Marcos: EU, PH ‘like-minded’ on rule of law, human rights

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday emphasized that the Philippines and the European Union are “like-minded” when it comes to rule of law and human rights.

“As I mentioned to President Von der Leyen, the Philippines and EU are like-minded partners through our shared values of democracy, sustainable and inclusive prosperity, the rule of law, peace and stability, and human rights,” Marcos said during the joint press statement with EU President Ursula von der Leyen before government officials at the Palace.

“The continued exchanges between Her Excellency and myself, which started in Brussels last year, is testament to our joint desire to bring our bilateral relationship to greater heights,” he added.

Earlier, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the EU has seen progress in the human rights situation in the country.

“Yeah, they have seen progress, it’s not as if nothing has happened to address the issues that they are concerned with. And you are all aware of this, you know they are well-published. They are actually the results of those matters that are of interest to the EU,” Pascual said at a Palace briefing early this month.

The EU GSP+ agreement —which is set to expire in December 2023— grants the Philippines zero duties on 6,274 locally-made products, as long as the country meets the requirements regarding human and labor rights, the environment, and good governance.

The European Commission, an executive arm of the EU, is responsible for making proposals for the European Parliament. It is now up for the European Parliament, the EU’s legislative arm, to decide on the proposal to extend the GSP+ scheme for the Philippines.

Bilateral meeting

During the bilateral meeting in Malacañang, Marcos said they discussed the economic relations between the Philippines and the EU, with a particular focus on revitalizing trade.

Marcos also acknowledged the EU’s support for the Bangsamoro peace process, as well as the development of the country when it comes to the rule of law, injustice, agriculture, space cooperation, and disaster management. 

The President also disclosed the financing agreement on the Green Economy Program in the Philippines, which includes a grant worth €60 million that aims to support the country in areas such as circular economy, renewable energy, and climate change mitigation.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, the Green Economy Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources aims to support the Philippines’ transition towards a green economy, including initiatives on circular economy, reducing waste and plastic, as well as to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment to support climate change mitigation.

The Joint Declaration on this program was signed by EU Ambassador Luc Veron, head of the delegation of the EU to the Philippines, and DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.

Marcos also reiterated his gratitude to the European Commission for their decision to extend the recognition of certificates of seafarers that were issued by the Philippines. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News