US defers PH assistance, questions boast
DFA official optimistic Manila can regain US aid agency’s trust
Tough-talking President said in a speech on Monday that as a former mayor he’d patrol on a motorcycle, hunting for criminals to kill
WASHINGTON—The United States said on Thursday it is deferring a decision on a major aid package to the Philippines and is deeply troubled by a boast from the nation’s leader that he used to drive around looking for criminals to kill.
It’s the latest sign of strain in US-Philippine relations since President Rodrigo Duterte launched a crackdown on illegal drugs has led to thousands of deaths in police gunbattles.
Courting new controversy, Duterte said in a speech on Monday that as a former mayor he’d patrol on a motorcycle hunting for criminals to kill to set an example for police to follow.
Duterte said he was “really looking for an encounter to be able to kill.”
White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters, “Those comments are deeply troubling, and they certainly are at odds with the Philippine Government’s stated commitment to due process and rule of law.”
Earnest reiterated US concern about extrajudicial killings by or at the behest of Philippine Government authorities — criticism that has angered Duterte, who has taken a hostile stance toward the US and reached out to China and Russia since taking office in June.
The US-government aid agency, the Millennium Challenge Corp., (MCC) said that its board this week deferred a vote on a renewal of development assistance package for the Philippines, “subject to a further review of concerns around rule of law and civil liberties.”
The Philippine Government can still regain the upper hand after the MCC deferred the aid package anchored on the “significant concerns” about the rule of law under the present administration.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said on Thursday night that it is not yet final as the Philippines has yet to explain to the MCC board that the Duterte administration has high respect to human rights which was not pictured in the international media.
“The deferment allows us the opportunity to continue to dialogue with the MCC. The development of the Second Compact continues until the next board meeting in March 2017,” Jose said in a text message.
Jose pointed out that the Government remains committed to fostering good governance and the rule of law in the country, and will continue to engage the MCC Board to ensure that accurate and updated information on government policies and programs are provided to its members. His reaction is based on the board’s decision to defer the vote on the reselection of the Philippines for a Second MCC Compact.
The DFA spokesman said that the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC reported that the MCC Board had a wide discussion on its engagement with the Philippines, including the very positive performance in the First MCC Compact and the FY 2017 Scorecard, as well as on the current developments in the country.
The Philippines has been slated for another aid package after its previous fiveyear, $434 million poverty reduction program was completed in May.
The agency’s spokeswoman, Laura Allen, said on Thursday it will continue to monitor events in the Philippines. The next board review is in March 2017.