DTI and DFA are in the best position to look into PH commitments to EU

Respect for sovereignty and non-interference, a must in International Law

MANILA - The Departments of Trade and Industry and Foreign Affairs should discuss the country’s commitments to the European Union in exchange for the privileges provided in the Generalized Scheme of Preference (GSP+) which allows products from the Philippines into their market with lesser tariff.

This was how Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Robert Borje responded to a question whether he would recommend a review of the country’s commitments to the European Union.

“The Philippines is a country that partners with other countries and other blocs. But it is also important to respect the principles of sovereignty and non-interference, that’s very basic in International Law,” said Undersecretary Borje.

He said a review of the country’s commitments is always on the table, but the country has to acknowledge and recognize “the different nuances” in the European Union. He explained the EU Parliament is one part of the EU and the European Commission is another part.

“And it takes the entire machinery of the EU to make things happen. And it takes the entire machinery of the EU to make things happen,” he said.

He explained the Departments of Trade and Industry and Foreign Affairs are in the best position to look into the details of the agreement. (Melo M. Acuña)

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Undersecretary Robert Borje. (Screen grab from PTV4)