Usec Enrique Manalo named acting DFA secretary

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday appointed Foreign Undersecretary for Policy Enrique Manalo as acting secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday rejected the appointment of Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. after lying under oath in addressing issues of his citizenship status.

"He will hold the position until the president appoints a new secretary. Usec. Manalo is an excellent transition man, and has been on top of many crucial issues together with Atty. Perfecto Yasay," presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

During his confirmation hearing, Yasay admitted that he was granted US citizenship in 1986, contradicting his previous testimony in his February 22 confirmation hearing that he never legally acquired American citizenship.

The 15-member CA unanimously voted to reject the appointment of Yasay, becoming the first Cabinet member from the Duterete administration to be rejected by the panel.

"Let this be a reminder to everyone present in this hall that by definition, an oath is a solemn declaration accompanied by a swearing to God or a revered person or thing that one's statement is true or that one will be bound to a promise," Sen. Panfilo Lacson said.