MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III said on Monday, April 16, that replacing Ambassador to China Domingo Lee, who has yet to get the nod of the Commission on Appointments, is a “distinct possibility.”
Mr Aquino said in a press conference that he is taking account of the views expressed by some members of the Commission on Appointments (CA) opposed to Lee’s appointment, and recent events affecting the country’s bilateral relations with China.
On whether he will consider nominating a new envoy to China, as the CA has bypassed Lee thrice, he said, “I’ve been considering the question. And I expect a resolution soon on that matter, perhaps earlier than previously planned.”
Asked if it’s likely that he will appoint someone else to the post, he said, “Yes, that’s a possibility; a distinct possibility.”
Mr Aquino said his decision to consider someone else for the job is based on the views expressed by some members of the CA.
Lee is a family friend of the Aquinos, in particular, the mother of the President, the late former President Corazon Aquino.
“Primarily we have to listen also to the wisdom also of the Commission on Appointments, specifically one of their members — are there grounds for it?” he said.
The President did not mention any specific CA member, but Sen Sergio Osmeña III has strongly criticized Lee’s designation, citing his inexperience and his lack of knowledge on foreign affairs matters, and had asked the President to withdraw Lee’s nomination.
Mr Aquino added that “as the situation changes, that changes also the parameters of the ambassador we need in China.”
“He was appointed a year ago and the considerations were different. Now we have the Scarborough Shoal incident, and there are other issues. Does he possess the necessary skills to be able to help us navigate these treacherous waters at this point in time?” he asked. – Rappler.com
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