Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda (Rep. Salceda's office)

The Philippines need not act like a self-pitying pauper in light of the United States (US) government's decision to temporarily freeze the delivery of foreign aid.

In fact, economist-solon Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda believes that the Philippines would do just fine despite this announcement from the Trump administration. 

"The US has not been a major source of aid for the Philippines for a while now, far behind Japan, the World Bank, and ADB (Asian Development Bank), and AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank)," said Salceda, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means.

"US has been on the low single digits as far as aid goes, even behind Korea. On that matter, we'll be fine. Their aid is their decision to make. Nothing needs to be done on our end," he said.

According to the Bicolano, the Philippines isn't asking for aid. Or at least, that's not what it needs the most from Washington. 

"We are not asking for aid. We are asking for a fair access to US markets--which remain our biggest export destination," Salceda said.

"If our exports are imposed punitive rates, we should understand that as not the act of a friend, and orient our trade and foreign policy accordingly," he said.

At any rate, Salceda noted how Philippine-US relations--particularly under the second administration of Donald Trump--began on the right foot.

"Among all Asian countries, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the Philippine government first. So, US-Philippine ties remain strong and strategic. The US would be unwise not to see our supreme strategic importance in their Asia policy and interests," he said.