President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday underscored the significance of the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition (AET) in preventing fugitives from evading justice across Southeast Asia.
During the 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM) at the Manila Grand Hyatt, Marcos said, “This year, we stand on the threshold of a significant achievement: the ASEAN Extradition Treaty, also known as the AET. The AET reflects our collective resolve – that individuals with criminal charges will not escape justice by crossing borders in ASEAN.”
He added, “The signing of the AET will be a defining moment in our effort to bring to justice those who have acted against the law. With this landmark treaty, we send a clear message to the world that we are united and that our legal foundation is stronger than ever.”
The AET harmonizes legal principles across the region, covering the extradition of nationals, provisional arrests, documentation, and dispute settlement mechanisms. It allows a fugitive found in one ASEAN member state to be surrendered to a requesting country where prosecution or sentence enforcement is pending.
Following the ALAWMM opening, ASEAN ministers signed the treaty, marking a milestone in regional cooperation against cross-border crime. The Department of Justice serves as the central authority for the Philippines, with the Office of the Chief State Counsel handling extradition requests.
Held every two years, the ALAWMM provides ASEAN law ministers a platform to strengthen legal frameworks, promote cooperation, and uphold the rule of law as a foundation for peace and stability in the region.