The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the reaffirmed commitment of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC)—composed of the Judiciary, law enforcement, and prosecution agencies primarily responsible for the country’s criminal justice system—to dispense swift and fair justice to all Filipinos.
During a joint dialogue in partnership with the European Union Governance in Justice Programme (GOJUST Programme) on 11 January 2022, Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr., and Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla discussed their strategic plans and concerns with regards to improving the country’s criminal justice processes.
Chief Justice Gesmundo began by noting that the establishment of Justice Zones (JZs) nationwide is, by itself, a “compelling example” of innovation in the justice sector. JZs are venues for inter-agency coordination in the dispensation of criminal justice. Currently, there are JZs in capitals, such as Baguio City, Quezon City, Angeles City, Bacolod City, Columba City, Balanga City, Cebu City, Davao City, and Naga City.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Remulla highlighted the proposed training programs under the DOJ to capacitate prosecutors with the skills necessary for successful prosecution of criminal cases. He said that such measures will decongest both court dockets and detention facilities, as “only those against whom the evidence of guilt is strong would be charged and convicted.”
DILG Secretary Abalos also pointed out that the use of technology, particularly in the conduct of virtual court hearings, enables law officers from far-flung areas to still provide testimony critical in the progress of criminal cases.
CHR acknowledges these advancements and hopes that their pronouncement on the provision of effective and accessible justice to all Filipinos is realised once and for all—regardless of their economic background, political belief, sector, or any status in life. These are positive actions in upholding the people’s right to justice and due process. As watchdog, monitor, advocate, and educator of the government with respect to human rights, the Commission vows to be a partner in ensuring the respect and protection of the human rights and dignity of all.
We eagerly look forward to stronger accountability mechanisms for perpetrators of human rights abuses and violations. Along with the aforementioned prosecution initiatives, CHR encourages sustained efforts in recording reports of abuses, delivering reparations to victims, institutional reforms, and national consultations towards shaping the justice system. These are actionable steps in the right direction that will validate the government’s promise to fulfill its constitutional and international obligations.
The Commission expects that these justice-oriented mechanisms will be of service to the most marginalised in the country. How effective they will be could also inform the pursuit of justice not only in the civil and political realm, but also the economic, social, and cultural rights of all Filipinos. ###