Abe vows P434-B aid, drug rehab support

MANILA, Philippines - A one-trillion-yen aid package for the Philippines (P434 billion at yesterday’s exchange rate) is one of the commitments made by visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his meeting with President Duterte yesterday.

Apart from this, Duterte and Abe witnessed the signing of five agreements on trade, infrastructure and low carbon growth partnership.

Japan’s aid package covers a five-year period in official development assistance and private sector investments.

Japanese Foreign Press Secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura said Tokyo had provided approximately $20 billion over the past 50 years. Japan is the biggest source of ODA for the Philippines.

Duterte, in his remarks at the banquet last night, underscored the importance of Japan as a partner for development of the Philippines. He also reiterated his regard for Japan as a “friend closer than a brother.”

“In Tokyo, I said that Japan deserves its own rightful place in the constellation of the Philippines’ friends. Tonight, let me reiterate that Japan is a friend closer than a brother. That means that Japan is a friend unlike any other,” Duterte said.

At the start of his remarks, Duterte said Abe’s presence in Manila “is proof positive that Japan and the Philippines are fully committed to bring this long-standing friendship and tried and tested partnership to even greater heights.”

“Our discussions earlier today moved us to a new level, closer to the achievement of common goals of ensuring a stable and more secure environment for our nations and our peoples to continue to grow,” Duterte added.

“We resolved to strengthen maritime and security cooperation, advance the cause of peace and development in Mindanao, intensify economic and trade cooperation, and to address the scourge of the illegal drug trade in a comprehensive manner,” the President added, before calling for a toast with Abe and the guests estimated at about 300.

Abe also committed to help President Duterte in his campaign against illegal drugs, which has received strong criticisms abroad for alleged human rights abuses.

In their joint statement, Duterte announced that he and Abe reached an agreement on how to deal with the drug problem in the country.

“Also, we both agreed to work together in pursuing a comprehensive approach in the war against the illegal drug trade,” Duterte said.

“As the Philippines pursues its campaign to destroy the illegal drugs apparatus, we welcome the expressed interest of Japan to support measures to address the tremendous social cost of drug addiction, this includes rehabilitation,” Duterte said.

In response, Abe said Japan will help in rehabilitation efforts of drug addicts and in provision of treatment programs.