US Envoy to the Philippines, Ambassador Philip Goldberg denied the allegations that he was interferring in the Philippine election because of his reported comment against Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. The US top envoy did not respond when asked about Philippine politics and the election issues.
In an interview with dzRH’s program “Damdaming Bayan,” the US Ambassador clarified that Washington do not interfere with the candidates which was contrary to the previous report that were released by various news media organizations in the country.
Ambassador Goldberg was quoted as saying “We do not interfere with the candidates. That is what people should understand,” Goldberg said in an interview. He also emphasized that the US government believes in the democratic process of the Philippines.
The ambassador added further that “We are not worried about the democratic process in your country. We believe you will choose the right person to lead. We hope that the electorate will choose the best leader. And the people will be the ones to decide on it,” Goldberg said.
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte made headlines earlier when asked by reporters for comment on the possibility that Australia and the US would cut ties with the Philippines over his remarks on the controversial issue involving an Australian missionary.
The mayor slammed the US Ambassador and Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorley for their comments on his rape remarks but Goldberg said he had no comment on any of the candidates because he knew that diplomats are not allowed to interfere in local politics.