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BY AYIN DREAM D. APLASCA
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Tuesday, October 24, 2017
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A FEW days ago, the President accused the European Union (EU) of interfering in the Philippines’ domestic affairs, and alleged it wanted to get the country removed from United Nations (UN). He also emphasized that he will kick their ambassadors out of the country.
One of the reasons why the President reacted this way was because the EU delegates were, according to the Presidential Spokesperson, irresponsible in giving statements protesting the alleged killings under the Duterte administration; these demeaned our status as a sovereign nation.
Now, the question is: What good will it do to our country?
The EU is a “unique economic and political partnership among diverse democracies united in their commitment to peace, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. EU member states have transferred part of their sovereignty to EU institutions, with many decisions made at the EU level.”
The ultimate purpose of the EU is to promote greater social, political and economic harmony among the nations of Western Europe, and promote less conflict on nations which have interdependent economies.
Does the Philippines have a bilateral relation with EU? The answer is in the affirmative.
Both share in diplomatic, economic, cultural, and political relations. Both are trade partners. The Philippines exports products to the EU. They cooperate in the peace process, trade and investments, customs facilitation, and intellectual property rights. Both have bilateral agreements on migration, maritime labor and education.
On the other hand, the UN is an “international organization founded in 1945 and committed to maintaining international peace and security; developing friendly relations among nations; promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights.”
The UN is created to enforce “international law, security, economic development, social progress, and human rights easier for countries around the world.”
The Philippines have been affiliated with the UN since its conception. The latter contributed much for the Philippines for it intervened in food security, climate change and risk reduction, disaster response and recovery, health, education, and peace and security.
The UN highlighted its concern in the violence brought by the war on drugs of the President, thus, making the President furious and expressed desire to leave UN.
What will happen if these are realized?
Definitely, we have a lot to lose. First, leaving the UN and EU will make the Philippines cold-shouldered by the international community. Second, there will be economic collapse. Together with this, we will experience economic sanctions. Third, there will be political leverage especially that the Philippines still has ongoing talks with China. Fourth, the country will lose its access to international programs and aid. They will no longer fund Philippines. Lastly, we will lose part of our international recognition.
I believe the Philippines should shape up as a nation. We don’t want to lose our political standing and economic progress. We should work with EU and UN rather than weaken our grip on these two organizations.
(Atty. Ayin Dream D. Aplasca practices her profession in Iloilo City. She may be reached thru ayindream.aplasca@gmail.com/PN)
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