SPONSORSHIP SPEECH
SENATOR JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA
Chairperson, Committee on Foreign Affairs
Commission on Appointments
03 September 2025
Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues:
As Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, I have the distinct honor to sponsor the confirmation of the nominations and ad interim appointments of the following distinguished officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Nominations (Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary)
- ENRIQUE AUSTRIA MANALO – Chief of Mission, Class I as Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations in New York, United States of America
A pillar of Philippine diplomacy and a former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Manalo brings unparalleled expertise in multilateral negotiations and a lifetime of service dedicated to protecting and advancing our national interests on the global stage.
- FRANCISCO NOEL RIO FERNANDEZ – Chief of Mission, Class I as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
A brilliant lawyer and Bar topnotcher, Ambassador Fernandez combines intellectual rigor with decades of practical diplomatic experience. He is poised to strengthen our vital partnership with Vietnam, especially in the face of shared challenges in the South China Sea and in regional food security.
- PATRICK JOHN UYTIEPO HILADO – Chief of Mission, Class I as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federative Republic of Brazil, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Suriname
With nearly three decades of service, Ambassador Hilado has proven himself a capable leader in both consular and diplomatic work. His appointment will open new doors for Philippine trade, agriculture, and diaspora engagement in Latin America.
- JAIME RAMON TORRE ASCALON JR. – Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Turkiye, with concurrent jurisdiction over Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan
A seasoned envoy with extensive service in Washington, ASEAN, and San Francisco, Ambassador Ascalon carries with him a track record of innovative outreach and effective negotiations. He is ready to advance Philippine interests in a region critical to global security and energy dynamics.
- GINES JAIME RICARDO DACANAY GALLAGA – Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Bahrain
Known for his steady leadership and broad experience in the United States and Europe, Ambassador Gallaga will take on the important responsibility of safeguarding the welfare of thousands of Filipinos working in Bahrain while also pursuing stronger economic cooperation with the Gulf states.
- PABLITO AUSTRIA MENDOZA – Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Denmark
Ambassador Mendoza has built a reputation as a diligent and effective representative of our country in Europe. His posting in Denmark will be instrumental in building partnerships in renewable energy, maritime security, and climate change—areas where Denmark is a global leader.
- MARLOWE AGUILAR MIRANDA – Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Lebanese Republic
With nearly three decades of service in some of the world’s most challenging assignments, Ambassador Miranda brings invaluable crisis management experience. He has consistently placed the protection of our overseas workers at the heart of his mission, and he will continue to do so in Lebanon.
- NOEL MANGAOANG NOVICIO – Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Fiji
A topnotcher in the Foreign Service examinations and a scholar in strategic studies, Ambassador Novicio has made his mark in ASEAN and multilateral diplomacy. His assignment in Fiji places him in a key position to strengthen Philippine engagement with our Pacific neighbors, particularly on climate change and regional cooperation.
Ad Interim Appointments
The Committee also deliberated on and favorably recommends the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of:
- RAYMOND REYES BALATBAT – Chief of Mission, Class I
- GERARDO PADILLA ABIOG – Chief of Mission, Class II
- FELIPE FABIAN CARIÑO III – Chief of Mission, Class II
- MARIA ANNA LILIA L. DE VERA-SCHINAZI – Chief of Mission, Class II
- GONARANAO BANTUAS SANGCOPAN MUSOR – Chief of Mission, Class II
- DINNO MARQUEZ OBLENA – Chief of Mission, Class II
As well as the following Career Ministers:
- JAY FRANCIS GALINO ALCANTARA
- SHIRLEY L. FLORES-IMPERIAL
- ROMMEL ARIMAN ROMATO
And the following Foreign Service Officers:
- FLAUREEN DAMASEN DACANAY – FSO, Class I
- LV IGNACIO DE GUZMAN – FSO, Class I
- VON RYAN GASMENA PANGWI – FSO, Class I
- MARY GRACE LUZA PERPETUA – FSO, Class I
- MAJELLA CRISTY UY PUA-DIEZMOS – FSO, Class I
- VIDA SORAYA SALIH VERZOSA – FSO, Class II
- RALPH JACOB VILORIA – FSO, Class II
Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues,
The nominees and appointees before us today represent the very best of our foreign service corps. They are men and women of competence, integrity, and deep dedication to duty. They have sacrificed much in the name of public service, and in return, they have earned the trust of our government and the respect of the communities they have served here and abroad.
In view of their exemplary record and unquestionable qualifications, the Committee on Foreign Affairs has found them fit and qualified for the positions to which they have been appointed.
I respectfully urge this Commission to give its consent to their confirmation.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.