MOSCOW—Philippine diplomat Igor G. Bailen recently presented his credentials as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bailen provided a copy of his credentials to Deputy Foreign Minister (DFM) Igor Morgulov. This, as Russian President Vladimir Putin was a “no-show” during the new Philippine envoy’s presentation of credentials.
The newly installed ambassador arrived in Moscow a few days after Russia invaded Ukraine. During the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on February 28, the Philippine delegation voted in “explicit condemnation” of Russia’s incursion.
Bailen conveyed President Duterte’s gratitude to the Russian government for its hospitality toward Filipino workers and migrants who made the transcontinental country their second home, as well as the Chief Executive’s appreciation to the federation for its “favorable approval” of the request of the Philippines to grant “safe corridor exit” for distressed Filipinos escaping the war in Ukraine “should the [need] arise.”
During Bailen’s credentials presentation, the Philippine Embassy in the Russian capital echoed the DFM’s hopes that despite the Philippines’s position on the Ukraine resolution, “there will be continuing engagement with the country [Russia].”
“[Morgulov] also hopes that the next Philippine president would build on…Duterte’s achievements in foreign relations, particularly with respect to closer friendship and engagement with Russia, as the two countries look forward to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026,” the embassy quoted the DFM.
Both agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation—especially in the cultural sphere—to realize the full potential of Philippine-Russian bilateral ties.
Putin ‘snubs’ envoy
“FOLLOWING his presentation of credentials to [the DFM], Ambassador Bailen may fully perform his duties in the Russian Federation,” the Philippine embassy said in a media release. “The presentation of credentials with [President Putin is scheduled later].”
When asked why Bailen did not present his credentials to the Russian leader, the embassy’s Press Officer Khaye Alipay replied: “Our press release informs the public of the first step toward the presentation of credentials.”
The country’s former deputy ambassador to Moscow Pete Chan believes Putin snubbed President Duterte’s newly installed ambassador to Moscow.
“Putin may be so busy with the war in Ukraine, but why present it to the deputy minister?” Chan told the BusinessMirror. “It’s definitely a snub!”
He explained that all ambassadors with the highest rank of extraordinary and plenipotentiary representing Duterte himself should be presenting their credentials before the head of state; in this case, Putin.
Protocol dictates that ambassador-designates present in a formal ceremony a letter of credence written by the Chief Executive and addressed to the latter’s counterpart. Only after that can designates begin their official duties as ambassadors.
On the day of Bailen’s presentation of credentials, Duterte said in a speech in Leyte: “Ako diyan sa Russia, nasasaktan ako… Kaibigan ko si Putin, eh. [What’s happening in Russia hurts me. Putin is a friend.]”