MALACAÑANG is confident the country could retain its Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) from the European Union (EU) despite the renewed questions on its compliance with human rights obligations.
In a statement on Monday, Acting Presidential spokesperson Karlo B. Nograles said the government has already been talking with the EU to address the alleged prevalence of human rights violations in the country.
“The actions taken by the government in this regard are a clear demonstration of our compliance with conventions on human rights, labor, and good governance, among others,” Nograles said.
In fact, he said the country will be welcoming the GSP+ monitoring mission from the EU Commission before the end of the month, citing information from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The concurrent Cabinet Secretary made the assurance after the European Parliament recently issued a new resolution warning the country could lose its inclusion in the GSP+ due to the said violations.
GSP+ exempts 6,200 Philippine products from tariffs in EU member countries.
The Parliament demanded for a “time-bound benchmark” from the government so the country will be allowed to retain its GSP+ privilege.
Nograles urged the European Parliament to reconsider such assessment and “look through the eyes” of Filipinos in determining the country’s compliance to human rights.
“The President is at the tail-end of his administration and—despite the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic—is poised to step down with the highest satisfaction, approval and trust ratings of any post-Edsa Chief Executive,” Nograles said.