Following the conclusion over the weekend of an official monitoring mission of the European Union (EU) to the Philippines in relation to the latter’s tariff-free privileges, Secretary Ramon Lopez of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the country’s engagement with the bloc will continue.
“The DTI and concerned agencies had good productive meetings with the EU GSP+ (Generalized System of Preferences +) monitoring mission. Those meetings served as good opportunities to engage with the monitoring mission, and provide and clarify issues relative to the country’s compliance with the 27 international core conventions on human rights, labor, environment, and good governance. Facts and information were provided. We highly appreciate the openness and willingness of the EU mission to work with us on this endeavor,” said Lopez in a text message on his assessment of the monitoring mission on February 28 to March 8.
But when asked about the implications of the Philippines’ deficiency in one of six additional requirements that the European Commission is proposing for the renewal of the scheme, Lopez only said: “We cannot give specifics.”
The Commission had proposed the inclusion of six conventions which would affect 13 countries including the Philippines. The Commission’s proposal expands this list by two human rights instruments, two labor rights conventions, one governance convention and one environmental instrument.
The Philippines has ratified five out of six of the additional conventions except for the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention on Labor Inspection No 81.
The EU Parliament and the Council are currently examining the Commission’s proposal.
On Sept. 21, 2021, the Commission has proposed to extend, with some modifications, the scheme until 2034.
The GSP expires in December 2023 but the deadline for reapplication is 2025 and beneficiaries will continue to enjoy the privileges during the application period.
The EU team from Brussels reviewed the Philippines’ progress in implementing the 27 United Nations and ILO international conventions ratified and applicable under the special incentive arrangement under the GSP+, covering the areas of human and labor rights, environment and climate as well as good governance.
In 2020, about 1.6 billion euros or 26 percent of total Philippine exports to EU enjoyed preferential treatment under the GSP+. – Irma Isip
