Ambassador Ricky Manalo. The only Filipino diplomat who knows and appreciates the value of the North Borneo claim. How do I know? In 2011, an Undersecretary from the DTI (we were in a meeting in San Francisco) relayed to me how Amba. Manalo challenged the DTIs initiative and programs under BIMP-EGA because these will compromise PH claim (on Sabah). Ricky Manalo showed true brilliance when he caught that subtle Malaysian maneuver. ( Lets leave the details for a future volume 2 of Front lines of Diplomacy). Only a brilliant mind like his can comprehend the repercussion of that maneuver. And his brilliance is matched by his tenacity and courage. With such intensity, he forced then-Secretary Romulo to seek an audience with the President Arroyo and Executive Secretary Ermita in relations to that incident in BIMP-EAGA. Thus born that EO something! ( Is the EO still in effect? I wonder). The DTI is prevented from just entering into business under the auspices of the BIMP-EAGA without DFA scrutiny. The public thinks DFA is just about passport applications and production. NO. The pillars of PH foreign policy are national security, economic diplomacy and assistance to nationals. And. Ambassador Ricky Manalo is one such public servant who works to protect and promote the interests of the country. I have never worked with this man. But I am proud that there are people like him in the Department of Foreign Affairs. I am personally grateful that he carried on my peoples cause. Remember his name Lilibeth Hassan Kiram, Tishreen Mariam Ikbala Bahjin, Aurea Bahjin, Dudiekins Bahjin, Nijar Carim-Tanaka,Kwarizmae Kuhutan, Ayon Kay, Karlo Ray , Ado Paglinawan, Adolfo Mortera.
Posted on: Tue, 06 May 2014 14:45:56 +0000
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