Malacañang: No reappointment of Gaa to Washington

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has not reappointed Ambassador to Washington Willy Gaa, Malacañang said yesterday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said it is not true that Gaa has been retained.

“No, there has been no appointment of Ambassador Willy Gaa,” she said. “From memory, only five have been announced as political envoys.”

The order of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo was for political ambassadors to stay until their replacements have been made, Valte said.

Mr. Aquino had reportedly asked Gaa, a career diplomat who is already due for recall, to remain in his post for at least six months “until a suitable replacement is found.”

The position of Gaa was reportedly offered to former trade secretary Juan Santos, a member of the Hyatt 10 group of Cabinet members who resigned in 2005 and asked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to do the same.

Santos was reportedly slated to replace Romulo, whom Mr. Aquino eventually retained.                                       

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