Law ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday formally signed the ASEAN Extradition Treaty (AET), establishing a uniform legal framework for extradition among member states.

Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida was the first to sign the AET.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hailed the development, calling it a “defining moment” in the region’s collective effort to ensure accountability for individuals who violate 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,” he said.

According to the Department of Justice, an extradition treaty is a binding legal instrument that allows the surrender of a fugitive found in one country to another country where he or she is being prosecuted or must serve a sentence.

“In an extradition treaty, the DOJ is the central authority for the Philippines. As such, the DOJ, through the Office of the Chief State Counsel (Legal Staff), is responsible for making or processing extradition requests,” it explained.

Stronger regional legal coordination urged

Marcos also called on justice ministries and departments of ASEAN member states to work together in combating conventional cross-border crimes and addressing emerging transnational challenges.

“I speak of the threat of cybercrimes and the ethical and legal implications of Artificial Intelligence,” he said.

“We must ensure that our laws can govern the digital space fairly and securely. We must also intensify our efforts to be proactive, ensuring that ASEAN’s growth is sustainable, secure, and rooted in human dignity,” he added.

The President stressed that the law “continues to be the great equalizer of our time,” especially at a time when corruption, inefficiency, and impunity “erode the moral bases of our societies.”

“Therefore, we must ensure that the legal framework works for the benefit of our peoples,” Marcos said.

He reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to working with all ASEAN member states toward a stronger and more resilient regional bloc.

“We also look forward to extending this support to our newest partner, Timor-Leste, and stand ready to assist them as they prepare to join our legal bodies,” he said.

“Truly, ASEAN is only as strong as the engagement of every member, every member state, and we value every voice at that table,” he added.

Marcos thanked law officials from each ASEAN country for their work.

“Your work keeps ASEAN principled and united in today’s increasingly interconnected and complicated world,” he said.

“Let us continue on this path as we make the Rule of Law the most enduring promise that we can make to our peoples,” he added.