After testing positive for COVID-19, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo declared on Monday that he will not attend this year’s ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM).

Manalo said in a statement that it was “unfortunate” that he missed his first ASEAN engagement since being named DFA chief, but that it would not impede the Philippines’ participation in the region-wide gathering scheduled for July 31 to August 6, 2022 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

“The Philippines’ participation will not be affected, as it will be ably represented by DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, Hon. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, in the said meetings,” the top envoy stated.

“I have also sent regrets to Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and this year’s AMM Chair, H.E. PRAK Sokhonn,” he said.

In the meanwhile, Manalo said he will focus on his rehabilitation, adding that he looked forward to the next chance to visit the country’s colleagues and conversation partners in the ASEAN area.