Senate concurs with ratification of PHL-Russia extradition, legal assistance treaties

Voting 19-0, the Senate approved on third and final reading Wednesday two resolutions concurring with the ratification of treaties between the Philippines and the Russia.

Senate Resolution 263 concurs with the treaty between the Philippines and the Russian Federation on extradition which was signed in Manila on November 13, 2017 and ratified by President Rodrigo Duterte on September 17, 2019.

The treaty obliges the two countries to extradite to each other persons whom authorities in the requesting state have charged with, or convicted of, an extraditable offense.

“With the treaty, both governments can request extradition of fugitives, thereby making it difficult for international fugitives to find safe haven from criminal prosecution or service of sentence,” the resolution stated.

Senate Resolution 264 concurs with the treaty between the Philippines and Russian Federation on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters which was signed in Manila on November 13, 2017 and ratified by Duterte on September 26, 2019.

The treaty obliges the two countries to grant each other comprehensive mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

It shall serve as the legal basis to seek assistance especially when the request would involve compulsory processes for its execution such as freezing and confiscation of the proceeds of crimes, search and seizure, and enforcement of forfeiture orders.

The resolutions stated that both the Philippines and Russian Federation can benefit from the treaties as these will be an effective tool in the fight against criminality, particularly in the global war against terrorism and other transnational crimes. — BM, GMA News