European Parliament delegates deny ‘tense’ meeting with PH senators

Five European Parliament members hold a press briefing in Makati City on Friday, February 24, 2023. INQUIRER.net photo / Daniza Fernandez

MANILA, Philippines — The European Parliament (EP) delegation visiting the Philippines denied on Friday that their meeting with Philippine senators was “tense.”

EP member Hannah Neumann said that they viewed their talk with senators on Wednesday positively.

“We had a very good and constructive discussion with senators in our very first meeting where we exchanged opinions,” Neumann recalled in a press briefing.

“Then, one senator walked out of the meeting and said it was all very tense, which it never was. Sadly, our delegation experienced first hand how toxic disinformation can sometimes be,” she added.

While Neumann did not identify the senator she was referring to, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa earlier said that the meeting between the two countries’ lawmakers was “so intense.”

Dela Rosa even said that the EP subcommittee on human rights looked at him as if he is a “hitman” and “murderer.” 

Among the issues that were discussed during the meeting was the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The delegation encouraged the senators to use the potential that comes with the ICC.

To recall, Dela Rosa faces charges of crimes against humanity, together with former president Rodrigo Duterte, before the ICC due to the latter’s brutal war on drugs which was launched in 2016.

Dela Rosa was then Philippine National Police chief when the illegal drug campaign was implemented.

Human rights organizations pegged the drug war death toll to over 20,000, but the government data shows lower figures at 6,248 as of April 30 last year.

JPV