Philippine government lawyers are heading to Malaysia to start formal efforts for the extradition of Manuel Amalilio, the alleged brains behind a P12-billion investment scam, Malacañang said Sunday.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said this is despite the lack of an extradition treaty between the Philippines and Malaysia.
"Kahit wala tayong extradition treaty with Malaysia, Malaysian law allows extradition under certain [circumstances]," she said on government-run dzRB radio.
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She indicated Philippine state counsels under the Department of Justice are to head to Malaysia to formally start the extradition process.
Earlier, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said it is possible the Philippine government can still have Amalilio extradited before he can finish his two-year sentence.
Amalilio was arrested in Malaysia last January for possession of a fake passport. He pleaded guilty to violating Malaysian passport laws and was sentenced to two years’ jail there.
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Last weekend, Malaysian authorities said they have ordered Amalilio’s assets frozen.
On the other hand, two members of Malaysia’s Parliament visited the Philippines last weekend to gather facts about Amalilio.
They also hinted the loot from his scam may be used to finance the campaigns of some politicians running in Malaysia’s coming elections. — BM, GMA News
Taiwan on Saturday protested to the Philippines for sending naval ships to disputed South China Sea islands in the latest diplomatic spat between the two governments.
