Almendras is new DFA chief—Palace

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has appointed Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras as the new secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Malacañang said Tuesday evening.

“President Aquino has appointed Jose Rene Almendras as ad interim Secretary of Foreign Affairs , according to Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa. He replaces Secretary Albert del Rosario whose resignation took effect today,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said in a statement.

Citing health reasons, the 76-year-old Del Rosario resigned as DFA chief last month, four months short of serving his six-year term under the Aquino administration.