World Justice Project index is “perception that has no basis in reality”: Roque

February 3, 2018

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Philippines' big decline in a yardstick measuring adherence to rule of law is " a perception that has no basis in reality.

Roque, in a press conference in Ilocos Norte on Saturday, said " I am not saying that our criminal justice system is perfect. It's weak. Cases last long and it takes a long time for victims to obtain justice."

But Roque said this is something "that has been there not just during the Duterte administration."

The World Justice Project (WJP) on Monday, in its 2017-2018 Rule of Law Index, showed the Philippines fell 18 places to 88th place in its rankings of countries on their adherence to the rule of law.

"That is something that, I think, is a reflection of the need to have further reforms in our justice system," added Roque.

"Our hope is that the president, being a former prosecutor, and one who has shown political will, is able to raise the quality of justice in our country," said Roque. DMS