Yt Framework

Malacañang defended on Sunday its choice of career diplomat Sonia Brady as the country’s ambassador to China, saying the long-time official of the Department of Foreign Affairs had the training and expertise to handle the high level assignment.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said President Benigno S. Aquino specifically chose Brady as she was “someone who could hit the ground running.”

“Sonia Brady was chosen because, if you remember, the President said he wanted someone who could hit the ground running, someone who is already familiar with the culture of the host country, its politics, essentially the ways of the host country,” Valte said.

“And if you look at the background of Ambassador Brady, she is an old hand at foreign affairs, she formerly was our ambassador to China in 2006 to 2010, and prior to that, her very first posting outside the country was to Beijing, so she is someone who fulfills the requirements for the post,” she said.
Valte expressed confidence that with her credentials, Brady could easily hurdle the Commission of Appointments.

“Ambassador Brady is a career diplomat so we don’t want to sound arrogant and say they will have no problem with her, but with her extensive experience in foreign affairs and foreign relations we are confident that she will ably answer the questions of the members of the Commission on Appointments,” Valte said.

Brady served as Philippine Ambassador to Beijing from April 2006 to January 2010. She also served as Ambassador to Thailand from 2002 to 2003, and Ambassador to Myanmar from 1995 to 1999.

Previously, Brady served as deputy chief of mission to Indonesia from 1994 to 1995; deputy chief of mission to Thailand (1992-1994); third secretary and vice consul and then second secretary and consul in Beijing, China from 1976 to 1978.

She was also appointed as Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Policy from July 2003 to 2006; special assistant, then assistant secretary to the Office of the Secretary for Policy and Coordination; director of the Office of Asia Pacific; assistant, then principal assistant, to the Office of Political Affairs.

She earned her Master of Arts in International Relations degree from the University of Southern California, B.S. Foreign Service degree from the University of the Philippines, and AB Journalism degree from the University of Sto. Tomas.

by: PNA