MALACAÑANG on Thursday, November 16, welcomed the commitment of the United States (US) to grant $2 million in support of President Rodrigo Duterte's war on illegal drugs.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the US pledge signified American President Donald Trump's staunch support for the Philippines' way of handling the drug menace.
"I’m sure, although it was announced belatedly that (the US will grant assistance for the Philippines' drug war), President Duterte will appreciate this commitment to the war against drugs," Roque told Palace reporters.
"That proves without doubt that the US President supports the war on drugs. Why would he otherwise give $2 million to this cause if he thinks it’s not being implemented correctly?" he added.
The White House has announced that the US would grant $2 million to the Philippines to support Duterte's drug demand reduction programs.
This developed after the meeting between Duterte and Trump on the sidelines of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Manila on Monday, November 13.
Trump, during the bilateral meeting Monday, gave assurance that the US and the Philippines remain to have "great" relations.
On Tuesday afternoon, the US president took time to express his appreciation for his participation in the 31st Asean forum.
Before leaving the country, Trump reportedly told Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea that he enjoyed staying in the Philippines because he had a great time with Duterte.
"Thank you very much. I had a great time and tell Rodrigo, I like him very much," Trump was quoted as saying.
Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc on Thursday slammed Trump for the assistance amid the reported human rights violations in line with the drug war.
At a press conference, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said the US, under its law, cannot give aid to countries with a record of human rights violations.
Tinio said the supposed financial aid to be used by the country for the year 2018 should be investigated, especially by the US Congress.
Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said the US should be held liable for financially supporting regimes that violate human rights.
"Yung aid na 'yan, di kataka-taka kung meron mga kapalit 'yan. 'Yun ang ating panagamba because it will only result to further violation of human rights (It would not be surprising if the US asks for something in exchange for the aid. We are worried that this will only result in more human rights violations)," Zarate added. (SunStar Philippines)