His Excellency Massimo Santoro, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines; Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez; Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Romeo P. Benitez; Associate Justice Midas Marquez; Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Susana Mendiola; members of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council; fellow public servants; distinguished guests: good morning.

On behalf of the Philippine government, I thank the European Union for its steadfast support of the Filipino people’s right to an accessible, efficient, effective, and responsive 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.

For without trust in the law, there can be no real economic growth. Without order, our people cannot 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.

Kaya sa tulong ng programang ito, pinagtitibay po natin ang koordinasyon ng ating mga justice institutions at lokal na pamahalaan upang mapabilis at mapalawak ang paghahatid ng hustisya sa bawat Pilipino.

Mabibigyang prayoridad din ang mga kababaihan at at mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan na nangangailangan ng dagdag na proteksyon at legal assistance.

Higit sa lahat, palalakasin din po natin ang ating kakayahang labanan ang korapsyon. Ating paiigtingin ang mga mekanismong nagtataguyod ng tapat, tama, at may pusong pamamahala, lalong lalo na pagdating sa public procurement.

So, I call on my fellow public servants from across the bureaucracy as well as our partners for justice and development to work closely together to ensure the success of this program.

I have full confidence that the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, are fully committed to ensuring that the program delivers justice, opportunities, and dignified life that the Filipino people rightfully deserve.

On our end at the Department of Finance, rest assured that we will continue to strongly support all efforts geared towards bringing about real improvements in our nation.

Once again, I thank the EU for their generous support of the Philippines’ development journey. I am confident that this program will produce a lasting impact on the lives of every Filipino.

Maraming salamat po. Mabuhay po kayo, at mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas.