World

US withholds aid package to Philippines

The United States has withheld a major aid package to the Philippines because of significant concerns about the rule of law under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, said Molly Koscina, spokeswoman of the US Embassy in the Philippines on December 15.
US withholds aid package to Philippines ảnh 1Anti-drug campaigns in the Philippines (Photo: Bussiness Insider)

Hanoi (VNA) – The UnitedStates has withheld a major aid package to the Philippines because ofsignificant concerns about the rule of law under President Rodrigo Duterte’sadministration, said Molly Koscina, spokeswoman of the US Embassy in thePhilippines on December 15.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation(MCC), a US agency which was set up to promote economic growth and reducepoverty around the world, will continue monitoring upholding events in theSoutheast Asian country, she added.

She also underscored that all countrypartners are expected to maintain eligibility, which includes not just apassing scorecard but also a demonstrated commitment to the rule of law, dueprocess and respect to human rights.

The last MCC five – year aid package tothe Philippines worth 433.9 million USD expired in May. 

Recently, the US has strongly criticisedthe Philippines’ anti-drug campaigns that were reported to kill more than 3,300people since President Duterte took office on June 30. 

The US – Philippines relations hasbecome more complicated recently after President Duterte provoked his anger atWashington’s criticism on the drug wars in the Philippines.-VNA

VNA
#aid package#significant concerns#President Rodrigo Duterte#rule of law#anti-drug campaigns
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

See more

At Pulau Seraya power station (Photo: Straitimes)

Singapore begins construction on hydrogen-fueled power plant

Singapore on October 23 began the construction of an 800 million USD power plant that has the capability to use hydrogen to generate electricity, as part of a push to utilise the fuel to reach Singapore’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.

Delegates at the event (Photo: VNA)

125th anniversary of Permanent Court of Arbitration celebrated

The Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations and missions of the Philippines, Australia, Egypt, Guatemala, Hungary, Thailand, France, Eritrea and Austria, organised a ceremony on October 22 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), as part of the International Law Week at the UN General Assembly's Legal Committee (Sixth Committee).

CEO of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Anuar Fariz Fadzil (Photo: focusmalaysia.my)

Malaysia continues placing emphasis on digitalisation

The Budget 2025 provides significant support to further accelerate Malaysia’s digitalisation, encourage adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and drive inclusive growth, further positioning Malaysia as a leading digital hub within the ASEAN region, according to CEO of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Anuar Fariz Fadzil.

Malaysia's economic reforms boost investment inflow (Photo: thestar.com.my)

Malaysia's economic reforms boost investment inflow

Malaysia has attracted substantial foreign investments, reaching 22.2 billion MYR (5.16 billion USD) in the third quarter of 2024, the highest level for the same period since 2012, according to UOB's Global Markets and Economics report.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN speaks at the debate (Photo: VNA)

Maintaining peace, stability a must for progress on human rights: Ambassador

Progress in human rights can only be achieved by maintaining peace and stability, respecting the rule of law at both the international and national levels, and ensuring respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, said Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN.

A visitor browses travel promotions at a travel fair in Nonthaburi province. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Thailand plans enhanced support for domestic tourism

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports is aiming to increase subsidy to local tourists in the upcoming stimulus scheme to 50% and would like to change the criteria for online travel agents, mandating them to register in Thailand to avoid losing income to foreign companies.

Oil field offshore Indonesia. (Photo: thejakartapost.com)

Indonesia begins major oil, gas exploration in Sulawesi

Indonesia's state-owned oil company Pertamina, along with foreign partners Sinopec from China and Kuwait’s Kufpec, has signed a contract to explore the Melati oil and gas block, located off the coast of Sulawesi. The block is estimated to contain trillions of cubic feet of gas reserves.