Former Foreign Secretary Roberto Romulo resigned yesterday as presidential adviser on international competitiveness following his joining the international strategic advisory firm, Kissinger McLarty Associates,as a member of its Board of Counselors.
Roberto Romulo, known as “Bobby” or RRR, is the cousin of the current foreign secretary, Alberto Romulo.
In his resignation letter dated Jan. 18, 2007, Romulo said, “In the course of examining our client base and current professional enagements, it came to me that there may be potential for conflict of interest arising from my involvement with KMA.”
“It is for this reason that I am constrained to inform you that I can no longer serve/act as your senior adviser for International Competitiveness effective Feb. 1, 2007,” said Romulo, who met with Arroyo last week.
Romulo further told Arroyo, “ I do this with great regret but one that is tempered by my realitzation that I can continue to be of service to out country by fostering corporate alliances between nations from both sides of the Pacific, and promote private investments for the Philippines, in what I firmly believe will be part of the most important economic and political region in the 21st century.”
KMA is headed by former US secretary of state and Nobel laureate Henry Kissinger and former White House chief of staff Thomas F. McLarty III. The firm counsels corporations in the US and overseas on strategic planning, market access, mergers and acquisitions, corporate communications, and political and risk issues worldwide.
“Mr. Romulo was a respected and effective diplomat and he will join a select group of counselors who help us best understand events and challenges around the world,” said Dr. Kissinger, the firm’s chairman, of the new appointment.
For his part, McLarty, KMA president, said: “I have known Bobby Romulo since the 1994 APEC Summit in Seattle and for more than a decade have been impressed with his expertise on economic and trade issues, especially in information technology. He will strengthen the depth and breadth of our work in Asia and is a most welcome addition to our firm.”
KMA’s clients include some of the biggest corporations in the world. As a matter of policy, however, the firm does not accept retainers from governments.
As senior adviser for international competitiveness to the Arroyo government, Romulo was instrumental in the establishment of the President’s International Advisory Board, which is composed of CEOs of top international corporations and has given the Philippine government invaluable counsel in dealing with the global economy. He has also been active in government advisory councils on information technology, international competitiveness, and economic relations with other countries.
The former DFA secretary joins a KMA Board of Counselors that includes retired US senator John Breaux, former Brazilian foreign minister Luis felipe Lampreia, former US state undersecretary Al Larson, and former US ambassadors Gordon Giffen, Jeffrey Davidow, Frank Wisner and Donna Hrinak.
With KMA, Romulo will counsel clients on international and regional issues covering diverse business development, strategic planning, market entry and foreign investment.
Romulo holds a bachelor of arts degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from the Ateneo de Manila University. After serving for 25 years with IBM Corporation in various managerial positions, he entered government service, first as ambassador to Belgium and the European Commission under President Corazon Aquino in 1989, and as foreign secretary under President Fidel Ramos from 1992 to 1995.
Photo above shows RRR and wife, Olivia, with Kissinger.
The Romulos come from a reputable and decent family. The other Romulo of Department of Foreign Affairs must follow by resigning from Arroyo’s cabinet. Lahat ng mga natitira pang kaunting may konsiyensia at pagmamahal sa bayan kailangan nang iwanan si Arroyo bago mahuli ang lahat.
RRR’s resignation can’t be taken lightly. His being with Kissinger could be a ruse instead of saying, ayaw ko na. He holds sway in the business sector and with its disenchantment with GMA now in full bloom, it could be a sign of nearing the end-game.
Not really, Joeseg. RRR remains supportive of Arroyo. In fact, he is accompanying Arroyo to Davos, Switzerland.
Ellen,
Neo-con Triple R joining another neo-con. Kissinger is still one of the lobbyists who’s got the ear of people on the hill. One may safely presume that Triple R’s joining Kissinger’s staff is good for business. Luli was (or still is???) working for triple R. Don’t know if we can connect the dots but I don’t trust that midget of Triple R.
During Hugo Chavez visit to Manila to attend PECC forum, Triple R had a slight run-in with Erap’s Flagship Secretary about money (Triple R was one of the organizers of PECC and was designated, can’t remember if it was as chairman) or contribution to the PECC – I was with the French delegation and was a witness, Triple R backed off in that slight encounter.
Ellen,
The pic of Mrs Romulo wearing a mink coat – hahahah! She will be in danger if ever she walks around in public wearing that coat here; pro-animal groups might slash her coat or pour paint on her!
Heh!
Aha, there goes the connection! Luli must have suggested the position at Kissinger’s firm in lieu of the US ambassadorship to get near Republican Bush, for Kissinger is still considered a stalwart of of the Republican, and then, they continue to claim that Ms. Pidal cannot be removed because she has US blessing!
If that is not being stupid, what is?
Aha too Yuko! There you are Cherchez la femme!
Triple R’s post with Gloria was only paid a symbolic dollar but the business he’s set up thanks to that status with Gloria was worth the only one dollar pay.
Max Soliven and Luli had a run in once due to the standing fight between Max and Triple R.
Max said, “Luli was trying to make taray to me about Triple R but I put her in her place.” Tapos!
KMA is a lobbying company, more than a consulting company. Kinssinger needs people with connections or International reputations to join his Consulting Firms to get preferential treatments for his clients. And there are no better people than former government officials who already knew the ropes. So don’t be surprised if you see another Big International getting another VFA like agreement with the Government..
Anna,
Naunahan mo ako! I was going to comment on the Mink coat of Mrs. Romulo that must be very, very expensive. I bought one at a bargain as a matter of fact when I was in UK for over a thousand pounds, and it was just a half-coat. Hers must 4 times that price if she bought it at one of the most expensive department stores in New York.
I gave it to my Mother as a gift as a matter of fact, but she does not use it. Mahal ang pa-cleaning ng ganyan coat!
Ellen,
Regarding that Davos trip, Uniffors the other night has listed some names of those who will be on this next junket. This WEF is a private endeavor and whatever agreements are forged will never be binding on any gov’t. Another spending spree for a cash-strapped government whose president will address the forum for 20 minutes while the 60 plus delegation, that includes a security detail of 21 PSG troopers (Dang! You don’t even need security in Switzerland) among others, will be spending our money on shopping. Details here. (The comments were posted on an unrelated topic)
Ate Ellen
I will accept that RRR is going with GMA to Davos because the visit could be part of his reamaining obligations as presidential adviser on internatioinal competitiveness. For all we know, it could be RRR’s last official act before saying good bye for good. But it’s a just a hunch, I have no concrete knowledge.
But as gleaned from the write up, the firm he’s joining is purely business and chances are, if there’s business to be done in our country, he’s at it. And as other multinationals, the profit derived, another dollar flight.
This was taken straight from the news report. Just FYI.
CIA, FBI, Aussie agents operating in south — AFP
By Edith Regalado
The Philippine Star 01/20/2007
DAVAO CITY — Several American and Australian intelligence agents are in Mindanao to monitor terrorist activities, military sources here claimed yesterday.
“Mindanao is crawling with CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and even Australian federal agents,” a source told The STAR.
The source, who asked not to be named, said aside from the US Special Forces deployed in Zamboanga and assisting in Sulu, foreign intelligence agents are also helping track down Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah militants. The foreign agents pose as tourists, businessmen, consultants or even treasure hunters.
Vic: I agree with you,The consulting firm of kissinger that he founded in 1982 together with his partner Marck McLarty the former chief of staff of Bill Clinton needed Roberto Romulo for his international connection.But, do you think Gloria has nothing to do with this? Gloria being the classmate of Bill at Georgetown.
Pareng Cocoy
Andyan ka pala! Mamasyal ka sa lungga natin. Dumidilim na doon buhat nang marating mo ang ika-500 responses, bigla kang nawala, ang daya mo. Nagbantay nga hanggang umagahin pero walang dumating. Si Mrivera wala pa rin.
Tongue T,
I doubt if Ellen will remove your comment because yours in fact is one that I, for one, do not find offensive and worth reading, especially those based on your first hand observation. Sometimes, this blog, being under he scrutiny of the Internet Brigade operating in the AFP, Malacanang or Cebu, sometimes get difficult to access. In fact, I’ve received a lot of obstruction last night and have to put on my anti-virus and firewall active to be sure my PC will not be infected.
Best thing for you to do when you get such obstruction is send an email to Ellen, and ask her to post your message if you cannot get posted.
Tira lang kaibigan. (I hate the use of the word kabayan because it sounds like Noli de Castro). I don’t think Ellen needs to moderate you.
Sorry, this should read: I doubt if Ellen will remove your comment because yours in fact is one that I, for one, do not find offensive BUT worth reading, especially those based on your first hand observation. Sometimes, this blog, being under THE scrutiny of the Internet Brigade operating in the AFP, Malacanang or Cebu, sometimes get difficult to access. In fact, I’ve received a lot of OBSTRUCTIONS last night and have to put on my anti-virus and firewall active to be sure my PC will not be infected.
Mandirigma:Kabayan lagi akong nasa tabi mo.Alam ko nag-aapoy ang damdamin mo at aaruy-aruy ang puso mo.Di mo ba alam na ang mga babae ay may dalawang labi at ang lalaki naman ay may dalawang ulo.Pare Joe:pahiram muna ng linya mo,ipaliwanag ko lang kay kaibigan nating warrior,ano?Ang mga babae kapag nakangisi invite,invite ka pare ng may pakindat kindat pa,pero kapag hindi ka nakangiti abay dehins ka welcome.
If you read today’s Daily Inquirer, you would see the headline photo showing some personalities in that Edsa Two rites. On stage were Arroyo, the girl holding the bible (Abad’s daughter), Davide, Nene Pimentel and Ramos. Except for Pimentel, the rest are still with Arroyo. Pero bakit inilabas ang litratong ito na kasama si Pimentel? Does The Inquirer have other motive?
Kabayang Cocoy, baka naman isipin niyan na binubuyo kita. You know for a fact that I handled myself professionally here. Pero bakit sila (siya) ganoon sa akin? Maybe it’s time to change my name to Warrior. Are you Golden Warriors’ fan, Ka Cocoy?
mandirigma:
You hammered the nail on the head.EEEGGGGOOOO my friend.You can count on me as my friend.Why don’t you visit us on another thread si Arroyo ang issue.We already posted more than 500.
Whooa!!! Enjoy na naman akong basahin ang palitan between mandirigma, cocoy, and miron…pasensya na mga Kabayans, o kabayan lang, pero ito talaga ang isang nakakasira kapag nag-umpisa na ng balitaktakan ang mga tulad ninyo against either ystakei or anna de brux. Wala na, pulos NGAWNGAW nyo na lamang ang mababasa ng mga tutunghay sa forum na ito.
Now, if what ystakei’s suspicion is not true about your real intentions in joining and giving comments in here, then mga kabayans just cut the arguments and continue giving your pennies for thought about the disaster in Philippine political history called gloria.
Tinitiis na lang nga namin ang mga walang kakwenta-kwentang patawa nuong artsee dito, tapos dadagdagan niyo pa ng mga wala rin namang kakwenta-kwentang bangayan. Ang gulo ninyo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tongue, sorry for the delay in posting your comment. It was submitted for moderation. I just woke up now.
Sa totoo lang, wala akong tiwala sa Bobby Romulo. He is all for the fake president.
Si Mrs. Romulo ba ang naka mink? Heheh, huwag siyang magpapakita sa banda dito sa amin dahil galit kami sa mga naka fur coats. Saka bakit siya nakasuot ng mink coat sa loob ng opisina? Ang bakya naman niya!
Its three & half months to election day. We as bloggers here should and must make it easier for Ellen and her moderators out of respect to them and ourselves.
We must try to keep to ‘Strictly Politics’ and the subject matter of the issue being discussed. It is easy to fall into the trap of mentioning religious sentiment, or comments aimed at fellow bloggers, I know because I’m guilty of doing it. But I’m not alone.
Its just a matter of moderating our own comments we have written BEFORE we post its content. I’m sure it will make better reading and more importantly save Ellen and her staff the extra work. Lets show that we appreciate the use of Ellens informative blog site. Thanks wwnl
chi, pagpasensyahan mo na ang ginang ni Triple R, ginaw na ginaw kasi sa loob ng opisina, inaatake ng rayuma. hehehe
Going back to this two Romulos in gloria’s gang, kung makikita lang natin si CPR sa kabilang buhay, tiyak na nagpupuyos sa inis ang matanda dahil sa kawalan ng tunay na pagpapahalaga sa ating bayan ng dalawang ito. Lalo na iyong alberto na tumulong sa pagpapapuga nuong kanong rapist.
Naku Spartan, mukhang nagyayabang lang ang ginang na pricey ang kanyang mink kasi may heater naman sa loob ng opisina ni Kissinger. Nakakatawa ano?
Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng nakasuot ng mink sa loob ng opisina. Ayaw tanggalin sa katawan, baka me magnakaw! Ang tagal na sa “merika” hindi pa rin alam gumamit ng coat. hahah!
Walang pakinabang ang Pilipinas sa dalawang Romulos na ‘yan. Mga taksil,ipinagkanulo si CPR!
WWNL, I don’t have a staff.
In fairness to Mrs. Romulo, she is gracious person and not at all arrogant. But they indeed live in a privileged world. I was covering DFA when RRR was ambassador to Brussels and continued to write about DFA when he was foreign secretary. He was a good administrator, has better grasp of foreign relations that his cousin, who is the foreign secretary now, and he is not corrupt.
I think this picture was taken after the meeting and they were about to leave. That’s why Mrs. Romulo is wearing an overcoat. I don’t know if it’s mink.
Ellen:
Then its more important we bloggers “moderate” our own comments before we post them. Thanks. wwnl.
OK, Ellen, she probably was wearing the now more modist fake fur coats I saw being bargained at JC Penny’s. Didn’t buy one because it is acrylic and won’t help people from the tropics to keep warm. Made in China pa at maginaw!
I bought two down coats for my son in fact at GAP and Old Navy. Mas mainit especially if you are battling the cold spell now in New York, etc. I was told of the snow in Southern California, and people excited to take pictures of it. It was quite warm (springlike weather) when I was in CA last Christmas holiday.
We’re having unusually warm temperature in Japan, too. Still, I keep my heater on to stop any impending bout of arthritis. Besides, we have these portable heaters that you stick on top of your underwear and prevent stomach aches due to the cold.
I thought I’d go to a hot spa and do skiing but a friend who owns an inn says they do not have enough snow this year, and they only have those artificial ones made with some machine. I don’t like it kasi madulas. Will postpone this activity for next year maybe.
Besides, I need to save some money for the trip to Netherlands in March for the Permanent People’s Tribunal.
Still, I find this triple R’s devotion to the crook really amazing. If you have any scruple, I doubt if you can bear to be with the Great Switik and her lackeys even for a minute. Golly, kasama sa Swizterland, baka maatake siya gaya ng nangyari kay Ople before!
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
Yuko,
Apart from $$$, ano kaya ang ipinakain ni Great Switik sa mga matitinong (sana) lalaking gaya ni 3Rs at mukhang patay na patay sila sa bruha. You’re right, the devotion of her male minions is amazing.
Very significant ang pag-resign ni Robert Romulo. Coming at this time when the election period has commenced, may ibig siyang iparating sa Malacanang at mga tao. Huwag po tayong magtaka na sa susunod na mga araw ay mismong mga tauhan ni Arroyo ang kakalas.
Does anyone know where GodSaveDConstitution is? Mas masaya kung narito siya. Iba ang dating niya.
RRR is no rabid admirer of GMA. But like many in the elite, they prefer her than risk an unknown alternative.
RRR joining KMA?
Is that for real or just one of those acting permanently?
Hindi kaya kay Kabalen Macapal Arroyo ito?
Sana umayaw si Kissinger at sinabi Kiss My Ass..
We all must be aware that the partnership KMA is a business concern and will do everything to hire people that will bring in Big business for the Firm. Kissinger is connected to many Big Corporations as member of the boards to lend his internationally well-known name if nothing else.
People like the Romulos are already established families long before the Macapagals or the Arroyos. They were in the Government Service and the issue is had they been upright with themselves? Or is he joining the Firm to take advantage of his connections to the detriment of the Country’s interest? That is still the Question. We will keep a good eye on RRR..
Iyan ang hirap kasi, Ellen, when the society is made up of a lot many elite kuno without scruples!!! Puro yabang lang!
Spartan:… kapag nag-umpisa na ng balitaktakan ang mga tulad ninyo against either ystakei or anna de brux. Wala na, pulos NGAWNGAW nyo na lamang ang mababasa ng mga tutunghay sa forum na ito.
*******
OK lang Brod. Hindi ko naman binabasa ang mga basura sa totoo lang. Walang pupuntahan! Alam naman natin ang layunin! Gustong magpakitang gilas at mang-insulto na akal mo sila lang ang magaling. Mahirap na lang magsalita sa totoo lang.
Iniisip ko na lang ang sabi ng nanay ko, “Ang pumatol sa ulol at mas lalong ulol!” Kaya hindi ko papatolan o dignify with a reply!
Sabi ko nga kay Anna, kung ang panglaban ng mga Internet Brigader ay Bakla power, e di tirahin natin ng Tomboy power! 😛
Halata naman ang mga ungas sa totoo lang. Hindi ko lang nga maintindihan ang takbo ng mga utak ng mga ulol! Shocking talaga lalo na kung nasanay ka na makisalamuha sa mga taong matino at marunong makipagpalitan ng opinion hindi iyong parang nakakaloko! Wala kang matutunan sa kanila.
You bet, style ni Great Switik! Sabi ng kaibigan kong kaklase niya sa Assumption at isang student niya sa Ateneo na si Great Switik in fact ay mahilig ng tsismis at gumawa ng salita. Pati nga mga kapatid niyan sa ama ang alam ko kwidaw sa kaniya at ubod talagang salbahe at walanghiya. Sabi ng kapatid ko, bakyang-bakya ang dating! Puro yabang lang!
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA! BUGAW NA ASTA PROSTITUTA PA, ALIS DIYAN!
BTW, Ellen, kumusta na si Jesli Lapid? Anong ginagawa niya ngayon? Mukhang tahimik siya a. Mapapaniwala niya ako kapag nagawa niyang ipasok ang lahat ng batang pilipino sa eskuwela sa pasukan without discrimination, regardless of their economic status and capacity to understand, no more palaboy-laboy kids asking for alms on the streets! Otherwise, palpak din siya!
Dito wala kang makikitang batang palaboy-laboy na nakapaa. Sinisita ng pulis ang mga batang patambay-tambay o nagbubulakbol, at by 5 pm, kailangang nakauwi na sila ng bahay at maaari lang lumabas na kasama ng mga matatanda pag gabi na!
Diyan dapat nilulustay ang pera ng bayan—sa pagtataguyod ng mga kabataan, hindi iyong panay ang pasyal ni Donya Switik kasama ng mga tuta niya!
Patay na si Jess Lapid. Hindi ba iyon ang artista noong dekada 60? May anak din siyang naging artista pero hindi ba active ngayon, si Jess Lapid Jr. Ang mga Lapid kamag-anak ni Lito Lapid. Madaling Lapidan ang mga iyan kapag kailangan niyo ng tulong.
Oops, Ellen, mistake. It’s Jesli Lapus not Lapid. Kaibigan ko kasi ang pamangkin ni Lapid na reporter ng Manila Bulletin.
Ano ang ginagawa niya ngayon?
Dugong aso din ang mga Lapus.
Ellen,
No, the two latter posts about games were not mine. I was already asleep before 8AM. My little sons who are into games have their own computers. It probably had something to do with the wireless router my technician was installing. I’m tryin to figure if anyone can use my network administrator account without knowing my password.
So Ellen, please erase the posts. They dont belong to me. Thanks.
Makasingit lang ng kaunti. I just want to mention na I like what Mam Ellen did in deleting some of the comments that are irrelevant to what’s supposed to be discussed on this thread. Coz if that’s the case, mag IM na lang sila. Now with regards to the Romulos, I just hope RRR can bring the kind of respect like the old Carlos P. Romulo did to our country. Napakalaki ang naging achievement ni CPR sa international community. He’s one of the first 5 (I believe)Sec. General ng UN when it was formed. Huwag na tayong umasa sa isa namang Romulo (alberto) na taga puslit ng mga kriminal ng administrasyon tulad ng garci at bolante.
Kay Ate Ellen nagpasalamat ka pero sa akin hindi. IM? Bakit pa eh blog naman ito? Puwede naman dito ang usapan kahit dalawa lang. Tingnan mo sina Ate Anna at Ate Japayuko. Ibig mo bang sabihin mag-IM na lang sila? Ano pala ang IM? Iggy Macapagal o International Master ng chess?
Yuko,
I think Mrs Romulo’s fur coat is real. It’s alright for her to wear one provided she can defend it against pro-animal groups if and when she’s attacked.
I witnessed an incident once in Paris in front of a hotel – a woman was waiting for a cab; as quick as a flash, someone came behind and poured paint on her. Her scream could be heard all over Place de l’Opera!
After that, I told myself, time to bury my fur coats… Ostentatiously coated in house paint just isn’t my cup of tea. Heheh!
Also, the final blow was when when someone I knew from Manila came over for a visit dressed in fox fur (with the head of the dead fox strutting around her neck) that she bought in Seoul. Her friend was wearing a cat fur from China. Ugh, disgusting!
O sige Artsee, salamat din sa iyo at sa kung sino pa ang dapat pang pasalamatan. But Artsee, you are missing my point. Sila Anna at Yuko, kahit mag usap silang dalawa through this blog, may relevance sa topic. Nakakaliw basahin. Di tulad ng iba… Im gonna stop at this point at kung may iba pang mag response sa comment kong ito, bahala na kayo. Im just gonna keep on reading this blog and if at any point that such topic would interest me to put in my opinion, I will not think twice to put in my thoughts.
Sinabi mo pa, Anna, kaya nga maski dito sa Japan, puro fake fur na lang ang suot ng mga mahihilig. Nagmura na nga ang mga fur na nilalagay sa leeg kasi walang bumibili. Iyon ngang fur shop na malapit sa amin nalugi na!
Namamaho kasi ang fur coat kung nakatago lang ng matagal sa closet. Maski nga iyong down jacket kapag nabasa ng ulan o snow na natunaw, mabaho.
Yuko, “puro fake fur na lang ang suot ng mga mahihilig.” Here too! More sane – I believe than wearing these odious animal heads around you. Yuck!
Of course, there’s nothing like a real nice mink or a silver coloured foxy type (the feel of fur is nice) but frankly, just a bit too much, too ostentatious and frankly on someone who’s brown and short, a fur coat doesn’t look fetching.
Look at Mrs Romulo’s pic – she looks like she’s a lost mother bear.
Mike, pardon my ignorance, what’s IM?
IM means Instant Message. It’s like a one to one conversation when you are amongst other participant in a chat group. If you want to talk privately to one person in that group, there’s suppose to be a button that you can click so you can chat to that person privately. I believe, Mam Ellen, AOL started with the chat thing. It was expensive then because we were charged by the hour. Unlike now, it’s unlimited. Then more chat categories came out after that.
IM = Instant Messaging. Example is Yahoo Messenger (YM). A one-on-one communication between two parties using typed messages. This is real-time. Parang text messaging sa cellphone.
Thanks Mike and PSKM. I learned something new today.
You’re more than welcome Mam Ellen. And one more thing, then I’ll stop kasi medyo off topic na ito. Mas maganda if both of you have a webcam so you can see each other while chatting, di ba PSKM?
From IBON Features:
US Aid Militarization and Arroyo’s Policy of Repression
WHEN THE US LAUNCHED ITS GLOBAL WAR AGAINTS TERRORISM after the attacks in New York and Washington on September 11,2001 , it also initiated the process of militarizing its aid relations with strategic clients like the Philippines. This phenomenon is characterized by an alarming increase in various forms of US military assistance and the use of development programs and projects as components of the military’s pacification campaign.
Mandirigma, though your suggestion about the webcam is not impossible. However, I don’t think it would be appropriate to broadcast our faces while we are criticizing the present bogus administration. Baka nakalimutan mo, napaka vindictive ng mga squatter sa Malakanyang ngayon at wala silang sinasantong batas. For now, hayaan mong mataranta sila about our profile. But one thing for sure, I know that they know that the participants in this blog are from anywhere in this world. Meaning hindi lang Pinoy sa Pilipinas ang asar na asar sa kanila kundi mga kapwa nating Pinoy sa anumang panig nga mundo.
The webcam that I was thinking of was among us here in this group. Para magkakilala tayong lahat pati na ang mga magkaaway. If they get to see how I look like, maybe they would learn to like me. But you’re right Kabayang Mike. There are Malacanang intruders in this group who might recognize us. It’s better to be cautious.