Locsin will replace outgoing DFA Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano, who will run for a seat in the House of Representatives in the 2019 elections.

Duterte himself disclosed that he had already offered the post to Locsin.

Asked about it on Twitter, Locsin confirmed having said yes to the offer.

“I was asked I said yes; but love UN, the many friends & intellectual companions I made. But I didn’t say no when asked as I didn’t when he told me I was UN ambassador,” he said.

“If my Tito Chito Ayala trusted him implicitly; how can I not. Still UN work is like sharpening a blade every day,” he added.

The work of the DFA Secretary, he said, would still include the UN.

“I will have a direct hand until the architecture of sovereign independence in all matters of state that my team started to erect is remitted. Talent that doesn’t exist outside DFA will complete it,” Locsin said.  /muf