Senators see ‘Teddy Boy’ breezing through CA

Incoming Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr. will most likely breeze through the scrutiny of the Commission on Appointments, lawmakers said yesterday.

Praises continued to pour for the Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations for his appointment by President Duterte.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said he thinks that Locsin will get the nod of the CA without obstructions. "I predict an easy, fast, and unanimous confirmation of his appointment by the CA," Recto said.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, chairperson of the CA Committee on Foreign Affairs and tasked to recommend confirmation before the 25-member body, also sees Locsin swiftly hurdling the CA. "I can say for sure that he will breeze through the confirmation hearings," he said in a text message.

The two senators agreed with their colleagues who said that Locsin was fit to be DFA chief.

"If diplomacy is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that he looks forward to the trip, Teddy Boy has this skill in abundance. Rarely can you find a man who can quote the classics but can curse like a stevedore. He will use his formidable knowledge in world affairs and in law in advancing our country’s interests and in protecting our countrymen abroad," Recto said.

Locsin's appointment to the DFA, Recto noted, "is one of the rare times that 'the best and the brightest' rule in presidential appointments has been followed."

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, concurrent head of the CA, has also expressed confidence that Locsin will hurdle the panel.