A souring of diplomatic relations between the governments of the Philippines and the United States has raised uncertainties over the future of U.S. foreign aid in the country.
Questions about future funding levels emerged after the Philippines’ outspoken and controversial president, Rodrigo Duterte, taunted the United States and the European Union about the idea of pulling out their aid from the Philippines during a speech in October.
“I do not expect human rights, I do not expect Obama, I do not expect the EU to understand me,” Duterte said during a speech before members of the Philippine National Police in October. “If you think it is high time for you guys to withdraw your assistance, go ahead. We will not beg for it.”