PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has named Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Enrique Manalo as the acting head of the agency, Malacañang announced Thursday.
Manalo's appointment came after the Commission on Appointments unanimously voted to reject the confirmation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr.
Yasay failed to secure the government post due to questions over his supposed United States citizenship.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Manalo was picked as acting DFA secretary because he "has been on top of many crucial issues together with Atty. Perfecto Yasay."
"He will hold the position until the President appoints a new secretary. Usec. Manalo is an excellent transition man," Abella said.
Manalo served as Foreign Affairs undersecretary for policy before being appointed as the agency's acting secretary.
He also became Philippine ambassador to United Kingdom and Belgium, permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, and deputy permanent representative to the UN in New York.
One of the names being considered as a permanent replacement for Yasay is Duterte's running mate in the 2016 polls, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. However, the one year appointment ban on politicians who participated in the recent election is still in effect until May. (SunStar Philippines)