Solons seek system-wide justice reform

Akbayan Partylist lawmakers, led by Rep. Chel Diokno, have filed a measure to create a Joint Congressional Commission on Justice System Reform (JUSTCOM) to conduct a comprehensive review of the country’s justice system and tackle persistent issues in the judiciary.

“We need to make our justice system work. Without real reforms, it will stay slow and unequal — and the poor will continue to suffer the most. Cases must move faster than they do now,” Diokno said.

Diokno filed House Bill No. 7305 with fellow Akbayan Partylist Reps. Perci Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, along with Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.

The measure targets long-standing problems including case backlogs, prolonged pre-trial detention, jail overcrowding, limited access to legal assistance, weak accountability, and declining public trust in the justice system — laying the groundwork for structural and legislative reforms.

“The government has long neglected the justice system, giving it far less attention than it deserves. This bill is a step toward meaningful reform, ensuring faster case resolution, stronger accountability, and justice that is accessible to all, not just the privileged,” Diokno added.

The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index ranked the Philippines 97th out of 143 countries in 2025 — its lowest ranking to date — and 13th out of 15 in the region, performing worst in civil and criminal justice administration.

JUSTCOM will be composed of nine members: Three senators, three House members and three independent experts from civil society with expertise in law, criminal justice, public administration, judicial reform, or human rights. It will have a three-year mandate to conduct an independent, system-wide review covering law enforcement, prosecution, corrections and community-based justice.

“This ensures policymakers are at the forefront of identifying solutions to deep-rooted problems. JUSTCOM’s findings will directly guide legislation and congressional inquiries,” the bill’s explanatory note said.

The commission will work closely with government agencies — including the PNP, DoJ, Office of the Ombudsman, BJMP, Bureau of Corrections and DSWD — as well as civil society, academe, NGOs and people’s organizations.