Travel time for 9 senators

Nine senators are set to travel to France on June 27 in a parliamentary visit meant to help mend ties with Europe after President Duterte slammed Europeans for meddling in local affairs.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said on Tuesday that he expected nine senators to join the trip which he said could be an opportunity to mend diplomatic ties.

“We can talk to EU (European Union) thru the French,” Pimentel said without identifying who would join the trip.

But Sen. JV Ejercito said he would join Pimentel along with Senators Panfilo Lacson and Loren Legarda.

“France is one of the EU leaders. So we want that in some ways we could reach out and fix the relationship,” Ejercito said.

Mr. Duterte slammed the EU numerous times for criticizing his war on drugs and also said he would reject any EU aid if it is tied to conditions. —CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO