Thread: US ex-envoy plotting Duterte fall – source

LISBON, PORTUGAL: The Philippines may be in for another rough ride in 2017.

Not only did former United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg leave the Philippines with a legacy of fractured relations between the two countries, he allegedly left behind a “blueprint to undermine Duterte,” a strategic recommendation ostensibly to the State Department for the ultimate removal of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte from office, according to a highly placed source. It is not clear, however, if the State Department in Washington DC had given its imprimatur to the recommendation by its former ambassador to the Philippines.

A document received over the weekend by The Manila Times from that source said Goldberg had outlined a list of “strategies” to undermine President Duterte and called for his eventual ouster. The blueprint gave a timetable of one-and-a-half years.

Quoting Goldberg, it said the “political actors (the opposition) would need all the political weapons in their arsenal to replace the Duterte administration and replace it with something more to the opposition’s liking.” He noted, however, “that (deposing Duterte) would be a challenge for the opposition.”

Analyzing the President’s weakness, Goldberg said that Mr. Duterte “has no real friends” outside of his region for his propensity to mock and ridicule people close to him. He also said that the President’s “views are shaped not by ideology or personal ambitions, but by old-fashioned nationalism where he holds the United States accountable for the Philippines’ current state of poverty and dependency.”

To bring down Duterte, the Goldberg plan calls for stoking public dissatisfaction with the President over unfulfilled election promises, isolating the Philippines from the rest of the Asean by extending military assistance to member countries except the Philippines, and/or through economic “blackmail” that aims to limit trade by some Asean member countries with the Philippines.

Goldberg also encourages support for the opposition through aids and grants, sowing discontent among the Duterte supporters and cultivating the cleavage between the congressmen and the senators over the Charter Change issue.

In brief, the plan calls on the US government to employ a combination of socio-economic-political-diplomatic moves against Duterte “to bring him to his knees and eventually remove him from office.”
The paper outlined the Ambassador’s “strategies to be employed” such as:

Political and economic isolation of the Philippines in the region by engaging the leaders of Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos and by “highlighting the basic question of the risk of doing business in the Philippines.”
Enhanced US military relationship with members of the Asean community except the Philippines.

Blackmail neighboring countries so they would turn against Duterte by reducing trade with the Philippines in favor of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

Deepen ties with Philippine officials (the opposition), the police/military and leaders in the region who share the US concerns over Duterte.

Track corruption cases and highlight the failures of Duterte.

“Focus on the needs of the people at the grassroots and assist the opposition groups in delivering those failed promises through USAID – such as alleviation of poverty, housing and education – to name a few.”

Utilize the media to expose the truth about Duterte – “his false vision for the Filipino people and his dangerous international relationships with China and Russia.”

Goldberg also recommends, “change the political landscape by dividing the core leadership of Duterte” by “sowing discontent among (his) partymates.” He observed that some of the President’s allies are privately becoming concerned over his shift in foreign policy and the twist in the character of his economic and social agenda that veers closely toward the Left.

The former US Ambassador underscores the need to stoke the fire between the “defenders of the rule of law and Duterte’s Leftist group” by highlighting the demands of the Left to free all political prisoners in the country even before a formal peace agreement could be signed between the government and the CPP/NDF/NPA, and an end to US military presence in the Philippines.

It is not clear from what the source said how Goldberg would go about weakening the Philippine currency, but it states that such a scenario would lead to inflation (and would raise prices of food and other commodities). (Author’s note: He was wrong, though, in predicting that a weak peso would make our agriculture less competitive. On the contrary, a weak peso would help strengthen our exports and make our products more competitive in the global market.)

The paper also quoted Goldberg’s recommendation to “capitalize on a possible stalemate” as a possible course of action if and when the Lower House marginalizes the Senate on the voting on Charter Change. The Lower House has already publicly declared that both the House and the Senate should vote as one and not separately, as espoused by the Senators. Voting as one would, as some senators say, disenfranchise them given the sheer number of the congressmen – 240 representatives versus 24 Senators.

There will be fallout as a result of the Charter Change stalemate. Many legislators will break away from the administration as a consequence, Goldberg predicts.

In his observation, the US former envoy to the Philippines said that while President Duterte has been successful in earning the support of the people for his campaign against drugs, his political and economic program has failed to deliver the desired results. The US government, he said, should try “to understand how Duterte thinks” and what his next moves would be.

“With growing concern about the country’s security situation and economic discontent, the pressure is on Duterte to deliver concrete results,” the paper wrote, quoting Goldberg. “In this increasingly sensitive environment – a country susceptible to favor political disruption, our approach must be measured. Opposition actors across the political spectrum look at us (US) for cues, and our (US) influence is much greater than our footprint.”

Goldberg also advises “restraint in expressing public support for former President Fidel Valdez Ramos and Vice President Leni Robredo, as well as other opposition leaders “so as not to alarm the Duterte administration of an impending “destabilization or a coup.” He admits, however, that the “operation (coup) is obscured with difficulties.”

Two other options were presented by Goldberg, according to the paper: The rift among the Duterte supporters should be exploited, or assist the “Robredo-led opposition groups (to include the Catholic Church and other religious groups, business sectors, civil society groups and the youth) in addressing the international community regarding the shift in foreign policy issue, restoration of democracy and the protection of human rights through constitutional means.”

Goldberg predicts a worsening of the US-Philippine relations, more so on the issue of the US military presence in the Philippines, more particularly during the last two years of the Duterte administration.

The paper also wrote that the former US ambassador to the Philippines wanted to “know the views of Sen. Bongbong Marcos on a variety of issues such as: the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), China, Human Rights and the US-PH relations.”

US ex-envoy plotting Duterte fall ? source - The Manila Times Online

US-PH relations could deteriorate if ‘Goldberg plot’ unfolds

LAWMAKERS on Monday said the rift between Manila and Washington could only worsen if a blueprint to oust President Rodrigo Duterte, supposedly written by former US ambassador Philip Goldberg, actually unfolds.

“If there is such a plan, that will further alienate and strain our relationship with each other as a country,” Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto 3rd.

Sotto said it would be better if the US left the Philippines alone and did not interfere with the Duterte government.

But Sotto believes Duterte will not ousted because the President has not been implicated in any corruption issue.

“The people will accept a politician for most everything except stealing,” he added.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe agrees with the view expressed in the supposed Goldberg paper that Congress would be divided on the issue of Charter change, but he added that the majority coalition would not break up because of it.

“There is always a possibility that the US has some plan or two to destabilize a country especially if it is taking a direction against [US] interests,” he said.

“As for the fear that Congress will be divided on Charter change, I have no doubt it will be since we are not just discussing an insignificant provision but a fundamental change,” Batocabe said.

“But then I do not foresee that Charter change will cause the breakup of the coalition. The popularity of the President will be the major determinant on whether the coalition will hold or not,” he added.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said “No one will admit ownership of the alleged ouster plot document.”

“Until then, it remains part and parcel of a larger conspiracy theory. Ambassador Philip Goldberg already exited the Philippines, so therefore, we no longer have to deal with him. We have already in our midst a new and much more empathetic US Ambassador in His Excellency Sung Kim,” he added.

US-PH relations could deteriorate if ?Goldberg plot? unfolds - The Manila Times Online

Of course, the Palace is now denying that such a document exists, as is the US State Department.

How dare anyone suggest a country as fine and upstanding would seek to undermine a sovereign nations democracy?

They'll be telling us that Father Christmas doesn't really exist next!

Originally Posted by misskit

The Manila Times

Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton

the Palace

The palace is presumably the government offices?

^Malacanang Palace. Philippine White House.

I wonder how a nationalist like Duterte will square the circle of allying with China whilst China helps itself to Philippine territory in the Champa Sea?!
There must surely be a sizeable American-Philippine population for him to factor in too?
I don't see how any of his rhetoric works for him going forward.

Originally Posted by CaptainNemo

There must surely be a sizeable American-Philippine population for him to factor in too?

About 3.4 million legal Filipinos in the US, with up to another estimated million illegals.

Around 250,000 Americans in the Philippines.

Duterte thinks and acts like a gangster, so lives the dream of the last showdown.
China's gonna walk all over him.

He's going to get squashed between the bellies of the Chinese mopb and the American mob.
I wouldn't be surprised if a majority of Flippers soon tire of Dirty Duterte, and eagerly agitate to flee the tentacles of the Chinese Empire and run back into the loving embrace of the American Empire.
What does Duterte offer the various Flipper interest groups beyond Toxin-style narco-vigilantism and populist bung-flinging?

Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton

Originally Posted by CaptainNemo

There must surely be a sizeable American-Philippine population for him to factor in too?

About 3.4 million legal Filipinos in the US, with up to another estimated million illegals.

Around 250,000 Americans in the Philippines.

I wonder what the numbers are for Spaniards... they offer dual nationality to Phillipines, which must be appealing for those who want to work in the EU.

Speaker seeks probe into ‘Goldberg plot’

HOUSE Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Tuesday called for a congressional investigation into the “blueprint” allegedly drawn up by former US ambassador Philip Goldberg to undermine and oust President Rodrigo Duterte, calling the supposed plot “anathema” to democracy and a “subversion” of the people’s will.

Alvarez said Congress could invite members of the intelligence community and US Embassy staff to a probe in
January to dig deeper into the supposed plot, first reported by The Manila Times Chairman Emeritus Dr. Dante A. Ang in an exclusive story on Tuesday.

“Of course we cannot force them (US Embassy staff) but we will extend the invitation,” the speaker said.
Alvarez, as well as Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., said they were not surprised that the US would be involved in such a plot.

“I was not surprised. The United States always meddles…if it has no hold over a country’s president,” Alvarez said in Filipino.

Yasay told radio station dzRH he had been hearing of “serious threats” against Duterte from overseas, and that he wouldn’t put such activity past Goldberg, who was expelled by Bolivia in 2008 for allegedly fomenting civil unrest against the government of Evo Morales.

“It is not new for Ambassador Goldberg to be accused of such a plot,” Yasay said. “He should be a very important and influential person,” he said.

Yasay said The Manila Times report involved “a serious matter that we have to dig deeper into.”
“I would not take this threat lightly,” Yasay said.

Goldberg, according to The Manila Times story, said “political actors (the opposition) would need all the political weapons in their arsenal to replace the Duterte administration and replace it with something more to the opposition’s liking.”

Goldberg allegedly urged the US government to employ a combination of “socio-economic-political-diplomatic moves against Duterte to bring him to his knees and eventually remove him from office.”

Duterte and Goldberg had a rift before the latter ended his stint in Manila in October. Duterte badmouthed Goldberg for the envoy’s criticism of his joke during the election campaign about the 1989 rape of an Australian missionary.


Serious consequences

In a statement on Tuesday, Alvarez said of the ouster plot: “If true, this has serious consequences not only on our country’s political stability but also on the economic and social fabric of our nation. It would also have grave repercussions on our relationship with the United States.”

“In view of this serious allegation I am calling for a congressional investigation to find out if there is basis to this reported ouster plot against President Rodrigo Duterte,” he said.

The plan, if carried out, would constitute a violation of Philippine sovereignty and would be tantamount to subversion of the Filipino voters’ will, Alvarez said.

“That is anathema to the gospel of democracy the US government, especially under the administration of President Obama, has been preaching to the world,” he said.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, a Duterte ally, said there might be difficulty in inviting witnesses.

“Such probe might face a blank wall since we cannot invite US embassy officials and/or operatives as witnesses just like Jaybee Sebastian, or in the event that they snubbed us, we cannot arrest them just like what Congress did to [Ronnie] Dayan,” Batocabe told The Manila Times.


Non-intervention principle

Alvarez cited a United Nations declaration adopted in 1965 that provides that no state has the right to intervene in the affairs of another.

The US, he noted, is a signatory to the 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, which upheld the principle of non-intervention.

Yasay urged critics to allow Duterte to finish his six-year term.

“He was voted by our country, by an overwhelming majority. Let’s give our President a chance,” he said.
Alvarez pointed out that Duterte had no plans to cling to power.

“Removing him from office won’t be such a big thing for President Duterte. But I’m sure he would not stand idly when he sees our people suffering if our economy crumbles as a result of such US machinations,” Alvarez said.

Speaker seeks probe into ?Goldberg plot? - The Manila Times Online

Originally Posted by CaptainNemo

What does Duterte offer the various Flipper interest groups beyond Toxin-style narco-vigilantism and populist bung-flinging?

I believe he has already cleaned up a part whilst being a Mayor of a city. How are the residents there, calling for the Ameristanis to return to protect them or wishing the President god's speed.

Historic cycles.

The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same.

Bit embarrassing for the 'states for this to be leaked.

Assassination is quicker. The vice president is a member of the opposition. Maybe, the leak was done on purpose.

As I said previously, no such document has surfaced. Both the US and the Philippine government deny it exists. It is all based on one unsubstantiated report in one of Manila's notoriously unreliable newspapers.

Originally Posted by GracelessFawn

The vice president is a member of the opposition. Maybe, the leak was done on purpose.

The leak of the alleged content of the alleged document. And I agree it was done for political purposes.

Duterte warns of a bloody fight if there is a plot to oust him

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned those behind a supposed plot to oust him to prepare for a bloody fight, The Manila Times Online reported on Friday.

In his first four interviews Thursday after a Manila Times report on Tuesday that former US ambassador Philip Goldberg has left behind a “blueprint” to oust him from the office, Duterte accused the envoy and Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo of being involved in efforts to remove him from Malacanang.

He claimed some US diplomats were really working for the CIA and that Goldberg had a history of undermining foreign governments, having been expelled by Bolivia in 2008 for fomenting civil unrest against the government of Evo Morales.

“I have some inkling how this guy (Goldberg) works. Most of the American ambassadors are professionals who do spying; they are connected with the CIA while others have the forte, really, to undermine governments,” said the president.

As for Robredo, he said she was ousted from the cabinet because she was part of the group of people protesting the burial of former president Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in November which was also working for his ouster.

“She is there. She is part of the crowd. She may not be asking for it herself, but she is part of the crowd that wants me out,” said Duterte.

He reiterated that he was not clinging to the presidency, but he was determined to finish his six-year term.

He also said he was not worried over the 6,000 deaths, including some children, in his war on drugs.

Duterte warns of a bloody fight if there is a plot to oust him - Thai PBS English News

Originally Posted by GracelessFawn

He's prolly getting paranoid

he should be , lots of weapons around and he goes on killing people - he will kill some one and a relation will snap and go all out to top him

Originally Posted by misskit

cultivating the cleavage

mmmm... cleavage - I will volunteer to rub in the cream

^


China backs Duterte’s policies

The Chinese government has expressed strong support for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in wake of a report of alleged plot by former US ambassador Philip Goldberg to undermine and oust him from the presidency,The Manila Times Online reported on Saturday.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a press conference in Beijing on Thursday that China was confident on Duterte leadership and would continue to support his policies.

“As a friendly neighbor to the Philippines, China supports President Duterte’s policies and stands ready to help the Philippines speed up development by deepening bilateral cooperation of mutual benefit,” Hua was quoted to have said in an official transcript released by the foreign ministry.

“We believe that President Duterte will lead the Philippines to achieve greater development and prosperity,” said Hua.

In a statement to The Manila Times, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel described the report as “false” as he stressed that the US respects the sovereignty of the Philippines.

Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday cast doubt on the report, saying he did not even ask military intelligence to look into it.

Lorenzana said he had yet to talk to Duterte but relayed his views to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

China backs Duterte?s policies - Thai PBS English News

This is beginning to look like a pincer movement on the US by China and Russia...

Securing and extending empire.

The name of the game.