Envoy to UN, Air Force chief hurdle CA

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed yesterday the appointment of the new Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief and the country’s permanent representative to the United Nations, among others.

Ambassador Enrique Manalo got the nod of the CA, replacing lawyer Rodolfo Robles, who has been designated as Philippine ambassador to Canada effective last Feb. 24.

The CA also confirmed the appointment of PAF chief Lt. Gen Allen Paredes and the promotion of Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, Brig. Generals John Oberio and Ramon Guiang and Navy Commodore Carlo Sabarre.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the CA committee on foreign affairs, sponsored Manalo’s confirmation.

He said Manalo is well-reputed in the foreign service and cited him as “a quiet but seasoned diplomat who has dealt with diplomatic crises, including the South China Sea disputes, with impressive calmness.” 

Manalo has served the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in many capacities, including stints as ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

In 2017, he assumed the post of acting secretary of the DFA from March 8 to April 17.

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