We are great friends, allies – Goldberg

MANILA, Philippines – Despite President Duterte’s tirades, the United States is committed to keep its long-standing ties with the Philippines, outgoing US Ambassador Philip Goldberg said yesterday.

“The US is committed to the alliance; we are great friends and allies,” Goldberg told reporters at the House of Representatives, which conferred on him the Golden Mace Award for nurturing the two countries’ relationship.

Goldberg declined to comment on Duterte’s earlier remarks that the American envoy is “gay” and other unkind words directed at US President Barack Obama. 

“I’m a diplomat, and I don’t respond to those kinds of comments,” he said. “We have a great alliance and our camaraderie (between US and Filipino soldiers) is great. That’s what I’d like to emphasize.”

The outgoing ambassador also refused to discuss outlooks on Manila’s Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Washington or the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) or the 60-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).   

“I don’t want to talk about the end of the VFA,” he said. “We have the desire to continue our alliance that President Obama said is ironclad. It benefits the US and the Philippines, as it should. We are committed to help the economic wellbeing of the Philippines.”

Goldberg thanked Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas and House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez for acknowledging his efforts to enrich Philippine-US relations.

“I thank Speaker Alvarez for the great honor for me, most especially for my country,” he said.

Goldberg started his tour of duty in Manila in November 2013. Upon his arrival, he immediately went to Tacloban and Palo town in Leyte province, places that were hardest hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda, the strongest catastrophe in recorded history. 

“His (Goldberg’s) diplomatic mission to the Philippines focused on bilateral cooperation, particularly on humanitarian assistance and security matters,” stated a portion of House Resolution 15, which gave the US envoy the honor.