US Embassy denies 'Oplan Goldberg' rumor
A newspaper article reported that former American Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg left behind a "blueprint" to eventually call for President Rodrigo Duterte's ouster. Presidential Photographers Division/King Rodriguez, File
MANILA, Philippines — The United States Embassy in Manila on Wednesday denied rumors that former US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg had a plan to oust President Rodrigo Duterte.
Earlier this week, a newspaper published an article titled "US ex-envoy plotting Duterte fall – source."
According to the article, Goldberg allegedly left behind a "blueprint to undermine Duterte" which outlines a list of strategies to undermine the new president and called for his eventual ouster. The alleged blueprint has a timetable of one and a half years.
"As Secretary Kerry said in his meeting with President Duterte in July, the United States respects the sovereignty of the Philippines and the democratic choices made by the Philippine people in selecting their leaders," US Embassy press attache Molly Koscina said in a statement.
Koscina stressed that the 70-year US-Philippines alliance is one of the most enduring relationships in the Asia-Pacific region.
"We continue to focus on our broad relationship with the Philippines, and will work together in the many areas of mutual interest to improve the livelihoods of the Philippine people and uphold our shared democratic values," Koscina said.
The supposed strategy to undermine Duterte includes stroking public dissatisfaction over unfulfilled election promises.
Malacañang, however, had downplayed such rumor and focused on the president's high trust rating which was a +72 in the latest Social Weather Stations survey.
“The president continues to enjoy the trust of the people, and the people on the ground apparently appreciate what he’s doing,” Presidential spokesperson Abella said in a press briefing on Tuesday.
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