Foreign Affairs chief says he won’t resign

MANILA (Updated 5:18 p.m.) -- Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on Tuesday shut down rumors that he will resign from his post due to demoralization.

In a statement sent to Malacanang, Del Rosario said he will continue to serve in the DFA.

“As the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, I have sworn to faithfully serve our country. I remain true to my commitment,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said, reading the statement of the 72-year-old diplomat.

Del Rosario was reportedly demoralized when he was not told about the backchanneling negotiations conducted by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV with Chinese officials over the West Philippine Sea issue.

Trillanes allegedly called del Rosario a “traitor” and accused him of treason for involving the United States in the territorial dispute.

Del Rosario lashed back, saying the backchannel talks have caused more harm than good.

Amid rumors of Del Rosario thinking about resigning, his colleagues in the DFA and other civic leader threw support for him.

Philippine Ambassador to Washington DC Jose Cuisia and Filipino-American business and civic leader Loida Nicolas Lewis urged Del Rosario to stay in his post, adding they support his leadership.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda earlier denied that Del Rosario will be quitting his post, saying he continues to perform his functions.

"As far as I know, that's not true. In fact, Secretary Del Rosario was with the President yesterday in Brunei and he is now on his way to Washington in his capacity as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. How can that be a sign of a demoralization if he continues to perform his functions and responsibilities as Secretary of Foreign Affairs?" he said.

Del Rosario is currently in the US to attend the United Nations General Assembly. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)