PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

11 August 2025, CANBERRA - Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio A. Morales welcomed Supreme Court Associate Justices Hon. Rodil V. Zalameda, Hon. Jose Midas P. Marquez, Hon. Raul B. Villanueva, and members of the Philippine judiciary during their legal counter-terrorism technical assistance study visit to Australia from 02-09 August 2025.

The delegation also includes senior members of the judiciary and justice sector officials including the Office of the Judiciary Marshalls, the Philippine Judicial Academy and the Regional Trial Courts.

The high-level delegation participated in this year’s second iteration of the PROTECT Phase II Australia Learning Exchange jointly organized by the University of the Philippines Law Center - Institute of Government and Law Reform (UP IGLR) and The Asia Foundation, with the support of the Australian Government.

In Canberra, the delegation engaged with the Chief Justice and Justices of the High Court of Australia, the Attorney General’s Department, the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM), the ACT Supreme Court, the National Judicial College of Australia, and the Australian National University (ANU) Philippines Institute. Discussions covered the criminal justice system and national security, as well as the international and domestic legal frameworks on counter-terrorism.

In Sydney, the delegation met with the New South Wales Supreme Court and the NSW Judicial Commission to exchange insights on judicial processes and the administration of justice in terrorism-related cases.

During the courtesy call of the delegation on 04 August 2025, Ambassador Morales underscored that the delegation’s active engagement strengthens the shared commitment of the Philippines and Australia to uphold the rule of law, safeguard national security, and advance regional stability through judicial cooperation and mutual learning.

This visit forms part of ongoing initiatives to build the capacity of the Philippine judiciary in addressing complex legal challenges posed by terrorism, while fostering stronger institutional linkages between the Philippine and Australian justice systems. - END