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MANILA, Philippines?Except for being the "first black US ambassador to the Philippines named by the first black US president," there is no other significance in the appointment of Harry K. Thomas Jr. as Washington's new envoy to Manila, according to militant groups.
While seeing the significance of Thomas's designation, Antonio Tinio, national chairman of the 40,000-strong Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), said there was no sign that the 53-year-old Thomas would break away from the (George) "Bush-era policies" of "continued US military presence, promotion of unfair trade and investment deals, and tacit support for state-sponsored human rights violations."
Terry Ridon, chairman of the League of Filipino Students (LFS), said "with US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton affirming the Visiting Forces Agreement (between Manila and Washington), we expect no policy shift in US policies in the country with Thomas's replacement of Ambassador Kristie Kenney."
"The Philippine government shall remain in full kowtow of American policies," Ridon claimed.
The University of the Philippines student leader warned "anti-VFA protests will welcome the arrival of Thomas in Manila."
Like Ridon, Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes Jr. said Thomas "will face calls for the review and termination of the VFA," Reyes added.
Bayan Muna party-list Representative Satur Ocampo noted Thomas's "previous postings had all been in three regions of poor developing nations?Asia, Africa, and Latin America."
"This should have developed a deep perspective of the problems common to the people of these regions. However, how he would apply such perspective remains to be seen," Ocampo told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Ma. Christina Guevarra, president of the Students' Christian Movement of the Philippines, pointed out Kenney was the "poster girl" of US policies in the Asia-Pacific region.
"We're wondering what it will be with Thomas this time. Nevertheless, we will remain vigilant with whatever the US cooking for the May 2010 elections," Guevarra said.
Kabataan party-list Rep. Raymond Palatino expressed hope Thomas would "immediately initiate dialogue with groups which want the US to stop giving military aid to the Philippine government because of its human rights abuses."
Malacañang on Saturday lauded Thomas's appointment, saying it would be good for the diplomatic relations between Manila and Washington.
Obama's appointment of Thomas was proof that the American leader "walks his talk about giving importance" to the Asia-Pacific region, said Press Secretary Cerge Remonde.
The appointment came after the high-level visit to the country of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Thomas's appointment still has to be confirmed by the US Senate.
In a statement, Obama said the New York City native and other White House nominees to various US diplomatic posts abroad "will represent our nation well and work to fulfill the important goal of strengthening our relationships abroad."
Kenney received the news of Thomas' appointment "with great pleasure," describing him as "a personal friend of mine, an exceptional diplomat, and a wonderful person."
While waiting for Thomas's confirmation by the US Senate, Kenney said she would "continue to collaborate with Filipinos to improve lives and strengthen relations between our two countries over the coming months."
