DoJ welcomes Senate concurrence on ASEAN extradition treaty

The Department of Justice (DoJ) officially welcomed the Senate’s concurrence in the ratification of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Treaty on Extradition, a landmark agreement aimed at preventing fugitives from evading prosecution across regional borders.

The Senate approved the agreement via Senate Resolution No. 69 on its third and final reading on 14 September, receiving unanimous support from all 20 senators present.

Under the treaty, ASEAN member states are legally bound to extradite individuals wanted for criminal prosecution or the execution of a sentence.

Extradition requires dual criminality, meaning the underlying offense must be punishable under the laws of both the requesting and requested nations.

The treaty will officially enter into force 30 days after the sixth instrument of ratification, acceptance, or approval is deposited with the ASEAN Secretariat. Timor-Leste and Vietnam have already deposited their respective instruments.

The DoJ, through the Office of the Chief State Counsel, led the negotiations for the Philippines from formulation to finalization, culminating in hosting the official signing ceremony in November 2025.