SENATOR Erwin Tulfo has moved to accelerate Senate action on at least 10 to 11 pending international agreements, saying treaties should not remain stalled in committee without clear direction.
Chairing the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Tulfo called on resource persons to provide direct and substantive answers as the panel reviewed three major agreements that he said would directly affect Filipinos — “particularly students, workers, taxpayers, and even those serving prison terms abroad.”
“We will fast-track all treaties na nakatengga po dito sa amin. We had like about 10 or 11 treaties waiting for approval,” Tulfo said during the hearing.
The committee began deliberations on the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education, also known as the Tokyo Convention, which seeks to promote recognition of academic and professional qualifications across member countries.
“While this may open more opportunities abroad, we must ensure that recognition is reciprocal and that the integrity of our own higher education system is protected,” Tulfo emphasized.
The panel also tackled the proposed agreement between the Philippines and Cambodia for the Elimination of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance, or Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), aimed at promoting trade and investment while preventing double taxation.
Likewise, the committee reviewed the proposed treaty between the Philippines and the United Kingdom on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which would allow convicted individuals to serve their sentences in their home country under strict safeguards.
Tulfo said that while the Philippines honors its commitments in the international community, each agreement must demonstrate measurable and concrete benefits for Filipinos.
“We value our place in the international community and honor our commitments to other nations. But we must always remember that the welfare of every Filipino remains paramount. Every agreement we enter into must bring clear and concrete benefits to our people not just to the other party,” he said.
He added that if delays in certain agreements were not attributable to the Philippines, the committee would ensure they move forward within a reasonable timeframe.
“Kasi kung sa atin nagka-problema na tengga dito sa atin… kung puwedeng gawin ngayon, puwedeng tapusin within a month or within a year, dapat ho tinatapos,” Tulfo said.
The committee is expected to continue hearings and gather further data from concerned agencies before elevating pending treaties to the Senate plenary for concurrence.
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