The Commission on Appointments (COA) chaired by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon on January 28 confirmed the appointment of Delia Domingo Albert as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. The Secretary immediately expressed her appreciation to the members of the Committee and pledged to address all the matters that were brought to her attention by the Commission members.

“I would like to thank the honorable members of the Commission on Appointments not only for their confirmation of my appointment, but for their continued interest and concern for our country’s foreign policy,” Secretary Albert said. “I would also like to thank the Commission for their confirmation of the other appointees to the foreign service as this will ensure continuity in our work,” she added.

Secretary Albert was confirmed together with the following: National Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Budget and Management Secretary Emilia Boncodin, and Press Secretary Milton Alingod.

Prior to her confirmation, Secretary Albert appeared before the Commission on Appointments’ Committee on Foreign Relations chaired by Senator Panfilo Lacson. During her appearance, the Secretary was asked to make sure that the image of the Philippines overseas be given the highest priority.

“Some members of the Committee raised a very important point, that our foreign service should always promote the interests and good image of our country. This is something that I intend to pursue with the utmost vigor,” the Secretary said.