Bayanihan para sa katarungan

DIPLOMATIC POUCH

- MASSIMO SANTORO

Last month, we celebrated the results of EU-GOJUST, the European Union's support to the justice sector in the Philippines, a program that has worked hand-in-hand with the justice sector's institutions, with civil society organizations, and with communities on the ground, for the last four years.

As the current phase of EU-GOJUST winds down and a new phase of EU-GOJUST starts, I would like to share a reflection and look into the future of our partnership with the justice sector.

The European Union's engagement in the justice sector in the Philippines stems from our mandate to contribute to democracy, the rule of law, and the promotion and protection of human rights, which are all values enshrined in our founding acts, and in particular in the Treaty of the European Union. Our partnership with the Philippines in the justice sector is Philippine-led: the EU supports the Philippines on issues that its authorities deem key for the country's sustainable development, and which are in line with the EU's own values and global objectives.

Efficient and fair justice provision and equal access to justice by all are fundamental for the well-being of the population. Public trust in the justice system is essential for upholding the rule of law and maintaining social order, which are also conducive to socio-economic prosperity and investment decisions.

A significant part of EU-GOJUST work has been with the sector's institutions, supporting their efforts to make justice more efficient through improved coordination, rationalization processes, and through the automation and digitization of systems.