SC pushes for victim-sensitive criminal justice system

MANILA – The Supreme Court is pushing for a victim-sensitive criminal justice system as the current system has become more focused on the rights of the accused, according to Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh.

Speaking before the members of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council during its meeting for the crafting of “Multi-Sectoral Guidelines on Victim-Sensitivity in the Criminal Justice System recently, Singh noted that the guidelines will change the mindset in the justice system. 

Singh is the chairperson of the JSCC Technical Working Group on Processes and Capacity Building. 

“It may have been unintentional because the focus of the Constitution is to guarantee human rights of everyone. Kaya lang, with the implementation, ganoon po naging effect sa atin. So tayo, conscious at sensitive sa rights ng accused, nakakalimutan po natin ‘yung taong na-damage na, na-prejudice na,” Singh said. 

Singh said the guidelines aim to achieve balance and are not intended to lessen the safeguards for the accused and Persons Deprived of Liberty or PDLs. 

Singh also noted that the JSCC has ongoing parallel programs for the welfare and protection of inmates. 

“That is why this initiative is very important—because we want to change that perspective…Kailangan pong balansehin natin. Hindi pwedeng unequal,” Singh said.

The TWG will study the draft of the guidelines before making its final recommendation, subject to the approval of the JSCC principals, including the Chief Justice, the Secretary of Justice and the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government. 

Supreme Court to use AI technology in courts
SC orders transfer of Quiboloy's criminal cases from Davao to Quezon City
SC recognizes danger of 'red-tagging,' says may justify writ of amparo