US Embassy in Manila denies plot by former Ambassador Goldberg to unseat President Duterte

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28): US Embassy in Manila denies plot by former Ambassador Goldberg to unseat President Duterte

The United States Embassy in Manila on Wednesday denied an alleged plot by former Ambassador Philip Goldberg to help unseat Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

The U.S. 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 United States respects the sovereignty of the Philippines and the democratic choices made by the Philippine people in selecting their leaders," U.S. Embassy Press Attaché Molly Koscina said in a statement.

Their reaction is based in an article published by the Manila Times saying that former U.S. Ambassador Goldberg 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."

"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.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=951345