Parliamentarians of the European Union (EU) are scheduled to visit the Philippines this week to assess the human rights situation in the country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Monday.
This came after the government accepted the request made by the European Parliament (EP) Subcommittee on Human Rights, which is expected in the Philippines from Feb. 22 to 24, 2023.
According to DFA, the event 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."
That, in fact, was included in the framework of the EU GO-JUST Program which supports and complements national reforms in the justice sector, it added.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs welcomes this visit as it signifies the expanding dialogue and cooperation between the Philippines and the European Union," the agency said.
During their visit, the European delegation will meet leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives to exchange views on best practices and legislation.
The delegation will also pay courtesy calls on Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla Jr. and Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, and participate in a dialogue with executive agencies.
DFA noted the Philippine relationships with the European Union and its members, which it said "have steadily expanded across political, economic and security areas."
"These relationships are founded on mutual interest and shared values of democracy and freedom, rule of law, peace and stability and human rights," it added.