Former Arroyo ambassador Alberto del Rosario will take over the post to be vacated by long-time Foreign Affairs secretary Roberto Romulo. I am not about to pass judgment on del Rosario since he is a different animal in the previous dispensation.
Del Rosario was fired by Arroyo after the Philippine ambassador exposed the Venable LLP PR DEAL. That deal, which cost the Filipino People, several hundreds of thousands of dollars, was allegedly the brain child of presidential brother, Buboy Macapagal. Norberto Gonzales was just a front man.
Del Rosario, undeniably, is a well respected man in the diplomatic community.
Although, less we forget, Alberto del Rosario was named by businessman Yuchengco as one of those who harassed him and forced him to sell his PLDT shares. No probe was undertaken. Del Rosario issued a statement denying Yuchengco's allegations.
Del Rosario was still part of the First Pacific when Yuchengco sold his shares. He was still in the private sector and was never part of government, Del Rosario, in a statement alleged.
Other than this, there are no serious charges against Del Rosario.
The only thing I am curious about is---why not hire somebody from inside the DFA, an ambassador who earned his spurs there, instead of an outsider, as Department head. Del Rosario has been out of diplomatic circles since he was ousted as Philippine envoy to Washington.
Again, I am not questioning the integrity nor the competency of del Rosario. It is that del Rosario has been more of a high ranking executive of several foreign-based companies like First Pacific, than a full-pledged diplomat. Surely, del Rosario will favor the "deals" by these companies.
Yet, again, I do not want to even discuss this. But, these things do come to mind, especially now, that our diplomatic problems are escalating mainly because of the existence of amateurs as head of our external affairs department.
No one among the career amabassadors can match the unparralleled credentials, stellar track record and impeccable qualifications of Ambassador del Rosario. He is definitely the BEST fit for the DFA position based on his wide network of high level connections among the international community. He earned the respect of the overseas Filipinos, both the working class and the elite. Check out his accomplishements in the private and public sectors. If there is some point of improvement, he needs to toot his horn or hire a great PR. He is the true essence of diplomacy and a great negotiator as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree. As you said, Ambassador del Rosario beyond a shadow of doubt is a man of integrity. His track record is doing the right thing. I see this opportunity for him to rally the private sector to provide support to the Philippine government and be the voice for private sectors to be the Philippine government's partner in progress moving forward. By the way, he is not just a high level executive. He holds directorships in more than 50 companies and he has strong influence among top leaders among Top Corporations to make them support the government initiatives. It's about time the government and the private sector work together towwards a common goal.
ReplyDeleteGodd work Ambassador del Rosario and Conejo. Senator Miguel Zubiri, Senator Angara and Senator Escudero keep criticizing the government, the bigger question is what are they all doing in Manila? Criticizing, period! They can grandstand like they know what they are doing but I'd rather they take the plane to the Middle East and help. Other than that, stop talking and rather support the initiatives of DFA, big or small, they are trying to bring hundreds of lives back home. They are doing the best they can! It's all about ledership! Go DFA!
ReplyDeleteGo DFA! Bring them back home! Don't listen to those senators who just criticize without doing anything! Let's all support DFA!
ReplyDeleteBy now, we all agree that Secretary del Rosario is the right man for the job. Even Manny Villar retracted and backpedalled to commend at the very least Secretary del Rosario's efforts in Inquirer. But please, to accuse the old man, Secretary del Rosario of photo opportunity is really below the belt. Does Villar even realize that del Rosario, with a very limited time given to him upon appointment, willingly exposed himself in danger for the love of the OFW's? Does Villar know his facts? Give the old man a break! He is not a politician, he is a dedicated public servant and a patriot who really loves our country. Amen to that!
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