Gov’t vows stronger ties with US, but…
The Philippine government has vowed to strengthen the country’s relations with the United States (US) but called for mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs.
Likewise, Malacañang is looking forward to “better” relations with the European Union (EU) following its planned assistance in the country’s drug rehabilitation efforts.
A few days before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella acknowledged the country still considers the United States as a “longstanding ally.”
“The Philippines and the United States are longstanding allies and we intend to further strengthen the bilateral ties anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and a shared commitment to world peace as the Trump administration assumes office,” he said.
The President has been invited to attend the Trump inauguration this weekend but sent instead two Cabinet members to the ceremony. Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. have flown to the US on Tuesday upon the order of the President.
Philippine Chargé d’Affairés to Washington DC Patrick Chuasoto is expected to officially represent the President to the Trump inaugural.
Last Sunday, the President met with US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim in Davao City and tackled the relations between the two countries.
The US ambassador assured that Washington is committed to the “solid” bilateral relations with the Philippines and will continue to provide support in maritime security, law enforcement, and aid in Mindanao, among others.
EU warming up Meanwhile, Abella also lauded the EU’s latest decision to help the antidrug campaign without setting any conditions on the Philippine government.
“As the Duterte administration gains ground in the war on drugs, the Palace welcomes all plans and offers of help without conditions for the country’s drug rehabilitation program including those coming from the European Union,” Abella said in a statement.
“We also expect better ties between PH and EU noting that there are issues for stronger areas of cooperation such as trade, justice and security, and economic development,” he added.
EU Ambassador to Manila Franz Jessen earlier said they are studying the possibility of diverting funds within the Philippine health sector to the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents.
Jessen recognized that the anti-drug campaign is a key project for the Philippine government, adding the EU will work with the Department of Health on how it could support the drug treatment facilities
One of the plans being considered by EU is the establishment of half-way houses to the integration of former drug addicts into society. “We have ongoing discussions with the administration with regards to creating a system for half-way houses to make sure that former addicts are integrated into the society without returning to their drug habit,” Jessen said.