CA confirms new Foreign Affairs, Human Settlements secretaries

On Wednesday, the Commission on Appointments confirmed the appointments of incoming Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Parreño-Lazaro and Human Settlements Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling along with over 150 other officials.

Lazaro, a career diplomat with four decades of experience, will assume her role on July 31 and replace current Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo who was re-assigned as the Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Aliling will succeed Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar after he was reassigned as presidential adviser for Pasig River development, outlining a reform agenda focusing on expanding housing programs, digital transformation, regulatory streamlining, and consumer protections to prioritize the most vulnerable sectors.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada praised Lazaro as a paragon of excellence in Philippine foreign service, while Senator Joel Villanueva described Aliling as a visionary leader and trailblazer in the construction industry.

The appointments also included 118 generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.