Special Envoy Linglingay F. Lacanlale conveys the President’s message to H.E. Chilean President Sebastian Piñera

(Valparaiso, 11 March 2018) – As a sign and gesture of the strong partnership between the Philippines and Chile, and as part of the Philippine government’s efforts to increase its presence in the South American region, Special Envoy of President Duterte and Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs H.E. Linglingay F. Lacanlale attended the Official Inauguration of Chilean President-elect Sebastian Piñera held in Santiago and Valparaiso on 10-11 March 2018.

In a preceding meeting held at the Palacio de la Moneda, Special Envoy Lacanlale conveyed President Duterte’s best wishes to former President Bachelet and thanked her for her support for the Philippines. In response, President Bachelet conveyed her regards to the Philippine President and echoed the expression of gratitude for the mutual support between the two countries during her tenure.

President Piñera’s inauguration was held at the Congreso Nacional in Valparaiso and culminated in the symbolic transfer of the sash bearing the country’s national colors (white, blue and red) from former President Bachelet to Piñera.

Special Envoy Lacanlale delivered President Duterte’s congratulatory message and best wishes to President Piñera, who in response equally thanked President Duterte and the Philippine delegation for their greetings. President Piñera also expressed his interest to know more about the shared Hispanic heritage between the Philippines and Chile—asking in good humor if Spanish is still widely spoken in the Philippines.

In a speech following the inauguration, new Minister of Interior Andrés Chadwick spoke of the Piñera administration’s desire to continue working with foreign governments as “brothers and friends.” He also highlighted “President Piñera’s gratitude to foreign delegations who took the time to send official representatives to witness his inauguration and personally congratulate him.”

Special Envoy Lacanlale held pull-aside discussions with Chilean Vice Foreign Minister Edgardo Riveros, New Zealand Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Fletcher Tabuteau, and UK Minister of State for Europe and the Americas Alan James Carter Duncan. She also met with a number of resident Ambassadors and non-resident Ambassadors assigned in Chile.  

The Special Envoy was joined by CDA Marcos A.S. Punsalang and Consul Dennis John Briones of the Philippine Embassy in Santiago. END