Deputy Presidential Spokesman Abigail Valte said in an interview with state-run Radyo ng Bayan that those who have questions about Lee’s appointment can direct their concerns to the Commission on Appointments.

“The appointment is based on the trust and competence and capability of the appointee. That being said, it would be more prudent if we first wait for the person to do his job before we pass judgment on his capability,” Valte said.

She said there is a “proper venue on the area of concerns about his qualifications and that would be the Commission on Appointments.”

Asked whether the President did not consider a seasoned diplomat for the post, in view of tensions between the Philippines and China caused by incursions of the latter in Philippine territory, Valte said Mr. Aquino “is the appointing power, and he would be able to see what is not commonly known.”  

(Mia Gonzalez)