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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos hails ASEAN extradition pact as 'defining moment' for regional justice

Marcos hails ASEAN extradition pact as 'defining moment' for regional justice

Published Nov 14, 2025 10:19 am  |  Updated Nov 14, 2025 01:58 pm
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (RTVM)
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (RTVM)

President Marcos said the signing of the ASEAN Extradition Treaty (AET) marks a “defining moment” for Southeast Asia’s legal cooperation, as he opened the 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM) in Taguig City.

Speaking before regional law chiefs on Friday, Nov. 14, Marcos said the treaty reflects the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ united resolve to ensure that “individuals with criminal charges will not escape justice by crossing borders in ASEAN.”

He said the agreement harmonizes long-standing principles in international extradition arrangements, from the surrender of fugitives and provisional arrests to documentation standards, dispute-resolution mechanisms, and implementation processes.

“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,” the President said.

He added that the AET builds on decades of cooperation since the law ministers’ meeting was first convened in Bali in 1986, when ASEAN was “a region still discovering our potential.”

ASEAN ministers signed the AET following the opening ceremony. The treaty is described as a “pivotal step” toward enhanced regional cooperation in combating crime and ensuring accountability across borders.

The ASEAN Extradition Treaty is a landmark agreement that creates a uniform legal framework for extradition among the 11 Member States. An extradition treaty is a binding legal agreement that permits the surrender of a fugitive found in one country to another requesting country where he or she is being prosecuted or needs to serve a sentence.
According to Malacañang, the treaty marks a “crucial step” toward stronger regional cooperation in fighting crime and ensuring accountability across borders.
“It reaffirms the region's shared commitment to enhancing legal cooperation, maintaining criminal accountability, and protecting peace and security throughout the region,” it said.

Cybercrime, AI seen as next major threats

While the treaty strengthens ASEAN’s guard against traditional cross-border crimes, Marcos urged member-states to confront “emerging transnational challenges” such as cybercrime and the ethical and legal implications of artificial intelligence.

“We must ensure that our laws can govern the digital space fairly and securely,” he said, stressing the need for proactive measures to keep ASEAN’s growth “sustainable, secure, and rooted in human dignity.”

He warned that corruption, inefficiency, and impunity continue to erode institutions across the region, reinforcing the need for laws that “work for the benefit of our peoples.”

Rule of law as ASEAN’s core promise

President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a stronger and more resilient ASEAN, saying the region’s unity relies on the active participation of all member-states.

He also welcomed Timor-Leste’s progress toward full ASEAN membership and said Manila stands ready to help the young nation prepare for integration into the bloc’s legal bodies.

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

The ALAWMM, held every two years, serves as ASEAN’s premier forum for strengthening legal frameworks, promoting cooperation, and upholding the rule of law as a cornerstone of peace and stability in the region.

Marcos thanked ministers, senior officials, and partners “who have dedicated their work to this historic undertaking,” saying their efforts keep ASEAN “principled and united in today’s increasingly interconnected and complicated world.”

“Together, let us honor that promise, united in the belief that justice and fairness know no borders in ASEAN,” he said.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos ASEAN
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