Duterte’s choice as Brunei envoy declines post

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

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Duterte’s choice as Brunei envoy declines post

King Rodriguez

The appointment of lawyer James Lao, who said he wants to spend more time with his ailing wife, was earlier deferred by the Commission on Appointments

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte needs to name a new ambassador to Brunei after his original choice, lawyer James Lao, declined the position so that he can spend more time with his ailing wife. 

Lao was the nominee whose appointment was deferred by the Commission on Appointments (CA) last October 19. 

He was reported to have answered “I don’t know” to questions such as the types of jobs of Filipinos in Brunei and the agreements sealed by President Rodrigo Duterte and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei during Duterte’s recent visit there.

CA foreign affairs committee chair Senator Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday, December 6, read Lao’s letter to Duterte about his nomination.

In his letter to Duterte dated December 1, Lao said “it is with great regret” that he is declining the position as ambassador to Brunei.

Lao, 74, explained that his wife “is a cancer patient for many years.”

Referring to his wife and his family, Lao told Duterte, “I wish to spend the rest of my days with them.”

“It is unfortunate I am declining the position your excellency has offered. It is for the best interest of my family and my country,” said Lao, who was nominated by Duterte on August 18.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon earlier said he was disappointed at Lao’s responses during his confirmation hearing on October 19.

Drilon explained: “The problem is more than preparation, because he knew that he was going to face the commission, and the President just came from a state visit in Brunei. He does not even know what happened there, he does now know what agreements where signed, he does not have a clear picture of what he will do in Brunei in terms of programs.”

“He should be bypassed,” the senator said. – Rappler.com

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Paterno R. Esmaquel II

Paterno R. Esmaquel II, news editor of Rappler, specializes in covering religion and foreign affairs. He finished MA Journalism in Ateneo and MSc Asian Studies (Religions in Plural Societies) at RSIS, Singapore. For story ideas or feedback, email pat.esmaquel@rappler.com