Mr. Chairman, honorable members of the Commission on Appointments, ladies and gentlemen, this representation as Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs is privileged to sponsor the nominations and ad interim appointments of twenty-one (21) officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Esteemed colleagues, and distinguished guests, These 21 individuals have proven themselves through years of unwavering commitment, professionalism, and excellence in representing and safeguarding the interests of our nation on the global stage.
The DFA plays a pivotal role in promoting and protecting the sovereignty, security, and welfare of the Filipino people, both here and abroad. It is imperative that the leadership of this department remains in the hands of individuals with the competence, integrity, and passion for public service.
As we deliberate on their appointments, let us acknowledge the following:• Their extensive experience and track records in fostering diplomatic relationships and advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives.• Their responsiveness in addressing critical issues, particularly those that directly affect our overseas Filipino workers and the broader Filipino community abroad.• Their readiness to tackle the challenges of an evolving global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and the urgency of climate change.
I am confident that these officials possess the expertise and moral compass necessary to further enhance our nation’s standing in the international community. Their dedication to upholding the interests of the Filipino people, combined with their deep understanding of diplomacy, makes them assets not only to the DFA but to the entire country.
I urge this body to extend its full support to these appointments, as they represent a continued investment in the excellence and professionalism of our foreign service corps.
Let us empower these deserving public servants to bring the voice of the Philippines to greater heights, ensuring that our nation remains resilient and respected in an ever-changing world.
Distinguished colleagues, I am honored to recommend that this body give its consent to the nominations and ad interim appointments of:
1. Noel Eugene Eusebia Mejica Servignon – Chief of Mission, Class I as Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova, in addition to being Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Romania (nomination)
2. Emmanuel Revilla Fernandez – Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (nomination)
3. Adrian Bernie Cabardo Candolada – Chief of Mission, Class I DFA (ad interim)
4. Maria Agnes Maglasang Cervantes – Chief of Mission, Class I DFA (ad interim)
5. Mardomel Celo Domingo Melicor – Chief of Mission, Class I DFA (ad interim)
6. Giovanni Endencia Palec – Chief of Mission, Class I DFA (ad interim)
7. Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio – Chief of Mission, Class I DFA (ad interim)
8. Marie Yvette Banzon-Abalos – Chief of Mission, Class II DFA (ad interim)
9. Shirlene Chiu Mananquil – Chief of Mission, Class II DFA (ad interim)10. Maria Elena Cristina Delfin Maningat – Chief of Mission, Class II DFA (ad interim)
11. Marlowe Aguilar Miranda – Chief of Mission, Class II DFA (ad interim)
12. Angelito Ayong Nayan – Chief of Mission, Class II DFA (ad interim)
13. Arman Rancho Talbo – Chief of Mission, Class II DFA (ad interim)
14. Vanessa Gutierrez Bago-Llona – Career Minister DFA (ad interim)
15. Ma. Carmela Teresa Abella Cabreira – Career Minister DFA (ad interim)
16. Maria Roseny Baltazar Fangco – Career Minister DFA (ad interim)
17. Ryan Francis de Leon Gener – Career Minister DFA (ad interim)
18. Lorenza Arelene Rodillo Gonzales-Macaisa – Career Minister, DFA (ad interim)
19. Charles Andrei Pineda Macaspac – Career Minister DFA (ad interim)
20. Jarie Ramirez Osias – Career Minister DFA (ad interim)
21. Princess U. Tomas-Tayao – Career Minister DFA (ad interim)
I so move, Mr. President.