Senate hearing on ASEAN Treaty on Extradition (Foreign Relations) — May 11, 2026

[0:32] public hearing to order. At this juncture, I'd like to acknowledge our resource persons [0:49] and the Secretary of National Defense here with us. And later on, we will be joined by [0:54] Senator Lauren Legarda. May I now request our Committee Secretary, Director Sue Kandao, [1:01] to acknowledge our resource persons and experts for today. Director Kandao, please. [1:07] Good morning, Mr. Chair. Your Honors. The resource persons for today are as follows. [1:13] From the Department of Foreign Affairs, this is for the ASEAN Extradition Treaty. We have [1:19] from the DFA, Deputy Assistant Secretary Anthony Achilles Mandap from the Office of Treaties and [1:26] Legal Affairs. Deputy Assistant Secretary Princess Thomas, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs. [1:33] We have Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Rona Beth Gose from the Office of Asian and Pacific [1:40] Affairs. We have Director Brian Jess Baguio from the Office of American Affairs. Director [1:48] Josel Mostajo from the ASEAN Affairs Office. Director Sheila Mae Briones from the Office of Treaties and [1:55] Legal Affairs. Assistant Director Christabel Ann Arcilia from the Office of American Affairs. [2:02] And also, Foreign Service Officer Maria Racel Figoro Gases. From the Department of Justice, [2:10] we have Undersecretary Nicholas Felix T. Together with Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin Chan. We have [2:21] Senior State Counsel Mary Grace Quintana. State Counsel Redmond John Zulweta. And State Counsel Ulysses Aguila. [2:31] From the National Bureau, we have Police Brigadier General Aladdin Colliado with Police Lieutenant [2:46] Police Major Almer Eustaquio and Police Lieutenant Colonel Ivan Abeza. We also have the Undersecretary of the [2:59] Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, Executive Director Romeo Prestoza. For the status of visiting [3:06] forces for both Philippine Canada and Philippine New Zealand, we have the Honorable Secretary Gilberto [3:13] Chudoro from the Department of National Defense. Together with Undersecretary Madriaga, the Strategic [3:24] Assessment and Planning. And then we also have Undersecretary Antonio Habulan, the Executive Director of the [3:32] Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces. From the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we have General Romeo S. [3:41] Browner Jr., the Chief of Staff. From the Department of Finance, we have Assistant Secretary D'Aquila Napau. [3:50] Also, from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Attorney Edgar Allan Reyes. From the Department of Environment and Natural [3:58] Resources, we have Attorney Gino Pahe from the Legal Affairs Office. And also, we have Attorney Andrea Kabagbag, the [4:11] Legal Affairs Office of the DENR. From the Department of Labor and Employment, we have Undersecretary Felipe [4:22] Egargo Jr. Good morning, Sir Chair. Good morning, everyone. [4:26] With Assistant Secretary Julian Chang Lim. From the Department of Health and the Bureau of Quarantine, [4:34] we have here today Dr. Michael Galope from the Bureau of Quarantine. From the Department of Transportation, [4:41] we have Assistant Secretary Manuel Cabochan. From the Bureau of Customs, we have Attorney John Cedric Comon [4:49] from the Legal Service and the Revenue Collection Monitoring Group. And we also have Assistant Commissioner [4:56] Attorney Vincent Maronilla. That's all for now, Mr. Chair. Thank you. [5:03] Thank you very much, Committee Secretary. [5:09] Today, we're taking up three major international agreements that will shape our national security and [5:15] regional justice system. The status of Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and Canada, [5:23] the status of Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and New Zealand, [5:27] and the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition. The Philippines is shifting its defense strategy. By opening our doors [5:36] to middle powers like Canada and New Zealand, we are building a broader coalition to secure the [5:42] Indo-Pacific and improve our disaster response. But let me be clear, hosting foreign troops is never [5:50] just a routine administrative matter. It is a profound issue of sovereignty. Today, this committee will [5:58] scrutinize the fine print. We will ask the hard questions specifically on the criminal justice or [6:06] criminal jurisdiction, custody, environmental liability, and on true reciprocity. Next, we tackle the ASEAN [6:14] treaty on extradition. Modern crime for cyber crime or cyber fraud to human trafficking has no borders. [6:22] This treaty is designed to close the net on fugitives in our regional backyard. But we will demand [6:30] assurances. We must ensure this treaty is used to catch actual criminals and never weaponize for political [6:38] persecution across Southeast Asia. To our resource persons, the Senate recognizes the hard work your [6:46] departments have put into negotiating these treaties. However, our constitutional mandate requires us to [6:53] test the strength, fairness, and absolute necessity of these agreements. We expect straightforward answers [7:01] today. When I proceed with the hearing proper, with the indulgence of our people, our resource persons, [7:11] we will proceed as follows. First, we shall allow resource persons to deliver the statement [7:16] and presentations. Please limit your presentations to at most three minutes. Refrain from reading the whole [7:25] text of your position paper. Otherwise, you can just submit it to this committee, your position paper. [7:33] Then, our senators, once they're here, will be given the opportunity to ask questions and seek [7:39] clarification. And those senators who will be joining us and have not given the opening statement, [7:47] may do so before asking their questions. Let us now proceed with the decision of the agreement or [7:55] discussion of the agreement between the Philippines and Canada on the status of visiting forces agreement, [8:00] between the Philippines and New Zealand, and the status of visiting forces agreement. [8:04] Director Su, there are other agencies that will present today? Yes, Your Honor. We will have the [8:13] Department of Foreign Affairs to present first, followed by the Department of National Defense. [8:18] Thank you. Go ahead, DFA Attorney Mandap. Yes, sir. Good morning, Mr. Chair and the members of the [8:26] Senate Committee on Foreign Relations colleagues. My name is Anthony Mandap. I am the Deputy Assistant [8:34] Secretary of the DFA Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs. Thank you for inviting the Department of [8:40] Foreign Affairs to appear before this esteemed committee to assist in the review of the ASEAN Treaty on [8:46] Extradition, the Philippines-New Zealand SOBFA, and the Philippines-Canada SOBFA. Now, the three [8:54] treaties subject of Senate concurrence today. The first is the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition, which was signed on the [9:01] 14th of November 2025 in Manila, the Philippines. On the 13th of April 2026, the instrument of [9:09] gratification signed by the President was transmitted to the Senate of the 20th Congress for its concurrence. [9:17] The treaty seeks to strengthen the region's capability to fight or prevent crime or intensify law enforcement [9:26] through a mechanism to extradite criminal suspects or convicted criminals hiding behind international borders [9:34] or escaping to foreign jurisdictions to evade penalty or prosecution. The treaty also seeks to [9:42] enable each ASEAN member state to effect the extradition of individuals for the purpose of prosecution, [9:49] sentencing, or enforcement of sentence imposed from other AMS or ASEAN member states where those [9:56] individuals may be located. And the third is to strengthen the region's commitment against [10:02] criminality and in furthering regional integration through seamless legal cooperation in criminal [10:09] matters. Now, for a more detailed discussion on the highlights and benefits of this treaty, [10:14] we shall refer to the Department of Justice, which is the implementing agency and central authority [10:20] of the Philippines for extradition. Now, the second treaty is the Philippines-New Zealand SOBFA, [10:26] or agreement between the government of the Republic of the Philippines and the government of New Zealand [10:32] on the status of visiting forces, which was signed on April 30, 2025 in Manila. The President ratified [10:39] the SOBFA with New Zealand on April 13, 2026 and proceeded to endorse it to the Senate of the 20th [10:49] Congress on the same date. The SOBFA sets the terms for agreed upon cooperative activities between the AFP, [10:57] the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the New Zealand Defence Force and their civilian components [11:03] in each other's territories. It aims to improve the country's rapid response capability for disaster [11:09] preparedness and will enhance military capabilities through joint training, infrastructure development, [11:19] and equipment sharing, as well as to strengthen joint capabilities to combat threats to global and [11:25] regional supply chains. The third, the Philippines-Canada SOBFA, which is the last treaty for consideration [11:33] today. It is also called the agreement between the government of the Republic of the Philippines and [11:38] the government of Canada concerning the status of visiting forces of each state in the territory of [11:44] the other state, which was signed on November 2, 2025 in Manila. The President ratified the SOBFA on March 26, [11:51] 2026 and then endorsed the same to the Senate of the 20th Congress. The SOBFA with Canada lays down [11:59] the legal framework governing the status of the sending state's visiting forces in its civilian component [12:07] while in the territory of the receiving state for the conduct of joint defense and humanitarian [12:13] activities. It also sets the parameters for the use of divided land and sea areas, airspace, or facilities of [12:20] the receiving state for mutually agreed upon cooperative activities. And lastly, the SOBFA underscores the [12:28] protection of the environment, cultural, and indigenous peoples' heritage, as well as human health and [12:33] safety in the conduct of cooperative activities. For the details of the two SOBFA subjects of today's discussion, [12:40] the DFA shall defer to the representatives of the various concerned agencies, such as the Department of [12:46] National Defense, the PCVF, and the DOJ. With that, Mr. Chair, we submit everything for the committee's [12:57] consideration. Thank you. Thank you, Attorney Mandap. My first question will be, how many visiting forces [13:04] agreements do we have now, and which countries do we have agreements? This will be the 14th and 15th [13:16] SOBFAs, Mr. Chair. We already have one with the U.S., Australia, and Japan. [13:25] U.S., Australia, and Japan. All right. Okay. Now, my next question is, what are the provisions under the [13:40] SOBFA of Canada and New Zealand that there is no SOBFA in the United States or Australia? Would you happen to know? [13:49] On this question, Your Honor, we yield to the Defense Department? [13:53] Yeah. Okay. Let me redirect my question to Secretary Chidorah then. Would you happen to know, [14:00] Secretary, what are the provisions of SOBFA of Canada and New Zealand that are not in the SOBFA of [14:10] Australia and the United States? Your Honor, there's substantially no difference, except for [14:15] differences in the criminal processes of the distinct countries. Because we have templates on both the [14:24] common law system and the statutory system, it was a lot easier to move forward. The major difference, [14:34] Your Honor, is the request of the Government of Canada that protection to indigenous people's rights, [14:43] which they take very seriously, and the environmental fallback mechanisms, and we deal very, very carefully [1:05:53] with prevention of offenses. President, Mr. Chair, if there is already a matrix among the three… [1:06:03] Yes, Your Honor. Yes, Your Honor. Has it been presented, the matrix? No, Your Honor, we did not present the matrix. [1:06:08] The VFA and in chronology, the Australian SOBFA and then the Japan VFA, which is fairly new, [1:06:16] and then this new proposed statutory forces agreement. In short, Your Honor, Canada and New Zealand SOBFAs, [1:06:30] because of their home legal systems, follow the Australian paradigm very closely. And New Zealand, [1:06:37] and Your Honor, always deploys as of this time together with Australia until it builds [1:06:45] its expeditionary maritime capability. So it is always a joint force with Australia. [1:06:53] Marunong si Sekibo, sinabi niya, kasi narinig niya ako nag-sponsor ng Australian SOBFA, [1:07:00] tas pag sinabi niyo, pareho naman yung New Zealand, o di siyempre, papayag na po tayo. Ako nag-sponsor [1:07:06] nun eh. Yung Canada po, pareho din, kasi hindi ba, commonwealth country siya. Pero ang importante [1:07:16] po sa Canada, ulitin ko po, dahil nakikita po natin, malawak ang lugar kung saan tayo pwede [1:07:25] mag-cooperate, lalo na sa energy resources. Pero sa ngayon pa lang po, walang visiting [1:07:35] forces agreement. Napakalaki ng contribution nila sa atin sa cyber protection. Pero maliban po doon, [1:07:45] uh, they have a surplus of mineral resources that perhaps our country badly needs. And they can help [1:07:53] us also develop our mineral resources in a responsible manner. Sama ba yan sa visiting [1:08:02] forces agreement? Hindi po kasama, pero ito po ang purpose. Actually, one of the purposes, kaya [1:08:07] maintindihan po natin yung context. Hindi, hindi po. Hindi po. Hindi po. Hindi po indicated, [1:08:13] but you need to secure your supply chains to make this a viable activity. And you need freedom [1:08:20] of navigation and the high seas. Without such, your honor, your costs of doing business, [1:08:27] so to speak, will be exponentially higher because you take a risk. Thank you for mentioning that, [1:08:36] although that's not indicated at all, but it's a possibility, yes. And it's needed, what you're [1:08:42] saying, that this is needed so that there's freedom of navigation so that when this happens, [1:08:47] exploration, et cetera, uh, we set the pace for that. Um, is there, uh, going to another front, [1:08:55] the academic exchange, is it, uh, contemplated in the visiting forces agreement? It's already [1:09:02] happening, your honor, the academic exchange. Yes. On, on officer training. [1:09:07] Okay. New Zealand po, marami po. And Canada, meron na rin po. Okay. When I say exchange, [1:09:13] it's actually more of us sending our men and women there. It is also valuable, your honor, [1:09:19] because we have a lot of catching up to do in our military and defense educational system capabilities. [1:09:26] So, Jan, I'm sure hindi yan naka-itemize. Hindi po naka-itemize. Pero understood. [1:09:31] Pero personal advocacy po ng Department of National Defense and part of the international [1:09:36] engagements. Dahil sa ngayon, ang higher education ng military at defense ay skills training pa rin, [1:09:43] hindi research and multidisciplinary activities na kailangan natin i-endow yung mga scholars [1:09:50] natin upang sa ganon magkaroon ng multidisciplinary approach to national defense and national security. [1:10:00] Even if it is not indicated in black and white in the fine print, are we assured that our officers, [1:10:09] men and women, will have access and will be encouraged for free, for scholarships in both [1:10:16] New Zealand and Canada. Yes, your honor. We are assured just as long as they meet the minima. Of [1:10:20] course, requirements. Because if they meet the minimum requirements, it is also a value added of [1:10:27] any educational institution to have a member regardless of nationality to have peer-reviewed articles [1:10:38] and research which adds a rating to its academic rating. So, experts, lecturers coming to GS or [1:10:47] CGS to NDCP and training there as well. I mean, pasensya na, Chair, and dami kong tanong kasi this [1:10:54] is so interesting. So, hindi lang yung scholars natin pupunta ron, lecturers at experts sila pupunta [1:11:00] rito, at maari din bang mag-training doon o dito lang sa ating shores at sa land? [1:11:06] Hindi, reciprocal po ito. Reciprocal ito. Opo. Pangalawa po, ang importante rin humakita [1:11:12] natin, napakadami natin magagandang ideya dito. Hindi po natin wala po tayong adequate [1:11:19] laboratory for development and further testing of these, tawagin na natin, inventions. And secondly, [1:11:29] pag ipinascale nyo na industrial production, doon po nahihirapan ang inventions or technology [1:11:37] natin na i-scale sa durability, quality, and production. Doon po kami pwede magtulungan kasi [1:11:45] napakasecure po na space. And even po on, uh, actually, we're also, we're already have [1:11:54] initiatives going on for, uh, uh, medical, uh, military medical, uh, health, wellness, [1:12:06] and also in combat. Kasi ho, uh, ang experience, actually, sa Ukraine, nakakalungkot, [1:12:16] hospitals are not safe havens. So we have to redevise also where and how we treat battlefield [1:12:28] injuries, Europe. But, uh, before I, uh, end, then I will ask on the second round after I listen to [1:12:36] the chair, kung halos pareho sinasabi po nyo yung Australian VFA with Canada and New Zealand, [1:12:45] ano yung isang pagkakaiba kung meron man? [1:12:47] Yung may stress po sa environmental protection at saka indigenous people's rights po sa Canada [1:12:52] dahil napakalaki po ng importansya sa kanila, ng first nations po nila. [1:12:58] So may stress, must may, uh, uh, it is stressed in this two VFAs. [1:13:04] Yes, Your Honor. Uh, something that was silent. [1:13:06] I think there is mention also on, on Japan and Australia, pero hindi po ganito kasi specific. [1:13:12] So that's favorable to us because we have our indigenous peoples as well. [1:13:15] Yes, Your Honor. And it is also sub, uh, a mandate of their own law. [1:13:20] Yes. [1:13:21] That if they engage, they are mandated to do so under a, an ambit of environmental protection. [1:13:29] And, um, just to be clear in the process and the DOJ's here, who was the negotiating institution? [1:13:36] Was it DOJ? [1:13:37] Kami po. [1:13:38] Ah, with the support of the DOJ. [1:13:40] Yeah, with the support though, because, uh, we needed to embark on really speedy convergence mechanisms. [1:13:47] Uh, no government institution is against this. [1:13:50] Kami po. [1:13:51] There is full support. [1:13:52] Kami po. [1:13:52] Yes, Your Honor. [1:13:53] Because it's... [1:13:54] And if, and if we have it with Australia and it's copy-paste, uh, or very similar, uh, with Australia, [1:14:02] and if it merely strengthened the rights and protection of our indigenous people, so that's even better. [1:14:10] Yes, Your Honor. And, uh, also an assurance is, for example, with New Zealand, there are 100,000 Filipinos. [1:14:17] In New Zealand, who are part of the New Zealand community, who are advocating also for closer [1:14:25] productive relations between our two countries. And as distant as it is, it has seen the need to converge [1:14:35] because a, an important part of their supply line is this South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea. [1:14:45] Na-ratify po siya, uh, uh, uh, noong, uh, March lang po. [1:14:51] This year. So, both are just newly ratified. [1:14:55] When was it, April, before ratification? [1:14:58] April. [1:14:59] April po. Very new po. At, uh, malaki po ang tulong si Chairman Tull po sa pag-transmit po. [1:15:08] At, uh, uh, Tama po yun na, uh, Madam Chair, dahil gawa na rin siguro ng iba't ibang [1:15:38] atensyon at focus. Of course, primary atensyon namin, naiintindihan naman, bago na-transmit. [1:15:44] Pero dun po sa susunod ng mga BFA, ihilingin na po namin na bago namin pirmahan to, [1:15:50] kailangan na ipayag na lahat kesa sa pipirmahan, bago nyo pirmahan, pumayag na, [1:15:57] tapos kukuha na naman ang concurrence, eh, repetitive yung, hindi, within the executive. [1:16:04] For any, uh, uh, agreement, yes. [1:16:13] For me to get an authority to sign your own. [1:16:16] Yes. You have to get all the agencies. [1:16:20] And then what I cannot understand in the previous BFAs, after signing, before the ratification [1:16:26] of the press, again, again. Ah, wait. Um, it's as if, Your Honor, we don't know what we're doing. [1:16:35] The, the inputs of agencies must be given when you're negotiating. When you ratify it because [1:16:44] an agreement can only be approved or junked. You cannot revise it anymore because when you send it to us, [1:16:51] we either concur in its ratification or reject it altogether. We cannot negotiate anymore. [1:16:59] Yes, Your Honor. So all these agencies who want to put their fingers in your pie after you've [1:17:05] ratified it should have been part of the negotiations and given the inputs to the negotiating entity. [1:17:11] Yes, Your Honor. [1:17:11] Hindi kwedeng pagkaratify, pag nasa OP na, or worse, if it's here, then somebody says, [1:17:17] no, no, no, we disagree. Why were you not that present? Why now? [1:17:20] Oh, oh. Hindi pwede. [1:17:22] At saka, may template na nga po eh. Marami. [1:17:25] So, the less... [1:17:28] Thirdly, Your Honor, I think the defense space is moving very, very rapidly. [1:17:35] Very rapidly, faster than... And so, speed is necessary in this. [1:17:42] Speed, kaya yan ang mga tool for. Pwede pa niya yan i-sponsor na mamaya pag i-route na yung [1:17:49] committee report? Pag-uusapan pa ba yan eh, ginawa na to sa Australia, di ba? [1:17:54] Actually, Your Honor, with the legislature, starting from the first one, I will have the [1:18:01] honor to participate in. During my tenure with Japan, it was very, very speedy. It was very speedy. [1:18:08] All right. Thank you. [1:18:09] Thank you. [1:18:11] Okay. Thank you, Senator Lauren. With the indulgence of my colleague here, [1:18:16] let's hear now from the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces for your statement. [1:18:23] There's not much to say anymore, because the Secretary has already said most of the things, [1:18:35] or actually all of the things that we have undertaken before, because I am also part of [1:18:41] the negotiating team. And I definitely concur with the SOPA with Canada and New Zealand, sir. [1:18:51] Thank you, Yusek Kabulan. Let me now go to the Department of Environment. [1:18:56] Let's hear your presentation, because I have a few quick questions here, such as, [1:19:03] have you already coordinated with the Department of Defense or the Presidential [1:19:07] Commission on Visiting Forces Agreement pertaining to our environmental laws? [1:19:11] Kasi meron pong isa tayong katriti, medyo nakalimutan siguro, dumped about 189,500 liters of domestic waste [1:19:21] and 760 liters of bilge water dumped in the Subic Bay. So, I want to hear from you if [1:19:29] uh, ang ating DND, ang ating pong AFP, uh, uh, Department of Environment coordinated already with [1:19:39] these two countries regarding our environmental laws. Go ahead, uh, Department of Environment. [1:19:45] Presentation, uh, DNR? Is there a representative from DNR here? Oh, go ahead. Go ahead, please. [1:20:07] Good morning, Mr. Chair. Um, our, uh, resource, uh, speaker will be here in a while. He just went to the [1:20:14] restroom for a little bit. Mr. Chair, if we can have a second call on this matter. Thank you. [1:20:18] All right. Thank you. Um, okay. Let, let, let's hear first from the Department of Finance. Uh, if you have [1:20:27] any presentation. Good morning, Mr. Chair. Uh, good morning, Honorable Senator Rigarda. Um, the Department of [1:20:37] Finance, Your Honor, uh, does not have a presentation, but, uh, we issued a certificate of current currencies [1:20:44] to both the, uh, Canada and New Zealand so far. Uh, Your Honor. Committee, uh, Secretary. Oh, okay. [1:21:04] Uh, Department of Finance, I have one, just one quick question. Uh, ano po mga budget implications [1:21:11] po nito, uh, uh, sa pagpasok natin sa Visiting Forces Agreement with two or more countries once we [1:21:17] concur to solve fast with Canada and New Zealand? How much do we have to ikang spend? Nabanggit po kanina [1:21:24] ni, uh, Defense Secretary yung tungkol po sa mga damages. Uh, what are we looking at? Uh, [1:21:33] Uh, Your Honor, when we review the, uh, uh, proposed, uh, agreement, uh, we're looking [1:21:39] at, uh, possible for gun revenues, uh, from, uh, duties and taxes on the, uh, imported military [1:21:48] hardware and supplies. Um, but, uh, although, uh, we are looking at, uh, possible for gun revenues, [1:21:57] we are also, uh, uh, we are also, uh, uh, uh, uh, looking, uh, uh, uh, looking also at a possible, uh, [1:22:07] inflow of, uh, activities, economic activities, uh, due to the, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, for instance, [1:22:17] a balikatan, uh, um, um, activity in, uh, our area. So, um, we're looking at this as a, a reciprocal investment [1:22:27] investment rather than a mere loss or forgotten revenue, Mr. Chair. [1:22:32] May I add to the DOF? Actually, the greatest hindrance also of the country to having FDI [1:22:46] is your security resilience. It adds a few basis points to the risk assessment of the country. [1:22:56] So the more we are able to prove that we can enforce our law, the more an overall macro benefit [1:23:05] will redound to the economy as a whole. And as we said, Your Honor, that the Visiting Forces Agreement, [1:23:14] although without saying it directly, is also a reflection on the interest of countries to [1:23:20] converge in other spheres. Definitely, it is an anchor, actually, for sustainable investments [1:23:29] in one's economy on the macro level. On the micro level, of course, Your Honor, there is disposable [1:23:38] income that circulates in the communities, particularly the recipient communities. And with [1:23:45] our resilience efforts with the communities where other agencies like the BIFAR also converge with us, [1:23:57] then we can, although to a limited scale, tailor more resilient and more productive communities who [1:24:06] were formerly marginalized. So there is a positive net inflow to the financials of the country, [1:24:16] while the net expenditure, Your Honor, is also always carried already by our MOOE budget, which is approved [1:24:25] by Congress. So basically, it is a net zero unless we send troops abroad for training, which sometimes [1:24:36] is courtesy of the host community, and for schooling, of which we should invest our own. [1:24:43] All right. Thank you, Secretary. Quickly, before we go back to the DNR, just to the Bureau of [1:24:51] Customs. We have representative from Bureau of Customs here. [1:24:56] Good morning, Mr. Chair. [1:24:58] All right. Gahit po ng paalala po sa inyo na nakarang hearing, sana po ay mas paitingin po po ng [1:25:03] Bureau of Customs ang pag-monitor ng mga puapasok po na kargamento sa ating bansa para po [1:25:10] maiwasan gawing dumping site ng Pilipinas ng other countries. Hindi po sapat na marinig [1:25:15] na nasira po ang X-ray machines natin. Kung kailangan po ninyong palitan na yung mga yan, [1:25:20] eh gagawin po natin. Malapit na po ang budget hearing. Please include that in your request, [1:25:26] Bureau of Customs. Now, dito po sa Visiting Forces Agreement are granted, Visiting Forces are [1:25:34] Granted Significant Tax and Duty Exemptions for Fuel, Oil, and Explosives. Paano nyo po masisiguro [1:25:41] BOC na ito po ay ikang hindi po masyadong makaka-apekto sa inyong revenue? [1:25:50] Your Honor, you... [1:25:51] Or will it greatly affect the revenue of the BOC? [1:25:55] Your Honor, hindi naman ho. Yung pagdating naman ho ng provisions under this particular [1:26:02] agreement is related to it. Ibig sabihin ho, kung wala naman tong agreement na to, [1:26:07] wala din naman ho papasok na... wala naman kaming in-expect na papasok na gano'ng revenue [1:26:11] talaga. So, wala naman ho sa projections din namin pagdating sa revenue impact ang mga [1:26:18] provisions na ipapasok dito. In fact, Your Honor, the country stands to benefit also from [1:26:25] this agreement because some of the equipments... there are instances that some of the equipments, [1:26:31] modern equipments that are used in this particular exercises are left already to our armed forces [1:26:37] for their use. More or less, some of the equipments naman, if we really purchase it under the AFP [1:26:45] modernization law, may mga in-equipments po talaga na exempt na ito. So, na-factor in na rin po [1:26:50] namin talaga yung revenue loss dito. And hindi naman po gano'n ka-significant, Your Honor. [1:26:55] Alright, thank you. [1:26:56] May I just take something for the record. Nangyari na po last year and the year [1:27:03] before. Actually, may net gain po tayo dahil nagkataon po na ang balikatan and other [1:27:14] exercises ay tumugma kung kailan tayo may disaster. Kaya nakatulong pa ang visiting [1:27:24] forces na hindi po mura. Napakamahal na mag-operate ng Osprey, ng C-130 and to deploy them [1:27:35] with the doctrines that the foreign countries have, hindi po mura. Kaya ang laki po ng net [1:27:42] savings ng gobyerno sa tulong kahit na let's say natin dalawa o tatlong araw, hundreds of [1:27:48] millions of dollars na po yun sa tulong. Lalo-lalo na nung may nangyari pong baha sa [1:27:55] Naga and doon po sa iba't ibang communities and actually minomonitor din po namin ang [1:28:10] situation dito po sa low pressure area o bagyo na darating at pumayag po ang US troops [1:28:20] na mag-iwan po ng standby para makatulong sa atin dahil knowing fully well po na may [1:28:28] ASEAN Summit na kailangan din natin mag-provide ng air transport at sea transport ang [1:28:35] Philippine Navy. Pinangunahan na po ni General Bronner, si Admiral Paparo at pumayag [1:28:40] naman po na just in case kakailanganin na tutulong po sila agad-agaran. [1:28:48] Thank you Secretary Tidoro. May we hear now from the Department of Environment your [1:28:52] presentation please. [1:28:56] Good morning Mr. Chair, your honors. The Department of Environment does not have a [1:29:02] specific, did not prepare slides but we have, we express our general support to the [1:29:08] provisions of both drafts of the SVFA. We in fact already submitted our certificates of [1:29:18] concurrence to the Office of the President through the DND as required. However, since [1:29:26] we have the opportunity also subject of course to the advice of the DND and the DFA, we ask [1:29:37] that particular, particular terms be considered to replace the following terms that have been [1:29:47] considered in the environmental provision aspects only if the, your honor, Mr. Chair, [1:29:55] Mr. Chair, may I, yeah. Okay, our representative from the DNR, may I, hindi ko makita po, may I see [1:30:03] your name and your position and what department you belong to, can you kindly state, are you from [1:30:09] the legal division? [1:30:10] Yeah, yes. [1:30:11] Okay. Sorry to interrupt Mr. Chair, may I have the floor? [1:30:15] Go ahead, please. [1:30:15] I heard him recommending that certain provisions be revised. DNR, were you present here 30 minutes ago? [1:30:26] Yes, ma'am. [1:30:26] When we were discussing, did you hear our statement, my statement, the chair's, that on the process [1:30:34] of negotiating for an agreement and the process of ratification and its concurrence? [1:30:42] Yes, your honor. [1:30:43] If so, why is DNR, unless I heard wrongly, suggesting that words or provisions be revised [1:30:51] or changed, it's either we accept it, meaning we concur, it's already in the Senate, it's [1:30:59] the last stretch, you're recommending if a certain period or comma needs to be changed and you [1:31:08] are in disagreement or proposing a revision, that means you did not suggest it when you were [1:31:17] backstopping the D&D, which is the primary agency in negotiation. [1:31:24] Yan ang problema minsan ng gobyerno, ng executive, huli na po kayo. [1:31:30] So, I will give you the chance to say what you want to change. [1:31:35] Maybe it will influence me and the chair to vote against it or not to hear it or not to [1:31:40] concur in it. [1:31:41] But, nagpantig lang ang thing ako, nung narinig ko, the DNR is suggesting to change this [1:31:51] provision, eh, the ship has sailed and the train has left the station. [1:31:59] Why is the DNR only waking up now? [1:32:02] You should have suggested that during the process of negotiations unless, sir, you were [1:32:07] not the one assigned and you had suggested that and they did not heed you. [1:32:13] If so, then keep quiet because Secretary Chodoro said, yun nga yung frustration niya. [1:32:19] Ano ba sila? [1:32:19] Hindi naman yung mga tanga. [1:32:21] Nag-negotiate ang ating D&D. [1:32:23] Nandiyan ang whole of government approach ito, negotiation. [1:32:26] Tapos, sa huli, sasabihin, ah, hindi, mali, dapat itong period, ginawang coma, ito, dapat apostrophe. [1:32:31] Eh, ngayon, ngayon lang. [1:32:33] So, it's either you agree or you disagree. [1:32:37] And if you disagree, we want to be enlightened. [1:32:40] Why? [1:32:41] But if you are changing provisions, you are out of place in this room because it's already [1:32:47] transmitted, it's concurred in. [1:32:50] Now, if I heard wrongly because I was reading a document, then I will, um, I will change [1:32:57] my statement. [1:32:58] I just felt, uh, that I just heard that. [1:33:01] Yeah, I agree with you, uh, Senator, uh, Lauren, I mean, uh, Department of Environment, [1:33:08] I mean, this is not the right place. [1:33:09] Uh, Ika nga, you're seeking amendments. [1:33:13] I think, uh, sana, uh, bago pa yan, umakyat sa Office of the President, sa Executive, [1:33:18] pinag-usapan na po ninyo yan ng Department of Environment, ang, uh, D&D. [1:33:22] Pero what, what is that that you're talking about? [1:33:24] What, what are these, uh, is that a provision, uh, you disagree or you want change? [1:33:29] What is it? [1:33:31] Thank you, Mr. Chair, Your Honor. [1:33:33] Um, there, actually, the Department of Environment, Natural Resources, sent its, um, legal opinion, [1:33:39] and, uh, along with the concurrence to the D&D. [1:33:42] However, um, the, our one, our first request was that the term, um, maritime zones be added [1:33:49] to all instances of, of, of territorial limits or territorial, uh, jurisdiction so that the [1:33:55] provision of, um, RA, uh, of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act on environmental protection [1:34:02] for waters will also be, uh, will also be applicable to the, uh, SVFA. [1:34:08] So, um, uh, we, we, we, generally, the D&R has, um, has already submitted its concurrence. [1:34:15] However, the current text, as it appears, it seems that our initial comments were not considered. [1:34:20] But, um, uh, [1:34:22] Pause there. [1:34:23] You're saying too much, which is good. [1:34:26] So, the term maritime zones, minungkahin nyo nung proseso ng negosyasyon, ah, [1:34:30] hindi pagka-ratify nila, kasi, tama si Sekibo, pagka-ratify, concur, humihingi sa lahat ng [1:34:38] ahensya, doon magsasalita lang ahensya, ah, mali ito, eh, na-ratify na nga eh. [1:34:43] So, dapat, nung nag-ne-negotiate pa, naka-embed ba kayo sa negosyasyon, sinabi ba nyo sa D&D [1:34:50] kailangan gamitin yung maritime zones, at sinasabi nyo ngayon, hindi kayo sinundan ng D&D, [1:34:56] kaya nga nyo minumungkay sa Senado. [1:34:58] Oh, so, uh, is that a, uh, a deal breaker, uh, so to speak, using the term, [1:35:06] Kung wala yung maritime zone, okay, ito, nandyan ba ang maritime zone sa USVFA? [1:35:13] Nandyan ba ang maritime zone sa Australian SOFA? [1:35:16] Nandyan ba ang maritime zone, um, sa Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement? [1:35:21] And perhaps, but thank you for bringing it up, DOJ should also answer that. [1:35:26] And without the term maritime zone, assuming DNR suggested that to the premier agency, uh, that negotiated for this, [1:35:35] what does it mean and what are the possible interpretation or repercussions without the maritime zone words? [1:35:42] Yes, yes, attorney, uh, at minungkahibo niya yan. [1:35:47] Ah, ano ka ni Sir Pawe? [1:35:48] Your, your honor. [1:35:51] Yes, thank you. [1:35:52] Just to provide context and clarity, because I talked about this personally with my counterpart then, [1:35:59] and my professor, Professor Rafael Lotilia, he concurred in it with the advice that we take into consideration [1:36:08] in the application of, uh, this law, uh, this treaty, rather. [1:36:16] Uh, the, uh, the, and he suggested that we further examine the applicability of Republic Act 12.064. [1:36:28] However, nowhere is it suggested that we introduce such term to the treaty. [1:36:36] Anyway, your honor, the treaty has a general provision that it shall be in conformity with Philippine law. [1:36:45] And since Republic Act, uh, 12.064, the Maritime Zone Acts is part of the statute books, [1:36:55] and it was enacted to come, indeed. [1:37:17] The environment, sir, very clear of seclutelia. [1:38:05] He says, importance of the applicability of this law. [1:38:14] Why did you stop recording while I'm talking? [1:38:16] Who is that? [1:38:17] Okay? [1:38:19] Sino yun? [1:38:20] Ah, automatic. [1:38:21] Sige. [1:38:22] Ah, okay. [1:38:23] Kala ko pinapahinto ako eh. [1:38:24] Sige. [1:38:25] Sino ba siya? [1:38:26] Kala ko ayaw ko pagsilitain eh. [1:38:31] Automatic. [1:38:32] Okay, okay. [1:38:33] AI na bose. [1:38:34] Sige. [1:38:34] Um, so sinasabi niya, maliwanag, it underscores the importance of the Maritime Zones Act at saka bumoto tayo dyan. [1:38:43] And this law is therefore applicable. [1:38:45] But, of course, any agreement, it is understood so that we also put it here. [1:38:51] And when you sponsor it on the floor, any agreement must not contradict any law of the land, the Constitution and any existing law of the land. [1:39:03] Yes, Your Honor, because we cannot, by virtue of executive action, actually, amend any law. [1:39:12] Although, you know, we cannot amend the law, Your Honor. [1:39:15] It must be pursuant to the legislative authority you grant us. [1:39:19] There are cases which hold that treaty supersede a law. [1:39:24] But since you have to ratify, you have to conquer in the treaty, it is deemed also amended. [1:39:31] But in this case, there is no such thing because we have to act in accordance with law, Your Honor. [1:39:36] Eh, bakit gusto ni DNR palitan yung provision? [1:39:40] Your Honor, maybe there was a miscommunication on their side as to what to advocate. [1:39:45] For DNR, gusto ko magsalita kayo. [1:39:47] At kung kayo ay, if you take back your word or if you correct yourself, then we would be happy to receive it. [1:39:54] Kasi if we leave it on record in a Senate hearing, kaming dalawa dito, we could be blamed in the future. [1:40:01] So the process of the concurrence in the ratification of a Visiting Forces Agreement must be understood and followed by all. [1:40:11] Because if something happens with the environment in the future or in relation to our maritime laws, [1:40:18] Senator Tulfo, as chair, and I will be blamed. [1:40:20] Hindi kasi li pinakinggan ng DNR eh. [1:40:22] But they must understand that we are already in the period of concurrence. [1:40:29] And therefore, we either just junk it and not sponsor it on the floor. [1:40:34] It would be dependent on the chair. [1:40:36] But there is no revision. [1:40:38] This is not a bill or a resolution for enactment where we can amend. [1:41:22] Actually, we were aligned before his appointment on a lot of initiatives, not only the Maritime Zones Law. [1:41:32] And actually, Your Honor, because it's whole, the Philippine Maritime Zones Law as part of the mandate, [1:41:57] because it forms part of the whole package of unclosed entitlements. [1:42:03] And it is an obligation, actually, to define our maritime zones under unclosed, [1:42:09] which was a law passed by Congress. [1:42:12] And there was some opposition to it, because other parties felt academically that we were giving too much. [1:42:23] However, we want to comply strictly with unclosed, and so the Maritime Zones Law was passed. [1:42:30] And we don't have any problem with it. [1:42:32] It is only a question of domain awareness and enforcement come to, [1:42:38] and probably with the Maritime Zones Law, Your Honor, [1:42:42] I think if I may venture to invite the chair to get the opinion of the Philippine Coast Guard, [1:42:51] which is the primary agency responsible for the enforcement of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act. [1:42:59] Mr. Secretary, have you informed, or probably the Presidential Commission Visiting Forces, [1:43:08] about our maritime zones? [1:43:10] Were they informed of Canada and New Zealand about our laws? [1:43:13] Because it's really a big deal for DNR. [1:43:17] But this is not the right place anymore to contest or react. [1:43:25] Actually, Your Honor, it is just a reminder of the DNR for any lapse in conforming the blame [1:43:47] should rest squarely on the shoulders of the DND. [1:44:11] So, the treatise na ito? [1:44:13] This was signed in April and November. [1:45:48] 2020, previous year. [1:45:50] So, the New Zealand one was April, Your Honor? [1:45:53] April 2025. [1:45:54] Yes, and this refers to the New Zealand agreement. [1:45:59] So, that's why in every treaty or executive agreement, we need to see the timeline. [1:46:06] So, insofar as New Zealand is concerned, it's April 2025. [1:46:12] Which we signed already. [1:46:14] Yes, here in Manila, Your Honor. [1:46:16] The comment of a government agency, in this case DNR, was in September. [1:46:21] Because, Your Honor. [1:46:21] It's late. [1:46:22] No, Your Honor. [1:46:23] Because, as I said, the repetitious process that we... [1:46:28] Because it's for concurrence again. [1:46:29] Yes, Your Honor. [1:46:31] So, Sen. [1:46:32] Lauren, I think we have a problem. [1:46:34] Ang DNR nagka-problema. [1:46:36] Because in this letter, dated September 16, 2025, to Secretary Teodoro by Rafael Lutilia, the former secretary, [1:46:46] it says here, Dear Secretary Teodoro, this refers to your letter dated 4 July 2020, requesting the concurrence of this department of the ratification of the Philippine-New Zealand Status Visiting Forces Agreement. [1:46:58] Please be informed that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources concurs with the ratification of the subject agreement, considering prior cabinet approval. [1:47:12] So, Ibig sabihin, nag-concorda po kayo eh. [1:47:16] So, hindi ko alam kung mag-usap-usap na ho kayo. [1:47:20] Sabagay, yung secretary, papalit-palit sila, ay, senator. [1:47:22] No, ang mga secretary dyan, hindi na malamang kung sino yung isa, yung babae, yung sinibak, yung lalaki, hindi rin nag-perform na maayos. [1:47:30] Andami pa natin problema, itong Sierra Madre, dapat atupagin pa pala natin yan. [1:47:34] Isa pa yan, yung bagong secretary niyo pakisabi, atupagin yung problema natin, Sierra Madre. [1:47:39] Yes. Thank you for that, Chair. So, kung nag-concord na sa sulat nga, yung September 16 letter, [1:47:47] why does a representative of a DNR asking for a revision of a provision of the Visiting Forces Agreement? [1:47:58] Please answer. We will give you the time. [1:48:01] Thank you, Mr. Chair, Madam Senator, Honorable Secretary. [1:48:05] We submit, we are only reiterating our previous position that I agree with the Secretary that it is more of an advice to another Cabinet official [1:48:21] that they consider in the implementation of the SVFMA, the application of the environmental protection provisions of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, [1:48:33] because that's the only act that, as of now, emphasizes environmental protection with regard to activities within the maritime zones, [1:48:43] not just the territorial waters. So, that's why we wrote that in our concurrence. [1:48:50] It was not a qualification of the concurrence, but a sort of advice from a co-equal department. [1:48:59] Good. It's good that you bring it to the attention. It's good that you wrote. [1:49:03] We are just concerned over the language that you used, that may we request that this provision be changed. [1:49:12] If that is the request of the DNR, even if you are correct, and we agree actually with your point, we cannot revise a provision. [1:49:24] So, are you willing to take it back? [1:49:27] Because we are not able, we are not able to revise a provision because we're in the period of concurrence. [1:49:35] Yes, yes. Thank you, Madam Senator. I admit that was ill-advised on my part. [1:49:40] That is a manifestation of my lack of experience with regard to Senate hearings. [1:49:47] I am, unlike all the other resource persons, undersecretaries and assistant secretaries, [1:49:53] I was just, in my language a while ago, attempting to reinforce the language that Secretary Lutelia previously made to another member of the cabinet. [1:50:06] So, I'm withdrawing the language that I used, but I am still emphasizing the position of the DNR, [1:50:12] that in the implementation of the activities under the SOV-FMA, [1:50:17] the provision of environmental protection under the Maritime Zones Act be specifically considered. [1:50:25] So, Chair, thank you for that, Attorney Pahe. [1:50:29] We fully agree with the Lutelia letter of September 2025, and we fully agree, I agree, with what you stated. [1:50:38] And that is already contained in the agreement because, as we mentioned, [1:50:43] any treaty or agreement must not contradict or contravene the Constitution and any existing laws. [1:50:51] So, we appreciate you're bringing it to our attention, [1:50:54] and especially the importance of the DNR and our territory and maritime zone. [1:51:01] I was simply concerned about the proposal of the DNR to revise a provision, [1:51:08] and thank you for withdrawing that because we may be blamed in the future that we did not revise it [1:51:14] without people, not in the future, next generations, when they read the transcripts, [1:51:19] that why didn't they revise it? [1:51:20] But thank you for bringing it to our attention. [1:51:25] We do not mean to pin you down. [1:51:29] We just needed to clarify that process, [1:51:31] which is a lesson learned for all government agencies to give it at the proper time. [1:51:37] Thank you, Mr. Chair. [1:51:38] Thank you, Senator Lauren. [1:51:40] Well, with the indulgence of the lady senator, [1:51:45] we now therefore conclude our discussions in the status of Visiting Forces Agreement, [1:51:48] unless if the gentlelady has further questions. [1:51:54] I just have a note, and since it's mostly the D&D that will negotiate it, Mr. Chair, [1:52:00] because the provision of this agreement had, number two, [1:52:08] had the provision on dumping of waste and other matter. [1:52:11] They commit themselves to prevent the dumping of waste and other matters to great hazards to human health. [1:52:18] I believe that this was not present in other previous agreements, especially in 1999. [1:52:24] If this was only included in the VFA, unless I miss it, [1:52:30] unless if there was a provision, let's say in 1999, [1:52:35] that Subic and Clark, after the basing agreement, [1:52:40] we assure you that we will have a full cleanup, etc., [1:52:44] then I would have voted. [1:52:45] So maybe moving forward, [1:52:47] this agreement on indigenous people [1:52:49] and the prevention of dumping of waste [1:52:52] should be negotiated all the time [1:52:55] and should be part of any future agreements. [1:52:58] Yes, Your Honor, and may I underscore, too, [1:53:01] that part of the arbitral award [1:53:03] is the finding that China, by its reclamations, [1:53:06] violated an international agreement [1:53:08] on the protection of the maritime environment and corals. [1:53:12] So we are bound to uphold that. [1:53:14] Secondly, there is no waiver [1:53:16] for environmental damage [1:53:18] in case of dumping of waste [1:53:21] in these VFAs. [1:53:24] Notwithstanding that, Your Honor, [1:53:25] even in the previous VFAs [1:53:29] and previous treaties, [1:53:32] actually, Philippine law [1:53:33] on the protection of the environment [1:53:37] is automatically read into those treaties. [1:53:41] And it is an international engagement initiative. [1:53:47] So if we go to court, so to speak, [1:53:51] we have to go to court with clean hands. [1:53:54] And we cannot be the violators [1:53:56] of what we allege others to be violating. [1:53:59] So, Secretary, are you saying [1:54:01] that it is understood among parties [1:54:05] between the Philippines [1:54:06] and particularly the New Zealand? [1:54:08] Kasi doon po sa Article 16, Paragraph 2 [1:54:11] of the SOVFA with New Zealand, [1:54:15] kalagay po yata doon [1:54:16] na walang pananagutan ng New Zealand [1:54:18] sa environmental damage [1:54:19] kung hindi sila fully informed [1:54:21] ng Philippines' environmental laws. [1:54:23] Wala po ba ang probisyong ito [1:54:25] sa SOVFA ng Canada [1:54:28] pero nasa SOVFA naman ng Australia? [1:54:32] Ilalagay po natin sa lahat ng IRR. [1:54:35] That's okay. [1:54:36] We'll adjust it. [1:54:37] We'll put it in the IRR. [1:54:38] Sa IRR po natin ilalagay [1:54:39] para doon po mas detalyado [1:54:41] lahat ng aming mga constraints. [1:54:45] Because it is, [1:54:47] hindi po constraint, [1:54:48] lahat ng obligasyon [1:54:49] na kailangan ipatupad [1:54:51] ng national government, [1:54:53] particularly DND and AFP, [1:54:56] ilalagay po namin sa IRR. [1:54:59] Thank you, Mr. Secretary. [1:55:00] With that, [1:55:01] we now conclude the discussion [1:55:03] on the status of visiting force agreement [1:55:05] with Canada and New Zealand [1:55:07] and expect by next week [1:55:08] with the support of Senator Loren, [1:55:11] we'll send this to the floor [1:55:13] for approval. [1:55:14] We would like to thank [1:55:15] Secretary Gimbo Teodoro, [1:55:17] General Bronner [1:55:18] for providing clarifications [1:55:19] to our guests, [1:55:21] Yusek Kahawahabulan. [1:55:24] I understand that you guys [1:55:26] have important matters to deal with, [1:55:29] so you may be excused [1:55:30] and all those who are here [1:55:32] regarding this visiting force agreement. [1:55:35] You may now be excused. [1:55:36] Thank you for joining us this morning. [1:55:38] We now go to the ASEAN Treaty [1:55:41] on Extradition. [1:55:42] Comsec persons for the ASEAN Treaty [1:58:27] to please come forward near. [1:58:30] So we can see your name [1:58:31] and we can identify you. [1:58:35] Committee Secretary, [1:58:36] go ahead. [1:58:37] Who is our first resource person [1:58:39] for this topic? [1:58:43] Yes, Your Honor. [1:58:44] Unless the DFA [1:58:45] has something else to state, [1:58:47] we also have [1:58:48] the Department of Justice, [1:58:50] Your Honor, [1:58:50] to give their statement. [1:58:53] All right. [1:58:55] DFA, [1:58:55] do you have any further [1:58:57] statement [1:58:58] regarding this matter? [1:59:01] Nothing further, [1:59:02] Your Honor, Mr. Chair. [1:59:03] Then we move to [1:59:04] Yusek Nicholas T [1:59:05] of the Department of Justice. [1:59:07] Yusek T, [1:59:08] go ahead, please. [1:59:10] Good morning, Mr. Chair. [1:59:11] First of all, [1:59:12] we thank this committee [1:59:13] for inviting the Department of Justice [1:59:14] to discuss this [1:59:15] very important matter. [1:59:17] For the ASEAN Extradition Treaty, [1:59:19] the Department of Justice [1:59:20] strongly endorses [1:59:21] the concurrence [1:59:23] of the Senate [1:59:23] of this treaty. [1:59:25] The Department of Justice [1:59:26] or the Office [1:59:27] of the Chief State Council [1:59:28] had extensive participation [1:59:29] in the negotiations [1:59:31] for this treaty. [1:59:32] And in fact, [1:59:32] we submitted [1:59:33] our written endorsement [1:59:36] for the concurrence. [1:59:38] For that, [1:59:38] may I turn over the floor [1:59:39] to our Chief State Council [1:59:40] who headed our delegation [1:59:42] for the Department of Justice's [1:59:44] statement. [1:59:44] With the permission [1:59:47] of the Honorable Chair. [1:59:49] Go ahead, [1:59:49] Attorney John. [1:59:53] Thank you very much, [1:59:54] Mr. Chair. [1:59:54] Good morning [1:59:55] to the members [1:59:57] of the Senate Committee [1:59:58] on Foreign Relations [1:59:59] headed by Honorable [2:00:00] Senator Irwin Tulfo [2:00:01] and to Senator [2:00:03] Lauren Lagarda. [2:00:05] The Department of Justice [2:00:06] conveys its deep appreciation [2:00:08] to the committee [2:00:09] for its timely consideration [2:00:11] of the concurrence [2:00:12] on the ASEAN Treaty [2:00:13] on Extradition [2:00:14] or the ATE. [2:00:15] We recall [2:00:17] with honor [2:00:17] the signing [2:00:18] of the ATE [2:00:19] in Manila, Philippines [2:00:20] on the 14th of November [2:00:22] 2025 [2:00:23] during the Philippine [2:00:24] chairship [2:00:25] of the ASEAN [2:00:26] Law Ministers' Meeting [2:00:27] which was chaired [2:00:29] by Acting Secretary [2:00:30] of Justice [2:00:31] Frederick A. Vida [2:00:31] who was likewise [2:00:33] confirmed [2:00:33] by the President [2:00:34] the special authority [2:00:36] to sign the ATE [2:00:37] on behalf [2:00:38] of the Philippines. [2:00:39] With the Senate's [2:00:41] concurrence [2:00:41] at the earliest [2:00:42] opportunity, [2:00:43] the Philippines [2:00:44] will be the first [2:00:45] ASEAN member state [2:00:46] to ratify the treaty, [2:00:47] a true trailblazer [2:00:49] in the region. [2:00:50] This is an achievement [2:00:51] befitting our nation, [2:00:53] not only as host [2:00:54] of the signing, [2:00:55] chair of the ASEAN [2:00:57] Law Ministers' Meeting [2:00:58] and holder [2:00:59] of the ASEAN chairship, [2:01:00] but above all, [2:01:02] as a steadfast champion [2:01:03] of justice [2:01:03] and the rule of law [2:01:05] within the region. [2:01:07] The ATE [2:01:08] is an affirmation [2:01:09] of the Philippines' [2:01:10] enduring commitment [2:01:10] to cooperation, [2:01:12] justice, [2:01:12] and the rule of law [2:01:14] in ASEAN. [2:01:15] Together with the [2:01:16] ASEAN Mutual Legal Assistance [2:01:17] Treaty in Criminal Matters [2:01:19] or MLAT, [2:01:20] the effectivity [2:01:21] of the ATE [2:01:22] will serve [2:01:23] to strengthen [2:01:23] the region's [2:01:25] collective resolve [2:01:26] against criminality [2:01:27] and desire [2:01:28] to uphold [2:01:28] the rule of law. [2:01:30] The implementation [2:01:31] of these historic [2:01:32] multilateral treaties [2:01:34] among ASEAN member states [2:01:35] marks a significant step [2:01:37] toward deeper [2:01:38] ASEAN integration [2:01:39] through seamless [2:01:41] legal cooperation [2:01:42] in criminal matters. [2:01:43] At present, [2:01:47] the Philippines [2:01:48] maintains bilateral [2:01:49] extradition treaties [2:01:50] with only two [2:01:51] ASEAN member states, [2:01:53] Indonesia and Thailand. [2:01:55] The ATE [2:01:56] will upgrade [2:01:57] these arrangements [2:01:57] by moving [2:01:58] from a list-based [2:01:59] to a conduct-based [2:02:00] approach [2:02:01] while extending [2:02:02] extradition cooperation [2:02:04] to the remaining [2:02:05] ASEAN member states. [2:02:08] Currently, [2:02:08] the Philippines [2:02:09] has extradition treaties [2:02:10] in force [2:02:11] with 13 states [2:02:12] or jurisdictions. [2:02:14] Once the ATE [2:02:15] comes into force, [2:02:16] the Philippines [2:02:17] will be able [2:02:17] to extradite [2:02:18] and request [2:02:19] extradition [2:02:20] from eight [2:02:21] additional jurisdictions [2:02:22] for a total [2:02:24] of 21. [2:02:26] The provisions [2:02:26] of the ATE [2:02:27] are consistent [2:02:28] with Presidential Decree [2:02:30] No. 1069 [2:02:31] or the Philippine [2:02:32] Extradition Law [2:02:33] and aligned [2:02:34] with our modern [2:02:35] bilateral extradition treaties. [2:02:38] Once in force, [2:02:39] the ATE [2:02:40] will enable [2:02:41] each ASEAN member state [2:02:42] to request [2:02:43] the extradition [2:02:44] of individuals [2:02:45] located in another [2:02:46] member state [2:02:47] for prosecution, [2:02:49] sentencing, [2:02:50] or enforcement [2:02:51] of an imposed sentence. [2:02:53] Given ASEAN's [2:02:54] increasingly mobile [2:02:55] population [2:02:56] and porous borders, [2:02:58] the ATE [2:02:58] will meaningfully [2:02:59] extend the reach [2:03:00] of our justice systems [2:03:01] across the region [2:03:03] and reinforce [2:03:05] ASEAN's [2:03:05] shared commitment [2:03:06] to ensuring [2:03:07] no safe haven [2:03:08] for criminals. [2:03:09] This treaty [2:03:11] will strengthen [2:03:11] and modernize [2:03:12] legal cooperation [2:03:13] among ASEAN member states [2:03:15] with the Senate's [2:03:17] timely concurrence [2:03:18] on this landmark agreement, [2:03:20] the Philippines [2:03:20] will be uniquely positioned [2:03:21] as a steadfast champion [2:03:23] of legal cooperation, [2:03:25] justice, [2:03:26] and the rule of law [2:03:27] within ASEAN. [2:03:28] I would be happy [2:03:29] to answer any questions [2:03:30] the committee may have. [2:03:31] Thank you. [2:03:32] Thank you, [2:03:32] Attorney Chan. [2:03:34] Yes, [2:03:34] we have a lot [2:03:35] of questions here. [2:03:37] Ano-ano na po [2:03:38] ang bansa [2:03:38] ang nag-concur [2:03:39] dito sa ratification [2:03:40] ng ASEAN [2:03:41] extradition treaty? [2:03:43] I know we have [2:03:44] two countries already. [2:03:45] we have treaty [2:03:46] Indonesia and Thailand, [2:03:49] pero other countries [2:03:50] nagpahayag na ba sila [2:03:51] na interested po silang [2:03:53] sumama rito [2:03:54] at maratify [2:03:55] itong ASEAN [2:03:56] extradition treaty? [2:03:58] Attorney? [2:04:00] Thank you for the question, [2:04:01] Mr. Chair. [2:04:02] All ASEAN member states [2:04:03] have signified [2:04:04] their intention [2:04:04] to ratify [2:04:05] the ASEAN [2:04:06] extradition treaty [2:04:07] as evidenced [2:04:08] by their signing [2:04:09] of said agreement [2:04:11] last November [2:04:12] here in Manila. [2:04:13] But if the Philippines [2:04:15] so far, [2:04:16] no member state [2:04:17] has yet ratified it [2:04:19] based on their [2:04:20] internal processes [2:04:21] and we are hoping [2:04:23] that the Philippines [2:04:24] could be the first [2:04:25] to ratify [2:04:26] this milestone [2:04:27] agreement [2:04:28] as a highlight [2:04:31] or as an accomplishment [2:04:33] during the ASEAN [2:04:35] chairship [2:04:35] by the Philippines. [2:04:36] So you're saying [2:04:37] Attorney Chan [2:04:38] they just [2:04:40] signify [2:04:41] their intention [2:04:42] to ratify [2:04:44] itong ASEAN [2:04:45] extradition treaty [2:04:46] and what are the basis [2:04:51] that they're interested [2:04:52] on this treaty [2:04:53] that we have [2:04:54] attorney? [2:04:57] Mr. Chair, [2:04:58] apologies. [2:05:00] The all member states [2:05:01] will undergo [2:05:02] their own respective [2:05:03] ratification process [2:05:05] of the treaty. [2:05:05] So this ASEAN [2:05:07] extradition treaty [2:05:08] will be ratified [2:05:10] by the respective [2:05:11] ASEAN member states [2:05:12] Mr. Chair. [2:05:14] Right. [2:05:15] Kasi [2:05:15] baka naman [2:05:17] tayo lang [2:05:17] meron ganito [2:05:18] pero siguran [2:05:19] wala pa [2:05:19] then [2:05:19] hindi rin [2:05:21] ikang [2:05:22] effective ito [2:05:23] and we [2:05:24] really need this [2:05:25] because [2:05:25] kagaya po [2:05:26] na nangyari [2:05:27] sa isang mambabatas [2:05:28] dun sa isang [2:05:29] member state [2:05:29] po ngayon [2:05:30] hindi po [2:05:31] ma-surrender [2:05:32] yun ang naging problema [2:05:34] ngayon [2:05:34] ang tanong ko po [2:05:35] dito [2:05:35] can you identify [2:05:38] po yung mga tao [2:05:39] na pwedeng [2:05:40] i-extradite [2:05:41] paki-explain po [2:05:42] yung [2:05:43] ikang [2:05:44] papano [2:05:44] gagawin natin [2:05:45] na request [2:05:46] for extradition [2:05:47] at anong [2:05:48] agencies [2:05:49] papano kung wala [2:05:50] po siyang kaso [2:05:51] sa bansa na yun [2:05:51] pero dito sa atin [2:05:53] meron [2:05:54] can we request [2:05:54] na pwede nyo bang [2:05:55] i-extradite [2:05:57] marami [2:05:57] may mga issues [2:05:58] tayong ganun ngayon [2:05:59] nasa Europe [2:06:00] ngayon [2:06:01] eh [2:06:01] papano ito [2:06:02] how do we do this [2:06:03] gagalangin [2:06:05] kaya [2:06:05] sasabihin [2:06:05] wala naman siyang kaso [2:06:06] dito sa amin [2:06:07] at meron siyang [2:06:08] permanent resident [2:06:10] na siya dito ngayon [2:06:11] dahil may mga visa siya [2:06:12] or whatever [2:06:13] may mga investment siya [2:06:15] tapos tayo lang [2:06:17] ang may kaso sa kanya [2:06:18] how do we go about this [2:06:19] Mr. Chair [2:06:21] I would like to [2:06:22] provide [2:06:23] initial context [2:06:25] that the answers [2:06:26] I will be given [2:06:27] is purely [2:06:28] within the [2:06:29] ambit of the [2:06:30] ASEAN treaty [2:06:31] on extradition [2:06:31] go ahead [2:06:32] so your honor [2:06:34] the purposes [2:06:35] of extradition [2:06:36] are to [2:06:36] initiate [2:06:38] prosecution [2:06:39] over an individual [2:06:40] or for said [2:06:41] individual [2:06:42] to serve [2:06:43] his sentence [2:06:43] in the [2:06:44] requested state [2:06:45] so to answer [2:06:46] your first question [2:06:47] your honor [2:06:48] even if the [2:06:49] subject [2:06:49] extradite [2:06:50] is for purposes [2:06:52] of this discussion [2:06:53] in Singapore [2:06:54] is not facing [2:06:55] any criminal [2:06:56] case there [2:06:58] it will not [2:06:59] be a ground [2:07:00] or a deterrent [2:07:01] to refuse [2:07:01] extradition [2:07:02] just because [2:07:03] said individual [2:07:04] is not facing [2:07:05] a criminal [2:07:05] charge [2:07:06] in Singapore [2:07:07] what is important [2:07:09] your honor [2:07:09] is that [2:07:10] there is [2:07:11] that element [2:07:12] of dual [2:07:12] criminality [2:07:13] wherein [2:07:14] the conduct [2:07:15] or the act [2:07:16] on which [2:07:18] the request [2:07:19] for extradition [2:07:20] forms the basis [2:07:21] of [2:07:21] is similarly [2:07:22] penalized [2:07:23] in the [2:07:24] other ASEAN [2:07:26] member state [2:07:26] in question [2:07:27] can you explain [2:07:29] this [2:07:29] under article [2:07:31] 2 [2:07:31] na maari [2:07:32] lamang [2:07:32] ma-extradite [2:07:33] ay yung mga [2:07:33] individual [2:07:34] na may [2:07:34] natitira [2:07:35] pang [2:07:35] hindi [2:07:35] bababa [2:07:36] sa 6 [2:07:36] na buwang [2:07:37] sentensyang [2:07:38] dapat [2:07:39] iserve [2:07:39] are we [2:07:40] talking [2:07:40] here [2:07:41] o yung [2:07:41] kaso [2:07:42] nya dito [2:07:42] sa atin [2:07:43] ika nga [2:07:43] pag [2:07:44] dumaan [2:07:46] na po [2:07:46] at [2:07:47] nasintensyahan [2:07:48] na [2:07:48] are we [2:07:48] talking [2:07:49] about [2:07:49] case [2:07:49] filed [2:07:50] here [2:07:51] in our [2:07:51] courts [2:07:52] by that [2:07:53] individual [2:07:53] na nasa [2:07:54] overseas [2:07:54] attorney [2:07:55] John [2:07:55] Mr. Chair [2:08:00] the [2:08:00] premise [2:08:02] under [2:08:02] article [2:08:02] 2 [2:08:03] paragraph [2:08:04] 1 [2:08:05] is that [2:08:06] where [2:08:06] the [2:08:06] request [2:08:07] for [2:08:07] extradition [2:08:08] is for [2:08:08] purposes [2:08:08] of [2:08:09] serving [2:08:09] a [2:08:09] sentence [2:08:10] then [2:08:11] the [2:08:11] period [2:08:12] of [2:08:12] service [2:08:13] should [2:08:13] at least [2:08:14] be [2:08:15] 6 [2:08:16] months [2:08:16] your [2:08:17] honor [2:08:17] sorry [2:08:18] hindi po tayo [2:08:19] makapag request [2:08:20] yung extradition [2:08:21] kung hindi pa [2:08:21] natin [2:08:21] nasasampahan [2:08:22] ng kasos [2:08:22] that [2:08:23] hindi pa [2:08:23] tapos [2:08:24] yung [2:08:24] kaso [2:08:24] kailangan [2:08:25] ma-convict [2:08:26] na muna [2:08:26] siya [2:08:26] dito sa [2:08:27] atin [2:08:27] ito [2:08:29] pong [2:08:29] tao [2:08:29] individual [2:08:30] na ito [2:08:31] must [2:08:31] be [2:08:32] convicted [2:08:32] in the [2:08:33] Philippine [2:08:33] courts [2:08:33] before [2:08:34] request [2:08:34] for [2:08:35] extradition [2:08:35] is that [2:08:36] what it [2:08:36] is [2:08:36] not [2:08:38] sorry [2:08:39] your [2:08:39] honor [2:08:39] the [2:08:40] minimum [2:08:43] period [2:08:43] of [2:08:44] 6 [2:08:44] months [2:08:45] is [2:08:46] only [2:08:47] only [2:08:47] becomes [2:08:48] applicable [2:08:48] if [2:08:49] the [2:08:49] purpose [2:08:49] or [2:08:49] objective [2:08:50] of [2:08:50] the [2:08:51] extradition [2:08:52] request [2:08:52] is for [2:08:53] an [2:08:53] individual [2:08:53] to serve [2:08:54] his [2:08:54] sentence [2:08:54] in the [2:08:55] Philippines [2:08:55] so [2:08:56] as I [2:08:57] mentioned [2:08:57] earlier [2:08:57] Mr. [2:08:58] Chair [2:08:58] the [2:08:58] purposes [2:08:59] or [2:08:59] objectives [2:09:00] of [2:09:00] extradition [2:09:01] is to [2:09:01] either [2:09:01] prosecute [2:09:02] an [2:09:02] individual [2:09:02] or to [2:09:03] have [2:09:03] said [2:09:03] individual [2:09:04] serve [2:09:04] his [2:09:04] sentence [2:09:05] there [2:09:05] is [2:09:06] that [2:09:07] possibility [2:09:07] Mr. [2:09:08] Chair [2:09:09] that [2:09:09] criminal [2:09:09] proceedings [2:09:11] have [2:09:11] already [2:09:11] been [2:09:11] initiated [2:09:12] here [2:09:12] in [2:09:12] the [2:09:12] Philippines [2:09:13] then [2:09:13] the [2:09:14] subject [2:09:14] jumps [2:09:16] bail [2:09:16] or [2:09:16] moves [2:09:16] to [2:09:17] another [2:09:17] jurisdiction [2:09:17] but [2:09:18] trial [2:09:19] against [2:09:19] said [2:09:19] individual [2:09:20] still [2:09:20] proceeds [2:09:21] and [2:09:21] a [2:09:22] judgment [2:09:22] of [2:09:22] conviction [2:09:23] is [2:09:23] issued [2:09:24] by the [2:09:24] court [2:09:25] against [2:09:25] said [2:09:25] individual [2:09:26] so [2:09:26] in [2:09:27] that [2:09:27] situation [2:09:27] where [2:09:28] there [2:09:28] is [2:09:28] a [2:09:28] final [2:09:28] judgment [2:09:29] of [2:09:29] conviction [2:09:29] if [2:09:31] the [2:09:31] sentence [2:09:31] to be [2:09:32] served [2:09:32] is at [2:09:33] least [2:09:33] six [2:09:33] months [2:09:34] then [2:09:34] the [2:09:34] Philippine [2:09:35] government [2:09:35] could [2:09:36] still [2:09:36] seek [2:09:37] the [2:09:37] extradition [2:09:37] of [2:09:38] that [2:09:38] individual [2:09:39] wherever [2:09:40] he may [2:09:41] be [2:09:41] found [2:09:41] in [2:09:42] the [2:09:42] ASEAN [2:09:42] region [2:09:43] Mr. [2:09:43] Chair [2:09:43] Does [2:09:44] this [2:09:45] provision [2:09:45] risk [2:09:45] creating [2:09:46] a [2:09:46] safe [2:09:47] harbor [2:09:47] for [2:09:48] criminals [2:09:49] with [2:09:49] short [2:09:50] remaining [2:09:50] terms [2:09:51] Your [2:10:19] Honor [2:10:19] or [2:10:22] okay [2:10:23] Attorney [2:10:24] Chan [2:10:24] let me [2:10:24] let me [2:10:25] redirect [2:10:25] my [2:10:26] question [2:10:26] now [2:10:26] Dito [2:10:27] po [2:10:27] sa [2:10:28] DFA [2:10:28] na lang [2:10:29] po [2:10:29] natin [2:10:29] Assistant [2:10:32] Secretary [2:10:33] Amanda [2:10:34] Sir [2:10:35] ito [2:10:35] pong [2:10:35] provision [2:10:36] na ito [2:10:36] ito [2:10:37] po [2:10:37] ba [2:10:37] magre-risk [2:10:38] na [2:10:38] will [2:10:39] create [2:10:39] a safe [2:10:40] harbor [2:10:40] for [2:10:40] criminals [2:10:41] with [2:10:41] short [2:10:41] remaining [2:10:41] terms [2:10:42] In a sense [2:10:46] it [2:10:47] will [2:10:47] but [2:10:47] that [2:10:48] is [2:10:48] already [2:10:49] the [2:10:49] situation [2:10:49] ganoon [2:10:50] na po [2:10:51] kasi [2:10:51] and [2:10:51] even [2:10:52] with [2:10:52] this [2:10:52] treaty [2:10:52] hindi [2:10:53] po [2:10:53] magbabago [2:10:53] yan [2:10:54] talagang [2:10:54] safe [2:10:54] pa [2:10:54] rin [2:10:55] yung [2:10:56] mababaan [2:10:56] ng [2:10:56] sentensya [2:10:57] ng [2:10:58] mababaan [2:10:59] na [2:10:59] sa [2:10:59] 6 [2:10:59] buwan [2:11:00] ang [2:11:00] pakay [2:11:01] po [2:11:01] kasi [2:11:01] nito [2:11:01] the [2:11:01] main [2:11:02] objective [2:11:02] as [2:11:02] I [2:11:02] understand [2:11:03] it [2:11:03] is [2:11:04] to [2:11:04] go [2:11:04] after [2:11:04] the [2:11:04] big [2:11:05] criminals [2:11:06] with [2:11:07] substantial [2:11:08] sentences [2:11:09] so [2:11:10] ito [2:11:10] po [2:11:10] may [2:11:12] practical [2:11:12] reason [2:11:13] po [2:11:13] kung [2:11:13] bakit [2:11:13] hindi [2:11:14] na [2:11:14] natin [2:11:14] nahabulin [2:11:15] yung [2:11:15] mabababa [2:11:15] ang [2:11:15] sentensya [2:11:16] kasi [2:11:16] there [2:11:17] is [2:11:17] a [2:11:17] process [2:11:18] sometimes [2:11:18] it [2:11:18] takes [2:11:19] months [2:11:19] sometimes [2:11:20] it [2:11:20] takes [2:11:20] years [2:11:20] kung [2:11:21] matatapos [2:11:22] na rin [2:11:22] lang [2:11:22] ang [2:11:22] sentensya [2:11:23] baka [2:11:23] pagkatapos [2:11:24] pumayag [2:11:25] yung [2:11:25] requested [2:11:26] state [2:11:26] ay [2:11:26] tapos [2:11:27] na yung [2:11:27] sentensya [2:11:28] wala [2:11:28] na pong [2:11:28] isa [2:11:30] serve [2:11:30] na [2:11:30] sentence [2:11:30] so [2:11:31] may [2:11:31] practical [2:11:31] reason [2:11:32] po [2:11:32] kung [2:11:32] bakit [2:11:32] hindi [2:11:33] na [2:11:33] kinocover [2:11:34] yung [2:11:34] mga [2:11:34] mabababa [2:11:35] na [2:11:36] mabababa [2:11:37] na [2:11:37] ang [2:11:37] sentensya [2:11:38] kasi [2:11:38] may [2:11:39] administrative [2:11:39] cost [2:11:40] din po [2:11:41] yun [2:11:42] at [2:11:42] a [2:11:43] long [2:11:43] process [2:11:43] of [2:11:43] negotiation [2:11:44] is [2:11:45] expected [2:11:45] every time [2:11:46] a request [2:11:47] of this [2:11:48] nature [2:11:48] is [2:11:48] conveyed [2:11:50] anong [2:11:51] agency [2:11:52] po [2:11:52] ang [2:11:52] mag [2:11:54] spearhead [2:11:54] nito [2:11:55] or [2:11:55] central [2:11:56] authority [2:11:56] sa [2:11:57] pagpaproseso [2:11:58] na request [2:11:59] and [2:11:59] extradition [2:11:59] is it [2:12:00] the [2:12:00] DFA [2:12:01] is it [2:12:02] the [2:12:02] DOJ [2:12:03] is it [2:12:03] the [2:12:03] DILG [2:12:04] is it [2:12:05] the [2:12:05] PNP [2:12:06] is it [2:12:08] the [2:12:08] Philippine [2:12:09] Center [2:12:10] on [2:12:10] Transnational [2:12:11] Crime [2:12:12] sino [2:12:12] po [2:12:13] ang [2:12:13] mag [2:12:14] li-lead [2:12:15] dito [2:12:15] ang [2:12:16] central [2:12:17] authority [2:12:17] po [2:12:17] natin [2:12:18] dito [2:12:18] ay [2:12:18] ang DOJ [2:12:19] so [2:12:20] it's [2:12:20] the [2:12:20] DOJ [2:12:21] they [2:12:21] can [2:12:22] confirm [2:12:22] that [2:12:22] okay [2:12:23] DOJ [2:12:24] under [2:12:25] our [2:12:25] current [2:12:26] extradition [2:12:27] process [2:12:27] all [2:12:28] requests [2:12:29] for [2:12:29] extradition [2:12:30] will be [2:12:31] submitted [2:12:32] to the [2:12:32] Department [2:12:33] of [2:12:33] Foreign [2:12:33] Affairs [2:12:33] first [2:12:34] for their [2:12:34] initial [2:12:35] evaluation [2:12:36] whether [2:12:36] it [2:12:36] confirms [2:12:37] to [2:12:38] the [2:12:39] applicable [2:12:39] extradition [2:12:40] treaty [2:12:40] once [2:12:41] the [2:12:42] DFA [2:12:42] has [2:12:43] evaluated [2:12:44] the [2:12:45] request [2:12:46] they [2:12:46] then [2:12:46] transmitted [2:12:47] to [2:12:47] the [2:12:47] Department [2:12:47] of [2:12:48] Justice [2:12:48] for [2:12:49] a [2:12:49] second [2:12:49] round [2:12:50] of [2:12:50] evaluation [2:12:51] and [2:12:52] once [2:12:52] and [2:12:52] if [2:12:53] the [2:12:53] DOJ [2:12:53] finds [2:12:54] everything [2:12:55] to be [2:12:55] sufficient [2:12:55] in form [2:12:56] and [2:12:56] substance [2:12:57] then [2:12:57] the [2:12:57] actual [2:12:58] petition [2:12:59] for [2:12:59] extradition [2:13:00] is filed [2:13:00] in the [2:13:01] trial [2:13:01] court [2:13:02] here [2:13:02] in [2:13:02] the [2:13:03] Philippines [2:13:03] Mr. Chair [2:13:04] Okay [2:13:04] Okay [2:13:04] Okay [2:13:04] isa [2:13:05] problem [2:13:05] dito [2:13:06] Attorney [2:13:06] Chan [2:13:07] and [2:13:07] USEC [2:13:08] or [2:13:08] ASEC [2:13:09] mandat [2:13:09] Paano [2:13:10] kung [2:13:10] individual [2:13:11] ay [2:13:12] nag-file [2:13:13] po [2:13:13] ng [2:13:13] asylum [2:13:14] nag-file [2:13:15] ng [2:13:15] political [2:13:16] asylum [2:13:17] being [2:13:17] persecuted [2:13:18] by that [2:13:19] government [2:13:20] the [2:13:20] Philippine [2:13:20] government [2:13:21] and [2:13:22] then [2:13:23] that [2:13:23] member [2:13:24] state [2:13:24] refuses [2:13:26] to [2:13:26] honor [2:13:26] yung [2:13:27] request [2:13:27] ng [2:13:27] extradition [2:13:28] kasi [2:13:28] nga [2:13:29] nakapag-file [2:13:29] na po [2:13:30] siya [2:13:30] ng [2:13:30] asylum [2:13:31] sa [2:13:31] bansa [2:13:31] na yun [2:13:32] and [2:13:32] on [2:13:32] process [2:13:33] na [2:13:33] How [2:13:34] are [2:13:34] we [2:13:34] going [2:13:34] to [2:13:34] handle [2:13:35] this [2:13:35] or [2:13:48] you [2:13:48] may [2:13:49] help [2:13:49] Attorney [2:13:50] Mandap [2:13:50] Well [2:13:54] ang DOJ [2:13:56] po [2:13:56] kasi [2:13:56] ang [2:13:57] mali-resource [2:13:58] natin [2:13:58] dito [2:13:59] We'll [2:13:59] wait [2:13:59] for [2:13:59] the [2:13:59] DOJ [2:14:00] Paano [2:14:01] po [2:14:01] yan [2:14:02] sasabihin [2:14:03] ng [2:14:03] host [2:14:04] country [2:14:04] Ah [2:14:05] hindi [2:14:05] nag-file [2:14:06] na po [2:14:06] ito [2:14:06] ng [2:14:06] political [2:14:07] asylum [2:14:07] dahil [2:14:08] meron [2:14:08] po [2:14:08] siyang [2:14:08] political [2:14:08] persecution [2:14:09] sa [2:14:10] inyong [2:14:10] bansa [2:14:10] hindi [2:14:11] po [2:14:11] namin [2:14:12] siya [2:14:12] may [2:14:12] turn [2:14:12] over [2:14:12] Nag-file [2:14:13] na [2:14:14] po [2:14:14] siya [2:14:14] ng [2:14:14] asylum [2:14:14] in [2:14:15] our [2:14:15] country [2:14:15] bagamat [2:14:17] meron po [2:14:18] kayong [2:14:18] kaso [2:14:18] dyan [2:14:19] pero [2:14:19] we [2:14:19] believe [2:14:20] we [2:14:20] really [2:14:21] strongly [2:14:21] believe [2:14:22] na [2:14:22] itong [2:14:23] tao [2:14:23] na [2:14:24] ito [2:14:24] ay [2:14:24] politika [2:14:25] ang [2:14:26] dahilan [2:14:26] kung [2:14:27] bakit [2:14:27] niya [2:14:27] pa-uwiin [2:14:28] siya [2:14:28] at [2:14:28] kinasuhan [2:14:29] na lang [2:14:29] siya [2:14:29] na [2:14:29] kung [2:14:29] ano-ano [2:14:30] How [2:14:30] do [2:14:30] we [2:14:31] answer [2:14:31] this [2:14:31] and [2:14:31] what [2:14:32] do [2:14:32] we [2:14:32] do [2:14:32] Your [2:14:35] Honor [2:14:35] under [2:14:36] the [2:14:37] asylum [2:14:37] mechanism [2:14:40] the [2:14:41] concerned [2:14:42] country [2:14:43] would have [2:14:43] to [2:14:43] first [2:14:44] evaluate [2:14:44] the [2:14:45] claim [2:14:45] of [2:14:46] persecution [2:14:46] so [2:14:48] what [2:14:49] I'm [2:14:49] saying [2:14:49] nauna [2:14:52] siya [2:14:52] nag-file [2:14:53] tumakas [2:14:54] siya [2:14:54] sa [2:14:54] atin [2:14:55] marami [2:14:55] issues [2:14:56] ngayon [2:14:56] maraming [2:14:57] tao [2:14:57] yung [2:14:57] tao [2:14:57] na [2:14:58] hinahabol [2:14:58] ngayon [2:14:59] na [2:14:59] hindi [2:15:00] natin [2:15:00] matagpuan [2:15:01] dahil [2:15:02] wala tayong [2:15:02] treaty [2:15:03] extradition [2:15:03] yung isa [2:15:04] pa [2:15:04] dyan [2:15:04] nag-file [2:15:04] ng [2:15:04] political [2:15:05] asylum [2:15:06] papano [2:15:07] yun [2:15:07] nauna [2:15:07] una [2:15:08] siya [2:15:08] nag-file [2:15:09] and [2:15:09] on [2:15:09] process [2:15:09] na [2:15:09] yung [2:15:10] asylum [2:15:10] request [2:15:11] kinasuhan [2:15:12] po [2:15:13] natin [2:15:13] medyo [2:15:13] mabagal [2:15:14] ating [2:15:14] justice [2:15:14] system [2:15:15] taon [2:15:16] ang [2:15:17] inabot [2:15:17] papano [2:15:18] ito [2:15:18] sasabihin [2:15:19] ngayon [2:15:19] ng [2:15:19] host [2:15:20] country [2:15:20] o [2:15:20] yung [2:15:20] signatory [2:15:21] dito [2:15:22] sorry [2:15:22] Philippines [2:15:23] pero [2:15:23] nag-file [2:15:25] na siya [2:15:25] ng [2:15:25] asylum [2:15:26] dito [2:15:26] sa [2:15:26] amin [2:15:26] o [2:15:27] anong [2:15:27] gagawin [2:15:28] natin [2:15:28] how [2:15:29] are we [2:15:31] going [2:15:31] to [2:15:31] deal [2:15:31] with [2:15:31] this [2:15:32] your [2:15:33] honor [2:15:34] just [2:15:34] to [2:15:34] clarify [2:15:34] by [2:15:35] the [2:15:35] mere [2:15:35] instance [2:15:36] of [2:15:36] filing [2:15:37] an [2:15:37] asylum [2:15:37] application [2:15:38] it [2:15:39] does [2:15:39] not [2:15:40] mean [2:15:40] that [2:15:40] the [2:15:40] person [2:15:40] is [2:15:41] already [2:15:41] exempt [2:15:43] from [2:15:43] extradition [2:15:44] under [2:15:44] article [2:15:45] 7 [2:15:46] of [2:15:47] the [2:15:47] treaty [2:15:48] your [2:15:49] honor [2:15:50] while [2:15:51] while [2:15:53] it is [2:15:53] considered [2:15:54] a mandatory [2:15:54] ground [2:15:55] for [2:15:55] refusal [2:15:55] if a [2:15:57] person [2:15:57] claims [2:15:58] persecution [2:15:58] it will [2:15:59] still [2:15:59] have to [2:15:59] be [2:15:59] evaluated [2:16:00] by the [2:16:01] requested [2:16:01] state [2:16:02] so in [2:16:03] that [2:16:03] regard [2:16:03] mr. [2:16:04] chair [2:16:05] it is [2:16:06] incumbent [2:16:06] now upon [2:16:07] the [2:16:07] philippines [2:16:08] central [2:16:09] authority [2:16:09] to [2:16:10] present [2:16:11] the [2:16:11] case [2:16:12] clearly [2:16:13] that [2:16:14] there [2:16:14] is [2:16:14] also [2:16:15] no [2:16:15] political [2:16:16] persecution [2:16:17] involved [2:16:18] in [2:16:18] trying [2:16:19] to [2:16:19] extradite [2:16:20] said [2:16:21] individual [2:16:21] to [2:16:21] the [2:16:22] philippines [2:16:22] mr. [2:16:24] chair [2:16:25] thank you [2:16:27] attorney [2:16:27] chan [2:16:27] may [2:16:27] also [2:16:28] bring [2:16:28] to [2:16:29] our [2:16:29] attention [2:16:30] article [2:16:30] 5 [2:16:31] the [2:16:31] mandatory [2:16:31] grounds [2:16:32] of [2:16:32] refusal [2:16:33] number [2:16:34] 1 [2:16:34] and [2:16:34] letter [2:16:35] a [2:16:36] extradition [2:16:37] shall [2:16:37] not be [2:16:38] granted [2:16:38] under [2:16:38] this [2:16:39] treaty [2:16:39] where [2:16:40] the [2:16:40] requested [2:16:41] party [2:16:41] determines [2:16:42] that [2:16:42] the [2:16:43] offense [2:16:43] for which [2:16:43] the [2:16:44] extradition [2:16:44] is requested [2:16:45] is an [2:16:45] offense [2:16:46] of a [2:16:46] political [2:16:47] nature [2:16:47] should [2:16:47] this [2:16:47] is [2:16:48] aligned [2:16:48] with [2:16:49] what [2:16:49] attorney [2:16:49] chan [2:16:50] said [2:16:50] that [2:16:50] the [2:16:51] requested [2:16:51] party [2:16:52] whichever [2:16:52] country [2:16:53] is that [2:16:53] pagnadetermine [2:16:54] na [2:16:55] political [2:16:55] lang [2:16:57] ay [2:16:57] maari [2:16:58] niyang [2:16:59] i refuse [2:17:00] yung [2:17:01] request [2:17:01] for [2:17:02] extradition [2:17:02] ng [2:17:03] Pilipinas [2:17:04] tama [2:17:04] ba [2:17:04] yun [2:17:05] attorney [2:17:05] chan [2:17:05] is that [2:17:06] is [2:17:07] my [2:17:07] interpretation [2:17:08] of article [2:17:09] 5 [2:17:09] number [2:17:09] 1 [2:17:10] letter [2:17:10] a [2:17:10] that [2:17:11] says [2:17:12] that [2:17:12] extradition [2:17:13] may [2:17:14] not [2:17:14] be [2:17:15] pursued [2:17:16] as [2:17:16] a [2:17:17] course [2:17:17] of [2:17:18] action [2:17:18] by [2:17:19] the [2:17:19] requested [2:17:19] country [2:17:20] party [2:17:21] if [2:17:21] it [2:17:22] so [2:17:23] determines [2:17:23] that [2:17:24] the [2:17:25] cause [2:17:25] is [2:17:25] political [2:17:26] in nature [2:17:26] that [2:17:27] is [2:17:27] what [2:17:27] I [2:17:27] understand [2:17:28] clearly [2:17:29] from [2:17:29] article [2:17:30] 5 [2:17:31] section [2:17:31] 1 [2:17:32] letter [2:17:32] a [2:17:32] thank [2:17:33] you [2:17:33] that [2:17:34] is [2:17:34] correct [2:17:34] Mr. [2:17:36] Chair [2:17:36] thank [2:17:39] you [2:17:39] Senna [2:17:40] Lauren [2:17:41] for [2:17:41] that [2:17:42] May [2:17:43] tanong [2:17:43] po [2:17:43] Mr. [2:17:44] Chair [2:17:45] Kanina [2:17:45] po [2:17:46] binanggit [2:17:46] ni [2:17:46] attorney [2:17:47] chan [2:17:47] na [2:17:48] wala [2:17:49] pang [2:17:49] ASEAN [2:17:50] country [2:17:50] ang [2:17:51] nag [2:17:52] ratify [2:17:53] nito [2:17:53] wala [2:17:54] pa [2:17:54] no [2:17:54] pero [2:17:55] meron [2:17:55] tayong [2:17:55] dalawa [2:17:56] na [2:17:57] may [2:17:57] bilateral [2:17:58] because [2:17:58] this [2:17:58] is [2:17:59] a [2:17:59] multilateral [2:18:00] instrument [2:18:00] and [2:18:01] we [2:18:02] have [2:18:03] bilateral [2:18:03] extradition [2:18:05] treaties [2:18:05] with [2:18:06] tagal [2:18:06] na [2:18:06] 1976 [2:18:08] isa [2:18:08] 1981 [2:18:09] Thailand [2:18:10] and [2:18:10] Indonesia [2:18:11] but [2:18:12] they [2:18:12] are [2:18:12] obviously [2:18:13] part [2:18:14] of [2:18:14] the [2:18:14] ASEAN [2:18:14] so [2:18:15] is [2:18:16] it [2:18:16] still [2:18:16] necessary [2:18:17] it [2:18:17] will [2:18:17] be [2:18:17] duplicate [2:18:18] therefore [2:18:18] so [2:18:19] my [2:18:19] question [2:18:19] is [2:18:19] with [2:18:20] the [2:18:20] two [2:18:21] we [2:18:21] don't [2:18:21] have [2:18:22] bilateral [2:18:22] extradition [2:18:23] with [2:18:23] the [2:18:23] others [2:18:24] should [2:18:24] we [2:18:24] still [2:18:24] pursue [2:18:25] extradition [2:18:26] bilaterally [2:18:27] with [2:18:27] the [2:18:28] others [2:18:28] or [2:18:28] just [2:18:29] pass [2:18:30] a [2:18:30] multilateral [2:18:31] instrument [2:18:31] such as [2:18:32] this [2:18:32] so [2:18:33] that [2:18:33] it [2:18:33] covers [2:18:34] all [2:18:34] countries [2:18:34] and [2:18:36] in [2:18:36] this [2:18:36] case [2:18:36] will [2:18:37] duplicate [2:18:38] the [2:18:38] already [2:18:39] existing [2:18:40] bilateral [2:18:40] extradition [2:18:42] treaties [2:18:42] with [2:18:42] Indonesia [2:18:43] and Thailand [2:18:44] I want [2:18:45] to [2:18:45] understand [2:18:46] thank you [2:18:46] Mr. [2:18:46] Chair [2:18:47] Mr. [2:18:51] Chair [2:18:51] the [2:18:52] entering [2:18:53] into [2:18:54] this [2:18:54] multilateral [2:18:55] extradition [2:18:56] treaty [2:18:57] will be [2:18:57] of [2:18:57] practical [2:18:59] benefit [2:19:00] to the [2:19:00] Philippines [2:19:01] because [2:19:02] we are [2:19:02] able [2:19:03] to [2:19:04] cover [2:19:05] all [2:19:06] ASEAN [2:19:07] member [2:19:07] states [2:19:07] within [2:19:07] the [2:19:08] region [2:19:08] while [2:19:09] having [2:19:10] separate [2:19:11] bilateral [2:19:11] agreements [2:19:12] would be [2:19:12] ideal [2:19:13] because [2:19:13] EU [2:19:13] really [2:19:14] make [2:19:14] it [2:19:14] fit [2:19:15] into [2:19:15] the [2:19:16] respective [2:19:16] legal [2:19:16] regime [2:19:17] of [2:19:17] the [2:19:17] Philippines [2:19:18] and [2:19:18] its [2:19:19] treaty [2:19:19] partner [2:19:20] for [2:19:21] but [2:19:21] your [2:19:21] honor [2:19:22] for [2:19:23] practicality [2:19:24] sake [2:19:24] having [2:19:25] to [2:19:25] negotiate [2:19:26] with [2:19:26] the [2:19:26] eight [2:19:27] remaining [2:19:27] AMS [2:19:28] will [2:19:28] be [2:19:29] timely [2:19:29] and [2:19:30] may [2:19:32] not [2:19:32] serve [2:19:33] the [2:19:33] purpose [2:19:34] that we [2:19:34] want to [2:19:35] right now [2:19:35] which is [2:19:35] to have [2:19:36] this [2:19:36] treaty [2:19:37] ratified [2:19:38] and make [2:19:38] it [2:19:38] applicable [2:19:39] throughout [2:19:40] the [2:19:40] ASEAN [2:19:41] region [2:19:41] so that [2:19:42] it will [2:19:42] not [2:19:43] become [2:19:43] a safe [2:19:43] haven [2:19:44] for [2:19:44] criminals [2:19:45] not just [2:19:46] from [2:19:46] the [2:19:46] Philippines [2:19:46] but also [2:19:47] from [2:19:47] other [2:19:48] AMS [2:19:49] Mr. Chair [2:19:50] there must [2:19:50] be a [2:19:51] reason [2:19:51] why [2:19:51] not [2:19:52] a [2:19:52] single [2:19:52] ASEAN [2:19:53] nation [2:19:53] has [2:19:55] ratified [2:19:56] it [2:19:56] but we [2:19:58] want [2:19:58] us [2:19:59] to be [2:19:59] the [2:19:59] first [2:20:00] because [2:20:00] we're [2:20:00] Chair [2:20:01] of [2:20:01] ASEAN [2:20:01] but [2:20:01] may [2:20:02] dahilan [2:20:02] siguro [2:20:03] bakit [2:20:03] ayaw [2:20:04] nung [2:20:04] iba [2:20:04] your [2:20:05] honor [2:20:05] it's [2:20:06] not [2:20:06] that [2:20:07] they [2:20:07] don't [2:20:07] want [2:20:08] it's [2:20:08] just [2:20:08] that [2:20:08] from [2:20:08] a [2:20:09] timing [2:20:09] perspective [2:20:10] Madam [2:20:11] Chair [2:20:11] and [2:20:11] Mr. [2:20:11] Chair [2:20:12] this [2:20:13] agreement [2:20:13] was [2:20:14] signed [2:20:14] only [2:20:15] in [2:20:15] November [2:20:15] of [2:20:15] 2025 [2:20:16] and [2:20:18] it [2:20:19] has [2:20:19] just [2:20:19] been [2:20:20] a few [2:20:20] months [2:20:20] since [2:20:21] its [2:20:21] signing [2:20:21] so [2:20:22] we [2:20:23] wanted [2:20:23] to [2:20:23] take [2:20:24] this [2:20:24] opportunity [2:20:24] of [2:20:25] the [2:20:25] Philippines [2:20:26] being [2:20:26] the [2:20:26] first [2:20:27] AMS [2:20:27] to [2:20:27] ratify [2:20:28] the [2:20:29] extradition [2:20:30] treaty [2:20:31] as [2:20:31] a [2:20:33] momentous [2:20:33] achievement [2:20:34] during [2:20:34] its [2:20:35] chairship [2:20:35] but [2:20:36] this [2:20:36] does [2:20:36] not [2:20:36] mean [2:20:37] Mr. [2:20:38] Chair [2:20:38] that [2:20:38] they [2:20:38] do [2:20:38] not [2:20:39] want [2:20:39] to [2:20:39] ratify [2:20:40] just [2:20:40] to [2:20:40] be [2:20:40] clear [2:20:41] all [2:20:41] ASEAN [2:20:42] nations [2:20:42] signed [2:20:43] it [2:20:43] yes [2:20:45] now [2:20:46] we [2:20:46] need [2:20:46] to [2:20:46] go [2:20:47] through [2:20:47] the [2:20:47] process [2:20:48] of [2:20:48] ratification [2:20:49] in [2:20:50] the [2:20:50] executive [2:20:50] departments [2:20:52] of [2:20:52] each [2:20:52] country [2:20:53] right [2:20:53] because [2:20:54] is [2:20:54] this [2:20:55] country [2:20:55] considered [2:20:56] an [2:20:56] executive [2:20:56] agreement [2:20:57] or a [2:20:57] treaty [2:20:57] it's [2:20:57] a [2:20:57] treaty [2:20:58] it [2:20:59] is [2:20:59] a [2:20:59] treaty [2:20:59] Mr. [2:21:00] Chair [2:21:00] because [2:21:01] it [2:21:01] will [2:21:01] be [2:21:01] ratified [2:21:02] by [2:21:02] the [2:21:02] treaty [2:21:02] so [2:21:03] all [2:21:03] of [2:21:03] them [2:21:03] signed [2:21:04] November [2:21:05] and [2:21:06] then [2:21:06] now [2:21:06] they're [2:21:06] doing [2:21:07] like [2:21:08] us [2:21:08] the [2:21:09] internal [2:21:09] discussions [2:21:11] and [2:21:12] is there [2:21:13] still [2:21:13] a [2:21:13] process [2:21:14] of [2:21:14] revisions [2:21:15] like [2:21:15] what [2:21:15] happened [2:21:15] to [2:21:16] DNR [2:21:16] there [2:21:18] or [2:21:18] because [2:21:19] it's [2:21:19] ratified [2:21:20] but [2:21:23] it's [2:21:23] not [2:21:24] yet [2:21:24] ratified [2:21:24] the [2:21:24] signature [2:21:25] the [2:21:25] signing [2:21:26] of [2:21:28] the [2:21:28] multilateral [2:21:29] instrument [2:21:30] is [2:21:30] not [2:21:30] yet [2:21:31] considered [2:21:31] a [2:21:31] ratification [2:21:32] would [2:21:32] you [2:21:32] consider [2:21:33] that [2:21:33] a [2:21:33] ratification [2:21:33] already [2:21:34] not [2:21:34] yet [2:21:34] not [2:21:36] signing [2:21:37] pa [2:21:38] lang [2:21:38] tapos [2:21:39] nag [2:21:39] hearing [2:21:39] na tayo [2:21:40] proactive [2:21:40] si [2:21:41] chair [2:21:41] nagkoconsultasyon [2:21:42] kayo [2:21:43] iraratify [2:21:44] pa [2:21:45] so [2:21:45] ibig [2:21:45] sabihin [2:21:45] pwede [2:21:46] pang [2:21:46] maamendahan [2:21:47] not [2:21:48] anymore [2:21:49] Mr. [2:21:50] Chair [2:21:50] similar [2:21:51] to [2:21:51] the [2:21:52] SOFA [2:21:53] agreement [2:21:53] so [2:21:56] na [2:21:56] sign [2:21:57] na [2:21:57] siya [2:21:57] ng lahat [2:21:58] ng [2:21:58] ASEAN [2:21:58] at [2:21:58] na ratify [2:21:59] na rin [2:22:00] ni [2:22:00] Presidente [2:22:01] ratified [2:22:02] na [2:22:02] ng [2:22:02] Pilipinas [2:22:03] ah [2:22:05] at [2:22:06] tayo [2:22:06] pa [2:22:06] lang [2:22:06] ang [2:22:07] nagratify [2:22:07] sa lahat [2:22:08] ng [2:22:08] ASEAN [2:22:09] are we [2:22:09] the [2:22:09] first [2:22:10] to [2:22:10] ratify [2:22:10] it [2:22:10] looks [2:22:11] like [2:22:11] it [2:22:12] because [2:22:13] the [2:22:13] fact [2:22:14] that [2:22:14] it's [2:22:14] in [2:22:14] the [2:22:14] Senate [2:22:15] nga [2:22:15] work [2:22:15] already [2:22:15] it's [2:22:16] for [2:22:16] concurrence [2:22:17] already [2:22:17] oh [2:22:18] so [2:22:19] are we [2:22:20] the [2:22:21] first [2:22:21] country [2:22:21] to [2:22:22] ratify [2:22:22] it [2:22:22] and [2:22:23] the [2:22:23] only [2:22:23] country [2:22:24] to [2:22:24] ratify [2:22:24] it [2:22:25] yeah [2:22:25] yeah [2:22:26] my [2:22:26] next [2:22:26] question [2:22:26] also [2:22:27] Saint [2:22:27] Lauren [2:22:27] with [2:22:28] your [2:22:28] indulgence [2:22:29] probably [2:22:29] with [2:22:29] the [2:22:29] help [2:22:30] of [2:22:30] the [2:22:31] DFA [2:22:32] niratify [2:22:34] yun [2:22:34] natin [2:22:34] paano [2:22:34] yung [2:22:34] ibang [2:22:35] countries [2:22:35] na [2:22:35] hindi [2:22:35] pa [2:22:36] na [2:22:36] effective [2:22:37] na [2:22:38] ba [2:22:38] kung [2:22:38] hindi [2:22:39] pa [2:22:39] nagratify [2:22:39] sila [2:22:39] that [2:22:40] is [2:22:40] also [2:22:40] the [2:22:41] information [2:22:41] that [2:22:43] is [2:22:43] also [2:22:43] the [2:22:43] information [2:22:44] that [2:22:44] we [2:22:44] have [2:22:44] so [2:22:45] far [2:22:45] tayo [2:22:46] pa [2:22:46] lang [2:22:46] po [2:22:46] yung [2:22:46] nagratify [2:22:47] and [2:22:48] for [2:22:50] the [2:22:50] reasons [2:22:50] already [2:22:51] stated [2:22:51] by [2:22:52] the [2:22:52] Chief [2:22:52] State [2:22:53] Council [2:22:53] kasi po [2:22:54] siguro [2:22:55] dahil [2:22:55] mahalaga [2:22:56] ito [2:22:56] sa atin [2:22:56] ngayon [2:22:57] dahil [2:22:57] sa [2:22:58] sitwasyon [2:22:58] natin [2:22:58] may [2:22:59] mga [2:23:00] high [2:23:00] profile [2:23:00] suspects [2:23:03] tayong [2:23:03] hinahabol [2:23:04] at [2:23:05] isa [2:23:07] pang [2:23:07] dahilan [2:23:07] na [2:23:07] binanggit [2:23:08] yung [2:23:08] dahil [2:23:08] chairship [2:23:09] natin [2:23:09] magandang [2:23:10] tayong [2:23:10] magpakita [2:23:11] ng [2:23:11] inisiyatibo [2:23:12] our [2:23:14] mere [2:23:15] ratification [2:23:16] it's been [2:23:16] ratified [2:23:17] our [2:23:17] concurrence [2:23:18] will not [2:23:19] hold [2:23:19] effect [2:23:20] unless [2:23:20] how many [2:23:21] six out [2:23:22] of the [2:23:22] eight [2:23:23] six [2:23:23] no no [2:23:25] not all [2:23:26] it will [2:23:27] take [2:23:27] six [2:23:28] if six [2:23:29] out of [2:23:29] the [2:23:29] eight [2:23:30] will [2:23:30] concur [2:23:32] in the [2:23:32] ratification [2:23:33] so my [2:23:34] question is [2:23:34] among [2:23:35] the [2:23:35] eight [2:23:36] do they [2:23:36] all [2:23:36] consider [2:23:37] it [2:23:37] a [2:23:37] treaty [2:23:37] or [2:23:38] the [2:23:38] others [2:23:38] consider [2:23:39] it [2:23:39] an [2:23:39] executive [2:23:40] agreement [2:23:40] lahat [2:23:41] treaty [2:23:41] at [2:23:42] lahat [2:23:43] magkoconcur [2:23:43] ang [2:23:44] proseso [2:23:44] ba [2:23:44] ng [2:23:45] lahat [2:23:45] ng [2:23:45] Asian [2:23:46] nations [2:23:46] gaya [2:23:46] ng [2:23:47] Pilipinas [2:23:47] dahil [2:23:47] yung [2:23:47] iba [2:23:48] like [2:23:48] Laos [2:23:48] Cambodia [2:23:49] iba [2:23:49] naman [2:23:49] ng [2:23:49] kanilang [2:23:50] maybe [2:23:51] the [2:23:52] DOJ [2:23:52] has [2:23:53] this [2:23:53] information [2:23:53] but [2:23:54] we do [2:23:55] acknowledge [2:23:56] that [2:23:56] there [2:23:56] are [2:23:56] differences [2:23:57] in [2:23:58] the [2:23:58] processes [2:23:58] that [2:23:59] we [2:23:59] follow [2:23:59] tayo [2:24:00] strictly [2:24:01] kapag [2:24:02] ganitong [2:24:02] nature [2:24:02] ng [2:24:03] agreement [2:24:03] we have [2:24:03] to [2:24:03] submit [2:24:04] it [2:24:04] to [2:24:04] sign [2:24:04] of [2:24:05] conference [2:24:05] yung [2:24:09] pagpirma [2:24:10] nung [2:24:10] nobyembre [2:24:11] anong [2:24:11] tawag [2:24:12] signing [2:24:12] lang yun [2:24:13] signing [2:24:13] po [2:24:14] presidential [2:24:16] ratification [2:24:17] Asian [2:24:19] nations [2:24:19] correct [2:24:19] 11 [2:24:22] po [2:24:23] 11 [2:24:23] po [2:24:23] time [2:24:24] 6 [2:24:25] kasi [2:24:27] Thailand [2:24:27] Indonesia [2:24:27] hindi [2:24:28] na [2:24:28] kailangan [2:24:29] so [2:24:29] 11 [2:24:30] 6 [2:24:32] out of [2:24:33] 11 [2:24:33] I'm [2:24:34] confused [2:24:34] 11 [2:24:35] 11 [2:24:36] sino yung [2:24:39] pumirma [2:24:39] nobyembre [2:24:40] all [2:24:41] lahat [2:24:42] 11 [2:24:43] 11 [2:24:43] 11 [2:24:43] 11 [2:24:45] 11 [2:24:47] pumirma [2:24:48] yung [2:24:48] pirmang yun [2:24:49] ratification [2:24:51] ba [2:24:51] hindi [2:24:52] signing [2:24:53] lang [2:24:53] ng parang [2:24:54] willingness [2:24:55] sa 11 [2:24:57] na yun [2:24:57] ilan [2:24:59] ang [2:24:59] nag [2:24:59] ratify [2:25:00] na [2:25:00] wala [2:25:01] pa [2:25:02] tayo [2:25:02] lang [2:25:03] ayun [2:25:04] pero [2:25:05] sa [2:25:06] dalawang [2:25:06] bansa [2:25:07] nga [2:25:07] meron [2:25:08] na tayong [2:25:08] extradition [2:25:09] so [2:25:09] minus [2:25:10] mo yung [2:25:10] 11 [2:25:11] 9 [2:25:13] ba't [2:25:14] ko [2:25:14] sinabing [2:25:14] 6 [2:25:14] kanina [2:25:15] pero [2:25:16] kailangan [2:25:17] ng [2:25:17] ilan [2:25:19] kailangan [2:25:19] maging [2:25:20] effective [2:25:20] ito [2:25:21] 6 [2:25:22] 6 [2:25:23] ok [2:25:24] so [2:25:25] pag [2:25:26] maratify [2:25:28] ng [2:25:28] 6 [2:25:29] out of [2:25:29] 11 [2:25:30] at [2:25:32] makoncur [2:25:33] in their [2:25:33] respective [2:25:34] processes [2:25:34] it will [2:25:35] take [2:25:35] effect [2:25:36] maski [2:25:36] ayaw [2:25:37] ng [2:25:37] Myanmar [2:25:37] ayaw [2:25:38] ng [2:25:38] Laos [2:25:38] kasi [2:25:40] maaring [2:25:42] may ibang [2:25:43] bansa [2:25:43] ayaw [2:25:43] nila [2:25:44] yan [2:25:46] na nga [2:25:46] yung [2:25:46] tanong [2:25:46] ko [2:25:46] kanina [2:25:47] sa [2:25:48] Lawrence [2:25:48] sa [2:25:48] DOJ [2:25:49] paano [2:25:49] nga [2:25:50] tayo [2:25:51] na [2:25:52] nag-approve [2:25:54] nito [2:25:54] nag-ratify [2:25:55] nito [2:25:55] kaya [2:25:56] paano [2:25:56] po [2:25:57] yung [2:25:57] mga [2:25:57] countries [2:25:58] na [2:25:58] medyo [2:25:58] nagdadalawang [2:25:59] isip [2:25:59] pa [2:25:59] is this [2:26:00] applicable [2:26:01] itong [2:26:01] extradition [2:26:02] ito [2:26:02] definitely [2:26:03] not [2:26:03] medyo [2:26:05] tayo [2:26:05] lang [2:26:05] po [2:26:05] excited [2:26:06] dahil [2:26:07] tayo [2:26:07] po [2:26:07] and [2:26:07] chairman [2:26:07] pero [2:26:08] it's [2:26:08] also [2:26:09] up to [2:26:09] consider [2:26:09] baka [2:26:09] mapahiyaho [2:26:10] tayo [2:26:11] sabihin [2:26:11] lang [2:26:11] we [2:26:12] signify [2:26:17] our [2:26:18] ratification [2:26:22] pero [2:26:22] hindi [2:26:22] pa [2:26:23] po [2:26:23] kami [2:26:23] talaga [2:26:23] nag-ratify [2:26:24] sa [2:26:24] bansa [2:26:25] na [2:26:25] ito [2:26:25] ito [2:26:25] then [2:26:27] it [2:26:27] will [2:26:28] be [2:26:28] useless [2:26:28] attorney [2:26:30] mandap [2:26:30] yes [2:26:31] vice chair [2:26:32] i think [2:26:33] there is [2:26:34] reasonable [2:26:34] ground [2:26:35] to believe [2:26:35] that [2:26:36] most [2:26:37] if not [2:26:37] all [2:26:37] of [2:26:38] the [2:26:38] ASEAN [2:26:38] member [2:26:40] states [2:26:40] will [2:26:40] sooner [2:26:42] or later [2:26:43] ratify [2:26:43] it [2:26:43] in fact [2:26:44] the [2:26:44] information [2:26:45] we [2:26:45] have [2:26:45] is [2:26:46] that [2:26:46] Malaysia [2:26:47] Thailand [2:26:47] and [2:26:47] Indonesia [2:26:48] are [2:26:49] currently [2:26:49] undergoing [2:26:50] internal [2:26:51] processes [2:26:51] for [2:26:52] their [2:26:52] ratification [2:26:54] so [2:26:55] there is [2:26:57] may [2:26:57] impetus [2:26:58] po [2:26:58] kasi [2:26:58] there is [2:26:59] apparently [2:27:00] consensus [2:27:01] among the [2:27:02] ASEAN [2:27:03] member states [2:27:03] that we need [2:27:04] this kind [2:27:04] of [2:27:05] treaty [2:27:05] yung [2:27:07] yung [2:27:07] meron tayong [2:27:09] bilateral [2:27:10] treaty [2:27:10] Thailand [2:27:11] and Indonesia [2:27:12] counted [2:27:13] na yun [2:27:14] or [2:27:14] boboto [2:27:14] sila [2:27:15] ulit [2:27:15] kailangan [2:27:16] proseso [2:27:17] so [2:27:17] hindi [2:27:18] naman [2:27:19] common [2:27:19] sense [2:27:20] they have [2:27:20] to agree [2:27:21] because [2:27:21] meron tayong [2:27:22] bilateral [2:27:22] sa kanila [2:27:23] or [2:27:23] baka [2:27:23] naman [2:27:23] iba yung [2:27:25] treaty [2:27:26] yung [2:27:26] trato [2:27:27] nila [2:27:27] sa [2:27:27] iba [2:27:27] baka [2:27:28] ayaw [2:27:29] nila [2:27:29] ng [2:27:29] full [2:27:29] ASEAN [2:27:30] Pilipinas [2:27:30] lang [2:27:30] sila [2:27:31] at [2:27:31] baka [2:27:31] yung [2:27:31] leadership [2:27:32] ngayon [2:27:33] hindi ka mukha [2:27:33] noong [2:27:33] 1976 [2:27:34] at noong [2:27:34] 81 [2:27:35] anyway [2:27:36] haka [2:27:37] haka [2:27:37] ako [2:27:37] lang [2:27:37] naman [2:27:38] yun [2:27:38] so [2:27:39] kailangan [2:27:40] assuming [2:27:41] yung [2:27:41] sinabi [2:27:41] nyo [2:27:41] apat [2:27:42] na yan [2:27:42] dalawa [2:27:43] pang [2:27:43] bansa [2:27:44] na [2:27:44] sasangayon [2:27:45] sa [2:27:45] multilateral [2:27:46] treaty [2:27:46] na ito [2:27:47] gusto lang [2:27:49] po [2:27:49] namin [2:27:49] linawin [2:27:50] that [2:27:50] the [2:27:51] operative [2:27:52] fact [2:27:52] is [2:27:52] not [2:27:53] just [2:27:54] the [2:27:54] signing [2:27:54] by [2:27:55] the [2:27:55] states [2:27:55] but [2:27:56] also [2:27:56] the [2:27:56] matter [2:27:57] of [2:27:57] depositing [2:27:58] the [2:27:58] instrument [2:27:58] of [2:27:59] ratification [2:28:00] acceptance [2:28:01] or [2:28:01] approval [2:28:02] with [2:28:02] the [2:28:03] depository [2:28:04] which is [2:28:05] the [2:28:05] asian [2:28:06] secretariat [2:28:06] the [2:28:07] signing [2:28:07] was [2:28:08] november [2:28:08] okay [2:28:09] and [2:28:10] then [2:28:10] depositing [2:28:11] the [2:28:11] instrument [2:28:11] of [2:28:11] ratification [2:28:12] naganap [2:28:13] na po [2:28:13] no [2:28:13] kasi [2:28:16] hindi pa [2:28:17] po [2:28:17] pinel [2:28:17] kailangan [2:28:18] talagang [2:28:18] makomplete [2:28:19] yung [2:28:19] ating [2:28:20] domestic [2:28:20] processes [2:28:21] which [2:28:22] includes [2:28:22] nagratify [2:28:23] na tayo [2:28:25] ng president [2:28:25] executive [2:28:26] ratification [2:28:27] yung [2:28:29] instrument [2:28:29] of [2:28:29] ratification [2:28:30] is [2:28:31] pag [2:28:31] nakompleto [2:28:31] na [2:28:32] lahat [2:28:32] so [2:28:33] each [2:28:33] country [2:28:34] we need [2:28:34] six [2:28:35] has [2:28:35] to [2:28:36] deposit [2:28:36] the [2:28:36] instrument [2:28:37] of [2:28:37] ratification [2:28:38] with [2:28:38] the [2:28:39] asian [2:28:39] secretary [2:28:39] general [2:28:40] that's [2:28:40] correct [2:28:40] okay [2:28:41] clear [2:28:41] all right [2:28:46] it's [2:28:47] beyond [2:28:47] our [2:28:47] term [2:28:48] i know [2:28:48] i [2:28:49] it's [2:28:50] on the [2:28:50] political [2:28:51] will [2:28:51] of the [2:28:51] other [2:28:52] countries [2:28:52] yeah [2:28:52] yeah [2:28:53] i [2:28:53] mean [2:28:53] it's [2:28:54] very [2:28:54] hard [2:28:54] kasi [2:28:54] hindi [2:28:54] naman [2:28:54] bilateral [2:28:55] ito [2:28:56] yung [2:28:56] kailangan [2:28:58] natin [2:28:58] ng [2:28:59] concurrence [2:29:00] ng [2:29:00] what [2:29:01] five [2:29:02] more [2:29:02] states [2:29:03] six [2:29:04] total [2:29:04] six [2:29:05] yeah [2:29:05] kasama tayo [2:29:06] doon [2:29:06] six [2:29:06] binanggit nila [2:29:07] yeah [2:29:08] six [2:29:08] binanggit nila yung willing [2:29:09] no [2:29:10] na tatlong bansa [2:29:11] Malaysia [2:29:12] Indonesia [2:29:13] Thailand [2:29:13] kung apat lang [2:29:15] tas lima tayo [2:29:16] no [2:29:18] tatlo sila [2:29:18] apat tayo [2:29:19] apat na tayo [2:29:20] so yung dalawa [2:29:21] sino pang dalawa [2:29:22] ang nakikita nyong [2:29:23] magiging willing [2:29:24] mr [2:29:31] mr [2:29:32] chair [2:29:32] go ahead [2:29:34] we [2:29:35] we understand [2:29:36] that [2:29:36] how it [2:29:37] looks [2:29:38] it may [2:29:39] take some [2:29:39] time [2:29:40] before the [2:29:41] extradition [2:29:42] treaty [2:29:42] becomes [2:29:42] effective [2:29:43] region [2:29:44] wide [2:29:45] this was [2:29:46] also the [2:29:46] experience [2:29:47] that the [2:29:47] doj [2:29:48] went through [2:29:49] with respect [2:29:49] to the [2:29:50] mutual [2:29:50] legal [2:29:50] assistance [2:29:51] treaty [2:29:51] it also [2:29:52] took some [2:29:53] time [2:29:53] before all [2:29:54] member [2:29:54] states [2:29:54] ratified [2:29:55] but [2:29:57] based [2:29:57] on [2:29:58] that [2:29:58] our [2:29:59] negotiations [2:30:00] with [2:30:00] our [2:30:00] counterparts [2:30:01] we see [2:30:03] Timor-Leste [2:30:04] to also [2:30:05] be among [2:30:06] the [2:30:07] states [2:30:08] that will [2:30:09] agree [2:30:09] at the [2:30:15] same time [2:30:16] mr. [2:30:17] chair [2:30:17] we [2:30:18] take [2:30:19] comfort [2:30:20] in the [2:30:21] fact [2:30:21] that [2:30:21] the [2:30:21] ASEAN [2:30:22] extradition [2:30:22] treaty [2:30:23] was signed [2:30:23] by all [2:30:24] ministers [2:30:25] of justice [2:30:26] or the [2:30:26] secretaries [2:30:27] of justice [2:30:27] in their [2:30:28] jurisdiction [2:30:28] which to [2:30:29] us [2:30:29] is a [2:30:29] reasonable [2:30:30] expectation [2:30:31] that [2:30:31] they will [2:30:32] also be [2:30:33] undergoing [2:30:33] ratification [2:30:34] ratification [2:30:35] proceedings [2:30:36] in accordance [2:30:37] with their [2:30:38] domestic [2:30:38] laws [2:30:39] we just [2:30:41] were seeing [2:30:43] it as a [2:30:44] momentous [2:30:46] accomplishment [2:30:47] or momentous [2:30:48] occasion [2:30:48] if the [2:30:49] Philippines [2:30:50] will be [2:30:51] the first [2:30:51] to submit [2:30:52] its [2:30:53] instrument [2:30:53] of ratification [2:30:54] with the [2:30:54] ASEAN [2:30:55] secretary [2:30:55] general [2:30:56] so you're [2:30:57] suggesting [2:30:57] whether or [2:30:58] not [2:30:58] the other [2:30:59] ASEAN [2:31:00] nations [2:31:00] that haven't [2:31:01] ratified it [2:31:01] yet [2:31:02] we go ahead [2:31:03] and ratify [2:31:03] it [2:31:03] is that [2:31:04] what you're [2:31:04] saying [2:31:05] yes [2:31:06] mr. [2:31:07] chair [2:31:07] yes mr. [2:31:10] chair [2:31:10] for what [2:31:11] purpose [2:31:11] if the [2:31:14] other [2:31:14] countries [2:31:15] haven't [2:31:15] ratified [2:31:16] this [2:31:16] and then [2:31:17] we [2:31:17] ratified [2:31:18] it [2:31:18] what do [2:31:19] we get [2:31:19] out of [2:31:19] this [2:31:19] because [2:31:21] we're [2:31:21] the [2:31:21] chair [2:31:21] is that [2:31:22] the only [2:31:22] reason [2:31:23] we want [2:31:24] to show [2:31:24] to the [2:31:25] association [2:31:27] of southeast [2:31:27] asian [2:31:28] nation [2:31:28] will the [2:31:28] first one [2:31:29] to do [2:31:29] it [2:31:29] under [2:31:30] our [2:31:30] chair [2:31:31] ship [2:31:31] what do [2:31:33] we benefit [2:31:34] I mean [2:31:34] sir [2:31:35] approving [2:31:37] treaties [2:31:38] they should [2:31:39] be [2:31:39] we get [2:31:41] something [2:31:41] out of [2:31:41] it [2:31:42] if we're [2:31:43] not [2:31:43] getting [2:31:43] something [2:31:43] out [2:31:43] of [2:31:44] this [2:31:44] I agree [2:31:49] with you [2:31:49] it's [2:31:50] good [2:31:50] but [2:31:50] asking [2:31:51] you [2:31:51] directly [2:31:52] what do [2:31:53] we benefit [2:31:53] out of [2:31:54] this [2:31:54] we [2:31:55] approve [2:31:55] it [2:31:55] ratified [2:31:57] it [2:31:57] the [2:31:57] senate [2:31:58] concur [2:31:59] etc [2:31:59] but [2:32:00] then [2:32:00] other [2:32:01] countries [2:32:01] remain [2:32:02] like [2:32:02] like [2:32:03] we [2:32:04] were [2:32:04] looking [2:32:04] for [2:32:04] like [2:32:05] what [2:32:05] three [2:32:05] four [2:32:05] more [2:32:06] countries [2:32:06] to [2:32:06] ratify [2:32:07] it [2:32:07] aside [2:32:07] you [2:32:08] know [2:32:08] so [2:32:09] what do [2:32:10] we [2:32:10] benefit [2:32:10] out [2:32:11] of [2:32:11] this [2:32:11] uh [2:32:14] mr. [2:32:14] chair [2:32:14] we [2:32:15] acknowledge [2:32:16] the [2:32:17] the [2:32:19] seemingly [2:32:20] uh [2:32:21] before you [2:32:24] answer [2:32:24] that [2:32:24] don't [2:32:25] get me [2:32:25] wrong [2:32:25] I [2:32:26] am [2:32:26] too [2:32:26] I [2:32:27] am [2:32:27] very [2:32:27] willing [2:32:28] and [2:32:28] interested [2:32:28] I [2:32:28] support [2:32:29] this [2:32:30] because [2:32:30] we're [2:32:30] having [2:32:31] problems [2:32:31] right [2:32:32] now [2:32:32] we're [2:32:33] trying [2:32:33] to [2:32:33] catch [2:32:34] people [2:32:34] chase [2:32:34] people [2:32:35] all over [2:32:35] the world [2:32:36] where we [2:32:37] don't have [2:32:37] extradition [2:32:38] treaties [2:32:39] pinagtatawa [2:32:40] ng tayo [2:32:40] ng mga [2:32:41] tao [2:32:41] akala [2:32:42] siguro [2:32:42] na wala [2:32:42] tayong [2:32:43] ginagawa [2:32:43] we [2:32:44] we [2:32:44] we [2:32:44] we [2:32:45] really [2:32:45] need [2:32:45] this [2:32:45] lahat [2:32:46] ng [2:32:47] bansa [2:32:47] dapat [2:32:47] may [2:32:47] treaty [2:32:48] tayo [2:32:48] from [2:32:49] not only [2:32:49] in [2:32:49] ASEAN [2:32:50] but also [2:32:50] European [2:32:51] Union [2:32:51] pero [2:32:53] yun [2:32:54] nga po [2:32:54] yung [2:32:54] tanong [2:32:54] natin [2:32:55] di ba [2:32:55] ano [2:32:56] so [2:32:57] aprobahan [2:32:58] lang [2:32:58] natin [2:32:58] basta [2:32:58] maaprobahan [2:32:59] natin [2:32:59] dahil [2:33:00] chairman [2:33:00] po [2:33:00] tayo [2:33:00] is [2:33:01] that [2:33:01] it [2:33:01] it's [2:33:02] okay [2:33:02] kahit [2:33:02] naiiba [2:33:03] hindi [2:33:03] pa [2:33:03] so [2:33:03] it [2:33:04] will [2:33:04] just [2:33:04] sit [2:33:04] on [2:33:05] the [2:33:05] table [2:33:05] of [2:33:05] the [2:33:05] secretary [2:33:06] general [2:33:06] of [2:33:07] the [2:33:07] ASEAN [2:33:17] to a [2:33:17] certain [2:33:17] extent [2:33:18] Mr. [2:33:18] Chair [2:33:18] we [2:33:19] cannot [2:33:20] control [2:33:20] nor [2:33:21] dictate [2:33:21] among [2:33:21] our [2:33:22] other [2:33:24] ASEAN [2:33:24] member [2:33:24] states [2:33:25] on how [2:33:25] to [2:33:26] proceed [2:33:26] with [2:33:27] the [2:33:27] ratification [2:33:27] but [2:33:28] with [2:33:28] the [2:33:29] Philippines [2:33:29] being [2:33:29] the [2:33:30] first [2:33:30] it [2:33:30] sends [2:33:31] a [2:33:31] strong [2:33:31] message [2:33:32] also [2:33:32] to [2:33:32] our [2:33:33] other [2:33:33] neighbors [2:33:34] that [2:33:34] the [2:33:34] Philippines [2:33:34] is [2:33:35] serious [2:33:35] in [2:33:36] its [2:33:36] efforts [2:33:37] to [2:33:37] curtail [2:33:38] and [2:33:38] to [2:33:38] run [2:33:39] after [2:33:39] criminals [2:33:40] and [2:33:41] usually [2:33:42] Mr. [2:33:43] Chair [2:33:43] when [2:33:43] there [2:33:44] is [2:33:44] an [2:33:44] ASEAN [2:33:45] meeting [2:33:47] or [2:33:47] conference [2:33:48] that [2:33:48] is [2:33:49] an [2:33:49] occasion [2:33:49] that [2:33:50] we [2:33:50] can [2:33:51] use [2:33:51] to [2:33:52] convince [2:33:53] our [2:33:54] counterparts [2:33:54] to [2:33:55] hasten [2:33:57] the [2:33:57] process [2:33:57] of [2:33:58] ratification [2:33:58] in [2:33:59] their [2:33:59] own [2:33:59] respective [2:33:59] jurisdiction [2:34:00] Mr. [2:34:02] Chair [2:34:02] and [2:34:02] just [2:34:03] to [2:34:03] add [2:34:03] Mr. [2:34:03] Chair [2:34:03] while [2:34:04] yes [2:34:04] we [2:34:05] still [2:34:06] do [2:34:06] not [2:34:06] have [2:34:06] a [2:34:07] lot [2:34:07] of [2:34:07] extradition [2:34:08] agreements [2:34:09] with [2:34:09] other [2:34:10] countries [2:34:11] the [2:34:12] DOJ [2:34:12] through [2:34:13] the [2:34:13] help [2:34:13] of [2:34:13] the [2:34:13] DFA [2:34:14] is [2:34:14] currently [2:34:15] in [2:34:15] negotiations [2:34:15] with [2:34:16] two [2:34:16] countries [2:34:18] of [2:34:18] the [2:34:19] European [2:34:19] Union [2:34:20] for [2:34:20] an [2:34:20] extradition [2:34:21] agreement [2:34:21] also [2:34:22] Mr. [2:34:22] Chair [2:34:23] Poland [2:34:26] and [2:34:26] Italy [2:34:27] Mr. [2:34:28] Chair [2:34:29] Poland [2:34:31] none [2:34:32] yet [2:34:32] how [2:34:33] many [2:34:34] countries [2:34:35] now [2:34:36] na [2:34:36] meron [2:34:36] po [2:34:36] tayong [2:34:36] extradition [2:34:37] treaty [2:34:37] dyan [2:34:37] po [2:34:38] sa [2:34:38] Europe [2:34:38] hindi [2:34:39] po [2:34:39] pa [2:34:39] kasama [2:34:39] dyan [2:34:39] ang [2:34:40] Spain [2:34:41] Portugal [2:34:42] o [2:34:43] Czechoslovakia [2:34:45] only [2:34:48] three [2:34:48] countries [2:34:48] in EU [2:34:49] Mr. [2:34:49] Chair [2:34:50] the [2:34:50] United [2:34:50] Kingdom [2:34:51] Spain [2:34:52] and [2:34:52] Switzerland [2:34:54] Switzerland [2:34:55] so [2:34:55] pag pumunta [2:34:56] yung [2:34:56] tao [2:34:57] na [2:34:57] hinahanap [2:34:58] natin [2:34:59] sa [2:34:59] Czechoslovakia [2:35:00] wala na [2:35:00] pag pumunta [2:35:02] sa Portugal [2:35:02] dun na [2:35:03] malagi [2:35:04] nagsashopping [2:35:05] shopping [2:35:05] dun [2:35:05] wala na [2:35:06] hindi [2:35:06] natin [2:35:07] tinatanong [2:35:08] ko [2:35:08] lang [2:35:08] I'm [2:35:09] just [2:35:10] merely [2:35:10] asking [2:35:11] o [2:35:15] sige [2:35:16] sa [2:35:16] Paris [2:35:19] sa [2:35:19] France [2:35:19] o [2:35:20] anong [2:35:20] bansa [2:35:21] anong [2:35:22] bansa [2:35:22] bibiliin [2:35:23] ko [2:35:23] Malta [2:35:26] wala ba [2:35:29] kasi [2:35:30] sabi [2:35:31] naka [2:35:31] may [2:35:31] mga [2:35:31] apartment [2:35:32] mga [2:35:33] ganong [2:35:33] kwento [2:35:34] what's [2:35:34] happening [2:35:35] Mr. [2:35:36] Chair [2:35:36] we also [2:35:36] have a [2:35:37] scheduled [2:35:37] negotiation [2:35:38] with [2:35:39] France [2:35:39] for [2:35:40] extradition [2:35:40] which [2:35:43] was [2:35:44] already [2:35:44] agreed [2:35:46] upon [2:35:47] even [2:35:47] prior [2:35:48] to [2:35:48] the [2:35:49] latest [2:35:50] news [2:35:50] involving [2:35:53] extradition [2:35:54] of a [2:35:54] certain [2:35:54] individual [2:35:55] not [2:36:00] kaya [2:36:00] sa [2:36:01] France [2:36:01] lang [2:36:01] hindi [2:36:02] pwedeng [2:36:03] sa [2:36:03] Portugal [2:36:03] o [2:36:04] sa [2:36:04] Czechoslovakia [2:36:05] o [2:36:06] sa [2:36:06] Germany [2:36:06] anyway [2:36:09] so [2:36:09] anyway [2:36:10] attorney [2:36:11] Chan [2:36:11] I mean [2:36:11] kidding [2:36:12] aside [2:36:12] of [2:36:13] course [2:36:13] my [2:36:13] colleagues [2:36:14] gustuin [2:36:15] ko [2:36:16] mampo [2:36:16] ma-ratify [2:36:17] kaagad [2:36:17] natin [2:36:17] ito [2:36:18] ipasa [2:36:18] natin [2:36:18] sa [2:36:19] Senado [2:36:19] the [2:36:19] problem [2:36:20] is [2:36:20] my [2:36:20] colleagues [2:36:20] will [2:36:21] ask me [2:36:21] definitely [2:36:21] on the [2:36:22] floor [2:36:22] what do [2:36:23] we get [2:36:23] out [2:36:23] of [2:36:23] this [2:36:24] Mr. [2:36:25] Chairman [2:36:25] the same [2:36:27] question [2:36:27] that I [2:36:27] was [2:36:27] asking [2:36:28] you [2:36:28] para [2:36:28] gusto [2:36:29] ko [2:36:29] lang [2:36:29] maganda [2:36:30] tignan [2:36:30] dahil [2:36:30] chairman [2:36:31] tayo [2:36:31] na-approbahan [2:36:32] ka [2:36:32] agad [2:36:32] natin [2:36:32] and [2:36:33] then [2:36:33] they [2:36:33] will [2:36:33] definitely [2:36:33] say [2:36:34] marami [2:36:35] magaling [2:36:35] po [2:36:36] madudunong [2:36:37] diyan [2:36:37] kasama [2:36:38] po itong [2:36:38] katabi [2:36:38] ko [2:36:38] sasabihin [2:36:39] gano'n [2:36:40] ba [2:36:40] approbahan [2:36:41] natin [2:36:42] dahil [2:36:42] chairman [2:36:42] tayo [2:36:43] maganda [2:36:44] tignan [2:36:44] sa [2:36:44] papel [2:36:45] but [2:36:45] then [2:36:45] they [2:36:46] will [2:36:46] definitely [2:36:46] ask [2:36:46] me [2:36:47] what [2:36:47] do [2:36:47] we [2:36:47] benefit [2:36:47] out [2:36:48] of [2:36:48] this [2:36:48] I mean [2:36:48] ratify [2:36:49] this [2:36:50] extradition [2:36:50] pero [2:36:51] wala [2:36:51] pa [2:36:51] rin [2:36:51] hindi [2:36:51] rin [2:36:52] magagamit [2:36:53] but [2:36:53] definitely [2:36:53] I [2:36:54] support [2:36:55] you [2:36:55] I [2:36:56] support [2:36:56] 100% [2:36:58] na [2:36:59] we [2:37:00] really [2:37:00] need [2:37:00] extradition [2:37:01] treaty [2:37:02] at [2:37:02] kung maari [2:37:02] lang [2:37:03] hindi [2:37:03] lang [2:37:03] po [2:37:03] sa [2:37:04] ASEAN [2:37:05] members [2:37:05] po [2:37:05] dapat [2:37:06] buo [2:37:06] halos [2:37:07] lahat [2:37:07] ng [2:37:07] bansa [2:37:07] especially [2:37:08] sa [2:37:08] Europe [2:37:09] dyan [2:37:09] pumupunta [2:37:10] po [2:37:10] yung [2:37:11] mga [2:37:11] tao [2:37:11] dyan [2:37:11] po [2:37:11] nagtatago [2:37:12] yung [2:37:12] mga [2:37:12] tao [2:37:13] na [2:37:13] hinahanap [2:37:13] po [2:37:13] natin [2:37:14] ayan [2:37:15] po [2:37:15] siguro [2:37:15] kailangan [2:37:16] natin [2:37:17] na [2:37:18] magkaroon tayo [2:37:19] ng [2:37:20] treaty [2:37:20] Mr. [2:37:21] Chair [2:37:21] I [2:37:22] support [2:37:22] the [2:37:23] ASEAN [2:37:24] multilateral [2:37:25] extradition [2:37:26] agreement [2:37:27] and [2:37:29] it is [2:37:30] significant [2:37:30] yes [2:37:31] because [2:37:31] we are [2:37:31] chair [2:37:32] of [2:37:32] ASEAN [2:37:33] and [2:37:33] the [2:37:34] fact [2:37:34] that [2:37:34] we [2:37:34] will [2:37:34] be [2:37:34] the [2:37:35] first [2:37:35] should [2:37:37] not [2:37:37] be [2:37:37] difficult [2:37:37] and [2:37:38] could [2:37:38] even [2:37:39] be [2:37:39] the [2:37:40] impetus [2:37:40] to [2:37:41] let [2:37:41] the [2:37:42] others [2:37:42] speed [2:37:42] up [2:37:43] their [2:37:43] internal [2:37:43] processes [2:37:44] and [2:37:45] the [2:37:45] fact [2:37:45] that [2:37:45] we [2:37:45] have [2:37:46] two [2:37:46] countries [2:37:46] Indonesia [2:37:47] and [2:37:47] Thailand [2:37:48] which [2:37:48] had [2:37:49] decades [2:37:49] ago [2:37:49] engaged [2:37:51] in [2:37:51] bilateral [2:37:51] extradition [2:37:52] treaties [2:37:53] with [2:37:53] us [2:37:53] and [2:37:54] the [2:37:54] possibility [2:37:54] according [2:37:55] to [2:37:55] our [2:37:55] DFA [2:37:56] representative [2:37:57] the [2:37:58] three [2:37:58] other [2:37:59] countries [2:37:59] Malaysia [2:38:00] Thailand [2:38:02] Indonesia [2:38:02] and [2:38:03] prospectively [2:38:04] Timor-Leste [2:38:05] and [2:38:05] possibly [2:38:05] Singapore [2:38:06] so [2:38:07] with [2:38:07] six [2:38:07] that [2:38:08] could [2:38:09] ratify [2:38:10] it [2:38:11] it [2:38:12] will [2:38:12] go [2:38:12] into [2:38:13] force [2:38:13] right [2:38:13] so [2:38:14] yun [2:38:14] na [2:38:14] nakikita [2:38:15] ko [2:38:15] mga [2:38:15] bansa [2:38:15] hindi [2:38:17] ko [2:38:17] kayo [2:38:17] inuunahan [2:38:18] na [2:38:18] parang [2:38:18] papayag [2:38:19] tingin [2:38:19] ko [2:38:19] tama [2:38:20] ba [2:38:20] yun [2:38:20] Malaysia [2:38:21] Indonesia [2:38:22] Indonesia [2:38:23] Thailand [2:38:23] kasi [2:38:23] meron [2:38:24] na [2:38:24] tayo [2:38:25] tapos [2:38:25] Malaysia [2:38:26] and [2:38:27] Singapore [2:38:27] and [2:38:28] Timor-Leste [2:38:28] sa [2:38:29] Pilipinas [2:38:30] I'm not [2:38:31] saying that [2:38:31] the others [2:38:31] are not [2:38:32] interested [2:38:32] I'm just [2:38:32] thinking [2:38:33] Timor-Leste [2:38:35] mako-convince [2:38:36] mo yung [2:38:37] best friend [2:38:37] mo [2:38:37] you can [2:38:39] probably [2:38:39] tell your [2:38:40] best friend [2:38:41] Timor-Leste [2:38:42] baka [2:38:43] pwede [2:38:43] mo [2:38:44] kaming [2:38:44] tulungan [2:38:44] may [2:38:44] marami [2:38:46] mga [2:38:46] friends [2:38:46] din [2:38:46] ang galing [2:38:48] ka naroon [2:38:49] nung [2:38:49] panahon [2:38:49] pa [2:38:49] ni [2:38:49] yung [2:38:50] Yumaong [2:38:50] Secretary [2:38:51] Angie [2:38:51] Reyes [2:38:52] I've also [2:38:52] been to [2:38:53] that [2:38:53] country [2:38:53] and [2:38:53] we have [2:38:53] many [2:38:54] friends [2:38:54] and [2:38:54] because [2:38:54] it is [2:38:55] led by [2:38:56] a [2:38:56] human [2:38:56] rights [2:38:57] champion [2:38:58] who is [2:38:58] their [2:38:58] president [2:38:59] I am [2:38:59] certain [2:39:00] we [2:39:01] could [2:39:01] I [2:39:02] do not [2:39:03] want [2:39:03] to [2:39:03] interfere [2:39:03] we [2:39:04] are [2:39:04] lawmakers [2:39:04] and [2:39:05] we [2:39:06] must [2:39:06] not [2:39:07] interfere [2:39:07] in [2:39:08] the [2:39:08] job [2:39:11] of [2:39:11] the [2:39:11] executive [2:39:11] pero [2:39:12] malang [2:39:12] masama [2:39:12] naman [2:39:13] no? [2:39:13] Yes [2:39:13] to [2:39:14] remind [2:39:15] ang [2:39:16] ibig sabihin [2:39:17] po [2:39:17] ng [2:39:18] DOJ [2:39:19] at [2:39:19] DFA [2:39:19] maganda [2:39:20] sana [2:39:20] kung [2:39:21] ma-concur [2:39:23] tayo [2:39:24] sa [2:39:24] ratifikasyon [2:39:25] hanggang [2:39:26] Nobyembre [2:39:26] hanggang [2:39:28] Nobyembre [2:39:28] pa [2:39:28] gusto nyo [2:39:29] ngayong [2:39:29] buwan na [2:39:29] ito [2:39:32] gusto [2:39:33] kaya [2:39:33] next [2:39:34] week [2:39:34] na [2:39:34] although [2:39:37] hindi [2:39:37] pa [2:39:37] it will [2:39:38] not [2:39:38] take [2:39:39] effect [2:39:39] it will [2:39:40] not [2:39:40] be [2:39:40] enforced [2:39:40] because [2:39:40] 6 [2:39:41] pa [2:39:41] so [2:39:42] 5 [2:39:42] pa [2:39:42] sila [2:39:43] pero [2:39:43] magandang [2:39:44] hudyat [2:39:46] kasi [2:39:47] number [2:39:47] one [2:39:48] yung issue [2:39:48] ng [2:39:48] human [2:39:49] trafficking [2:39:49] yung issue [2:39:50] ng [2:39:50] droga [2:39:51] tapos [2:39:52] yung mga [2:39:52] dinadala [2:39:53] sa Myanmar [2:39:54] sa Laos [2:39:56] at saka [2:39:57] yung paglipat [2:39:58] ng mga [2:39:58] Pogo [2:39:59] mula [2:39:59] Pilipinas [2:40:00] na sa Laos [2:40:01] at Myanmar [2:40:02] din [2:40:02] so [2:40:02] ang dami [2:40:02] talagang [2:40:03] crimes [2:40:03] na hirap [2:40:04] na hirap [2:40:05] ang DOJ [2:40:05] kasi nga [2:40:06] off [2:40:07] our [2:40:08] borders [2:40:09] so [2:40:10] matutulungan [2:40:11] natin [2:40:11] ang DOJ [2:40:13] sa pag [2:40:14] implement [2:40:15] ng mga [2:40:15] batas [2:40:15] gaya [2:40:16] ng [2:40:16] advocacy [2:40:17] ko [2:40:17] anti-trafficking [2:40:18] in persons [2:40:19] pag merong [2:40:20] extradition [2:40:21] treaty [2:40:22] so [2:40:23] but I [2:40:24] leave it [2:40:25] to the [2:40:25] chair [2:40:25] it is [2:40:26] his [2:40:26] decision [2:40:26] but I [2:40:27] would [2:40:28] support [2:40:28] this [2:40:29] let me [2:40:31] quickly [2:40:31] just ask [2:40:32] the PNP [2:40:33] anong [2:40:33] recorded [2:40:34] na [2:40:34] mas maraming [2:40:35] kaso [2:40:36] yung [2:40:37] human [2:40:38] trafficking [2:40:39] or drugs [2:40:40] we are [2:40:41] concerned [2:40:41] sa statistics [2:40:43] po ninyo [2:40:44] ano mas marami [2:40:45] based on the [2:40:45] statistics [2:40:46] there are [2:40:46] more on [2:40:47] drugs [2:40:47] drugs [2:40:49] pa rin [2:40:49] marami [2:40:50] yes [2:40:50] alright [2:40:51] yung [2:40:53] network [2:40:54] ng drugs [2:40:54] yun na rin [2:40:55] ang network [2:40:55] human [2:40:56] trafficking [2:40:57] and even [2:40:57] transnational [2:40:58] crimes [2:40:58] alright [2:41:01] makilangan [2:41:01] siguro [2:41:02] talaga [2:41:02] may mga [2:41:04] ASEAN [2:41:04] countries [2:41:05] doon [2:41:05] nagre-recruit [2:41:07] talaga [2:41:07] ng mga [2:41:07] kababayan [2:41:08] natin [2:41:08] anyway [2:41:09] kung wala [2:41:11] na po [2:41:11] kayong [2:41:11] katanungan [2:41:12] sa [2:41:12] Lauren [2:41:13] I would [2:41:13] like [2:41:13] to [2:41:14] okay [2:41:18] well [2:41:19] in the [2:41:20] interest [2:41:20] of time [2:41:21] I would [2:41:21] like [2:41:21] to request [2:41:22] the [2:41:22] agency [2:41:23] to [2:41:23] submit [2:41:23] their [2:41:23] position [2:41:24] papers [2:41:24] to [2:41:24] this [2:41:25] committee [2:41:25] on [2:41:26] foreign [2:41:26] relations [2:41:27] paingin [2:41:27] po kami [2:41:27] ng [2:41:28] data [2:41:28] sa [2:41:28] transnational [2:41:29] crime [2:41:30] PMP [2:41:30] and [2:41:30] then [2:41:31] Philippine [2:41:31] Center [2:41:32] on [2:41:32] transnational [2:41:33] crime [2:41:34] okay [2:41:34] with that [2:41:35] I would [2:41:35] like to [2:41:36] thank [2:41:36] our [2:41:36] resource [2:41:36] persons [2:41:37] and [2:41:38] my [2:41:38] fellow [2:41:39] senator [2:41:39] here [2:41:39] the [2:41:40] beautiful [2:41:41] lady [2:41:41] Senator [2:41:42] Lauren [2:41:43] for today's [2:41:44] highly productive [2:41:45] discussion [2:41:45] today we [2:41:46] have laid [2:41:46] out the [2:41:47] undeniable [2:41:47] strategic [2:41:48] value [2:41:48] of deepening [2:41:49] our defense [2:41:50] ties with [2:41:50] Canada and [2:41:51] New Zealand [2:41:51] as well as [2:41:52] tightening [2:41:52] our regional [2:41:53] justice [2:41:53] system to [2:41:54] the [2:41:54] ASEAN [2:41:55] Estudation [2:41:55] Treaty [2:41:55] but [2:41:56] this [2:41:56] committee [2:41:57] has made [2:41:58] abundantly [2:41:58] clear [2:41:59] the [2:41:59] Senate [2:41:59] concurs [2:42:00] never [2:42:00] a [2:42:00] blank [2:42:01] check [2:42:01] we [2:42:02] will [2:42:02] meticulously [2:42:02] review [2:42:03] the [2:42:03] assurances [2:42:03] given [2:42:04] on the [2:42:04] record [2:42:04] today [2:42:05] particularly [2:42:05] regarding [2:42:06] who [2:42:06] holds [2:42:07] criminal [2:42:07] jurisdiction [2:42:08] over [2:42:09] visiting [2:42:09] forces [2:42:09] agreement [2:42:10] how we [2:42:12] protect [2:42:12] our [2:42:12] environment [2:42:13] from [2:42:13] legal [2:42:13] loopholes [2:42:14] and how [2:42:14] we [2:42:15] guarantee [2:42:15] true [2:42:16] reciprocal [2:42:16] protections [2:42:17] for our [2:42:18] own [2:42:18] Filipino [2:42:18] troops [2:42:19] deployed [2:42:20] abroad [2:42:20] we want [2:42:21] this [2:42:21] international [2:42:21] partnerships [2:42:22] to succeed [2:42:23] but they [2:42:24] must succeed [2:42:24] on terms [2:42:24] that [2:42:25] fiercely [2:42:25] protect [2:42:25] Philippine [2:42:26] sovereignty [2:42:27] our [2:42:27] laws [2:42:27] and our [2:42:28] people [2:42:28] the [2:42:29] committee [2:42:29] will [2:42:30] evaluate [2:42:30] all the [2:42:31] position [2:42:31] papers [2:42:31] have [2:42:31] been [2:42:31] in [2:42:32] today [2:42:32] to [2:42:32] determine [2:42:32] our [2:42:32] next [2:42:33] course [2:42:33] of [2:42:33] action [2:42:33] and [2:42:34] prepare [2:42:34] corresponding [2:42:35] committee [2:42:36] reports [2:42:36] marami [2:42:37] salamat [2:42:37] senator [2:42:38] lauren [2:42:38] for joining [2:42:39] us [2:42:39] this morning [2:42:39] in our [2:42:40] resource [2:42:40] presence [2:42:41] since [2:42:41] there [2:42:41] are no [2:42:41] further [2:42:42] matters [2:42:42] to take [2:42:42] up [2:42:43] at [2:42:43] this [2:42:43] time [2:42:43] this [2:42:43] hearing [2:42:44] is [2:42:44] hereby [2:42:44] suspended