The European Union ambassador to the Philippines said Tuesday that Europe “will not intrude” into the human rights issue in the Philippines, but would like to discuss the aspect of human rights and how it handles the fight against illegal drugs.
“We’re not interfering in the domestic affairs here. In fact, you will also notice that the true examples often highlighted from the European parliament. It’s not for me to say how parliament speaks. They speak like politicians, which is normal in a democratic system,” EU Ambassador Franz Jessen told a press conference.
He reiterated that the EU is not meddling with the local affairs of the Philippines, but affirmed its culture of respect for human rights.
“Human rights are important for us. It is not only being discussed and sit in a meeting room and talk about the human rights, but it also about companies to where they invest because they want to make sure labor rights are respected and they do not get caught in a human rights situation,” the envoy said.
Jessen said European companies don’t want to be in a critical situation when faced with accusations of labor malpractice that would affect their reputation.
The importance of reputation “is very high” for European companies, he said, adding that Euro firms want to operate in countries they can defend back home.
EU is “committed to engage constructively with the Duterte administration” in areas from the health sector and law enforcement to the peace process, environment, disaster risk reduction and development specifically in Mindanao, Jessen said.
He said the Union is reviewing whether the Philippines can still qualify for trade incentives that are pre-conditioned on compliance with international agreements, including labor and human rights.
When asked on the PH justice system in the war against illegal drugs, Jessen said they are “keeping an eye for developments” and will not jump to conclusions.
“Our justice program, we’ve been working with the justice sector in the Philippines for many years and it is important for us that the lessons we’re trying to develop together with the European people are being adhered to. So, if killings are happening, investigations are appropriate,” he said.