PH Senate approves ASEAN extradition treaty

MANILA – The Senate on Monday concurred in the ratification of the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition and approved on third and final reading four measures covering child nutrition, tourist safety, housing and the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials.

Proposed Senate Resolution No. 623 gives the Philippines a common extradition framework with other ASEAN member states, including countries with which Manila has no bilateral extradition treaty. The agreement was signed in Manila on Nov. 14, 2025 and ratified by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on April 13.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, chair of the committee on foreign relations, said the regional mechanism would make it harder for wanted persons to exploit borders to evade prosecution.

“Everywhere they go in the ASEAN, there will be eyes on them, and no fugitive will find safe harbor anywhere in the region,” Zubiri said.

The treaty provides mandatory and discretionary grounds for refusing extradition as well as due process safeguards.

It will enter into force for participating states 30 days after at least six signatories deposit their instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval.

Four bills clear Senate

Also approved was Senate Bill No. 2387, which fixes the terms of barangay and SK officials at five years and schedules the next elections on the second Monday of November 2028 and every five years thereafter. Barangay officials would be limited to two consecutive terms in the same position, while SK officials may serve only one term.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, explaining his affirmative vote, distinguished the measure from repeated ad hoc postponements of barangay elections.

“This proposal is not a response to temporal conditions or events,” Gatchalian said, describing the shift in the 2026 polls as a transition to a fixed five-year election cycle.

The chamber likewise passed Senate Bill No. 2272 or the proposed Expanded National Nutrition Program Act, which transforms the existing feeding program into a broader nutrition system covering interventions from pregnancy and the first 1,000 days through the school-age years, with stunting specifically treated as a national health and education concern.

“Before a child can dream, before a child can learn, and before a child can succeed, the child must first be fed and nourished,” Sen. Joel Villanueva said.

The Senate also approved Senate Bill No. 1926 or Sandy’s Act, which would require tourism establishments and destinations to prepare emergency and risk mitigation plans and ensure access to medical response, trained first-aid personnel and lifeguards where necessary. The safeguards would cover both accredited and non-accredited establishments.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the measure was inspired by Sandy Garovillas, a child who died after suffering an allergic reaction from a jellyfish sting while vacationing in Palawan.

“The Philippine Senate stands with you to ensure her memory becomes a lasting, living shield for others,” Hontiveros told Sandy’s family, who were present in the session hall.

Completing the four measures was Senate Bill No. 2421 or the proposed Adequate and Decent Housing Through Usufruct Act, which would allow qualified underprivileged and homeless Filipinos to use government land and housing without transferring ownership to them.

Under the measure, the National Housing Authority, local governments and other implementing agencies would retain ownership while beneficiaries are granted the right to occupy and use the properties for residential purposes. (PNA)