Noy likely to announce new envoy to China on Monday

CEBU , Philippines – President Aquino is likely to announce his choice for the new ambassador to China on Monday, based on a recommendation from Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, who described the diplomat – a female – as “very capable.”

Aquino stressed Del Rosario’s recommendation would still have to undergo the usual appointment process before being formally nominated to replace Sonia Brady, who is still recovering from a stroke.

“With a little luck, hopefully, by February, she will be in Beijing,” Aquino told reporters yesterday in an ambush interview.

He said he would talk to the candidate on Monday before submitting her nomination to the Commission on Appointments.

Aquino met with members of the Liberal Party here and led the celebration of the canonization of Pedro Calungsod.

Brady suffered a stroke in August at the height of tensions with China over Panatag Shoal or three months after her appointment.

There are talks within the Department of Foreign Affairs that Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio is the one being considered to replace Brady.

Sources also said the President wanted someone “senior” and that candidates in their 50s were not senior enough for him.

Del Rosario said Brady is “happily recovering,” but is having difficulty speaking. Del Rosario said he was to blame for the delay in the appointment of a new ambassador, as he did not have the heart to tell Brady that she would be replaced.

Del Rosario said the DFA nominates only career officials to the post but, under the rules, the President has the prerogative to make political appointments.