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Keisha Ta-Asan - The Philippine Star
February 20, 2025 | 12:00am
In a statement, the Department of Finance said that the grant agreement was signed on Nov. 22, 2024. Grants are financing instruments given by development partners with no obligation for repayment.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has secured a P1-billion (€16.5-million) grant from the European Union (EU) to support reforms aimed at enhancing the Philippine justice system, according to Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.
In a statement, the Department of Finance said that the grant agreement was signed on Nov. 22, 2024. Grants are financing instruments given by development partners with no obligation for repayment.
The grant will fund the Enabling Justice and Rule of Law in the Philippines program under the Justice Sector Coordinating Council. The JSCC seeks to create a more effective, inclusive and accountable justice system in the country.
At the ceremonial exchange of documents on Feb. 19, Recto said that the program is important because economic progress and the rule of law must go hand in hand.
He said there could be no real economic growth without trust in the law. People must feel secure in participating in the economy, pursuing better opportunities and building 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,” he said.
The program will address three main areas: justice coordination, access to justice for all and anti-corruption.
It will improve coordination among the judiciary, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Commission on Human Rights as well as civil society organizations.
One of its key components is expanding and standardizing the Justice Zone model, wherein local justice sector actors such as police, public attorneys and judges collaborate to resolve day-to-day legal challenges more efficiently.
To enhance legal aid, the initiative will also strengthen the capacities of local justice sector actors in addressing the needs of marginalized groups, particularly women and vulnerable communities.
Local government units will play a greater role in assisting individuals seeking justice, while public awareness campaigns will help inform citizens of their legal rights and remedies.
On anti-corruption, the program aims to align the public procurement framework with international best practices, enhance public expenditure oversight and improve civil servant training to promote transparency and good governance.
EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro said the EU is committed to supporting the Philippines’ key development priorities, including justice sector reforms.
“The European Union supports the Philippines on issues that authorities deem key for the country’s sustainable development. At the same time, these issues are in line with the European Union’s values on global objectives, which are at the core of our engagement with external partners. We are talking here about governance, rule of law, human rights, and values, which we fully share with the Philippines,” Santoro said.
The new grant builds on the success of the EU’s previous Justice Reform Sector Program: Governance in Justice Phase II, which improved access to justice in the Philippines through reforms in administration and human rights.
