Philippines envoy-designate to US aims for stronger ties with Washington

August 16, 2017

The Philippines' ambassador-designate to the United States, Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez, has vowed to renew and strengthen ties with the United States.

Romualdez was named by Duterte as envoy to the US last month, a key diplomatic post that has remained vacant for more than a year following Duterte' assumption to the presidency.

“Our relationship now probably is one of its best because President Duterte has clearly stated that he wants to be friends with everybody and no enemies,” Romualdez told journalists at a diplomatic reception Tuesday night.

“I think that is reverberating very well in any country including the United States and the United States respects that. It’s a relationship where we can talk on the same platform, there’s mutual respect and we’ll be able to communicate the things that we feel.”

Romualdez, 69,  is a media executive and a columnist for the Philippine Star for many years. He briefly served as Duterte’s special envoy to the US.

“It’s the first time I am joining government. I have always resisted it. I have never really thought that I would one day but when the President asked me to be the ambassador I told him I will do it for you and he said don’t do it for me, do it for the country,” he said.

Romualdez's confirmation hearing at the Commission on Appointments is in September.

Romualdez said he hopes the relations between the US and the Philippines will continue to grow under his watch.

Among his key priorities, Romualdez said, is to “interact and renew” the Philippines' ties with several US senators and congressmen.  US legislators have criticized Duterte’s anti-drug war and even called for restriction of firearms aid to the country.

Romualdez added he is looking forward to bilateral meeting between Duterte and President Donald Trump, who is expected to attend a regional summit in Manila in November.

“This one-on-one would be a face-to-face bilateral meeting, which I think will be in a way sort of a renewal of our relationship with the US,” Romualdez said.

He said he will work for the return of the bells of Balangiga, which were seized by American troops as war booties during the Philippine- American war more than 100 years ago. DMS