US Embassy denies former envoy’s plot to unseat Duterte

US Embassy press attaché denies the existence of a ‘blueprint’ to topple the Duterte administration

THE United States Embassy in Manila yesterday denied an alleged plot by former ambassador Philip Goldberg to help unseat President Rodrigo Duterte.

The US Embassy said it “categorically denies the allegations and the existence of a ‘blueprint’.”

“As Secretary (John) Kerry said in his meeting with President Duterte in July, the US respects the sovereignty of the Philippines and the democratic choices made by the Philippine people in selecting their leaders,” US Embassy Press Attaché Molly Koscina said.

Their reaction is based in an article published by the Manila Times saying that the former US ambassador had left behind a “blueprint to undermine Duterte” that is meant to eventually help remove him from office.

The article was written by Dr. Dante Ang, the owner of the paper citing a reliable source.

Koscina also said that the relationship between the two countries is “broad” and its alliance is one of their “most enduring and important relationships in the Asia Pacific region.”

‘Shared sacrifices’

“It has been a cornerstone of stability for over 70 years. It is built on shared sacrifices for democracy and human rights and strong people-to-people and societal ties. 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,” she pointed out.