The STAR learned from a highly reliable source yesterday that Mrs. Arroyo signed the appointment of Alvarez before she flew to Kuwait Sunday.
The STAR tried but failed to get an official statement from Alvarez, who was out of town.
Cecille Guidote-Alvarez, however, confirmed that her husband had accepted a new assignment from Mrs. Arroyo.
"But Sonny would like the Palace to be the one to make the official announcement about it," she said.
Mrs. Alvarez had just arrived from the United States where she underwent treatment for cancer.
Alvarez was said to have not taken any new post after his replacement as environment and natural resources secretary because of the illness of his wife.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople said yesterday he has recommended to Mrs. Arroyo that senior Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Lauro Baja be named as the new ambassador to the United Nations.
Ambassador Alfonso Yuchengco has retired as Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations. – Marichu Villanueva