MANILA, Philippines — Member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations signed yesterday the ASEAN Extradition Treaty (AET), which President Marcos said would strengthen efforts in fighting common cross-border crimes.
“The AET reflects our collective resolve – that individuals with criminal charges will not escape justice by crossing borders in ASEAN,” Marcos said in his keynote address at the 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City.
“With this landmark treaty, we send a clear message to the world that we are united and that our legal foundation is stronger than ever,” the President said.
Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida signed the treaty for the Philippines.
The AET establishes a uniform legal framework for extradition among member-states of ASEAN.
An extradition treaty is a binding legal instrument that allows the surrender of a fugitive found in a country to a requesting country where he or she is being prosecuted or needs to serve sentence.
The AET is ASEAN’s response to the growing need for international legal cooperation within the region in light of the increase in cross-border crime and human mobility.
It reflects legal principles contained in international agreements, including extradition of nationals, procedures for provisional arrest and documentation and mechanisms for the settlement of disputes and implementation.
Marcos also called on ASEAN justice ministers to strengthen collaboration on emerging transnational challenges. “I speak of the threat of cybercrimes and the ethical and legal implications of artificial intelligence. We must ensure that our laws can govern the digital space fairly and securely,” the President said.
Marcos also expressed the country’s support for ASEAN’s newest member, Timor-Leste, as it prepares to join ASEAN legal bodies.