No replacement yet for Philippines envoy to Vatican

MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte has not appointed an ambassador to the Vatican to replace Maria Mercedes Arrastia-Tuason after almost a year since he assumed office.

Henrietta de Villa, former ambassador to the Vatican, said in a phone interview yesterday. Tuason was appointed to the post on Oct. 2, 2009 by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Tuason remained as ambassador to the Holy See during the time of former president Benigno Aquino III.

According to De Villa, a charge d’affairs is usually left handling the affairs of the Philippine embassy in Vatican if there is no ambassador.