Justice, law enforcement reforms seen

Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla will depart for Geneva, Switzerland to deliver a clear message that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is working for the transformational reform of its justice and law enforcement sectors.

The Justice secretary will lead the Philippine Government delegation that will participate in the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of the Philippines.

"Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, is working to deliver transformational reform of its justice and law enforcement sectors — to enhance the enjoyment of human rights of all our citizens — based on the rule of law and respect for due process," said Remulla in a statement.

He added that he will share ongoing initiatives of the Department of Justice "which we have labeled as a comprehensive reform program of "Real Justice in Real Time."

It includes concrete measures to decongest our prisons, improve case build-up through cooperation between prosecutors, investigators, and the Commission on Human Rights and reaching out to civil society to strengthen witness protection.

"I will also inform about gains made during the first 100 days of the Marcos Administration in terms of protection of vulnerable groups, such as migrants and children," Remulla said.

He explained that the UPR is a peer-review mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council where the promotion and protection of human rights in all countries are reviewed on a regular basis. This is the fourth time that the Philippines participates in the UPR.