MANILA, Philippines - Malacanang defended the appointment of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr. as the country’s permanent representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte denied Conejos is facing graft charges, as alleged by some.

In an interview with dzRB, Valte said his appointment “is a product of a recommendation from the DFA.” She said Conejos has long been serving at the DFA.

“If somebody has objections, it should be brought to the Commission on Appointments,” she said.

Conejos, currently the undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs, will have the rank and compensation of chief of mission, Class 1.