MANILA, Philippines - Stargate/PeopleAsia publisher and CEO and Philippine Star columnist Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez (in photo) was reappointed by President Duterte as special envoy to the United States. The reappointment was confirmed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.
Duterte had previously appointed Romualdez as the country’s ambassador to Washington in December last year, but the latter had to inform the President that he could not assume the post for at least six months following an emergency operation in January because of an eye ailment.
Romualdez has since fully recovered and is now ready to assume his original position as special envoy to the United States – a role he has been quietly doing in his personal capacity, having worked with many US officials over the years.
The Star columnist, who is president of the Manila Overseas Press Club and vice president of Manila Rotary, is also chairman of the Philippine offices of several US-based multinational companies that include FCB Manila and Weber Shandwick Philippines.