Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto has secured a grant from the European Union (EU) for a program to protect Filipinos’ rights to a responsive justice system, which is key to achieving economic security and prosperity.

The grant agreement for the Enabling Justice and Rule of Law in the Philippines of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) worth EUR 16.5 million (about PHP 1.0 billion) was signed on November 22, 2024. Grants are financing instruments given by development partners with no obligation for repayment.

The program aims to contribute to the Philippines’ socio-economic development by creating a more effective, inclusive, and accountable 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,” Secretary Recto said in his opening remarks at the ceremonial exchange of document on February 19, 2025.

He stressed that there can be no real economic growth without trust in the law since people cannot confidently participate in the economy, pursue better opportunities, and build a future defined by dignity if order is not upheld.

“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 stressed.

“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,” the Finance Chief added.

In line with the JSCC’s mandate, which is composed of the Supreme Court (SC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the program addresses three main areas—justice coordination, access to justice for all, and anti-corruption.

In particular, it will improve coordination between the justice institutions, the DILG, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and civil society organizations (CSOs).

This also includes expanding and standardizing the Justice Zone model to address substantive issues at the local level. Justice Zones are areas where the local justice sector actors (i.e. police, public attorneys, and judges) collaborate to identify and solve day-to-day problems.

More importantly, the program improves legal aid services for marginalized groups by strengthening the capacities of local justice sector actors to address the unique challenges faced by women and vulnerable communities.

Improving access to justice also includes strengthening the role of local government units (LGUs) as the first entry point for individuals seeking justice and increasing people’s awareness of legal rights and remedies available to them.

To combat corruption, the program will align the legal public procurement framework with international best practices, strengthen the capacities of public expenditure oversight bodies; and enhance the training of civil servants in public procurement to promote transparency and good governance.

“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,” Secretary Recto said.

He assured the public that the Department of Finance (DOF) will continue to strongly support all efforts geared towards bringing about real improvements in the nation.

On the part of the EU, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro reaffirmed its continued support for the Philippines’ key development priorities, including reforms in its justice sector.

“The European Union supports the Philippines on issues that Philippine 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,” the Ambassador said.

The grant program was extended by the EU in recognition of the successful implementation of its previously funded Justice Reform Sector Programme: Governance in Justice Phase II (GOJUST II), which strengthened access to justice in the Philippines by combining improvements in the administration of justice and human rights.

Present during the ceremonial exchange of document for the said grant agreement were SC Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez; DOF Undersecretaries Maria Luwalhati C. Dorotan Tiuseco and Joven Z. Balbosa; DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez; DILG Undersecretary Romeo P. Benitez; Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Susana Maria L. Mendiola; and EU Head of Development Cooperation Marco Gemmer.