DFA reiterates clearance required for foreign government donations to Philippine NGOs
MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) informed all diplomatic missions in the country to course through the Department all foreign government funding for Philippine non-government organizations “regardless of mode of disbursement, transfer or download of funds” for appropriate clearance.
In a Note numbered 2021-0592 and dated February 5,2021, the DFA said donations to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao will be in accordance with the guidelines on Foreign Donations to the BARMM “in relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic sent to all diplomatic missions in a separate Note Verbale No. 2021-0221 dated January 14,2021.
Diplomatic sources said the latest DFA Note was in consonance with the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) resolutions where the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army and the Islamic State East Asia, Maute Group, Daulah Islamiyah and other associated groups have been designated as Terrorist Organizations, Associations and/or Groups of Persons.
“Based on the resolutions, the above groups’ assets shall be subject to investigation and/or freezing by the Anti-Money Laundering Council pursuant to Republic Act No. 10168 (“The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2021),” the resolution said.
It was learned any financial support directly or indirectly extended to these groups by any organization, association, group of persons or individuals shall be dealt with pursuant to existing laws and regulations.
It will be recalled Foreign Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. said in June 1,2019 that donations to foreign non-government organizations in the Philippines will need the clearance from the DFA.
It was learned Secretary Locsin has already sent a memorandum to all European embassies to inform their respective host governments of the latest policy.
He also warned failure to comply would cost erring organizations’ registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It will be recalled Secretary Locsin’s came at the hells of the Duterte administration’s claims that foreign governments have been providing support to organizations that are allegedly communist fronts.
It will also be recalled the European Union (EU) has vowed to review Manila’s allegations that some organizations are being used by the Communist Part of the Philippines (CPP) to receive funding from foreign governments. (Melo M. Acuña)
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