By Joyce Ann Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
The Philippines and the European Union (EU) have renewed their joint commitment to human rights, due process, and the fight against corruption during a bilateral meeting in Brussels held earlier this month.
Officials from both sides convened for the 5th Subcommittee Meeting on Good Governance, Rule of Law, and Human Rights under the EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) on Oct. 6, where they denounced violations of human rights and international humanitarian law around the world.
“The EU and the Philippines reaffirmed their shared commitment to human rights, the rule of law, due process, and good governance,” the EU Delegation in Manila said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Amid rising geopolitical tensions, both sides emphasized the shared responsibility to uphold and promote the principles of the United Nations Charter.”
Manila noted its “continued adherence” to the international human rights standard and openness to constructive engagements with international bodies.
It informed the EU of its upcoming mid-term report on the progress made in implementing the recommendations from the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review and presented its 4th National Action Plan on Human Rights.
It cited progress in its ongoing police and justice reforms, jail decongestion, and bid to establish an independent National Forensic Institute.
The EU expressed appreciation that, pending the passage of a law, mandatory autopsies are being conducted for cases involving death under suspicious circumstances.
Accountability for crimes and corruption
The Philippines and the EU also strongly condemned alleged extra-judicial killings and underscored the need to provide remedies for victims, fight impunity, and hold perpetrators accountable.
In addition, the two parties committed to protecting human rights defenders, journalists, civil society, as well as women and children.
They agreed to “deepen practical cooperation” to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute online sexual abuse or exploitation of children, through timely information-sharing, capacity-building, and closer links among justice, law enforcement, and social protection actors.
Also discussed were the issues of enforced disappearances and the need to swiftly investigate all cases, with the EU acknowledging the report on the decline of alleged cases of enforced disappearances.
In the fight against corruption, the EU welcomed Manila’s efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“The two sides acknowledged that addressing corruption is not only key to enhancing public trust but also critical to attracting foreign and domestic investment, ensuring efficient public services and supporting inclusive development,” the EU Delegation said.
The EU and the Philippines also agreed on the importance of a human rights-based approach to combating illegal drug use.
Other key issues of mutual concern, including climate change and environmental sustainability, as well as the right to development, were also discussed in the meeting.
The next Sub-Committee Meeting is set to take place in Manila in 2026. (PNA)
