Duterte: EU never ceased to be imperialists

MANILA, Philippines — The European Union "never really ceased to be imperialists," Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday as he reiterated that his country will not accept any "conditional" aid from the bloc.

Last Wednesday, EU Ambassador Franz Jessen confirmed that the Philippines has rejected a €6.1 million (about P382 million) trade-related assistance. 

The aid would have been implemented under the EU-Philippine Trade Related Technical Assistance in 2017.

Asked if the Philippines' decision to turn down European assistance was final, Duterte slammed anew the bloc for supposedly making other countries "follow a standard."

"Ang problema nito, because these countries, EU, pati ‘yung lahat, you never have really ceased to be imperialists. You have always been imperialism ever since," he told a press conference upon his return from India.

"You impose your own values, you want countries to follow a certain norm of conduct, the ethos, kanila because this is the right way," he added.

Duterte, who is sensitive to criticisms of his rights record, had repeatedly berated the EU and accused the bloc of hypocrisy and interference for expressing concern over the spate of killings under his fierce war on drugs.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez last Thursday said the language used in the agreement that would have facilitated the giving of the EU aid was not acceptable.

International financial institutions and donor governments usually set conditions for recipient countries in order to make sure that the grants are put to the use for which they are made.

"Gusto ninyo na we follow a standard. I told you I will not accept the money with conditions," Duterte said.

According to a report by CNN Philippines, Jessen disclosed that a March meeting with Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez has been set, adding that it would be the EU's "last attempt" to come to an agreement regarding the bloc's aid for Manila.