Brussels, 08/06/2016 (Agence Europe) - In Strasbourg on Wednesday 8 June, the European Parliament approved, by an overwhelming majority, the conclusion and signature of the framework partnership and cooperation agreement between the EU and the Philippines, which was signed in 2012 (see EUROPE 10654). The move paves the way for its implementation.
In a resolution accompanying the recommendation prepared by Germany's Elmar Brok (EPP), the EP calls upon the EU to continue to provide the Philippines with financial support to meet the challenges facing the country in terms of the rule of law, sustainable development and the fight against climate change. It urges Manilla to move forwards in its fight against corruption and to make progress in human rights issues.
Welcoming the involvement of the Philippines in the international anti-terrorism coalition since 2001, it nonetheless stresses its concerns regarding the serious infringements of human rights committed by the Army of the Philippines in the framework of counter-insurrection activities. Stressing that the terrorist group Abou Sayyaf is accused of being responsible for the worst acts of terrorism committed in the country, the EP highlights the risk that regional militia could join the Islamic State/Daesh group in Southeast Asia.
The EP welcomes the efforts of the Filipino government to conclude the peace process concerning the Mindanao Archipelago, which is home to a strong Muslim community rebelling against the government, but laments the fact that the peace agreement has not been approved by the Congress of the Philippines.
The EP also calls upon the EU to support Manila in its efforts to develop legal migration channels for employment and to guarantee decent treatment for Filipino migrants.
On trade matters, the EP encourages the Philippines, which benefits from the SPG+ trade preferences, to ensure the effective implementation of major international agreements on fundamental rights and employment rights, the environment and good governance. It also welcomes the opening of negotiations for a free-trade treaty with the Philippines, which are due to start next week (see EUROPE 11567).
Pointing out that more than 800,000 Filipinos living in the EU and Filipino sailors working on vessels flying European flags send more than €3 billion back home to the Philippines every year, the EP invites the EU to further develop university and cultural exchanges.
Finally, it urges the member states not to authorise their ports to welcome vessels not flying European flags and whose crews are mostly made up of Filipino sailors working under employment conditions which run counter to employees' rights and the principles laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)