The leaders — led by Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax S. Mangudadatu, Rep. Annie Rosa L. Susano of the second district of Quezon City, party-list Rep. Acmad M. Tomawis of Ang Laban ng Indiginong Filipino (ALIF), Rep. Suharto Teng Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat, Quezon City Majority Floor Leader Ariel Enrile Inton, and First Assistant Majority Floor Leader Dante M. de Guzman — said the posting of a permanent US envoy to the Philippines is imperative as America remains the country’s foremost ally.
They said the nomination of Kenney, a diplomat of the highest caliber as evidenced by her achievements as ambassador, proved that the US has that much respect to the Philippines as a sovereign, co-equal, and independent state.
"Kenney’s nomination, as correctly pointed out by the Department Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alberto Romulo, dispels speculations of strained relation between the Philippines and the United States," Gov. Mangudadatu and his son, Rep. Mangudadatu, said.
They added that since the Philippines remains the No. 1 partner of the United States in the fight against terrorism, Kenney, who is a recipient of the US State Department’s Distinguished Honor Award, the Arnold Raphel Memorial Award (for leadership, motivation, and mentoring), will surely enhance the alliance of the two countries in the fight against global terrorism.
Susano said Kenney’s experience in the US Senate, the US Capitol, and in the House of Representatives before joining the foreign service will be very useful in performing her duties as permanent envoy to the Philippines.
Susano, vice chairman of the House Committees on Appropriations and of Technical and Higher Education, said that experiences in the US Senate and the House of Representatives as staff member provide a diplomat with broader perspective of the relations between sovereign states.
Inton and De Guzman expressed the hope that Kenney will soon arrive in the Philippines as Filipinos anxiously wait the appointment of a permanent US envoy to the Philippines.
"The big number of Filipinos wishing to have a US visa and travel to the US shows that they hold America in high respect and admiration," Inton and De Guzman said.
