President Marcos Nominates Seven New Philippine Ambassadors
A key member of the Commission on Appointments (CA) in the House of Representatives revealed on June 4 that President Marcos forwarded nominations for seven new Philippine ambassadors. The announcement came just two days after the president submitted the list to the CA for confirmation.
CA Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Johnny Pimentel of Surigao del Sur’s 2nd district stated, “The President issued the nominations on June 2, and all were formally received by the Commission on the same day.” The early submission highlights the administration’s urgency in filling important diplomatic posts.
List of Ambassadorial Nominees
The nominees include:
· Evangeline Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq as the permanent representative to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta, Indonesia;
· Bernadette Therese Fernandez as ambassador to South Korea;
· Maria Teresa Almojuela as ambassador to Germany;
· Alan Deniega as ambassador to Poland, with concurrent jurisdiction over Lithuania and Ukraine;
· Gines Jaime Ricardo Gallaga as ambassador to Bahrain;
· Marlowe Miranda as ambassador to Lebanon;
· Arvin De Leon as ambassador to Mexico, with concurrent jurisdiction over Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Understanding the Role of the Commission on Appointments
Pimentel stressed that unlike ad interim appointees who assume their roles immediately pending CA approval, these nominees cannot begin their duties until the Commission confirms them. This ensures a critical check on executive appointments.
He also explained that both ambassadorial assignments and promotions of senior foreign service officers require CA approval. This constitutional mandate ensures that nominees are evaluated for competence, integrity, and fitness before taking on diplomatic responsibilities.
The 25-member CA comprises 12 members each from the House and Senate, with the Senate President acting as the ex-officio presiding officer. Its role is vital in overseeing key presidential appointees.
“Confirmation hearings serve as an important safeguard, ensuring proper oversight of the President’s power to appoint officials to critical diplomatic posts,” Pimentel added.
For more news and updates on Philippine ambassadors, visit Filipinokami.com.