US-ASEAN SUMMIT. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. joins the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and US government leaders during Day 2 of the US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington D.C. on May 12-13, 2022. The US-ASEAN summit discussions focused on strengthening ties between the US and the region bloc, the digital economy, sustainability, clean energy transition, economic cooperation, health care, and supply chain resilience, among others. (Photo courtesy of DFA)
MANILA – Senators on Thursday expressed their confidence in former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary and Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin Jr. to serve as the country's Special Envoy of the President to the People's Republic of China for Special Concerns.
For Senator Grace Poe, she said Locsin's appointment is impressive and an interesting choice of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
"He (Locsin) is an adroit diplomat and skilled leader, unafraid to go to whatever lengths necessary for the best interest of the Filipinos," Poe said in a statement.
"We hope he can help the country navigate through the rough waters of the West Philippine Sea to defend and protect what belongs to us," she added.
Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito cited Locsin's track record as a "seasoned diplomat, legal expert, and accomplished legislator."
"Given his experience as Department of Foreign Affairs secretary, lawyer and former legislator, I'm sure Ambassador Teddy Locsin could be the best one for the job as special envoy for special concerns," Ejercito said in a separate statement.
"It is also a good timing as it is still important to keep lines open in the midst of the West Philippine Sea conflict," he added.
Ejercito believes that Locsin stands as the most fitting candidate for the role as "he is known as a troubleshooter during his DFA days."
Locsin previously served as the secretary of Foreign Affairs under the Duterte administration from 2018-2022.
He was also a member of the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2010, representing the 1st district of Makati. (PNA)
