The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the government’s re-affirmed commitment to dispense justice swiftly and fairly to all Filipinos.
In a statement, the CHR expressed hopes that the government’s “pronouncement on the provision of effective and accessible justice to all Filipinos is realized once and for all—regardless of their economic background, political belief, sector, or any status in life, as 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,” it stressed.
The CHR’s statement was issued as the heads of the first three pillars of the country’s criminal justice system – law enforcement, prosecution, and judiciary – reassured their commitment to dispense criminal justice to all Filipinos swiftly and fairly.
Together in Baguio City last Jan. 11, Local Government Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. for the law enforcement, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla for the prosecution, and Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo for the judiciary jointly met in a dialogue with justice stakeholders.
They are the principal movers of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) which had set up nine Justice Zones (JZs) nationwide as venue for airing of concerns and coordination in the dispensation of criminal justice.
The CHR said that Chief Justice Gesmundo noted that the establishment of JZs nationwide is, by itself, a “compelling example” of innovation in the justice sector.
It said that with the technology-driven thrust of the SC as mapped out in its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, Gesmundo encouraged every interested stakeholder “to innovate and improve justice sector processes, especially those involving local justice sector coordination.”
Justice Secretary Remulla, it said, highlighted the proposed training programs under the Department of Justice (DOJ) to capacitate prosecutors with the skills necessary for successful prosecution of criminal cases.
It added that Remulla noted 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.”
Secretary Abalos, it said, 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.
“We eagerly look forward to stronger accountability mechanisms for perpetrators of human rights abuses and violations,” the CHR said.
It encouraged “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,” it stressed.
TAGS: # CHR #Human rights #SC #CJ Gesmundo #Sec. Remulla #Sec. Abalos #Justice Zones