Von der Leyen: Human rights environment much better under Marcos admin

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed belief that the human rights environment under the Marcos administration has been "much better."

In a television interview, von der Leyen said the Philippine government, under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., has been more cooperative to the United Nations as well as other groups when it comes to human rights.

"The government now is much more cooperative with the United Nations and other international organizations, this is very important. Therefore, we see progress," von der Leyen told CNN-Philippines.

"As I said, there's much improvement, still topics that we have to discuss, issues that are raised in the constant dialogue that we have with the Philippines. But the environment is much better and this is important for us that there's improvement in the steps forward," she added.

Marcos earlier said that the Philippines and the European Union are “like-minded” when it comes to rule of law and human rights.

The President said the two parties have also shared values of democracy and sustainable and inclusive property.

"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 von der Leyen before government officials at the Palace on Monday.

"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. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News