Expelled PHL envoy to Kuwait is back in the country

Ambassador Renato Villa has returned to the country from Kuwait on Wednesday evening and was met by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials.

The delegation was led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, who met Villa at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

"For providing leadership and guidance that we, as public diplomats, are here to promote the welfare and protect the interest of overseas Filipino workers anywhere in the world," Villa said after a brief meeting with Cayetano and other officials.

"I sincerely hope that we can all move forward and work together with Kuwait in securing and providing our distinct core national interests, the well-being of overseas Filipinos," he added.

Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, praised Villa on his work.

"Tonight I welcome a former overseas Filipino worker, a diplomat, a man that I truly admire, Ambassador Renato Villa," he said.

"I thank him for his service to the country and to our people," he added.

Villa was declared persona non grata by the Kuwaiti government last month over alleged inappropriate behavior.

Kuwaiti officials referred to the video of Philippine Diplomatic staff conducting rescue operations. — BAP, GMA News