PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said the Philippines has received donations from China worth P89.8 million for the victims of Super Typhoon Lawin (Haima), but with "no strings attached."
Duterte issued the statement when he met China's Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua in Malacañang on Monday, October 24, to receive China's assistance.
"[China donated a] total of P89.8 million to help the victims of [Lawin], particularly in the matter of restoring the livelihoods of those who are hardly hit. This will go a long way to rehabilitate and return the people, our countrymen to their normal life. With this money, I'm sure it would go a long way," Duterte told Zhao.
"These are the amounts that the Chinese government has given us by way of help. By the way, no strings attached. It's completely out of benevolence. So ambassador, thank you," he added.
Zhao, for his part, said it is within the mandate of the Chinese government to help the Filipinos who needs assistance.
"For your countrymen, as friends, as brothers, it is our duty and responsibility to provide assistance to the victims of typhoon," he said.
The Chinese embassy on Monday donated P50 million to the Philippine government "for the disaster relief of farmers and fishermen in the affected regions.
On top of this, China has committed P35 million to Philippines' anti-disaster efforts.
The Red Cross Society of China will also provide humanitarian aid of $100,000. (Sunnex)
