European Union lawmakers to visit Philippines this week

Representatives of the European Parliament (EP) subcommittee on human rights (DROI) are coming to the Philippines this week to complement the country’s partnership with the lawmakers of the European Union to improve the rights situation and justice sector in the country. 

Led by six members of the European Parliament, the delegation will be in Manila from February 22 to 24, after the Philippines accepted its request. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the EP DROI subcommittee visits several countries yearly as part of its core duties. 

In a statement on Monday, the DFA said  “The visit of the EP DROI is taking place in the context of the open and regular engagement between the Philippines and the EU on human rights, and the shared aim to further constructive dialogue and cooperation on human rights, including in the framework of the EU GO-JUST Program which supports and complements national reforms in the justice sector,”

The visit, the DFA said “signifies the expanding dialogue and cooperation” between the Philippines and the European Union. 

Aside from meeting with fellow lawmakers at the Senate and the House of Representatives, the EP DROI delegation will also pay courtesy calls on Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla Jr. and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.