The European Union (EU) and the Philippines reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding human rights, due process, and the rule of law during the Fifth Subcommittee Meeting on Good Governance, Rule of Law, and Human Rights, held on October 6 under the EU–Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA).
The meeting was co-chaired by Assistant Secretary Deena Joy D. Amatong of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Acting Managing Director Paola Pampaloni of the European External Action Service (EEAS), with participation from EU Member States and Philippine government agencies.
Both sides underscored the importance of promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance—key drivers for enhancing public trust, attracting investment, and ensuring inclusive development. The EU welcomed the Philippines’ continuing reforms to strengthen these principles and its efforts to combat corruption.
The Philippines highlighted its adherence to international human rights standards and openness to engage constructively with UN mechanisms. It also announced its forthcoming mid-term report on the implementation of recommendations from the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The EU encouraged the country to maintain cooperation with UN Special Procedures and commended the Philippines’ upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026.
During the meeting, the Philippines presented its Fourth National Human Rights Action Plan and the initiatives of the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination (SCHRC) to sustain progress achieved under the UN Joint Programme for Human Rights. Both sides agreed on the importance of civil society participation and expressed support for legislation establishing a Charter for the National Commission on Human Rights.
The two parties also discussed ongoing police and justice reforms, jail decongestion efforts, and progress toward creating an independent National Forensic Institute. The EU noted positively that mandatory autopsies are being conducted in cases involving deaths under suspicious circumstances.
Reaffirming their strong condemnation of extra-judicial killings, both sides stressed the importance of accountability, justice, and victim support. They also agreed to safeguard human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society organizations from violence, harassment, and red-tagging, emphasizing that anti-terrorism laws should never be used to restrict legitimate civic activities.
Discussions also covered the fight against enforced disappearances, with the Philippines reporting a decline in cases and outlining its rapid intervention mechanisms under the AO35 program. The EU encouraged the Philippines to sign and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
Recognizing the importance of freedom of expression and media pluralism, both sides committed to ensuring a safe environment for journalists and media practitioners. The Philippines shared updates on the cases of slain journalists Erwin “Boy Pana” Segovia, Juan “Johnny” Dayang, and Ali Macalintal, as well as developments in Maria Ressa’s case, affirming continued protection of press freedom.
On drug policy, both sides agreed that addressing illegal drug use must follow a human rights–based and public health approach, aligned with international standards. The Philippines also updated the EU on the ongoing trial over the killing of Spanish citizen Diego Bello.
Both parties discussed the need for businesses to respect human rights, particularly in sensitive sectors such as mining and digital technology. The EU encouraged the Philippines to adopt a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, ensuring meaningful participation from local communities and indigenous peoples.
The meeting also reviewed the “Enabling Justice and Rule of Law in the Philippines” program, which supports justice sector reforms, access to justice for vulnerable groups, fair trial standards, and rehabilitation of former inmates to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety.
The EU and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to the abolition of the death penalty and encouraged further progress on establishing a national preventive mechanism against torture. They also exchanged views on protecting the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, migrants, refugees, indigenous peoples, and the LGBTIQ+ community, including discussions on anti-discrimination and social protection legislation.
Both sides reiterated their shared duty to protect children online and offline, and to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation through stronger cooperation, capacity-building, and inter-agency coordination.
In addition, the EU and the Philippines agreed to strengthen efforts to promote freedom of association and labor rights, protect trade unionists and seafarers, and combat human trafficking, including within scam operations. These commitments align with the ongoing EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and the implementation of GSP+ trade preferences.
Finally, both parties addressed broader global challenges such as climate change, environmental sustainability, and the right to development, with the Philippines outlining its initiatives to ensure that scientific progress benefits all.
The next EU–Philippines Subcommittee Meeting on Good Governance, Rule of Law, and Human Rights will be held in Manila in 2026.