Manila: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will prioritize the review of treaties on extradition, taxation, and higher education qualifications to address investor concerns, strengthen safeguards, and improve cross-border cooperation. The committee's chairperson, Senator Erwin Tulfo, made the statement after a briefing with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, saying several agreements are lined up for committee discussion.

According to Philippines News Agency, among the treaties up for discussion are those concerning the extradition of fugitives, avoidance of double taxation, and recognition of higher education qualifications. Senator Tulfo emphasized that the review of tax treaties is primarily aimed at alleviating the financial burden on foreign investors who face taxation both in their home countries and in the Philippines. "Our foreign investors are already taxed there. Then they are taxed again here. That is what they are complaining about," he explained.

Education-related agreements are also set to be scrutinized to ensure that the recognition of qualifications is adequately regulated and backed by safeguards, especially as the Philippines seeks to engage more actively with international partners. Tulfo highlighted the importance of addressing concerns raised by some ambassadors over alleged abuses against their nationals, indicating a need for closer oversight and potential legislative action to prevent such incidents.

While treaty reviews will be a priority, Tulfo mentioned that the discussion with Secretary Lazaro also touched upon broader foreign policy issues, with the West Philippine Sea being identified as the main external concern of the year. He noted that, aside from the West Philippine Sea situation, no significant issues were raised regarding the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship as the committee works to clear treaty backlogs and fulfill its oversight responsibilities.