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January 25, 2025 Chona Yu 243 views

MALACANANG is monitoring reports on the freeze of United States foreign assistance.

The Department of Foreign Affairs would coordinate with the United States government to assess the potential impact of President Donald Trump’s temporary suspension of foreign assistance, the Presidential Communications Office said yesterday.

“The DFA is closely monitoring reports on the possible freeze of US foreign assistance,” the PCO said in a statement.

“[It] will work with partners in the US Department of State and the US government to determine how this will affect the Philippines,” it added.

In line with Trump’s directive, the US State Department issued a “stop-work” order for all existing foreign assistance and paused new aid, according to a Reuters’ report.

Trump ordered a 90-day pause in foreign development assistance, pending a review of efficiencies and consistency with his foreign policy.

The US is the world’s biggest donor of international aid, with some USD68 billion obligated in 2023 for 204 countries, according to the official data from the US government.

The US is one of the Philippines’ top donors of the Official Development Assistance, contributing around USD147.7 million in 2023. Chona Uy, PNA

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