The Philippines and the United Kingdom (UK) on Thursday signed a treaty that would allow prisoners to serve the remaining years of their jail terms in their home country.
The bilateral Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons was signed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and British Ambassador to Manila Laure Beufils during a ceremony held at the Department of Justice.
“The Treaty, aligning with international standards, offers a framework where individuals sentenced in one Contracting State can opt to serve their sentences in their native country,” Remulla said in a statement.
“The underlying rationale is that being closer to family, friends, and familiar culture can better facilitate the rehabilitation of the sentenced individuals,” he added.
Under the accord, the DOJ chief said “Filipinos convicted in the UK can now choose to serve their remaining sentences in the Philippines, easing their reintegration into society upon completion.”
“This Treaty stands as testament to the shared dedication of both countries in enhancing their mutual relations and commitments,” he stressed.
The DOJ Secretary noted that the new treaty complements the already existing PH-UK Extradition Treaty and the PH-UK Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters which were signed in London in 2009.
Remulla recalled that prior to the signing the treaty on the transfer of sentenced persons, the DOJ hosted talks on the agreement last July 25 and 26 in Manila.
“By the Special Authority issued on 21 July 2023, His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. assigned Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin L. Chan to helm the Negotiating Panel,” the DOJ statement read.
Chan “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 DOJ said.
It added that the UK panel was led by Ministry of Justice’s Foreign National Office policy manager Sarah Wilson.