SPONSORSHIP SPEECH
SENATOR JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA
Chairperson, Committee on Foreign Affairs
Commission on Appointments
11 June 2025
Mr. Chair, esteemed colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
It is with great honor, as Chairperson of the Commission on Appointments Committee on Foreign Affairs, to sponsor the confirmation of the nominations and ad interim appointments of several distinguished officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs. These individuals have demonstrated exemplary professionalism, unwavering patriotism, and an unrelenting commitment to elevating the standing of the Republic of the Philippines on the global stage.
Their diverse experiences span continents and cover an expansive spectrum of diplomatic, economic, and cultural engagement. These nominees embody the excellence and integrity that the Philippine Foreign Service is known for. Allow me to present their outstanding credentials and contributions:
Chiefs of Mission, Class I
- Arvin Reyes De Leon
Chief of Mission, Class I as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Mexican States, with concurrent jurisdiction over Belize, Republic of Costa Rica, Republic of Cuba, Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Guatemala, Republic of Honduras, Republic of Nicaragua, Republic of Panama, and the Dominican Republic.
Ambassador Arvin De Leon is a visionary public diplomat and leading architect of the Philippine Soft Power Strategy. As Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Department of Foreign Affairs, he has advanced the country’s international profile through culture, education, and people-centered engagement. His leadership in launching the Public Diplomacy Caravan has brought foreign policy closer to local communities, empowering citizens to connect with diplomacy.
A steadfast advocate for overseas Filipinos, he has promoted modern consular services and cultural initiatives that strengthen the global Filipino identity. Ambassador De Leon’s dynamic approach continues to shape a more inclusive, strategic, and people-driven Philippine diplomacy.
- Alan Lazaro Deniega
Chief of Mission, Class I as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Poland, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Lithuania and Ukraine.
Ambassador Alan Lazaro Deniega is a career diplomat entrusted with representing the Philippines in one of the most strategically sensitive regions of Europe. His posting in Poland, with jurisdiction over Lithuania and Ukraine, comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and complex humanitarian challenges. In this capacity, he plays a critical role in protecting the welfare of Filipino nationals and in advancing Philippine bilateral cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe.
Ambassador Deniega’s current assignment underscores the country’s commitment to engaging constructively in global affairs, particularly in promoting peace, supporting democratic resilience, and ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad. His steady diplomatic leadership strengthens the Philippines’ presence in a vital international arena.
- Bernadette Therese Chiu Fernandez
Chief of Mission, Class I as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Korea
Ambassador Bernadette Chiu Fernandez is a highly accomplished diplomat whose distinguished service has made a significant impact on Philippine international engagement. Currently serving as Chief Coordinator in the Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs since October 2022, she plays a pivotal role in high-level strategic coordination and policy development.
Her overseas assignments include pivotal roles as Consul General in Milan and Deputy Consul General in Toronto, where she skillfully enhanced consular operations, expanded public diplomacy initiatives, and strengthened community ties. Previously, as a diplomat in London and Beijing, she worked on fostering UK–PH and China–PH cooperation across trade, culture, and people-to-people exchange.
Ambassador Fernandez’s comprehensive experience in diaspora engagement, cultural diplomacy, and cross-border collaboration underscores her versatility and commitment to advancing Philippine interests abroad. Her leadership continues to shape effective international partnerships and global visibility for the Philippines.
- Maria Teresa Torres Almojuela
Chief of Mission, Class I as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Germany.
Ambassador Maria Teresa Torres Almojuela is a distinguished career diplomat with extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation. As Assistant Secretary for the Office of United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO), she has championed Philippine interests across global forums, advancing national positions on peace, human rights, disarmament, and sustainable development.
Previously, she served as Deputy Permanent Representative to the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, where she played a pivotal role in complex multilateral negotiations and represented the country at the Conference on Disarmament and other critical UN bodies. Her earlier assignments at the DFA include serving as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and holding senior policy roles in maritime affairs and regional diplomacy.
Ambassador Almojuela is widely respected for her principled leadership, strategic insight, and deep commitment to international law and diplomacy. Her contributions continue to reinforce the Philippines’ reputation as a credible and proactive member of the international community.
- Neil Frank Rivera Ferrer
CHIEF OF MISSION, CLASS I
Ambassador Neil Frank Rivera Ferrer is a seasoned diplomat and maritime expert known for his historic role as the first Filipino to chair the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee from 2007 to 2011. His leadership significantly advanced global maritime safety standards and elevated the Philippines’ standing in international maritime governance. With key postings in Beijing, London, and Ottawa, Ambassador Ferrer has championed Filipino seafarers’ welfare and strengthened the country’s role in maritime diplomacy. His expertise continues to shape Philippine foreign policy and maritime cooperation worldwide.
- Marshall Louis Macabale Alferez
CHIEF OF MISSION, CLASS I
Ambassador Marshall Louis Macabale Alferez is a seasoned career diplomat with deep expertise in maritime affairs and multilateral diplomacy. As Assistant Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office, he has played a key role in advancing the Philippines’ positions on maritime security, regional cooperation, and international maritime law, particularly in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He has represented the Philippines in various high-level dialogues, including regional maritime forums and bilateral engagements. Ambassador Alferez has served in key diplomatic posts in London, Riyadh, Bangkok, Guangzhou, and San Francisco, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strategic approach to safeguarding and promoting the Philippines’ maritime and national interests.
- Mary Anne Alfonso Padua
CHIEF OF MISSION, CLASS I
Ambassador Mary Anne A. Padua is a veteran career diplomat with over 30 years of service in the Philippine Foreign Service. She currently serves as the Ambassador to Timor-Leste, where she actively advances bilateral ties and promotes cultural diplomacy. With previous postings in Vienna, Canberra, and Bangkok, and senior roles at the DFA in Manila, Ambassador Padua brings a wealth of experience in both multilateral and regional affairs. Her leadership has strengthened Philippine engagement through initiatives that celebrate Filipino heritage and support Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration.
Chiefs of Mission, Class II
- Roberto Gutierrez Manalo
Chief of Mission, Class II as Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and the Republic of Tajikistan, in addition to being Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Islamic Republic of Iran, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan
Ambassador Roberto G. Manalo has been serving as Philippine Ambassador to Iran since July 2023 and chaired the ASEAN Tehran Committee from July 2024 to January 2025. During his tenure, he oversaw key initiatives including the 75th ASEAN Anniversary reception, an official ASEAN visit to the Chabahar Free Zone, and community-building events like a bowling tournament and crab food festival. He also led embassy cultural efforts commemorating the 125th Independence Day of the Philippines. Additionally, he has broadened Philippine presence in the region as non-resident Ambassador to Turkmenistan and to Uzbekistan, enhancing bilateral relations through diplomatic engagements.
- Marie Charlotte Golim Tang
Chief of Mission, Class II as Non-Resident Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in addition to being Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Kenya, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Seychelles, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Uganda, Republic of Rwanda, Republic of Burundi, and Union of the Comoros
Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang is a trailblazing Philippine diplomat leading the Embassy in Nairobi with accreditation also to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and Ethiopia. She is the first ever Philippine envoy to the DRC (October 2023) and to Somalia (March 2024). As Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Nairobi (2023–24), she led high-impact cultural and institutional initiatives—ASEAN Day celebrations, educational partnerships, and community festivals. Her visits to places like Mombasa underscored her focus on Blue Economy engagement and tourism diplomacy, while embassy programs under her watch highlighted Filipino heritage and bolstered consular outreach across the region.
- Evangeline Tiu Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq
Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Evangeline Tiu Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq is a seasoned career diplomat with a distinguished track record in Philippine foreign policy, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. She currently serves as Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs at the Department of Foreign Affairs, where she plays a vital role in managing the Philippines’ diplomatic relations with countries across East, Southeast, and South Asia, as well as the Pacific Islands.
Previously, she served as Executive Director for Asia and Pacific Affairs, contributing to key regional dialogues and policy consultations, including high-level engagements with strategic partners such as South Korea. Her work has helped shape the country’s approach to regional cooperation and multilateral engagement, with a focus on fostering strong bilateral partnerships and advancing Philippine strategic interests in the region.
With her deep understanding of regional dynamics and steady leadership in foreign policy implementation, Assistant Secretary Jimenez-Ducrocq continues to strengthen the Philippines’ role as a constructive and reliable partner in the Asia-Pacific.
- Marford Mopera Angeles
CHIEF OF MISSION, CLASS II
Marford M. Angeles is a veteran career diplomat with over 26 years in the Philippine Foreign Service. He currently serves as Consul General in Dubai, where he leads diplomatic and community initiatives for over 650,000 Filipinos in the UAE. Previously, he served as Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General in Abu Dhabi from 2019 to 2024. He was awarded the Diplomatic Excellence Award in 2024 for advancing trade, tourism, and Filipino welfare, and is known for launching the “Museo sa Konsulado”cultural program to promote Philippine heritage abroad.
- Indhira Consigna Bañares
CHIEF OF MISSION, CLASS II
Indhira Consigna Bañares is a senior career diplomat who served in various capacities in the Philippine Foreign Service, including as Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. at the Philippine Embassy in Prague, where she represented the country in diplomatic and cultural engagements such as the Jihlava International Documentary Film Festival in 2022.
Appointed to her current rank in June 2018, Ambassador Bañares has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing Philippine interests abroad. Her diplomatic service reflects professionalism and dedication in strengthening bilateral relations and representing the Filipino community in her countries of assignment.
- Adrian Elmer Soriano Cruz
CHIEF OF MISSION, CLASS II
Adrian Elmer Soriano Cruz is a seasoned career diplomat with over two decades of service in the Philippine Foreign Service. He currently serves as Deputy Consul General at the Philippine Consulate General in New York, where he plays a key role in advancing consular services, cultural diplomacy, and community engagement.
Since joining the DFA in 2001, Deputy Consul General Cruz has held various assignments in the Middle East and Europe, as well as key positions within the Department’s home office. His work reflects a deep commitment to public service—supporting overseas Filipinos, strengthening bilateral ties, and promoting Philippine interests abroad.
With a strong foundation in foreign affairs and a steady record of dedicated service, Deputy Consul General Cruz continues to embody the core mission of Philippine diplomacy: protecting the welfare of Filipino communities and enhancing the country’s presence on the global stage.
- Myca Magnolia Maog Fischer
CHIEF OF MISSION, CLASS II
Myca Magnolia Maog Fischer is a career diplomat who currently serves as Deputy Head of Mission at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa. Previously, she was Deputy Assistant Secretary at the DFA’s Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs, where she contributed to regional policy and bilateral relations in Asia. In Ottawa, she continues to promote education diplomacy, cultural engagement, and community outreach in support of Philippine foreign policy.
- Arlene Tullid Magno
CHIEF OF MISSION, CLASS II
Arlene Tullid Magno is a seasoned diplomat and Consul General in Vancouver, leading consular and cultural diplomacy efforts. Her tenure is marked by active support for migrant communities—highlighted by a 2023 visit to DIVERSEcity—and vibrant cultural initiatives, such as hosting the “Fantasea” and Leo Cunanan Jr. art exhibitions, and organizing the “Proudly Philippines” Heritage Month celebration in 2024.
- Donna Musa Rodriguez
CHIEF OF MISSION, CLASS II
General Donna Musa Rodriguez is a seasoned career diplomat currently serving as Minister and Consul General at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. A former Director of the Office of United Nations and Other International Organizations at the DFA, she has contributed to advancing Philippine engagement in multilateral affairs.
She recently led a consular outreach mission in Miami, Florida, providing passport services and administering oaths of allegiance to dual citizenship applicants—underscoring her commitment to efficient and community-focused public service.
- Ana Marie Layugan Hernando
CHIEF OF MISSION, CLASS II
Ana Marie Layugan Hernando is a career diplomat currently serving as Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations in New York. In this capacity, she supports the Philippine delegation’s participation in UN deliberations and contributes to the country’s engagement within the multilateral system.
Career Ministers
- Bolivar Laudet Bao
- Gilbert Lleva Segarra
- Ferdinand Pantas Flores
- Jose Luzanta Garcia III
Foreign Service Officers, Class I
- Jose Carlo Grimaldo Morales
Foreign Service Officers, Class II
- Regina Angeli Prado Ambrocio-Carlos
- Regetta Marie Alindogan Antonio-Escutin
- Joanna Vi Dimerin Arbado
- Adrian Audrey Lorenzo Baccay
- Dan Erwin Cruz Bagaporo
- Christian Louie Amisola Belleza
- Jeanne April Marie Paz Bruneau
- Monica Remsy Serante Calañgian
- Renee Gayle Miralles Chua
- Frances Louissa Carreon Cleofas
- Mark Anthony Prado Dizon
- Crystal Ann Saquing Dunuan
- Leslie Cedillo Escosura-Bustamante
- Maria May-I Lactao Fabros
- Kara Denise Calansingin Frayco
- Aleah Marie Ballados Gica
- Sandra Therese Christine Condes Guiang
- Joy Anne Bacelonia Lai
- Diane Shayne Dela Fuente Lipana
- Emilio Ong Lopue Jr.
- Eloisa Katrina Villanueva Madamba
- Fatima Mejilla Castillo Mueller
- Patricia Delfin Narajos
- Teddy Edmund Tan Pavon
- Christian Hope Vicente Reyes
- Monera Fatima Lim Siriban
- Junalyn Gift Culi So
- Laser Blitz Bañez Sumagaysay
- Glenn Joseph Dela Cruz Teh
- Melissa Anne Macarañag Telan
- Lorenzo Cris Dalita Vidal
- Leo Marco Cortez Vidal
- Maricar Samson Yambao
- Sharon Beaulah Villasario Yap
- Levi Anthony Buera Malaylay
- Angela Margeaux Elepaño Tolentino
- Susan Phoebe Real Sabado
Mr. Chair,
These esteemed diplomats and foreign service officers reflect the finest traditions of service, leadership, and dedication to country. Their collective achievements reinforce the Philippines’ commitment to responsible, forward-looking, and principled foreign engagement.
I respectfully urge this august body to confirm their nominations and ad interim appointments, confident that they will bring even greater honor to the Republic of the Philippines.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.