Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Sunday, April 28, urged the United States, Japan and Western European countries to extend their support to the Philippines as it battles the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Pimentel said it is high time to prove that the Philippines’ ties with US, Japan and European countries go beyond military cooperation.
“It is high time for them to show their sincere concern for our welfare. To dispel any notion their engagement is solely military-focused, it is crucial for them to showcase to the world, especially the critics, that they are really concerned about Filipinos,” Pimentel said in a statement.
“Show that our relationship and partnership is not confined to military matters alone,” he said.
The Senate minority chief’s call comes after the United Nations called for increased international support to the Philippines in dealing with dire consequences of one of the strongest El Niño episodes in history.
State agencies have pegged the losses due to El Niño particularly on agriculture and livelihood at P4.3 billion pesos.
According to Pimentel, it is urgent for these key allies to demonstrate their genuine concern for the welfare of the Filipino people by providing substantial support to address the crisis and bolster the nation's economy and livelihoods.
“Help us with our economy and the people’s livelihoods instead of missiles, submarines, frigates, etc.,” Pimentel said.
“Instead of going to our military bases, go to areas afflicted by extreme drought and extend help. This can dispel any perception that you are here to turn the Philippine into a battleground,” he added.
While the tensions in the West Philippines Sea are serious threats, ensuring the recovery of Filipinos in the aftermath of El Niño is of paramount importance, Pimentel said the real battle the country faces “is this El Niño and how Filipinos will survive this prolonged drought.”
"These so-called allies of Philippines must prove that their engagement with the Philippines goes beyond military matters and that their interests extend to helping our economy and restoring lost livelihoods of our citizens,” Pimentel stressed.