Koko Pimentel on US aid freeze: PH must not be dependent on foreign assistance

The Philippines must not depend on foreign assistance and live with the United States' (US) decision freezing all existing aid, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said Monday.

"We should learn to live with this decision. Philippine(s) should not be dependent on foreign aid, although we should be welcoming of all aid without string and conditions which are extended to us," Pimentel said in a text message to reporters.

The lawmaker issued the remark days after the US State Department issued a "stop-work" order for all existing foreign assistance and paused new aid following the comeback of President Donald Trump in the White House.

Reuters reported that the cable, drafted by the Department's foreign assistance office and approved by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said waivers have been issued for military financing for Israel and Egypt. No other countries were mentioned in the cable.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez on Sunday said Filipinos need not worry about the looming suspension of existing and new foreign assistance coming from the US.

According to Romualdez, the suspension is just for the review of the existing foreign aid in several countries.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Saturday that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is now closely monitoring reports regarding the US freeze on foreign aid.—AOL, GMA Integrated News