Erlinda Basilio INQUIRER PHOTO
The country’s ambassador to China led the diplomats whose appointments were confirmed by the Commission on Appointments Wednesday.
The commission plenary, chaired by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, confirmed the appointment of Erlinda Basilio as the country’s envoy to the People’s Republic of China with concurrent jurisdiction over the Democratic Republic of Korea and Mongolia.
Beijing is considered one of the most critical diplomatic posts because of China’s increasing belligerence in imposing its claim over areas in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), including those that are well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The diplomats first went through deliberations of the commission’s committee on foreign relations, chaired by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago before they were confirmed by the plenary.
The commission also confirmed President Aquino’s appointments of Elizabeth Buensuceso as head of the Philippine mission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Alex Chua as ambassador to Myanmar, Sahid Glang as ambassador to Bahrain, Domingo Lucenario as ambassador to Pakistan and Lamberto Monsanto as ambassador to Kenya.