Last
year, Ambassador Albert del Rosario told newsmen he had had already informed
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of his desire to return to the private
sector. However, he added, no action had been taken since then. Explaining why
he was still in his post, the ambassador said that like “a good soldier” he had
to remain until the President appointed his replacement.
This
month, the ‘good soldier’ was unceremoniously yanked out of his post. Instead
of accepting his earlier offer to resign, he was fired by the President. Reason
for the President’s anger, according to Manila sources, was that while he was
successful in helping the Philippines
obtain more economic and military aid and reestablishing closer relationship
between the two countries, he failed to defend her from criticisms in the media
and US government circles. It is true that career ambassadors are supposed to
be the alter ego of the President and therefore are duty-bound to defend all
her President’s actions, right or wrong..
But Mr. del Rosario is a different kind of
ambassador. He is a decent, upright and honest non-career envoy who wants to
stick to the truth, not lies. It is probably beyond him to serve as
propagandist for a government that was being buffeted by charges of cheating in
the election, corruption, dictatorial tendencies and violation of human
rights. Maybe the ambassador felt these were indefensible issues. Besides, he
cannot stop the New York Times and other newspapers in the US from writing
editorials criticizing her. He cannot stop Sen. Richard Lugar from revealing
his feelings about the killings of journalists in the Philippines or
think tanks from making critical analyses of her administration. country.
Mr.
Del Rosario, in his five-year stint here, has probably accomplished more for
the benefit of the Philippines
and the Filipino people than any other ambassador in the past.
In
his statement accepting his recall, the ambassador said: “Throughout nearly 5
years, our team at the Philippine embassy has tirelessly endeavored to advance
our bilateral relations on all fronts with America for the benefit of our
beloved country. We have as well, considering its utmost importance, raised the
bar for credible representation.”
His
only failure, if it is to be considered to be one, was to defend a President
who is increasingly becoming indefensible.
The
Manila Mail salutes Albert del Rosario, an extraordinary Philippine ambassador.
