Washington post for Ermita?

MANILA, Philippines – With the impending recall to the home office of Philippine Ambassador to Washington Willy Gaa, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita is now emerging as the most likely man to replace him.

Diplomatic sources said yesterday that the 68-year-old Ermita, another political appointee, would replace Gaa who completed his six-year foreign tour of duty last month.

Gaa was appointed ambassador to Washington in 2006.

“Secretary Ermita is Malacañang’s choice as next ambassador to the US. The talks have been circulating in the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs),” an official who asked not to be identified said.

The ambassadorial post to the US was held for seven years by Malacañang’s political appointees until Gaa, a career service officer, was appointed by President Arroyo in 2006. Gaa replaced resigned Ambassador Albert del Rosario who had held the post since 2001.

Gaa was initially appointed charge d’affaires at the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. The last career officer before him to hold the ambassadorial post in Washington was Raul Rabe, who retired in June 1999.

Del Rosario, whose resignation took effect on July 8, 2006, said he was recalled by the President for reasons unknown to him.

Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo said Mrs. Arroyo accepted Del Rosario’s resignation but thanked him for his contribution to the successful pursuit of Philippine foreign policy.

Del Rosario assumed the ambassadorial post on Oct. 13, 2001.

Gaa served as ambassador to Australia and China before his posting in the US. He ended his tour of duty in Australia in January 2002 and headed the ASPAC Division of the DFA before he was assigned to Beijing in November 2003. He later served as Consul General at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles.

Former President Joseph Estrada appointed former senator Ernesto Maceda as ambassador to Washington on July 19, 1999. At the height of the impeachment proceedings in 2000, Maceda resigned on Dec. 31, 2000.

Meanwhile, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile defended yesterday the appointment of his wife Cristina as Philippine ambassador to the Holy See, saying she was most qualified for the job – morally and professionally.

Enrile also clarified he and his wife were not separated and that they never sought her appointment from Malacañang nor was it a political accommodation.

He said those questioning his wife’s qualifications were free to do so during confirmation hearings at the Commission on Appointments.  

“(We do not seek) political favors. I did not ask for it (appointment). Some people recommended her to the Vatican and I’m thankful to the Palace that they considered her,” Enrile told reporters.

“Second, all of these canard that I am estranged from my wife is not true. I live with my wife and she’s a quiet person,” he noted.

Enrile said the appointment of his wife must be taken separately from his background and reputation.

“I am a sinner, if I am at fault, she is not involved with my foolishness. And as far as experience is concerned, I think my wife is more than qualified in the position. She has been with me for more than four decades of public service. She entertained high dignitaries of government all over the world,” Enrile said.

“In my work as (former) secretary of defense, she dealt with ambassadors, with cardinals…many bishops go to the house,” he added.

He said his wife had worked with the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin and his successor, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and did religious and charitable works with the Church.

Mrs. Enrile replaces Leonida Vera, who resigned supposedly to “give way” to her successor who was already chosen by Malacañang but whose appointment still had to be formalized.

Earlier, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. supported the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) stance on the need to consult them over the appointment of Mrs. Enrile as ambassador to the Holy See.  - Pia Lee-Brago, Aurea Calica