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Second Edition of Treaty Law Book Launched in Pasay City

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • The second edition of “Treaties: Guidance on Practices and Procedures” was launched on February 20, 2026
  • The book was co-authored by Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya and Professor Rommel J. Casis
  • Updates include new circulars on authority for treaty negotiations and signing

The release of the updated book on treaty practices provides new procedural guidance for Philippine officials involved in foreign relations and international agreements.

On February 20, 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City hosted the launch of the second edition of “Treaties: Guidance on Practices and Procedures.” The event was organized with support from the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands, the DFA Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs, the Foreign Service Institute, the UP Law Center, and the Asian Society of International Law.

Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya and UP College of Law Professor Rommel J. Casis co-authored the book. According to Professor Casis, the publication began as an internal manual for the DFA, first issued in 2018 and revised in 2025 before the current edition was released.

The second edition includes updates on international legal standards, as reported by the Philippine News Agency. It incorporates DFA-OTLA Circular No. 01-2025 and Office of the President Memorandum Circular No. 51-2024, which address requirements for special authority and full powers in treaty negotiations and signing.

What the numbers show

  • Second edition launched on February 20, 2026
  • Original manual first published in 2018, revised in 2025
  • Updates include DFA-OTLA Circular No. 01-2025 and Memorandum Circular No. 51-2024

During the launch, Ambassador Malaya presented an analysis of Philippine treaty law and practice, focusing on areas such as migrant workers, security cooperation, and bilateral trade. Undersecretary for Policy Leo Herrera-Lim stated that the transition from the DFA Office of Legal Affairs to the Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs reflects the increasing relevance of treaties in foreign policy.

Assistant Secretary Edgar B. Badajos of DFA-OTLA described the book as a practical resource that connects diplomatic work with legal scholarship. He also said the publication serves as a roadmap for those involved in treaty negotiations.

The launch event brought together representatives from government, academia, and international law organizations. The book aims to support officials and practitioners in managing the technical and procedural aspects of treaty-making.

Institutional support for the publication was provided by several agencies, including the DFA-OTLA and the UP Law Center. The updated edition is intended to assist in streamlining processes related to international agreements and ensure compliance with current legal standards.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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