No new envoy to US sends ‘disturbing message,’ says Del Rosario

Former Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert del Rosario. AP FILE PHOTO

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on Friday said that President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration that he was not inclined to send a new Philippine envoy to the United States may be viewed as a “disturbing message” in the relationship of the two nations.

“I believe (that this) is a matter which should be urgently revisited,” del Rosario said in a statement.

He also urged the Department of Foreign affairs (DFA) to “respectfully advise” the President on the matter.

Duterte on Thursday said he was not keen on naming a new Philippine ambassador to the United States amid evolving ties between the two countries.

READ: Duterte not keen on naming envoy to US

“In the US, we don’t have an ambassador. No ambassador is going there. As long as we don’t have an ambassador to the States, I don’t feel like sending one,” the President said, no explanation offered.

While he expressed alarm over Duterte’s decision not to send a new envoy immediately, del Rosario did not disagree with the President’s tiptoeing on the immigration policy of US President Donald Trump.

Duterte earlier said he will not come to the aid of Filipino illegals in the US in respect to Trump’s executive actions.

READ: Duterte won’t help Filipino illegals in US

“I believe our president is correct in being careful not to interfere with the internal affairs of another state,” del Rosario said.

“He (Duterte) is also correct in ensuring that the DFA provides all possible consular assistance to our undocumented Filipinos on a worldwide basis,” he added. IDL