Palace to study fears over plan to close embassies

Malacañang assured overseas Filipinos Saturday it will study all concerns involving the Department of Foreign Affairs’ plan to close 12 embassies by 2012. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said President Benigno Aquino III has yet to act on the recommendation by the DFA to close these facilities. “Our main consideration would be our overseas Filipino workers. We are addressing all these concerns," he said on government-run dzRB radio. He noted the DFA is considering closing these embassies because of economic reasons. Lacierda said the Palace would also study if employees of embassies and consulates that may be shut down would be moved to areas where there are many OFWs. Last Tuesday, DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario said, “We would like to rationalize the use of limited funds and at best we can avail of the use of these funds and be able to deliver quality services in all aspects related to our foreign policy." There are 94 posts abroad, including 67 embassies, 23 consulates, and four missions to international organizations. — LBG, GMA News