‘You don’t mess with PH': Malacanang touts rejection of aid from Iceland resolution backers

The country’s rejection of foreign aids, grants and or loans from 18 countries supportive of Iceland’s call for a comprehensive report on its war on drugs should be seen as a strong message that other nations cannot interfere with Manila’s internal affairs

The President of the Republic made a “political statement” when he ordered government agencies to reject loans and grants from 18 governments that supported Iceland’s resolution Presidential spokesperson Atty. Salvador Panelo said.

The President issued a memorandum suspending loans and negotiations involving 18 member-countries of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) which in July approved Iceland-led  resolution to compile a report on Philippines’s 3-year narcotics crackdown over human rights concerns.

United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC)
(photo credit to owner)

Opposition lawmakers led by Vice President Leni Robredo have warned the Duterte administration that the rejection of aid from the 18 countries would isolate the Philippines form the rest of the world.

The presidential spokesperson, however, said none of the 18 countries have reacted to the President’s order since it was issued, and stressed that Manila’s ties with other nations are not confined to agreements on loans and grants.

“Wala naman reaksyon mula sa kanila. Kung walang reaksyon mula sa kanila, then ang tingin ko doon they're not offended by the move of the President,” Panelo said.

(There’s no reaction on their part. If there’s no reaction, then I think they’re not offended by the move of the President.)

Panelo earlier assured the administration’s critics, the President’s decision would not have any negative impact on the country’s economy and that the Philippines could always turn to other countries for help.

“There are other bilateral partners and institutions, and other countries outside of the 18 offering the same and no better rates than these countries. Madaling sabi, walang epekto sa atin (The point is, it will have no effect on us)," he said

There are 18 nations that voted in favor of the Iceland-sponsored UNHRC resolution namely- Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Fiji, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Uruguay.

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Report from ABS-CBN News