Opening Statement: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

Opening Statement of Senator Loren Legarda
Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
07 December 2017 | Recto Room, Senate of the Philippines

Good morning. My sincere gratitude for your presence and participation in this hearing of the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Today, we will discuss the following Agreements, namely, (1) the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and the European Union and its Members States; (2) the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the Federal Republic of Germany on Social Security; and (3) the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Sweden on Social Security.

Together with the European Union and its Member States, we have taken steps to pursue dialogue and cooperation on political matters, justice and security affairs, trade and investments, migration, and other economic development and sectoral issues.

Anchored on a long-established partnership and shared values since 1964, the Agreement will function as the general framework of relations between the Philippines and the EU.

Meanwhile, the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the Federal Republic of Germany on Social Security aims to improve the administration of social security benefits for Filipinos working in Germany.

Lastly, the Agreement on Social Security between the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Sweden intends to contribute to equality of treatment, allow the exportability of benefits, improve processing of claims, and eliminate dual coverage.

Once again, thank you to all the resource persons present today, and I look forward to a productive session.

Thank you.