Analysis | Incoming US ambassador in Manila has his work cut out dealing with Duterte
The veteran United States diplomat taking over as the country’s top envoy to the Philippines will have his work cut out in dealing with President Rodrigo Duterte, observers say, as the firebrand leader threatens to derail the two countries’ alliance with his coarse and anti-West rhetoric.
If he [Kim] can handle the boiler room diplomacy with North Korea, dealing with Duterte at this juncture should not be insurmountable
The US Senate on September 28 formalised Sung Kim’s appointment as the new ambassador to the Philippines, paving the way for the Seoul-born diplomat to take over from incumbent Philip Goldberg.
International rights groups have asked for an immediate halt to the killings which they say are extrajudicial and a violation of human rights.
“The new ambassador will have to be discreet, disarming and non-controversial,” said Ramon Casiple, the executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform in Manila.
“He will have his hands full balancing between strengthening ties with all sectors in government and key civil society institutions such as the churches and media, and sensitively dealing with a temperamental president,” Casiple said.
