Aquino confirms appointment of Basilio as ambassador to China

President Aquino confirmed the appointment of Foreign Undersecretary for Policy, Erlinda Basilio as ambassador to China.

Following the is the transcript of the “ambush” interview”:

President Aquino Q: Sir, how soon will we name our next ambassador to China? Usec. (Erlinda) Basilio has been floated as a replacement.

PRESIDENT AQUINO: Well, as soon as we will submit her name to the Commission on Appointments. Once they confirm (her), therefore, we can seek the—the French term was ‘agrément’—parang the agreement for the designation of Usec. Basilio as our new ambassador to China.

Q: So you’re confirming it is Ambassador Basilio?

PRESIDENT AQUINO: Yes.


Q: Sir, what were the main considerations for her appointment?

PRESIDENT AQUINO: Basically the high recommendations by our Secretary of Foreign Affairs given her wealth of experience; given that she’s already the senior undersecretary parang that sends a signal of how important our relations are with China and how serious we are of trying to achieve an understanding with them.

Q: The appointment will be made when, sir?

PRESIDENT AQUINO: Well, I’m awaiting the papers from the Executive Secretary’s office.
Here is Sec. del Rosario’s statement on the nomination of Usec. Basilio.: ”We are endeavoring to significantly enhance our bilateral relations w china, and we are counting on our amb nominee, usec erlinda basilio, to play a major role in achieving our defined objectives. Our nominee is a seasoned senior diplomat who brings with her experience and expertise in dealing with allcurrent matters pertaining to our re-lations with china. She moreover enjoys the confidence of the President. Albert”

Following is the statement of Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario:

”We are endeavoring to significantly enhance our bilateral relations w china, and we are counting on our amb nominee, usec erlinda basilio, to play a major role in achieving our defined objectives. Our nominee is a seasoned senior diplomat who brings with her experience and expertise in dealing with allcurrent matters pertaining to our re-lations with china. She moreover enjoys the confidence of the President. “