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By Michaela Del Callar

Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia expressed his full support on Tuesday to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario amid speculations that he may be considering to resign due to criticisms of his handling of the West Philippine Sea territorial issue.

"I firmly support the principled leadership exhibited by our Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario, and his stewardship as he orchestrated the Philippine government’s diplomatic efforts through the most challenging of circumstances,” Cuisia said in a statement.

Philippine embassy officers and personnel also associated themselves with the statement of Cuisia in declaring their full support to Del Rosario.

"We stand behind the Secretary's principled defense of the security of our country and his untiring efforts to promote a better life of Filipinos," they said in a signed statement.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has described as ineffective Del Rosario’s handling of the Philippine dispute with China over a shoal off the Philippines’ northwest coast, where Manila and Beijing had a two-month standoff.

Trillanes has been appointed as a special representative by President Benigno S. Aquino III for backroom talks with Chinese officials, which are separate from official negotiations being overseen by Del Rosario.

Cuisia called Del Rosario a “true patriot,” praising his handling of the territorial rift with China and his dangerous trips to several strife-torn Middle Eastern countries to rescue thousands of stranded Filipino workers.

“He has tirelessly led the Department of Foreign Affairs in making the honorable and oftentimes arduous stand to defend our national security and territorial sovereignty, based on the policy guidance provided by H.E. President Benigno S. Aquino III.”

"In his dealings with various governments, Secretary Del Rosario has demonstrated a single-minded determination to uphold the Philippine national interest at all costs. This includes taking great personal risk to go to the front lines in conflict areas abroad to lead our people to safety. He is a true patriot,” Cuisia said.

He said the Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C. continues to be inspired by Del Rosario’s “courage, integrity and fortitude.”

“We commit to rededicate our full efforts to support the Secretary, and continue to make our contribution to his efforts to protect and uphold our sovereignty, and ensure the safety and well-being of our people," Cuisia said.

Rumors circulated on Monday that Del Rosario was mulling resignation, but this was immediately denied by Malacanang.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said he is not aware of such plan by Del Rosario, who is currently in New York as Aquino’s representative to the United Nations General Assembly.

“He has not informed us of such plan and never mentioned anything about resigning,” Hernandez said.

Filipino-American community and business leader Loida Nicholas Lewis said she is “very alarmed” that Del Rosario would even think about quitting the DFA.

“President Aquino would be ill-advised if he would allow this rumor to continue. It means China has won this battle over Scarborough Shoal!,” said Lewis, chairperson of U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance.

Lewis said “it would be a blow to President Aquino's leadership because of the perception that he is backing the a neophyte Senator over the hardworking, experienced, versatile and well respected internationally Secretary del Rosario.” - by PNA.gov.ph

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