President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday welcomed the strong support from Timor-Leste in adhering to rules-based international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Mr. Marcos said this following a “productive meeting” with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, who is in Manila on a two-day official visit.
The President mentioned that discussions with Ramos-Horta were valuable, particularly in identifying mechanisms and modalities that could benefit the Philippines in addressing the challenges related to the West Philippine Sea.
Mr. Marcos also emphasized Ramos-Horta’s valuable insights from his extensive experience in global affairs, which could help advance the Philippines’ support for a rules-based system and international law.
Ramos-Horta’s visit aims to enhance bilateral relations between Timor-Leste, which gained its independence from Portugal in 1975 and Indonesia in 2002, and the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said he will talk to a top official of the Timor-Leste government, where he will bring up the possibility of a mutual legal assistance treaty or an extradition treaty.
Former congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., the alleged mastermind of the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, was spotted in Timor-Leste in September and had sought asylum there in May.
The Timor-Leste government denied his application, prompting Teves to appeal the decision.
“Basically, my concern is to start the process of bringing Teves soon for trial, to stand trial,” Remulla said.
“He’s still there. He has bodyguards. Well guarded. Living an easy, wealthy life,” he said.
An extradition treaty is an agreement between governments that will allow the parties to request the repatriation of an individual who is accused of a crime.
Meanwhile, a mutual legal assistance treaty provides for the sharing of information and evidence related to criminal investigations and prosecutions.
During their meeting, both presidents agreed to collaborate oncivilian commercial aviation, social security agreements for professionals, and educational cooperation among their higher learning institutions.
Mr. Marcos recently reiterated the Philippines’ dedication to assisting Timor-Leste in its development through “South-South Cooperation.”
He noted the two nations had similar struggles in their quest for freedom and self-determination, which brings them together.
“The values and principles that we continue to espouse, anchored by our strong historical and cultural affinities, have allowed us to work together toward mutual progress for our nations and our peoples,” Mr. Marcos said.
“Allow me, therefore, to reaffirm the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s nation-building and development, including through capacity-building activities within the context of South-South cooperation,” he added.
The Philippines and Timor-Leste established formal diplomatic relations on May 20, 2002. The visit and discussions between the two leaders further reinforced the enduring partnership between the two nations.