Funds in support of the Mindanao peace process will be largely hit by the Philippines’ decision to reject more than €250 million in development assistance from the European Union, EU ambassador to the Philippines said Saturday.
EU’s Ambassador Franz Jessen said that the biggest chunk of the €250 million or roughly P13 billion worth of grants for new projects that the government chose to reject will supposedly finance the peace process as well as community development at grassroots level.
“A major part of the new spending will be reserved for Mindanao to support the peace process,” Jessen reiterated.
On Friday, President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that it was the suggestion of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III for him to forgo more than 250 million euros ($278.7 million) in funds for development projects in the country to avoid possible “interference” by the European Union.
“The EU, they sent us $200 million. They said, we will grant you. But it needs to be consensual. They told us, we’re giving you to promote human rights, law and order,” Duterte said in his speech before members of the Philippine Coast Guard in Davao.
“But for not receiving it, it was not my idea initially. It was a decision of Carlos Dominguez III, Finance secretary,” the President said.
Last February, EU approved a P200-million contribution to the peace process for the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to bankroll the Philippine government’s efforts in monitoring the situation, defuse tensions and create an inclusive political platform for the Bangsamoro peace process.
Other programs under the new funding was supposed cover included “the focal areas of inclusive growth, sustainable energy and job creation, and the rule of law,” Jessen said.
Under the EU’s seven-year support strategy from 2014 to 2020, the 28-member bloc has allotted more than €325 million in its envelope of development assistance for the Philippines, more than double the grant assistance it gave from 2007-2013 amounting to €130 million or roughly P7 billion.
Since the EU delegation in Manila opened some 26 years ago, the 28-nation bloc has already kicked in more than €2.3 billion or P119.6 billion in development assistance to the country.
While the EU top diplomat vowed to continue its work in the Philippines despite the country’s rejection of its development grants, Jessen lamented the postponement of a supposed meeting with Philippine officials to clarify issues concerning its work in the Philippines.
“For the time being, we are continuing our work including the preparation of new programs,” Jessen said.
“In the Philippines this group was supposed to meet this week, but unfortunately the meeting was postponed. I am sure that when the next meeting takes place outstanding issues will be clarified easily,” he added.
Jessen told Philippine officials that the EU development agenda “is fully transparent” amid allegations of “interference” made by the Duterte administration.
“Across the world, the EU development agenda is fully transparent. We work hand in hand with different governments; agreements are signed, and respected by both sides. Principal issues are usually discussed by experts in a working group on development cooperation,” he added.
Jessen likewise reminded officials of the their commitment to continue development work in the country.
“Concrete and tangible outcomes of our development cooperation, such as: emergency shelters in Samar or maternal care for indigenous people, are of course easy to appreciate, and gives a clear visibility of what the grants are used for. The need is there and our work continues.”