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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Locsin's appointment as special envoy to China is genius; Recto explains why

Locsin's appointment as special envoy to China is genius; Recto explains why

Published Aug 17, 2023 07:05 am

At A Glance

  • Former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr. is the diplomat that the Philippines needs with China, said House Deputy Speaker and Batangas 6th district Rep. Ralph Recto.

Locsin in Beijing for official visit, talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr.

Former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr. is the diplomat that the Philippines needs with China.

Thus, said House Deputy Speaker and Batangas 6th district Rep. Ralph Recto on Thursday, Aug. 17, as he hailed Malacañang's appointment of Locsin as Special Envoy to China for Special Concerns.

Recto explained in detail the pros of tapping the eloquently sharp-tongued Locsin for the job.

"Teddy Locsin is the kind of diplomat 'who can tell you to go to hell in such an elegant way that you’ll look forward with pleasure to making the trip'," Recto said.

"While he has the command of language that makes him our best weapon in a shouting war, the situation calls for no bullhorn diplomacy, but quiet labor that brings results. But if need be, he can stare down China's practitioners of wolf diplomacy," the ranking solon said of Locsin, who is also a former House member.

Recto further expressed confidence that Locsin won't "rabble-rouse", but rather "press the reboot button, so that the PH-China relations will pivot toward a mutually respecting phase".

Manila and Beijing have long been butting heads over territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The same is true under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s administration.

"For more than half a century, Teddy Locsin has articulated our dreams, chronicled our battles, and moved the nation with prose that inspires. In his newest mission for the Republic, there is no doubt that he can effectively champion our interest," Recto further said.

Locsin, also a former journalist, is taking on his special envoy post in a concurrent capacity with his initial appointment as the Philippine ambassador to the United Kingdom.

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