Palace: DFA chief Enrique Manalo to serve as PH rep to UN in August 2025

Malacañang on Tuesday clarified the status of Enrique Manalo in the Marcos Cabinet, saying he still serves as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). 

It was earlier announced by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin that Manalo is poised to be the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations beginning July 31.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Bersamin said Manalo's latest appointment would be effective in August as he still needs to undergo confirmation.

"This will take effect most likely August 1 but because of the necessity for him to be confirmed before going over as Permanent Envoy to the United Nations, the President recognizes the designation to be considered as done only after his confirmation," Bersamin said.

"In the meanwhile, he will remain as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, in the meanwhile. Because there was a misunderstanding maybe about when he would really stop performing or discharging his duties as secretary," he added. 

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro is set to replace Manalo as DFA chief. — VDV, GMA Integrated News