Marcos keeps Lhuillier as PH envoy to Spain

CEBU - President Bongbong Marcos has retained seasoned diplomat Philippe Jones Lhuillier as the country’s envoy to Spain.

Marcos administered the oath of office to Lhuillier at Malacañan Palace. “Pinangunahan din natin ang panunumpa ni G. Lhuillier bilang AEP (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary),” he said in  tweet.

Marcos also shared a photo of him and Lhuillier taken during the oath-taking ceremony.

In 2017, Lhuillier was appointed by former president Rodrigo Duterte as the Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Spain. He also served as Philippine Ambassador to Portugal from 2012 to 2016 and was the country’s ambassador to Italy from 1990 to 2010, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of San Marino and the Republic of Albania.

Prior to joining the diplomatic service, Lhuillier served as chairperson of the country’s largest pawnshop chain, Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop.

As a diplomat, he earned several awards and recognitions. Lhuillier was awarded by Italy with the Ordine Della Stella Della Solidarieta Italiana, the highest award given to foreigners and Italians living abroad, for his significant achievement in fostering goodwill between Italy and the Philippines.

He was also conferred the Order of Rajah Humabon by Cebu City on its 73rd Charter Anniversary on February 24, 2010 for promoting economic development and tourism.

In 2008, he was unanimously selected as one of the Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Abroad (TOFA) for promoting the image of Filipinos while serving as Philippine ambassador to Italy, Albania and San Marino.

De la Salle University likewise awarded him the Distinguished LaSallian Award for his sterling record as Ambassador to Italy and his commendable work on behalf of the overseas Filipino workers.

The University of the Philippines also gave honor to Lhuillier by naming one of its lecture rooms as Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier Lecture Room. (Ruth Abbey Carlos)