Resolution Concurring in the Ratification of the Treaty between the Republic of the Philippines and the Russian Federation on Extradition

December 18, 2019

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 34

RESOLUTION CONCURRING IN THE RATIFICATION OF THE TREATY BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ON EXTRADITION

WHEREAS, the Constitution, Article VII, Section 21, states: "No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate";

WHEREAS, the Treaty between the Republic of the Philippines and the Russian Federation on Extradition was signed on 13 November 2017 in Manila, Philippines;

WHEREAS, the Treaty obliges the Contracting States to extradite to each other persons whom the authorities in the requesting State have charged with, or convicted of, an extraditable offense;

WHEREAS, 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;

WHEREAS, both Governments can benefit from the Treaty as the Philippines and Russia will have an effective tool in the fight against criminality, particularly in the global was against terrorism and other transnational crimes;

WHEREAS, Article XVIII of the Treaty provides that it shall enter into force thirty (30) days after the date of the receipt of the later written notification by the Contracting States, through diplomatic channels, indicating that their respective requirements for the entry into force of the Treaty have been complied with;

WHEREAS, the President of the Philippines ratified the Treaty on 17 September 2019 and has accordingly submitted it to the Senate for concurrence, in accordance with the Constitution;

WHEREAS, in the hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on 10 December 2019, the following government agencies endorsed the concurrence to the ratification of the Treaty:

1)    Department of Foreign Affairs;

2)    Department of Justice;

3)    Bureau of Immigration;

4)    National Bureau of Investigation; and

5)    Philippine National Police.

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Philippine Senate concur, as it hereby concurs, in the Philippine ratification of the Treaty between the Republic of the Philippines and the Russian Federation on Extradition.

Adopted,

(SGD.) VICENTE C. SOTTO IIIPresident of the Senate

This Resolution was adopted by the Senate on December 18, 2019.

(SGD.) MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICASecretary of the Senate