MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 27, 2012) – Manila has appointed the Philippine deputy ambassador to China as the country’s charge d’ affaires to Beijing after Ambassador Sonia Brady suffered a stroke.
Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said Brady’s deputy, Alex Chua, is acting charge d’ affaires and would temporarily take over the embassy
Brady, 71, who was appointed in May, suffered a stroke last week in Beijing.
President Benigno Aquino has ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs to find a replacement for Brady to allow her to recover quickly.
“To improve her chances of full recovery, the President has instructed the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to start the process of finding a replacement for the good ambassador. Let us pray for her early return to good health,” Del Rosario told the Philippines News Agency on Monday.
Brady’s condition is now stable, but she remains under medical observation.
“We were told at a medical briefing in Beijing yesterday that the ambassador’s condition has been regularly improving on a day to day basis,” said Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario.
“At current rate of progress, she may be flown to Manila in two weeks,” he added, saying Brady’s treatment is also being closely monitored by the Chinese Foreign Ministry with care and concern.
Brady’s appointment as Ambassador to China was her second. She served as top envoy to Beijing from 2006 to 2010 under former President Gloria Arroyo.
Brady just recovered from a mild stroke before she was asked to take over the post that was left vacant for sometime after a candidate, businessman Domingo Lee failed to get the nod of the Commission on Appointments. (Michaela del Callar)
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