Senator Erwin Tulfo recently expressed support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Treaty on Extradition, saying it would help Southeast Asian nations go after fugitives involved in cyber fraud, human trafficking, and other cross-border crimes. However, Tulfo warned against its possible use for political persecution.
During the Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on Monday, May 11, Senator Tulfo stressed modern crimes—from cyber fraud to human trafficking—know no borders. “This treaty is designed to close the net on fugitives in our regional backyard. But we will demand assurances. We must ensure that this treaty is used to catch actual criminals, and never weaponized for political persecution across Southeast Asia,” he said.
Apart from the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition, Tulfo also highlighted other key international agreements, including the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and Canada, as well as the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and New Zealand.
“The Philippines is shifting its defense strategy. By opening our doors to middle powers like Canada and New Zealand, we are building a broader coalition to secure the Indo-Pacific and improve our disaster response,” he noted.
The senator said that while the Senate recognizes the hard work of government agencies in negotiating these treaties, the chamber’s constitutional mandate requires them to “test the strength, fairness, and absolute necessity of these agreements.”
