THOMAS

With just a few days left before the Philippines bids goodbye to outgoing US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, the country would now be awaiting for the arrival of Harry K. Thomas, Jr., the new US ambassador.

Kenney will be returning to the US after a nearly four-year stint in the Philippines, and is considered one of the most loved US envoys of all time.

Thomas was nominated by US President Barack Obama last November 19 as the new US ambassador to the Philippines. He would have to be confirmed by the US Senate before he can assume his duties in the Philippines.

Once confirmed by the US Senate, Thomas will be the first African-American to become US Ambassador to the Philippines.

According to the US Embassy, Thomas is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service and served most recently as director- general of the Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources under the State Department.

He previously served as a special assistant to the Secretary and Executive Secretary of the Department. He joined the foreign service in 1984.

Thomas has also served as US Ambassador to Bangladesh from 2003 to 2005. He had been posted to New Delhi, India; Harare, Zimbabwe; Kaduna, Nigeria; and Lima, Peru.

Among his list of credentials include serving at the White House as Director for South Asia at the National Security Council from 2001 to 2002; Senior Watch Officer, Deputy Director, and Director of the State Department Operations Center; Special Assistant to the Undersecretary for Political Affairs; and staff assistant to the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.

Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross.

Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. however said Thomas’ appointment has something to do with the coming elections in the Philippines.

He warned the US government Saturday to keep its hands off and allow Filipinos to elect their new set of leaders without interference.

“The US surely wants to protect its interests in the Philippines. That is why it decided to replace Kenney. It wants to make sure that the next president will be America’s lapdog willing to help the US in protecting its interests here,” he said.

The opposition lawmaker said he believes that what happened to Kenney was not a simple case of reorganization.

He said the well-loved envoy was actually fired by Obama, who thinks that Thomas will be more effective in keeping an eye on the the May 10 presidential elections.

“Kenney is so popular that she has gained a lot of Filipino friends, and this is actually not good for the US. Kenney has to draw the line and should always give priority to the interests of her government,” the young Marcos said.

He said this latest move of the US government gives Filipinos more reason to be vigilant against foreign interference in the country’s elections.