NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Senators Meet with European Parliament Members
Screengrab from Senate PH
Senator Risa Hontiveros has assured representatives of the European Parliament subcommittee on human rights that the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into the Philippines' war on drugs will help the country seek justice for victims of extrajudicial killings.
Hontiveros refuted claims that drug-related killings have stopped under the present administration, arguing that the new government has failed to take definitive steps to address the situation.
She called for the ICC investigation to be allowed to proceed, saying that international action would only help, not harm, domestic efforts to combat extrajudicial killings. The meeting also discussed other human rights concerns, including attacks on press freedom and democratic spaces, and disinformation online.
During the meeting, Neumann expressed her gratitude towards her colleagues in the Senate for their willingness to have an open and constructive dialogue regarding the critical issues surrounding the relationship between the EU and the Philippines. She emphasized the importance of democracy and human rights as the foundation of the growing partnership between the two regions.
The discussions primarily focused on the controversial war on drugs in the Philippines, which has been criticized by international organizations for its alleged human rights violations. Neumann reiterated the EU's commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and human rights, stating that it is crucial to have an honest and open conversation about these issues to ensure that progress can be made towards resolving them.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa described the meeting as intense. “Your honor, if you know your history, we were conquered, ruled and enslaved by the Spaniards for more than three centuries. And Now that we have gained our independence, we should expect other countries to respect our sovereignty,” he said during a press conference.
Dela Rosa also said that they have no right to question a Senator’s right to file a resolution. It can be recalled that Senator Jinggoy Estrada filed Senate Resolution 492 which opposes the ongoing investigation of the ICC into the drug war of then President Rodrigo Duterte.
Senator Tolentino meanwhile expressed his appreciation for the EU's interest in the relationship with the Philippines, and highlighted the need to renew or extend the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) Agreement, which is set to expire at the end of the year. The GSP+ Agreement provides Philippine goods with duty-free access to the EU market, and is seen as a vital tool for boosting economic growth in the country.
Hontiveros refuted claims that drug-related killings have stopped under the present administration, arguing that the new government has failed to take definitive steps to address the situation.
She called for the ICC investigation to be allowed to proceed, saying that international action would only help, not harm, domestic efforts to combat extrajudicial killings. The meeting also discussed other human rights concerns, including attacks on press freedom and democratic spaces, and disinformation online.
During the meeting, Neumann expressed her gratitude towards her colleagues in the Senate for their willingness to have an open and constructive dialogue regarding the critical issues surrounding the relationship between the EU and the Philippines. She emphasized the importance of democracy and human rights as the foundation of the growing partnership between the two regions.
The discussions primarily focused on the controversial war on drugs in the Philippines, which has been criticized by international organizations for its alleged human rights violations. Neumann reiterated the EU's commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and human rights, stating that it is crucial to have an honest and open conversation about these issues to ensure that progress can be made towards resolving them.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa described the meeting as intense. “Your honor, if you know your history, we were conquered, ruled and enslaved by the Spaniards for more than three centuries. And Now that we have gained our independence, we should expect other countries to respect our sovereignty,” he said during a press conference.
Dela Rosa also said that they have no right to question a Senator’s right to file a resolution. It can be recalled that Senator Jinggoy Estrada filed Senate Resolution 492 which opposes the ongoing investigation of the ICC into the drug war of then President Rodrigo Duterte.
Senator Tolentino meanwhile expressed his appreciation for the EU's interest in the relationship with the Philippines, and highlighted the need to renew or extend the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) Agreement, which is set to expire at the end of the year. The GSP+ Agreement provides Philippine goods with duty-free access to the EU market, and is seen as a vital tool for boosting economic growth in the country.
Feb 22, 2023
