MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday confirmed that a new office in the agency will be created for former Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella.
According to a document released by Malacanang, Abella was appointed on October 27 as Undersecretary of DFA.
In a text message, DFA Acting Spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar said Abella will head the newly created strategic communications office.
“Usec. Abella will be in charge of strategic communications. That’s all I have for now,” he said.
Presently, all undersecretary positions at the agency are filled up, namely the office of Undersecretary for Administration headed by Linglingay Lacanlale; Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations headed by Manuel Antonio Teehankee; Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs headed by Sarah Loue Arriola; Office of Undersecretary for Policy headed by Enrique Manalo; and office of Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns under Jose Luis Montales.
Abella, on October 28, was replaced by former Kabayan partylist Representative Harry Roque, who officially assumed the role as the presidential spokesperson on November 6.
As per Bolivar, Abella “can technically assume any day now since his appointment papers have been issued.”
“We will have to work out the details in the days ahead,” he added. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA)
