24 August 2004 –Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo, in his first press briefing upon assuming his cabinet post, said Philippine-US relations is moving forward and should go beyond issues of terrorism and personal feeling.  “I don’t think about the past, I look forward to the future.  As I said, vital to our national interest is the strategic alliance with the United States, and on that sense I think both the Philippines and the United States, and for that matter, all countries in the free world feel that this global issue of terrorism is beyond boundaries and beyond personal feelings,” Secretary Romulo said.

One of the topics touched upon during this first interaction between Secretary Romulo and the DFA Media is the President’s state visit to China.  Secretary Romulo explained that since it will be a presidential visit, pertinent announcements should come from the Presidential Spokesperson.  However, Secretary Romulo announced that son after the President’s China visit, he himself would be visiting certain ASEAN countries and when that time comes, he would be able to discuss with the press the agenda of his own visits.

When asked if whether he would pursue the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy, the Secretary replied “Oh yes.”  Secretary Romulo cited the eight realities in the crafting of Philippine foreign policy enunciated by the President.  “I think what Secretary Delia Albert did is put these eight realities into a framework and as I recall, it would be on security, economics and the OFWs.  So definitely, these will be pursued,” Secretary Romulo explained.

When pressed with how different his tenure would be from that of his predecessor and if would be concentrating on any one aspect of foreign policy in particular, he replied that “Her (Secretary Albert’s) legacy is there and I think what I will do is just improve on it and to carry out what has been established because obviously you cannot finish it all in one day.  Many of these legacies that Secretary Albert has started still has to be continued, implemented, followed up.  As conditions change, you adjust it,” Secretary Romulo said.

Secretary Romulo added that in recognition of the individual importance of the eight realities of Philippine foreign policy, he does not see that he will pay any particular attention to one at the expense of the other since all of these realities are interrelated and could in fact be collectively addressed by vigorously pursuing the three main pillars of foreign policy.

On the issue of the possible redeployment of Filipino troops to Iraq, the Secretary cautioned that things should be done one at a time.  “Let’s do it one at a time.  We had a humanitarian contingent and in accordance with the schedule of withdrawal, we withdrew them, although it was hastened a bit.  But we have been withdrawing the Filipino troops even before the Angelo de la Cruz crisis occurred.  So I think it’s too early to talk about this.  We have withdrawn even our humanitarian contingent, I don’t foresee in the near future that we would reconsider it,” the Foreign Secretary said.

Regarding the lifting of the ban on the deployment of Filipino workers to Iraq, Secretary Romulo admitted that he hasn’t yet met with any of the labor officials since he was sworn in as Secretary of Foreign Affairs.  However, he stressed that he would very soon be meeting with Vice President Noli de Castro, who was appointed to have oversight over OWWA and POEA, and Labor Secretary Patricia Santo Tomas.  “In the short briefing this morning, Undersecretary Chito (Jose) Brillantes briefed us on what his concerns were and all of these will be put together,” Secretary Romulo said.  In my capacity as Executive Secretary, I know that we have not discussed the lifting of the ban,” Secretary Romulo added.

Secretary Romulo also highlighted the role of the DFA in helping solve the foreign debt, fiscal and economic woes of the country.  “The DFA has a role, (through its participation) in the multilateral organizations and regional groupings.  By the nature of the job of the DFA, it has a role.  The major role of course would be with the economic managers…so we will be in support of how we can help in the economic crisis that the country is in,” Secretary Romulo said.  “Since many other countries support our programs and projects, diplomacy would play a big role,” the Secretary added.

During the press conference, Secretary Romulo once again took the opportunity to highlight the excellent legacy left behind by his predecessor Secretary Albert.  “I wish to express my appreciation for the excellent legacy of work and professionalism of Secretary Albert.  Like I said this morning, what made me accept this position is (the fact that) I know that the groundwork has been paved by two Secretaries before me who did a great job, Secretary Blas Ople and Secretary (Delia) Albert,” Secretary Romulo said.

Another reason why he accepted the job as Secretary, according to the new Foreign Secretary is because he recognizes that “the best and the brightest are (in the DFA),” paraphrasing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s praise for the men and women of the Department during the DFA’s 106th founding anniversary celebration in July.

In a statement delivered by the Secretary, he told the Media that he was looking forward to having a good working relationship with them to make the general public better understand and appreciate the work of the DFA.

“As I said, I would like to have this regular meeting with the press because I think it’s important that through you, our people know what we in the Department of Foreign Affairs are doing, what the policies are important and will affect our people, and I think this is the reason why it’s important for me to be able to communicate to the people through you.  But the only way I can communicate is if I meet with you regularly so that you could ask me questions, you can clarify all issues and I promise you that I will always try my best (to respond to them)” Secretary Romulo said.

Secretary Romulo also reiterated the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, as well as the DFA Spokesman will also be there to help him explain the issues to the Media.  END.