Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 20) — European lawmakers will visit the country this week to hold dialogues with government officials, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.
The DFA said the government accepted the request of the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights to send six of its members to Manila from Feb. 22 to 24, signifying the “expanding dialogue and cooperation” between the Philippines and the European Union (EU).
The European delegation will meet with lawmakers to exchange views on best practices and legislation, as well as to engage in discussions with executive agencies, the department said.
It is also expected to pay courtesy calls on Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.
“The visit of (European lawmakers) 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,” said the DFA statement.
Earlier this month, Morris Tidball-Binz, a United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, also visited the Philippines to help authorities improve forensic efforts in dealing with “wrongful and untimely” deaths.
He arrived days after the International Criminal Court (ICC) authorized the resumption of its probe on the Duterte administration’s bloody drug war, which claimed the lives of thousands.
READ: PH gov’t open to dialogue with ICC, but won’t accept ‘impositions’ – DOJ chief
The Marcos administration has opposed the ICC move, as it no longer has jurisdiction over the country. Over the weekend, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also doubled down on his stance, saying he cannot cooperate with the tribunal.
