Palace defends Davide’s UN appointment

Malacañang defended yesterday the appointment of retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. as ambassador to the United Nations.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said President Arroyo always chooses those who can give honor to the country.

"When you choose (a person) for such a very important post, you need people of stature," he said.

"Imagine, Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN, that is no joke, and the former Chief Justice is fit for it. He is very popular, he is very competent, he has national and international stature."

Ermita said Mrs. Arroyo was considering another position for Ambassador Lauro Baja Jr. whom Davide would replace.

He was not aware of any plans to appoint Baja as the next foreign affairs secretary vice Alberto Romulo, he added.

Ermita said Baja would be on holdover because Davide’s nomination was not acted upon by the Commission on Appointments before Congress went on recess.

"Ambassador Baja is a very competent diplomat, he is serving now on term extension (being a retired diplomat)," he said.

"So until such time that Chief Justice Davide’s nomination is approved by the CA, then Ambassador Baja continues to be on holdover capacity at the UN. He has been bypassed and therefore we will submit another nomination to Congress, to the CA," Ermita said.

Romulo, who reportedly wanted to become ambassador to Washington, refused to comment on Davide’s appointment.

Meanwhile, Davide has resigned as presidential adviser on electoral reforms since he has submitted his recommendations for electoral reforms to the President, Ermita said. — Aurea Calica