New DFA chief Lazaro: Manila’s ‘steady hand’ in PH-China talks
President Marcos on Tuesday swore in as head of the Department of Foreign Affairs a veteran diplomat who served as the country’s chief negotiator with China over tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Besides taking her oath as foreign secretary, Maria Theresa “Tess” Lazaro was also conferred the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross) with gold distinction—the second highest in the national order of diplomatic merit after the rank of Raja (Grand Collar), which is granted to former and current heads of state.
Explaining the special honor for Lazaro upon her appointment as the country’s top diplomat, Mr. Marcos cited her “strategic role in advancing Philippine interests in critical foreign policy issues, including maritime security, regional peace and stability, and multilateral cooperation under the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) political security pillar.”
Lazaro, 66, also has “the experience and steady hand we need to advance our interests, protect our territorial integrity and care for our people around the world,” the President said.
Mr. Marcos also noted her “exemplary leadership in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy” and “distinguished and dedicated service” to the DFA.
Negotiating disputes
Before leading the agency, Lazaro was DFA undersecretary for bilateral relations and Asean affairs since 2022.
In that capacity, she served as chief negotiator in maritime disputes with China and led the Philippine delegation during the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea.
In July last year, Lazaro negotiated a landmark agreement with China for the Philippine government’s delivery of supplies to its forces at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
Succeeding resupply missions since then have been relatively peaceful, with Chinese ships keeping watch at a distance.
Praise from China
Last January, during the BCM’s 10th and last consultative meeting in Xiamen regarding the South China Sea, Lazaro said she had “frank and constructive” discussions with her Chinese counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong.
“Our position is clear and consistent, but so is our willingness to engage in dialogue. We firmly believe that despite the unresolved challenges and differences, there is genuine space for diplomatic and pragmatic cooperation in dealing with our issues in the South China Sea,” she said at the time.
Continuing Manalo’s work
Even Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian welcomed Lazaro’s appointment, citing her role in maintaining “constructive” dialogue with Chinese officials.
“She enjoy[s] valuable communication with Chinese counterparts. Of course, it’s an honor to enjoy such communication with her,” Huang said.
Upon Malacañang’s announcement last May of her appointment, Lazaro said her foreign policy would be “just a continuation of what Secretary [Enrique] Manalo had started in the last three years.”
Manalo, who is Mr. Marcos’ first foreign chief, will return to the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, this time as its head. He was minister counselor in that mission in 1992 to 1998, then deputy permanent representative in 2000 to 2003.
Background
Lazaro will work closely with Manalo as the country attempts to secure a nonpermanent seat in the UN Security Council.
She will lead the DFA as the Philippines prepares to head the annual Asean summit in 2026.
Lazaro first joined the DFA in 1984 and had since held numerous administrative and diplomatic positions in Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific, including ambassador to Switzerland from 2008 to 2011 and ambassador to France from 2014 to 2020.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Miriam College and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
Lazaro is only the second woman to head the DFA after Delia Albert in 2003-2004.
The Commission on Appointments confirmed her as foreign secretary on June 11. —WITH A REPORT FROM INQUIRER RESEARCH
