00:00In addressing the ASEAN law ministers gathering earlier today, the president espoused for a free, fair and unfettered commitment to uphold the rule of law on which all successful economic and social development in the entire region depends on.
00:15And high on the president's agenda for this event was the inking of a deal on extradition, which the president spearheaded and lobbied for, as our Kenneth Paschente reports.
00:25A fair, honest and rule of law anchored ASEAN.
00:32This was emphasized by President Ferdinand R. Marcus Jr. as he led the opening of the 13th ASEAN law ministers meeting today.
00:39The president underscored the unity of ASEAN nations must be rooted in justice and development, pillars, he said, which have continued to guide the region for almost four decades.
00:48When ASEAN first brought its law ministers together, nearly four decades ago, we were a region still discovering our potential.
00:59But even then, we knew that our coming together would mean little if it were not anchored on justice and progress.
01:07That conviction remains true to us today.
01:11One of the highlights of the event was the signing by ASEAN member states, led by the Philippines, of the ASEAN Extradition Treaty, or AET.
01:19This agreement will enable stronger cooperation among nations in the pursuit of justice and ensure that no criminal can evade the law simply by crossing borders.
01:28We send a clear message to the world that we are united and that our legal foundation is stronger than ever.
01:36However, the president pointed out that the region must address not only traditional crimes, but also emerging challenges of the modern age, including cybercrime and legal issues surrounding artificial intelligence.
01:47He stressed that laws governing the digital space must be fair, resilient, and secure.
01:52We must also intensify our efforts to be proactive, ensuring that ASEAN's growth is sustainable, secure, and rooted in human dignity.
02:03We make these efforts to promote the idea that the law continues to be the great equalizer of our time.
02:12This is especially true now as we have seen how corruption, inefficiency, and impunity can erode the moral basis of our society.
02:21President Marcos Jr. also reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to work with all ASEAN member states and expressed the country's readiness to support Timor-Leste as the newest member of ASEAN.
02:31The chief executive also urged ASEAN countries to continue their acts of unity and commitment to advancing justice, equality, and peace.
02:40Kenneth Paciente from The National TV for a new and better Philippines.
