The Department of Finance has secured a P1 billion grant from the European Union (EU) for a program to protect Filipinos’ rights to a responsive justice system, which is key to achieving economic security and prosperity.
The grant agreement for the Enabling Justice and Rule of Law in the Philippines of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) worth 16.5 million euros (about P1 billion) was signed on Nov. 22, 2024. Grants are financing instruments given by development partners with no obligation for repayment.
It aims to contribute to the Philippines’ socio-economic development by creating a more effective, inclusive and accountable justice system.
“This agreement is of great importance to us because we recognize that economic progress and the rule of law must go hand in hand,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said in a statement.
Recto said there could be no real economic growth without trust in the law as people could not confidently participate in the economy, pursue better opportunities and build a future defined by dignity.
“And without progress, our people cannot reach their full economic potential, keeping them in the grip of poverty. Ultimately, a properly functioning justice system is key to achieving economic security and prosperity,” Recto said.
The program, in line with the JSCC’s mandate, which is composed of the Supreme Court (SC), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), addresses three main areas—justice coordination, access to justice for all and anti-corruption.
It aims to improve coordination between the justice institutions, the DILG, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and civil society organizations (CSOs).
This also includes expanding and standardizing the Justice Zone model to address substantive issues at the local level. Justice zones are areas where the local justice sector actors (i.e. police, public attorneys, and judges) collaborate to identify and solve day-to-day problems.
The program improves legal aid services for marginalized groups by strengthening the capacities of local justice sector actors to address the unique challenges faced by women and vulnerable communities.
Improving access to justice also includes strengthening the role of local government units (LGUs) as the first entry point for individuals seeking justice and increasing people’s awareness of legal rights and remedies available to them.
