BRUSSELS — The Philippines and the European Union (EU) convened the Fifth Subcommittee Meeting on Good Governance, Rule of Law, and Human Rights under the EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in Brussels.

The meeting was co-chaired by Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Deena Joy D. Amatong and Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific Paola Pampaloni of the European External Action Service (EEAS). It was attended by representatives from EU member states and various Philippine government agencies.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to human rights, the rule of law, due process, and good governance, while condemning reported violations of human rights and international humanitarian law worldwide. They emphasized the shared responsibility to uphold and promote the principles of the UN Charter amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The Philippines and the EU acknowledged their common efforts to fight corruption. The EU welcomed the Philippines’ initiatives to strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance, noting that addressing corruption enhances public trust, attracts investment, and supports inclusive development.

The Philippines underscored its continued adherence to international human rights standards and openness to constructive engagement with United Nations bodies. It informed the EU about the upcoming mid-term report on progress in implementing recommendations from the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. The EU encouraged the country to continue inviting UN Special Procedures Mandate Holders. Both parties also reiterated their commitment to strengthen cooperation between the EU and the ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights as the Philippines prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026.

The Philippines presented its 4th National Action Plan on Human Rights and the initiatives of the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination to sustain gains from the UN Joint Programme for Human Rights. Both sides stressed the importance of involving the Commission on Human Rights, non-government organizations, and civil society in implementing the Action Plan. The EU expressed support for the passage of the Charter on the National Commission for Human Rights.

Both sides condemned alleged extrajudicial killings and highlighted the need to provide remedies for victims, fight impunity, and hold perpetrators accountable. The Philippines presented updates on police and justice reforms, jail decongestion, and the planned establishment of an independent National Forensic Institute. The EU noted the conduct of mandatory autopsies in cases involving deaths under suspicious circumstances.

The two sides committed to protect human rights defenders from violence, harassment, and red-tagging, and agreed that anti-terrorism laws should not be used to restrict legitimate civil society and media activities. They also discussed the need for justice and protection for victims of terrorism.

The Philippines and the EU tackled the issue of enforced disappearances and the need to investigate cases swiftly. The Philippines reported a decline in alleged cases and highlighted the deployment of prosecutors under the AO35 program. The EU recommended that the Philippines sign and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances.

The meeting also focused on freedom of expression and media rights. The Philippines discussed efforts to review libel and cyber-libel laws and reported on cases involving journalists Erwin “Boy Pana” Segovia, Juan “Johnny” Dayang, and Ali Macalintal, as well as updates on Maria Ressa’s case. Both sides condemned the killings of journalists and agreed to ensure a safe environment for media practitioners.

The Philippines and the EU affirmed the need for a human rights-based approach to combat illegal drug use, with the Philippines sharing its policy shift toward public health. It also provided updates on the ongoing case involving the killing of Spanish national Diego Bello.

Both sides emphasized the importance of ensuring that businesses respect human rights, particularly in sensitive sectors such as extractives and digital industries. The EU encouraged the Philippines to adopt a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

They also reviewed the “Enabling Justice and Rule of Law in the Philippines” program, aimed at strengthening justice institutions, improving access to justice for vulnerable groups, and promoting restorative practices.

Both sides reaffirmed their compliance with the Optional Protocol on the abolition of the death penalty and discussed accelerating the establishment of a national preventive mechanism against torture.

The meeting also covered discussions on the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, migrants, refugees, indigenous peoples, and the LGBTIQ+ community. The Philippines and the EU agreed to deepen cooperation to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children through information-sharing and capacity-building initiatives.

Both parties committed to protect freedoms of association and assembly, decent work, and labor rights, and discussed ongoing efforts to address human trafficking and protect seafarers. They also tackled issues related to climate change, environmental sustainability, and the right to development.

The next Subcommittee Meeting between the Philippines and the EU will be held in Manila in 2026.