Philippines ends P13.8-B funding from European Union
By Patricia Lourdes Viray
By Patricia Lourdes Viray
Decision made to thwart interference, says Palace
MANILA, Philippines (Update 3, 1:38 p.m.) — The Philippine government has decided to end its funding agreement with the European Union (EU), the EU delegation to the Philippines confirmed Thursday.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen said in previous reports that the government has informed them that the country will no longer accept new EU grants.
The EU delegation to the Philippines is yet to release an official statement announcing the end of the agreement.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said that Philippines rejected aid from the EU so as to "prevent them from interfering with the our internal affairs."
This move comes days after China promised to pour in billions of dollars for projects under its One Belt, One Road initiative which could purportedly help the Philippines.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that the country is already benefiting from Beijing's aid and assistance worth $24 billion.
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| President Rodrigo Duterte |
Duterte may reverse decision to reject EU aid, Pernia says
By Julian Ocampo
By Julian Ocampo
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines' rejection of the European Union aid is "not a policy" and President Rodrigo Duterte could "take it back," Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said.
"On face value, it appears to be not a good move... but I don't think it's not going to remain as such (in place)," Pernia said on Thursday.
He said the government relayed its intention to reject EU aid before officials went to Geneva to explain the country's human rights situation.
The aid rejection, which covers the governing bloc and not what member countries may send, will result in more than P70 billion in assistance being removed, affecting mostly Mindanao development.
The EU had been critical of the Duterte administration's drug war, which had been criticized for alleged human rights violations.
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