MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is actively monitoring developments regarding the potential suspension of foreign assistance from the United States to the Philippines.
As stated by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the DFA plans to collaborate with the US government to evaluate the possible repercussions of President Donald Trump’s decision.
“[It] will work with partners in the US Department of State and the US government to determine how this will affect the Philippines,” the PCO said in a statement.
According to Reuters, the US State Department issued a “stop-work” directive on Friday for all current foreign assistance and has halted new aid, as mandated by the newly inaugurated President Donald Trump.
Trump has called for a 90-day suspension of foreign development assistance, pending a review of its effectiveness and alignment with his foreign policy objectives.
The United States is the largest provider of international aid globally, with approximately $68 billion allocated in 2023 for 204 countries, as per official US government data.
The US ranks among the Philippines’ primary contributors of Official Development Assistance, providing around USD 147.7 million in 2023./ PN
