Teodoro “Teddy Boy” L. Locsin Jr. on Wednesday breezed through the confirmation process at the powerful 15-member Commission on Appointments when the constitutional body confirmed his appointment as Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary with nary an objection.
Locsin, a journalist, became the third DFA secretary in the Duterte government. The first two were Perfecto Yasay Jr. and Alan Peter S. Cayetano.
The CA also confirmed the appointments of 42 DFA officials led by Ambassadors Celia Anna Mallari Feria and Maria Fe Tanabe Pangilinan.
Six lawmakers-CA members, particularly Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson, delivered speeches why they were voting “yes” for Locsin’s confirmation.
Lacson, chairperson of the CA Foreign Affairs Committee, said Locsin would bring his own brand of diplomacy, “one that the true value of an independent foreign policy enshrined in our Constitution.”
“I dare say this without mental reservation. If he pulls off and succeeds in the present endeavors which he is currently occupied with, with nary a constitutional challenge but would catapult the Philippines into the league of rich, influential, and economically powerful nations, we may now be confirming a future President of the Republic of the Philippines,” Lacson said.
Malacanang said Locsin is expected to promote the country’s independent foreign policy, protect national sovereignty, and champion the welfare of overseas Filipino workers after getting the nod of the CA.
“The Palace welcomes the confirmation by the Commission on Appointments of Mr. Teodoro Locsin Jr.’s appointment as Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.
“With this confirmation, Secretary Locsin would be able to lead the DFA in supporting the President chart an independent foreign policy course while pro-actively looking after the welfare, protection, and well-being of millions of overseas Filipino workers around the world,” Panelo said. (Mario B. Casayuran and Genalyn D. Kabiling)