Philippines slips in Rule of Law

THE PHILIPPINES has slipped in terms of providing a strong justice system and addressing corruption, according to a new global index upholding the rule of law.

The World Justice Project (WJP) found the Philippines dragged down by weak justice systems and corruption in the latest version of its Rule of Law Index released in the United States yesterday.

The complete 2010 report, whose categories have been tweaked for the third time since the first report in 2008, has yet to be released as of press time.

A report from AFP, however, said the Philippine score was “dragged down by weak justice systems and corruption,” two of nine categories used to measure the performance of 35 countries covered by the index.

The first report in 2008 only surveyed six countries.

The Philippines also fared poorly in all factors of the category “access to justice” in the 2009 index.

Access to justice subfactors are impartial and accountable judicial system; efficient, accessible and effective judicial system; competent and independent attorneys or representatives; fair and efficient alternative dispute resolution; and fair and efficient traditional justice.

Other categories were accountable government; publicized and stable laws that protect fundamental rights; and accessible, fair and efficient process.

Benchmarks

According to WJP’s Web site, the index measures a government’s competitiveness, provides data on various aspects of the rule of law to assist policy makers to assess a nation’s compliance to its existing rule of law, and identify a nation’s strengths and weakness compared to their neighbors.

“Establishing the rule of law is fundamental to achieving communities of opportunity and equity-communities that offer sustainable economic development, accountable government, and respect for fundamental rights,” AFP quoted the 2010 report said.

By next year, WJP plans to add another 35 countries in its index for a total of 70 and expand it to 100 by 2012.

“Without the rule of law, medicines do not reach health facilities due to corruption; women in rural areas remain unaware of their rights; people are killed in criminal violence; and firms’ costs increase because of expropriation risk,” the report said.

The rule of law is the cornerstone to improving public health, safeguarding participation, ensuring security, and fighting poverty, it added.

The Palace could not be immediately reached for comment. — Ana Mae G. Roa, BUsinessworld