00:00The European Union or EU officially launched its election observation mission to the Philippines
00:05which is the first time it will be deploying such mission in the country.
00:10Jamalindo Colero, Philippine Information Agency, NCR, has more.
00:16The European Union officially launched its election observation mission to the Philippines
00:22marking the first time the EU will deploy such a mission in the country
00:26in time for the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.
00:30EU Chief Observer Marta Temido highlighted the significance of the mission
00:34in strengthening EU-Philippines relations.
00:37She said the event is an important milestone, noting that the EU was invited by the Philippine authorities
00:42and the Commission on Elections to observe the 2025 national, midterm, and local elections.
00:47Our role is to observe, to assess, and to support democratic standards
00:53independently and without interfering in the process.
00:58The mission consists of a core team of 12 experts based in Manila
01:02and 72 long-term observers deployed in 36 teams across the country since April 16.
01:08An additional 104 short-term observers will join in early May,
01:13bringing the total to approximately 200 observers from EU member states, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland.
01:20The EU's observation methodology includes an assessment of various aspects of the electoral process,
01:27including the legal framework, campaign finance, media coverage, and respect for fundamental freedoms.
01:34Temido reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting democratic governance and fostering cooperation with the Philippines.
01:41The preliminary findings of the mission will be publicly presented on May 14, 2025,
01:47and a comprehensive final report will follow two months after the elections,
01:52detailing recommendations for improving future electoral processes.
01:57From the Philippine Information Agency, National Capital Region,
02:01Jumalin Doktor Nero, Balitan Pangmanza.
