Duterte names new envoy to UN, other appointees

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Enrique Manalo is now the country’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York.

President Duterte appointed the foreign affairs career official to replace lawyer Rodolfo Robles at the UN post. Robles has been designated as ambassador to Canada effective Feb. 24.

Manalo, who joined the DFA in 1979, once served as acting secretary when the Commission on Appointments rejected the appointment of Perfecto Yasay Jr., Duterte’s first secretary of foreign affairs.

He also served as DFA undersecretary for policy during the terms of past presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III, and in the current administration.

Manalo once served as Philippine ambassador to the United Kingdom, Belgium and head of the Philippine Mission to the European Union. 

His last foreign posting was in 2018 when Duterte appointed him as ambassador to Germany.

Malacañang released yesterday the appointment papers of Manalo and Robles along with several other officials, including Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officers and the promotion of some ranking police officials. – With Neil Jayson Servallos