EU earmarks P570-M for Philippines' judicial reforms

MANILA, Philippines - The 28-nation bloc European Union (EU) allotted P570 million for the Philippines in an attempt to improve the poor's access to the justice system.

The aid EU-Philippines Justice Support Program, granted by Europe since 2009, is also meant to address the slow pace movement of extra-judicial killing and enforced disappearance cases.

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Guy Ledoux said in the program's launch that while reforming the justice system is a "long term endeavor," the grant facilitates poverty reduction and the fight against impunity.

"The ultimate goal shall be to enable the justice system to fully play its role as the backbone of the democratic and economic system of the Philippines," Ledoux said, addressing members of the Philippine National Police on Thursday.

EU will be earmarking funds for the country's judicial reforms until 2016. The bloc has sent a total of P1.3 billion in support of the Philippine justice system since 2003.

The international community has dubbed the Philippines as among the countries in the world with high incidences of killings, disappearances and other human rights violations. Convictions, too, of those behind the crimes have remained uncommon.

Ledoux said that the financial aid should help in the proper monitoring of the justice system and in making stakeholders accountable.

"The ultimate goal shall be to enable the justice system to fully play its role as the backbone of the democratic and economic system of the Philippines," he said.