By Genalyn D. Kabiling
Malacañang has welcomed the offer of the European Union to allot 3.8 million euros or P243.2 million to fund drug rehabilitation centers in the country.
But presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said President Duterte can still reject the offer if he finds conditions that may negatively affect domestic policies.
“We thank the European Union likewise for offering 3.8 million euros aid to fund the drug rehabilitation centers in the country,” Roque said.
“The President as we all know is amenable to accepting any aid but without any unilateral conditions. He will reject, as he did in previous occasions, offer of assistance with any condition that would interfere with our domestic policies,” he added. “The President will not compromise the nation’s dignity over any amount of foreign aid,” Roque said.
Roque said that it would be channeled through the Department of Health should the assistance be accepted as this will boost the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
“EUs’ desire to support our drug rehabilitation centers runs parallel with the Duterte administrations holistic approach to the drug problem by treating it not just a national security issue but a public health concern as well including rehabilitation and reintegration of the drug dependents,” Roque said.