TREATY. Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla (right) and United Kingdom Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils sign the PH-UK Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons at the DOJ Justice Hall in Manila on Thursday (oct. 26, 2023). The signing of the treaty further strengthens bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UK. (Photo courtesy of DOJ)
MANILA – Filipinos convicted in the United Kingdom (UK) can now choose to serve their sentence in the Philippines and be closer to their families.
This after Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla and UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils signed the PH-UK Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons on Thursday, according to a DOJ news release.
The DOJ said the signed treaty will be complementary to the PH-UK Extradition Treaty and the PH-UK Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Treaty, established in London in 2009.
“The agreement, aligning with international standards, offers a framework where individuals sentenced in one Contracting State can opt to serve their sentences in their native country," it said.
"The underlying rationale is that being closer to family, friends and familiar culture can better facilitate the rehabilitation of the sentenced individuals," the DOJ said.
Consequently, Filipinos convicted in the UK can now choose to serve their remaining sentences in the Philippines, easing their reintegration into society upon completion.
The discussions for the treaty were held from July 25-26, 2023 in Manila, hosted by the DOJ primarily through the Legal Staff (Office of the Chief State Counsel).
Special Authority was issued on July 21 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assigning Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin L. Chan to head the negotiating panel.
He was joined by Assistant Chief State Counsel Mildred Bernadette B. Alvor, State Counsels Florina C. Agtarap, and Jennelyn D. Bilocura.
Key officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) also played a pivotal role in the discussions.
The UK side was led by Ms. Sarah Wilson, Foreign National Office Policy Manager from the Ministry of Justice. (PNA)
