24 August 2004 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo stressed the Philippines’ commitment to the fight against global terrorism in his speech before the members of the Foreign Service corps during a formal turnover ceremony and reception held at the Bulwagang Mabini, DFA.

Secretary Romulo cited the string of victories against the Abu Sayyaf, 17 of who were sentenced to death by the court with 19 other terrorists killed in an recent encounter with government troops.

The former senator who served as Executive Secretary to President Gloria Arroyo for three years and two months, said he was humbled and honored to sit in the chair once occupied by the Sublime Paralytic – Apolinario Mabini.

“I have accepted this position knowing the great work that Secretaries Blas Ople and Delia Albert have done. I am also aware of the enormous confidence the President has in the DFA,” Romulo said.

He also underscored that the country’s alliance with the United States remains enduring and strategic.

“Our strategic alliance with the United States in the war against global terrorism remains vital to our national security,” Secretary Romulo stated.

He said the bonds between the two countries were “forged in the battlefields of freedom, in the foxholes of Bataan and Corregidor, by thousands of brave and courageous soldiers who fought and died together for their beliefs and ideals.”

The DFA Secretary reiterated the 8 realities enumerated by the President in the conduct of foreign policy:

                1. China, Japan and the United States have a determining influence in the security situation and economic evolution of East Asia;
                2. More and more Philippine foreign policy decisions have to be made in the context of ASEAN;
                3. The International Islamic Community will become more and more important to the Philippines;
                4. The coming years will see the redefinition of the role of multilateral and inter-regional organizations in promoting common interest;
                5. The defense of the nation’s sovereignty, the protection of its environment and natural resources can be carried out only to the extent that we get others to respect our rights over our maritime territory;
                6. The country’s economic growth will continue to require direct foreign investment;
                7. A country like the Philippines can benefit most quickly from international tourism; and,
                8. Filipinos overseas will continue to play a critical role in the country’s economic and social stability.

According to Secretary Romulo, these 8 realities remind all Filipinos that the era of living “in splendid isolation” is forever gone.

He expressed concern for the welfare of Filipinos overseas who he said were struggling to survive and make a living in every nook and corner of the globe.

The Secretary also paid tribute to his predecessors, the late Secretary Blas F. Ople and Secretary Delia Domingo Albert.  Of the latter, Secretary Romulo said that Secretary Albert’s handling of the Iraq hostage crisis was superb.

Secretary Albert, he said, was also instrumental in bringing the Philippines closer to the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

“Secretary Albert ensured the orderly conduct of our overseas absentee voting, and led the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and the women foreign ministers in adopting measures that would protect women migrant workers,” the new DFA chief said.

He also cited the work of the home-based Iraq crisis team led by Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Chito Brillantes and the Iraq- based team composed of Undersecretary Paeng Seguis, CDA Eric Endaya, Ambassador Roy Cimatu and other members.

Romulo revealed that at one point during the crisis, Undersecretary Seguis called him to report an impending meeting with the intermediaries of Angelo’s captors.

“Before hanging up the phone, Paeng whispered in his cellular, “I do not know how safe the road is but I’m going”, Romulo recalled.

Secretary Romulo said he is proud to be joining the men and women of the DFA including those assigned in 82 posts in the arena of diplomacy.

“My guidepost and loadstar is no less than the constitution with its clear mandate “to pursue an independent foreign policy with paramount consideration being national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest and the right to self-determination,” the Secretary stressed. - END