At A Glance
- The Senate on Monday, March 2, concurred in the ratification of the treaty between the Philippines and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
The Senate on Monday, March 2, concurred in the ratification of the treaty between the Philippines and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
(Photo from Senate of the Philippines)
Proposed Senate Resolution No. 315 seeks to enable persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to serve their sentences in their home country, provided there is consent from the prisoner as well as both governments involved.
“This treaty only gives an option to our fellow citizens and foreign nationals if they wish to be transferred, allowing them to be closer to their families and addressing practical concerns such as language barriers,” said Erwin Tulfo, sponsor of the measure.
Tulfo clarified that transfers will not happen automatically and will instead be governed by the “three-fold consent rule,” which requires the approval of the sentencing country, the receiving country, and the prisoner before any transfer can takes place.
Under the arrangement, the country that imposed the sentence must first authorize the transfer, the receiving country must agree to carry out the sentence, and the prisoner must give voluntary consent after being fully informed of the terms and implications of the transfer.
Tulfo added that the Department of Foreign Affairs will explain the consequences and conditions of the transfer prior to its implementation.
The treaty likewise provides that the Philippines may refuse transfer requests on grounds of national security or public interest.