Increased US Funding Assistance Levels Reinforce RP-US Partnership - Romulo

5 November 2007, New York - Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo today reiterated the appreciation of the Philippine Government for the decision of the United States Senate to increase funding assistance to the Philippines and said that this further reinforces the already strong partnership between the Philippines and the United States.

"We deeply appreciate the efforts of our friends in the US Congress to provide increased resources with which we can help secure our nation and build stronger foundations for growth and progress for our people," Secretary Romulo said.

The Secretary recalled that last September, the US Senate made an almost three-fold increase to Foreign Military Funding (FMF) for the Philippines – from the $11M proposed by the Executive Department, to $30M. The Senate also increased the Economic Support Fund (ESF) from $26M to $30M and urged the Executive Branch to request for more once there is a peace agreement between the Philippine Government and the MILF.

"There are no pre-conditions to these increased levels of funding," the Secretary stated.

That same month, the Secretary said, he personally thanked key members of the US Congress, particularly Senator Daniel Inouye, Senator Daniel Akaka and Congressman Bob Filner, who are staunch supporters of the Philippines. He said he also met with State Department officials who would be involved in FMF and ESF related matters, including Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte.

He added that US assistance has helped the Philippines on many fronts and has made cooperation and partnership stronger over the years, saying this is "funding that has been crucial to the many successes which the Philippines has achieved in fighting terror, building peace and creating growth and progress, particularly in the Southern Philippines."

"This is funding that has been central to uprooting terrorism by bringing in basic infrastructure, healthcare and education to affected areas. This is funding that has allowed our partnership with the United States to break new ground in making our country and our region safer from the threat of terror. This is funding that has saved lives and that has brought renewed hopes of lasting peace and meaningful progress to thousands." The Secretary said.

Secretary Romulo, who is currently in at the United Nations in New York, made this statement shortly after meeting with Philippine Ambassador Willy Gaa, who gave him an update on developments in Washington. Ambassador Gaa reported that with discussions on the US budget set to be concluded in the coming weeks, the Senate-proposed funding will soon be taken up in Conference Committee for finalization.

The Secretary said that on top of these increases, the Senate also provided an additional $2M contingent outlay, over and above the $30 million FMF.

"The three requirements for us to be given this additional amount are already part of our overall and comprehensive approach to the issue of politically-motivated killings," the Secretary said.

According to the Senate funding proposal, for the additional $2M to be given, the US Secretary of State should report that:

(1) the Philippine Government is implementing the recommendations of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions;

(2) the Philippine Government is implementing a policy of promoting military personnel who demonstrate professionalism and respect for human rights, and is investigating and prosecuting military personnel and others who have been credibly alleged to have committed extrajudicial executions or other violations of human rights; and

(3) the Philippine military is not engaging in acts of intimidation or violence against members of legal organizations who advocate for human rights.

"Many of the recommendations that have been made so far by Professor Alston are already part of the measures we have adopted. Military promotions are subject to extreme scrutiny – including from the Commission of Human Rights to the Commission on Appointments, and investigations and prosecutions are being undertaken when there is credible evidence. The Melo Commission and the UN Special Rapporteur have acknowledged that rogue elements, and not the entire Philippine military, are involved," the Secretary explained in relation to the three requirements.

"The Philippine government's resolve to defeat this scourge is clear: 76 cases are on trial; 33 cases are being prepared for prosecution; and 6 persons including men in uniform, have been convicted," according to Secretary Romulo. END.