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MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Ambassador to China Sonia Cataumber-Brady was sworn in by President Aquino on Monday, June 18, in a ceremony in Malacañang Palace.
Brady, a career diplomat who had already served as the country’s ambassador to China from 2006 to 2010, was named to the post by Aquino in May 26. The Commission on Appointments confirmed her nomination days later, on May 30.
Brady goes to China as the Philippines remains locked in a diplomatic standoff with China over the disputed Scarborough Shoal for more than two months now.
Malacañang earlier said Brady’s knowledge of China, which spans almost 4 decades, will come in handy as the country seeks to find a diplomatic solution with China in the standoff.
Her first foreign posting, in fact, was also in China from 1976 to 1978. Later, she served as the Philippines’ ambassador to Myanmar from 1995 to 1999, and to Thailand from 2002 to 2003.
She also represented the Philippines as the deputy chief of mission to Thailand from 1992 to 1994, then moved to Jakarta, Indonesia in a similar position from 1994 to 1995.
“This is someone who can hit the ground running, as the President said,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said after Brady’s confirmation.
China also hailed her appointment, saying it will “help strengthen communications between both sides through diplomatic channels.”
Before naming Brady, President Benigno Aquino III had nominated an Aquino family friend, Domingo Lee, to serve as the Philippines’ ambassador to China. The CA repeatedly deferred Lee’s confirmation due to his lack of basic knowledge on diplomacy.
Eventually, Lee requested Aquino to withdraw his nomination as ambassador to China due to his “protracted nomination process” that the Philippines cannot afford amid its ongoing tension with China.
Lee was later named, along with veteran banker Cesar Zalamea, as “special envoy” to promote friendly exchanges between the Philippines and China for 6 months, starting May. This was prior to Brady’s selection as the next ambassador to China.
Brady has a Master of Arts in International Relations degree from the University of Southern California (USC); a BS Foreign Service degree from the University of the Philippines; and an AB Journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas.
As the country’s envoy to China, she will also have jurisdiction on matters concerning the Philippines’ diplomatic relations with North Korea and Mongolia.
New officials
The President also swore in a new Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals, several government officials, Philippine National Police (PNP) officers, and officers of the National Press Club (NPC):
- Associate Justices Ma. Luisa Padilla, Renato Francisco, and Joseph Lopez
- Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Assistant Secretaries Janet Abuel, Gil Montalbo
- Deputy Ombudsman Gerard Mosquera
- PNP officials Police Deputy Director Generals Emelito Sarmiento and Rommel Heredia; Police Directors Elpidio De Asis, Jr., Samuel Diciano, Gil Meneses, Felipe Rojas, Jr., and Arnulfo Perez; Police Chief Superintendents Roland Vicente, Diosdado Ramos, Fernando Idio, Ronilo Quebrar, Fidel Posadas, Percival Barba, Sonny Cunana, and Raul Petrasanta
- NPC officers Benny Antiporda, president; Marlon Purificacion, vice president; Louie Logarta, secretary; Jerry Yap, Treasurer; Rolly Gonzalo, Auditor and Directors Mina Navarro, Alvin Murcia, Paul Gutierrez, Joel Sy Egco, Nats Taboy, William Depasupil, Ronniel De Guzman, Arlie Calalo, Ma. Kristina Maralit and Leonel Abasola
The oath taking ceremonies were held at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace. – Rappler.com
Click on the links below for related stories.
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- PH seeks Myanmar help in China dispute
- [Thought Leaders] Philippines and China: Genuine clash of interest by Rodolfo C. Severino
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