SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III yesterday lauded the agreements recently signed by the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates, saying they “represent a crucial advancement in strengthening legal cooperation between the two countries.”
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and UAE Minister of Justice Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi signed in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 12 three treaties — the Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, the Treaty on Extradition, and the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.
“These agreements are vital in upholding the rules of law and ensuring that fugitives cannot escape justice by hiding abroad. They also serve as a safeguard for our overseas Filipinos in the UAE while strengthening our diplomatic ties,” Pimentel said.
He called on concerned government agencies and his colleagues in the Senate to fast-track the ratification process to ensure the treaties’ immediate enforcement.
“We must act swiftly to enforce these agreements and maximize their benefits for our justice system, our diplomatic relations, and most importantly, our people,” he said.
He said the treaty on the transfer of sentenced persons is “significant” since Filipinos convicted for crimes committed in the UAE will be able to serve their sentence in the Philippines, which will aid in their rehabilitation and integration with their families.
“This agreement will help our fellow Filipinos serve their sentences closer to home, making rehabilitation more effective and humane,” he added.
Under the treaty on extradition, the Philippines and UAE have agreed to extradite to each other any person found in its territory and sought by the Requesting Party for the purpose of criminal prosecution, trial, or enforcement of a sentence imposed on that person for an extraditable offense.
The two countries also agreed to provide each other the widest possible measure of mutual legal assistance in the investigation, prosecution, and suppression of criminal offenses and proceedings related to criminal matters under the treaty of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
Aside from the treaties, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and UAE-based non-profit organization Clean Rivers Foundation also signed a memorandum of understanding to reduce waste leakage to river systems in the Philippines.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said according to Clean River’s post, it is committing up to US$20 million to projects supporting the rehabilitation and prevention of waste leakage into the Pasig River.
Pimentel and his wife Kathryna, the special envoy to the UAE for trade and investments, joined the Philippine delegation to the World Governments Summit 2025 led by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. The summit was held in Dubai, UAE from February 11 to 13.
