannot delegate the said function.

Foreign affairs officials earlier insisted the President should immediately sign the papers since the young Arroyo was highly qualified to be a diplomat.

Yesterday’s ceremonies also included the oath taking of senior officers recently promoted by the Board of Foreign Service Administration.

The promoted officers were Ronald Allarey, Virginia Benavidez, Sonia Brady, Alberto Encomienda, Abraham Estavillo, Bayani Mangibin, Teresita Mendiola, Bayani Mercado, Oscar Orcine, Shulan Primavera and Francisco Santos.

Guingona said the career diplomats passed the required examinations and earned merits based on skill and industry.