Philippine envoy to Pakistan made undersecretary of foreign affairs

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino has appointed the country’s ambassador to Pakistan as the next foreign undersecretary for migrant affairs, Malacañang announced Saturday.

But Jesus Yabes won’t be taking over the post from Esteban Conejos Jr. until July 30. Conejos in turn has been named Philippine permanent representative to the World Trade Organization and recently got the nod of the Commission on Appointments.

Palace spokeswoman Abigail Valte described Yabes as a career foreign officer.

He has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of the Philippines where he earlier obtained an economics degree. Yabes served at many diplomatic posts, including as chief of mission at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo and consul general at the Philippine missions in Hong Kong and China.

Valte  also announced the appointment of Amelia Guevarra as acting undersecretary at the Department of Science and Technology.

Guevarra used to be executive director of the DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development.

Other appointments announced were those of Minnie Aquino as Register of Deeds 3 in the Land Registration Authority, Edgar Tabacon as Acting Director 3 in the Department of Public Works and Highways, and Fritzie Sanoria as a member of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan for the second district of Negros Oriental.