Senators worry over Duterte’s rejection of EU aid

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BY PRINCE GOLEZ
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Saturday, May 20, 2017
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MANILA – Several senators expressed concern over President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to reject development aid from the European Union (EU).

“I hope that the government has studied this thoroughly and carefully and is prepared to deal with the consequences of its decision,” Senator Franklin Drilon said on Friday.

Drilon, the Senate minority leader, said that the EU has been one of the country’s “reliable” trading partner and its financial services contribute to the development of poor communities particularly in Mindanao.

According to him, EU’s support to the peace process in the southernmost part of the Philippines has provided 80 percent of the total funds to the Mindanao Trust Fund, a fund facility set-up by various donors to fund socio-economic recovery of conflict-affected communities.

The Philippine-European relations have also resulted in over billion worth of deals, stimulating economic growth and employment, said Drilon.

“We must not forget that aside from developmental aid, we are beneficiaries of the Generalized System of Preferences Plus that allows the Philippines to export 6,274 products to the EU at zero tariff, including the famous tuna of General Santos City,” he added.

The Senate leader believes the EU would not meddle in the internal affairs of the Philippines because their “long-standing partnership has always been based on mutual respect and cooperation.”

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, for her part, described the government’s rejection of EU aid as “alarming”.

The administration has been asked to “reflect” on and “reconsider” its decision.

“I call on the Duterte government to get its act together and fully explain the reasons behind this unprecedented foreign policy decision,” Hontiveros said.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said that “arrogant” and “hateful” Duterte should instead be grateful for the assistance provided to developing countries like the Philippines.

“The rejection of the EU aid is another reckless and whimsical decision by the Duterte administration,” Trillanes said.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan recognized Duterte’s “prerogative” to either refuse or accept foreign assistance.

But, the government should ensure that local communities benefitting from the EU grants do not suffer once the aid is pulled out, said Pangilinan.

“The administration must then provide these ongoing projects with sufficient government funding,” he ended./PN

 

 

 

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