The Philippines’ low rank in the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law index is “distressing and embarrassing,” the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers said.

 

“The result, which is based on both experience and perception, is a wakeup call and also a sad commentary on the state of ‘rule of law’ in our country,” the NUPL said in a statement.

 

The Philippines slid further down to the 102nd spot in the WJP report that ranked 139 countries worldwide in compliance with the rule of law.

 

The WJP said that the Philippines’ overall rule of law score fell to 2.9% in this 2021 Index. The country also went down three positions in global rank.

 

NUPL president Edre Olalia said that the Philippines failing in “most in fundamental rights and criminal justice system in the global index means that there is something terribly wrong. “

 

The Philippines’ rank also refutes claims of government officials that there is a "robust" and working legal and justice system in the country, he added.

 

Olalia also noted that the Philippines’ poor performance as showed in the report was more apparent since the start of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

 

“But all bad things must also come to an end. We will continue contributing as lawyers to push for legal and judicial reforms while pushing back against continuing assaults and corrosive measures by the political branches on basic rights and freedoms,” he said.

 

“We shall also be on the lookout on the platforms of candidates in the coming elections in this regard and urge them to present clear and concrete positions on these paramount issues,” Olalia added.