The Philippines and the United Kingdom on Thursday, Oct. 26, signed a treaty that would allow prisoners to serve the remaining years of their jail terms in their home country.
The PH-UK Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons was signed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla and UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beufils during a ceremony held at the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“The Treaty, aligning with international standards, offers a framework where individuals sentenced in one Contracting State can opt to serve their sentences in their native country,” the DOJ said in a statement.
“The underlying rationale is that being closer to family, friends, and familiar culture can better facilitate the rehabilitation of the sentenced individuals,” it explained.
Under the treaty, the DOJ said “Filipinos convicted in the UK can now choose to serve their remaining sentences in the Philippines, easing their reintegration into society upon completion.”
“This Treaty stands as testament to the shared dedication of both countries in enhancing their mutual relations and commitments,” it said.
The agency noted the new treaty complements the already existing PH-UK Extradition Treaty and the PH-UK Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters which were signed in London in 2009.
The DOJ said that prior to the signing the treaty on the transfer of sentenced persons, the it hosted talks on the agreement last July 25 and 26 in Manila.
“By the Special Authority issued on 21 July 2023, His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. assigned Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin L. Chan to helm the Negotiating Panel,” it said.
Chan "was joined by Assistant Chief State Counsel Mildred Bernadette B. Alvor, State Counsels Florina C. Agtarap, and Jennelyn D. Bilocura. Key officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) also played a pivotal role in the discussions,” it also said.
It added that the UK panel was led by UK Ministry of Justice’s Foreign National Office Policy Manager Sarah Wilson.