Philippines, U.S. hold Inaugural Democracy Dialogue in Manila

U.S. Secretary Antony J. Blinken meets with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo in Manila, Philippines, July 30, 2024. | Photo by Freddie Everett/U.S. Department of State via Wikimedia Commons

NEW YORK—The United States and the Philippines co-chaired the Inaugural U.S.-Philippines Democracy Dialogue, a two-day event held in Manila, Philippines, from Sept. 10 to 11.

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) Allison Peters led the U.S. delegation. The Dialogue focused on advancing shared democratic priorities, such as accountable governance, labor rights, protection for vulnerable and marginalized groups, and freedom of expression and media.

The Dialogue also discussed the October signing of a memorandum of understanding to launch the Women, Peace, and Security Center for Excellence in Manila. This initiative aims to promote women’s meaningful participation in peace and security efforts.

This center will focus on several key areas, such as encouraging women to participate in political and security decision-making processes, ensuring the safety of women and girls in conflict and crisis situations, addressing and preventing gender-based violence, and providing equal access to relief and recovery assistance for women and girls.

The center will serve as a platform to enhance regional cooperation, expand resources, and support local leaders and experts in implementing the WPS agenda. This initiative builds on the U.S. Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017 and addresses persistent gaps in women’s inclusion in peace processes.

On Sept. 11, Peters and Philippines Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga held civil society consultations with journalists, labor leaders, and human rights defenders. According to DRL, these consultations demonstrate the U.S. commitment to hearing from its civil society partners regarding the state of human rights and democracy in the Philippines and how it can best engage on these issues.

The Dialogue resulted in several key outcomes:

• Strengthened Bilateral Cooperation: Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to advancing democratic values and human rights.
• Memorandum of Understanding: Plans were made to sign a memorandum of understanding to establish the Women, Peace, and Security Center for Excellence in Manila.
• Civil Society Engagement: The dialogue included consultations with civil society members, enhancing understanding of the human rights situation in the Philippines.
• Focus on Key Issues: Discussions covered accountable governance, labor rights, protection for vulnerable groups, and media freedom.

These outcomes aim to bolster democratic institutions and promote human rights in the Philippines.

Earlier, on Sept. 8-9, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins attended the Philippines Strategic Trade Management Summit (PhTM) and discussed strengthening the U.S. bilateral relationship and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.