Next government urged to adopt principled foreign policy

MANILA, Philippines – After a five-year stewardship, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario is hoping that the next administration would embrace a principled foreign policy and total protection of national interest.

“It is my hope that this principled foreign policy will be embraced by the next administration because it’s in total protection of our national interest,” Del Rosario told journalists during his annual get-together with the media at the Diamond Hotel.

Del Rosario also said he could not continue in public service or take an ambassadorial post at his age.

“I’m 76 years old, public service from your point of view should be out of the question for me,” he said.

Del Rosario said he wants to return to the private sector “if they want to have me.”

Del Rosario made his recommendation on the next foreign secretary but he declined to name the official.

“I have made my recommendation. As a matter of course the President has the last say and my sense is that he’ll be making an announcement soon,” he added.

Sources said Del Rosario recommended Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Laura del Rosario as next DFA secretary. The two are not related.

“I heard about that,” she said when asked about the secretary’s choosing her to replace him. 

During the gathering, Del Rosario conveyed his thanks to the media for their friendship and support.

“I want to thank them for their inherent love of our people and our country and their uniting with us in promoting our national interest,” he said.

President Aquino accepted Del Rosario’s resignation from the post effective March 7 for health reasons.