PH, US Convene Inaugural Democracy Dialogue

L-R: U.S. Embassy Human Rights Officer Michael Coleman, U.S. Embassy - Office of Economic Development and Governance (USAID) Deputy Director Joy Searcie,  U.S. Embassy Regional Labor Officer Mario Fernandez, DOJ Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez, U.S. Embassy Political Counselor Michael Kelleher, U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Allison Peters, U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Foreign Affairs Officer Paul Schuler, DFA - OAA Assistant Secretary José Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga, U.S. Embassy - Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Director Kate Riche, United States Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. MaryKay Carlson, DOLE - Bureau of Working Conditions Director Alvin Curada, DOLE Assistant Secretary for Labor Relations, Policy and International Affairs Lennard Constantine C. Serrano, OUBRAA Special Assistant Jay Francis Alcantara, DOJ Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Hazel Decena-Valdez, DFA - OAA Principal Assistant Reanne Apostol, DOJ Assistant Chief State Counsel Mildred Bernadette B. Alvor (Photo by DFA-OPD Cielo Marie D. Vicencio)

PASAY CITY 13 September 2024 – The Philippines and the United States convened in Manila the first Philippines-U.S. Democracy Dialogue on 10-11 September 2024.

The two-day dialogue aims to institutionalize discussions on human rights and democracy issues, and is a demonstration of the shared commitment to the protection and promotion of democracy, human rights and good governance. 

The first day of the democracy dialogue featured bilateral discussions that spanned various issues broadly classified into the following agenda items: accountable governance; economic, social and cultural rights; civil and political rights; and emerging human rights challenges. The meeting provided the opportunity for the two countries to discuss respective advocacies and explore and align initiatives in support of protection and promotion of human rights.

The dialogue was an opportunity to underscore Philippine efforts and leadership in driving open governments as vital for democratic consolidation and socio-economic development of all countries. Both delegations discussed shared interests in transparency, inclusiveness, fighting corruption, empowering citizens, and harnessing new technologies for good governance.

A full session was also devoted to addressing emerging human rights challenges, including how human rights are implicated by advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. Both delegations emphasized the importance of working together to combat disinformation and ensure information integrity, especially protecting vulnerable groups. They likewise discussed the nexus between human rights and climate change, and the important issues of climate justice, climate financing, and taking account of loss and damage.

The second day featured roundtable discussions between the governments and civil society organizations representing media and journalists, labor, victims of terrorism, and environmental, indigenous and children’s rights groups. 

This engagement demonstrated our continuing commitment to involve as many civil society partners in open discussions on human rights and democracy, and in moving the same forward and farther as a common advocacy.  

In his opening remarks as the Philippine Co-Chair, DFA Assistant Secretary for American Affairs José Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga noted that the new dialogue mechanism is anchored on the historic and multi-faceted alliance of the Philippines and the United States, which is fundamentally shaped by our shared values and commitment to democracy and social justice. 

The second Philippines-U.S. Democracy Dialogue is scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C. in 2025. END