Manila: The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on Thursday signaled its intent to expedite the review and concurrence of three international agreements covering education mobility, tax cooperation, and criminal justice coordination. During a public hearing, committee chair Sen. Erwin Tulfo stated that the panel would move to fast-track pending treaties while ensuring that each measure delivers concrete benefits to Filipinos.

According to Philippines News Agency, the agreements under review are the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (Tokyo Convention), the Philippines-Cambodia Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), and the Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (TTSP) between the Philippines and the United Kingdom. Tulfo noted that some treaties had been awaiting Senate action for years and stressed the need for more responsive processing.

Under the Tokyo Convention, member-states commit to facilitating the recognition of higher education qualifications across the Asia-Pacific region. Tulfo emphasized that while the agreement aims to ease cross-border recognition of degrees and professional credentials, reciprocity and safeguards must remain in place. The Commission on Higher Education informed the panel that it has begun strengthening its National Information Center functions and digital verification systems to support faster and more reliable credential checks.

The Philippines-Cambodia DTAA seeks to eliminate double taxation and prevent tax evasion and avoidance while providing clear rules on the taxation of cross-border income. Tulfo described the measure as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic relations and facilitate trade and investment, while safeguarding national revenue interests.

Meanwhile, the treaty with the United Kingdom establishes a framework for the transfer of sentenced persons, allowing convicted nationals to serve the remainder of their prison terms in their home country, subject to safeguards and mutual consent. The agreement complements existing bilateral arrangements in criminal justice matters and aims to enhance rehabilitation while upholding accountability.

The panel directed concerned agencies to submit supporting data and assessments to facilitate deliberations before the agreements are elevated to the plenary for concurrence.