Ex-US envoy Kenney tight-lipped on WikiLeaks cables

Former US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Ann Kenney on Monday remained tight-lipped on comments she reportedly made about the Philippines in supposed diplomatic cables publicized by online whistle-blower WikiLeaks. Kenney, who is now posted in Bangkok, again declined to comment on what she branded as "alleged Embassy cables." "We don't comment on alleged Embassy cables," she said in reply to a tweeted query by GMA News reporter Lei Alviz. Alviz had asked Kenney for comment on the documents intercepted by WikiLeaks, especially the one about the late President Corazon Aquino. WikiLeaks had quoted Kenney as describing Mrs. Aquino an icon of democracy but only a partial icon of morality. Kenney was quoted as suggesting in the cable that Mrs. Aquino may have compromised her moral position when, in 2005, she joined ousted President Joseph Estrada in protest actions against then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Mrs. Aquino, who died in 2009, had helped catapult Arroyo to power in 2001 but turned against Arroyo in the wake of the 2005 "Hello Garci" scandal, which suggested Mrs. Arroyo had rigged the 2004 presidential polls. Kenney had responded to that cable last week by saying "Don't believe all you read." The former envoy has come under fire from incumbent Philippine officials for her supposed cables on Mrs. Aquino, mother of incumbent President Benigno Aquino III. Meanwhile, Kenney had her share of Filipino supporters who advised her not to "believe everything that you read or hear." "The Philippines love you and you were an effective envoy to the Philippine Islands," said one. "Thank you for the nice words. I loved my time in the Philippines and cherish my Filipino friends," Kenney replied. Last Friday, Kenney even praised Mrs. Aquino for having "inspired people around the world," in response to a tweet from controversial tourist guide Carlos Celdran. Celdran had tweeted Kenney and advised her not to let the "haters" get her. "Don't let haters get you. Many see through the myth and we still are Filipinos who love the Philippines. Lots of us agree with you," Celdran tweeted. "She had many admirable qualities and inspired people around the world. I admired her faith & her love of family," Kenney replied. — KBK, GMA News