00:00The DFA and several government officials believe that the Philippines will not be affected by America's suspension of their foreign assistance.
00:09Dano Tingcunco was able to point it out.
00:11In the whole world, America produces the largest foreign aid or assistance.
00:21But U.S. President Donald Trump ordered to stop those within the next 10 days to review their benefits to the Philippines.
00:32According to NEDA, which was founded by GMA Integrated News Research,
00:36America is the 7th country and institution that has the largest official development assistance or ODA in the country.
00:44In 2023, the Philippines received an ODA of P615.97 million from the U.S. for 40 grants.
00:53The DFA is monitored in this development.
00:56Right now, economically, we have a lot of partners.
01:00I think even with the freeze, it's not like it's going to severely affect us.
01:09For U.S. Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, there is no need to be afraid that there will be changes in the U.S.-Philippine alliance.
01:17In fact, America has a bigger role in our military operation and assistance, just like what EDCASAI is doing.
01:24That is mutually beneficial for both our countries because it's important for them that they have a presence in the Pacific region.
01:34For us, we want them to be present because that's our problem in the West Philippine Sea.
01:43But other assistance from America, like medicine for HIV treatment and prevention,
01:48this is just a temporary measure according to Ambassador Romualdez.
01:52The administration of President Trump, they are looking at everything.
01:57They are saying that they will reduce their expenses because their deficit is big.
02:07Rep. Joey Salceda, an economist, also believes that the Philippines cannot do anything to America.
02:14But what the Philippines is asking for is fair access to the American market.
02:19Because if their exports are too expensive, that's not something a friend can do.
02:26We need to change our trade and foreign policy.
02:29And if America doesn't care about our relationship with the Philippines, we will be forced to be closer to China.
02:36For GMA Integrated News, I'm Dan Ating Kung, for Tutok 24 Hours.
02:49.
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