Members of the Union of Foreign Service Officers said they would have to work three times harder with the reported retention of Alberto Romulo as foreign secretary.
In a text message, UNIFORS said, “First faux pas of P Noy. We need to work triple time to make up for such an incompetent secretary of foreign affairs.”
Highlights of Inquirer’s report on retention of Romulo:
-Romulo said Aquino did not give a time limit to his tenure in the DFA. The statement of Ed Malaya, FDA spokesman, talked of six years.
– Liberal Party faction in the Aquino camp recommended former Trade Secretary Johnny Santos, who was also former president and CEO of Nestle Philippines. (I understand after Santos had said “Yes”, it was taken back and he was offered the position of ambassador to the U.S. Santos has not said “yes” to the second offer.)
– The Aquino sisters, specifically Maria Elena “Ballsy” Cruz, who has been helping out the search committee, stood up for Romulo.
Romulo is the first of Gloria Arroyo’s cabinet member that Aquino has retained. It’s not known whether there would be more.
Unifors has earlier issued statements asking President-elect Benigno Aquino Jr. not to retain Romulo citing his incompetence.
