The Philippines has informed the European Union (EU) that it is making "major reforms" in its criminal justice system as both sides recently met to reaffirm commitment to protect and promote rule of law and human rights.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Manila told the regional bloc that among the efforts it is undertaking reforms that will address any misuse of laws as well as prison congestion, with the support of EU's Governance in Justice Programme II (GOJUST II).
The Philippines made its report when its committee met with the EU side on Oct. 26 in Brussels for the Third Sub-Committee Meeting on Good Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights under the Philippines-European Union Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA).
Both sides "reaffirmed their commitment to the protection, respect, fulfillment and promotion of human rights, in line with the PCA and recognized the value of continuing dialogue and further action in this respect," DFA said.
"Moreover, they agreed on the primacy of human rights underpinning their relationship and reiterated their opposition to the death penalty," it added.
The Philippines and EU also shared views on evidence and human rights-based approaches to fight illegal drugs use, focused on rehabilitation.
DFA said the country presented actions undertaken to align policies and practices, including of law enforcement agencies.
"In this context, the EU took note of the Philippines' commitments and measures to address alleged extra-judicial killings, provide remedies for victims, fight impunity and hold perpetrators accountable and improve access to justice for victims of human rights abuses, including alleged labor rights violations," it added.