Philippines' Duterte names new foreign minister

MANILA - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte named on Thursday a new acting foreign minister, barely a day after the Commission on Appointment (CA) rejected the appointment of Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay over his citizenship issue.

Duterte named Foreign Undersecretary Enrique Manalo, an experienced career diplomat, according to a text message by Duterte's spokesman Ernesto Abella.

Abella said Manalo will hold the position until Duterte names a new foreign secretary.

"Manalo is an excellent transition man, and has been on top of many crucial issues together with (Yasay)," Abella said.

In a memorandum sent to Manalo, acting Executive Secretary Menardo Guevara said: "Upon the instruction of the President and for the purpose of ensuring the continuous and effective delivery of public service, you are hereby designated as Acting Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs until a permanent replacement is appointed or until otherwise directed by the Office."