PRESS RELEASE                                                                     
Department of Foreign Affairs
2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines                        *      Tel. No. 834-4000                                 *     www.dfa.gov.ph
SFA-DDA-323-04                                                                                                                                20 May  2004
 

LAO JUDICIAL DELEGATION STUDIES PHILIPPINE LEGAL SYSTEM;
HOPES FOR CLOSER JUDICIAL COOPERATION

 
20 May 2004 - Closer bilateral cooperation in the field of law between the Philippines and the Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic and peaceful conduct of elections were reaffirmed as the members of the Lao Supreme Court successfully finished an official visit to the Philippines last 9-13 May 2004.
 
The members of the Lao Supreme Court came to the Philippines to discuss bilateral cooperation in law and to observe the national elections on the invitation of Ambassador Antonio Cabangon-Chua, who has been very active in promoting bilateral initiatives.

The delegation observed the national elections of 10 May 2004 down to the precinct level. This was the first time that a delegation from Laos observed the election proceedings in the Philippines.

In a call on the Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr., the Chief Justice expressed to the Lao officials his enthusiasm and desire for closer contact between legal luminaries of the Philippines and the Lao PDR. The Philippine Chief Justice warmly welcomed the suggestions made by the Lao Court on the need for more exchanges in the future, all of  which will contribute to greater understanding between  the two countries.

During the call on Acting Secretary Jose Brillantes, the Acting Secretary expressed his warm gratitude to the delegation for the support given by the Lao PDR for the conduct of the Philippine overseas absentee voting in Laos.  The Lao visitors shared their positive impressions on the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections.

The delegates from Laos were: Mr. Davone Vangvichith, Vice-President of the Lao Supreme Court; Mr. Khamsanh Philaphone, President of the Vientiane Capital City Court; Mr. Phomsavanh Philachanch, Legal Officer of Management –Inspection and Statistic Department of the Supreme Court; Mrs Khaisy Vixaiyalai, Vice-chief of the Cabinet of the Court of Appeals; and Mrs. Khamsine Philavanh, Judge of the Vientiane Capital City Court. - END