EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jenssen announces the EU’s aid to the country’s drug rehabilitation program.
(AFP)
Despite the relentless swearing of President Rodrigo Duterte at the European Union (EU) for its criticism of the rising summary killings, the 28-member bloc says it has a fund assistance program to support the rehabilitation of drug addicts in the country.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen raised concern that the EU had been put in a bad light and “continued to draw headlines during the past week.”
The foul-mouthed Duterte had been cursing the EU following the release of its five-page resolution raising concern over the high number of drug suspects killed by police and vigilantes in the Philippines since the President launched a crackdown on the illegal trade upon taking office on June 30.
In dealing with harsh criticisms, Jessen said he had been keeping himself busy reading “Dusk (Po-On)” by National Artist F. Sionil Jose.
“I was impressed seeing that his mother showed him the value of reading despite the hardship they lived in. Values are what bring societies forward, and reading enriches life,” said Jessen’s letter posted on the EU website.
He said “Dusk” is a historical novel describing the late 19th century. “Not only am I learning about the colonial times and problems, but I am also getting to know Pangasinan much better.”
Despite Duterte’s criticism, Jessen said EU continues to widen its support for programs in the Philippines.
“We are supporting the Philippines on many different fronts,” said Jessen in an open letter posted on EU website on Friday.
He said the EU delegation in the Philippines is working closely with the Department of Health to fight drug abuse in the Philippines.
Jessen said the initial support involves identifying international and national best practices in drug treatments.
“The Philippines and the EU are part of the international community where we learn from each other, we share experiences and we work together to address shared problem,” said Jessen. “Drug abuse is a shared problem, and it has international and national dimensions.”