Manila The Philippines and China on Friday signed an agreement that is expected to improve both country’s drive to go after cross border criminals.
A statement issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila said the two Asian neighbours exchanged documents pertaining to the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Treaty (MLAT) in Manila.
Representing the Philippines in the event was DFA Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs Susan Natividad and Ambassador Ma Keqing for China.
The enhanced arrangement on legal procedures follows the exchange of instruments of ratification of the Treaty between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China concerning Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (MLAT), on October 19 on the sidelines of the 18th Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) between the Philippines and China.
The agreement is expected to enhance the enforcement of laws of both countries. The Philippines-China MLAT provides a legal framework for assistance in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses.
“Assistance under the agreement includes the taking of testimony of witnesses, provision of documents and items of evidence, exchange of criminal records, execution of searches and seizures, location and identification of witnesses and tracing and confiscation of proceeds of crimes, as well as freezing of assets,” the DFA statement said.
Both countries had been, for some time, been confronted with the problem concerning cross border criminals who take advantage of lax enforcement of laws by either countries to avoid prosecution.
Authorities from both countries said they expect better enforcement of laws as the mutual assistance pact on criminal matters takes effect on 18 November this year.
China and the Philippines had signed the agreement on 16 October 2000. But China ratified the Treaty in 2001 and the Philippines only on 8 May 2012.
As for the 18th FMC held by the two countries also October 19, representatives affirmed the commitment of their respective governments to promote the comprehensive development of bilateral relations between the Philippines and China.
The 18th FMC, held in Manila, covered trade, tourism, science and technology, judicial and law enforcement, culture, people-to-people exchanges and other issues of mutual concern. Both sides also discussed issues of concern and agreed to continue the dialogue.
At the same time, the Philippine government donated $200,000 (Dhs 734,500) to the people of China affected by the recent earthquakes that hit the southwestern provinces of Yunnan and Guizhou.
Two major earthquakes measuring 5.6 and 5.7 and several aftershocks hit Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces in southwestern China on September 7, killing 80 people and injuring more than 800 others.