By Roy Ramos
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (AA) – The Presidential Office announced Thursday that Jose Manuel Romualdez has been appointed the country’s ambassador to the United States.
"We are confident that with Mr. Romualdez at the helm of the Philippine embassy in Washington DC, it will further strengthen PH-US relations and promote stronger cooperation between the two countries," Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella explained in a statement.
Romualdez said he is happy and honored to serve the country while being humbled by President Rodrigo Duterte's trust and confidence.
In a post on Twitter, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Sung Kim, sent Romualdez a congratulatory message.
Romualdez, who is publisher and CEO of Stargate/PeopleAsia, held the position as special envoy to Washington prior to his nomination as envoy to the U.S.
He is chair of several American multinational companies, including Weber Shandwick Philippines and FCB Manila. Romualdez is also president of the Manila Overseas Press Club and vice president of the Rotary Club of Manila.
The appointment of a new US ambassador comes at a time of diplomatic tension because of Washington’s criticisms of Duterte’s drug war.