MANILA, Philippines - For health reasons, The STAR columnist Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez had to decline his appointment as ambassador to the United States.
“I love my country but I have to take care of my health,” he said.
He has cited eye problems.
Last December, Romualdez accepted President Duterte’s offer to be the next ambassador to the US. In early January, however, Romualdez had to undergo emergency operation in his left eye due to a detached retina. This condition can be serious if not properly treated and would require special medical attention.
Upon the advice of his doctor, Romualdez will have to avoid traveling by air for a minimum of six months as air pressure could permanently damage his eye.
Romualdez has already informed the President of the situation through a letter to Presidential Management Staff head Christopher Go on Monday. He also explained the matter to Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. last Friday.
Initially appointed Special Envoy to the US, Romualdez has offered to continue working in that capacity.
With the new Trump administration, Duterte would have to name a new ambassador sooner than later.
It has been seven months since the Philippines had an ambassador in Washington.
Industry sources said businessman and Special Envoy to the US Jose E.B. Antonio, a business partner of US President Donald Trump, has expressed interest in the position. The STAR tried to get his comment but was unable to reach him as of press time. Foreign affairs insiders said Malacañang is carefully weighing the matter because of potential conflict of interest if Antonio becomes the ambassador.
Antonio is the founder, chairman and CEO of Century Properties Group (CPG), which is a business partner of Trump. The company is behind Trump Tower in Manila, which is licensed under the Trump Organization.
The US media has put Trump’s businesses in the spotlight for possible conflict of interest.
US-based Bloomberg has raised such conflict of interest questions on Trump’s global business interests, including CPG’s Trump Tower. CPG paid as much as $5 million to use the Trump name, according to Bloomberg, citing the financial disclosure Trump filed with the Federal Election Commission in May.
Trump has at least 10 similar deals around the world but the US president maintained there’s nothing wrong with such connections.
CPG launched the Trump Tower in 2012. It has over 250 units for residential use and an expected sales value of P6 billion, making it one of the most expensive and luxurious real estate projects in the country.
Aside from Antonio, sources said Yasay himself is also interested in the position.
Yasay is expected to end his term as foreign affairs chief this year, supposedly to pursue studies in the US. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Duterte’s runningmate in last May’s election, is set to take over the foreign affairs top post.