Extraordinary rendition protection pushed

​SEN. Bong Go has co-sponsored Senate Resolution (SR) 307, a measure expressing the Senate’s position to protect Filipinos from extraordinary rendition and to ensure they are given a reasonable time to seek court remedies before any surrender or extradition to foreign authorities. ​Senate resolutions expressing the “sense of the Senate” do not have the force of law but reflect the chamber’s collective position on key issues. ​“This is not a shield for the powerful nor a refuge for the guilty,” Go said Tuesday. “It is a reaffirmation that every Filipino stands equal before the law.” ​ He stressed that the measure goes beyond ongoing proceedings before the International Criminal Court and applies to any foreign tribunal or body seeking custody of a Filipino citizen. Before any transfer abroad, he said, there must be strict compliance with the Constitution and local laws. ​Go cited updated extradition rules issued in 2025 by the Supreme Court, which took effect in November, noting concerns that they may apply only to state-to-state extradition requests. He urged the judiciary to clarify any “gray areas,” emphasizing the separation of powers among the three branches of government. ​The senator said the resolution does not obstruct justice or reject international cooperation but seeks to ensure that such cooperation remains within constitutional bounds.