FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo steps down from his post today amid months of speculations that he will be replaced soon following serious clashes on foreign-policy directions with career diplomats and accusations of frequent trips with family members.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Alberto del Rosario will be taking his place as chief diplomat, a development welcomed by insiders at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Romulo is expected to relinquish his post to del Rosario in simple rites today, but the DFA refused to disclose the venue.

Romulo, who served under former President Gloria Arroyo, admitted to DFA press corps that he is finally leaving his post during a chance interview at the opening of a photo exhibit commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Edsa People Power at the DFA headquarters in Pasay City.

“Yes, tomorrow [today],” Romulo replied when the DFA press corps on Tuesday asked him to confirm the reported turnover rites.

Diplomatic sources said the turnover will be purely “ceremonial” as Malacañang has yet to officially designate del Rosario as Romulo’s replacement.

Romulo filed an indefinite leave of absence last week after President Aquino confirmed that the Foreign Affairs secretary would be leaving, but declined to name his replacement.

Diplomatic officials welcomed del Rosario as Romulo’s replacement because of his unblemished record as diplomat and his reputation in the government and the private sector.

Romulo recommended to then-President Arroyo to appoint del Rosario as Foreign Affairs chief.

Del Rosario, who was often seen at President Aquino’s Times Street residence prior to the latter’s inauguration, served as the Philippines ambassador to the US for five years, from 2001-2006.

Romulo, meanwhile, is expected to be appointed as the Philippines’ permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, replacing current Ambassador Libran Cabactulan.

Career diplomats have expressed dissatisfaction on Romulo’s stint due to his reported frequent travels with complete entourage of family and members of extended family.

At one point, senior diplomats wrote to President Aquino opposing the extension of his term owing to the lame foreign-policy positions on the serious diplomatic crises such as the disputes in the Spratly Islands, the Hong Kong tourists’ hostage-taking in August last year and the inactive policy engagement of the Philippines in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.