By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – The Senate on Monday concurred in the ratification of a treaty between the Philippines and the United Kingdom on the transfer of sentenced persons, allowing Filipinos imprisoned in the UK to serve their sentences in the Philippines.
With 20 affirmative votes, zero negative and zero abstentions, the chamber adopted Senate Resolution No. 315 concurring in the treaty’s ratification.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, who sponsored the measure, thanked his colleagues for supporting the measure under Committee Report No. 30 and Proposed Senate Resolution No. 315.
“This treaty will allow Filipinos convicted of crimes in the UK to serve their remaining sentence in the Philippines and facilitate their effective rehabilitation as they will be close to their families and friends, and be with other inmates with whom they share the same language and culture. We will continue championing for treaties that will benefit our kababayan (countrymen), Mr. President,” Tulfo said.
He assured that the agreement upholds restorative justice while respecting human dignity.
“Ang karapatang pantao at ang dignidad ng bawat isa ay nananatili, nasa loob man sila o sa labas ng rehas. Sa ilalim po ng ating Saligang Batas, hindi natatapos ang pagkalinga ng pamahalaan sa isang Pilipino dahil lamang siya ay nakagawa ng pagkakamali sa ibang bansa (Human rights and the dignity of every person remain, whether inside or outside prison bars. Under our Constitution, the government’s care for a Filipino does not end simply because he or she committed a mistake abroad),” he said.
Under the treaty, the transfer requires the consent of both governments and the written consent of the sentenced person. The sentence imposed in the UK will continue to be served in the Philippines, with the Department of Justice designated as the lead implementing agency.
With Senate concurrence secured, the treaty clears a constitutional requirement for full implementation. (PNA)
