The Philippine government and the United Kingdom have formally signed an agreement that allows the transfer of their respective nationals who are serving sentences.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Her Excellency Laure Beaufils, the UK Ambassador to the Philippines, inked the pact at the Department of Justice in Manila.

The DoJ said that this crucial step further cements bilateral relations between the two nations.

The treaty, which adheres to international standards, establishes a framework allowing individuals sentenced in one participating state to opt for serving their sentences in their home country.

The underlying principle is to support the rehabilitation of these individuals by placing them closer to their families, friends and familiar cultural surroundings.

  Filipino citizens convicted in the UK now have the option to complete their remaining sentences in the Philippines, facilitating their reintegration into society upon release.

The newly-established treaty is seen as complementary to the existing PH-UK Extradition Treaty and the PH-UK Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Treaty, both of which were initially established in London in 2009.

The discussions leading to the formation of this treaty transpired over two days, specifically on 25 and 26 July 2023, in Manila.

The DoJ played a central role in these discussions, primarily through its Legal Staff (Office of the Chief State Counsel), acting as the country's central authority for International Legal Cooperation.

President Marcos Jr., with the Special Authority granted on 21 July 21, 2023, appointed Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin L. Chan to lead the negotiating panel.

Chan was supported by Assistant Chief State Counsel Mildred Bernadette B. Alvor, State Counsels Florina C. Agtarap and Jennelyn D. Bilocura.

Also, key officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Corrections  also played pivotal roles in these deliberations.

Sarah Wilson, the Foreign National Office policy manager from the Ministry of Justice, spearheaded the negotiations from the UK side.