By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Governance in Justice program welcomed the establishment of Bacolod City as a “Justice Zone,” which is an area where local justice sector agencies work to identify problems and seek out solutions. A formal launch took place yesterday morning at the Bacolod City Government Center.
The selection of a “Justice Zone” is incumbent on how a locality converges justice sector reform efforts including jail and court decongestion, electronic court system implementation, peace and order promotion, efficient public service, among other matters.
Among those present for the event included Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año; Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra; Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin; along with representatives from the European Union, which backs the program.
Enrico Strampelli, who represented the EU, said the establishment of a “Justice Zone” shows the Philippines is making strides to bring about much-needed reforms in its justice system./DGB, WDJ