EJOW program to bring justice to the poor
Roxas City – With the two mobile courts coming to Roxas City on January 9, more cases here are expected be speedily disposed of and be added to the thousands of cases that were resolved and given justice.
The mobile courts have been part of the Enhanced Justice on Wheels (EJOW) program of the Supreme Court.
Records from the highest court revealed that as of December 17, 2009, the EJOW has facilitated the release of/dismissal of cases against 2,513 inmates, settled some 5,361 cases through court-annexed mediation, and provided free legal aid to 1,103 detainees.
At least 6,883 inmates were provided free medical and dental assistance, while 11,900 barangay officials have been oriented on the SC’s EJOW and other judicial reform programs and Court rules enhancing human rights.
At the start of this year, the mobile courts will be deployed in Roxas City and Kalibo, Aklan, Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno said.
During the first quarter of 2010, Puno disclosed that said mobile courts will also travel to Sta. Cruz or Biñan in Laguna, Malolos City, Bulacan; La Union and Baguio City; Cagayan de Oro and Iligan or South Cotabato and Maguindanao; Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Abra; Tarlac and Pangasinan; Iloilo and Bacolod; Bohol and the cities of Marikina, Mandaluyong, Taguig and Muntinlupa.
The EJOW program, particularly the mobile courts, is part of the Supreme Court’s efforts to bring justice to every Filipino, especially those who have less access to the courts due to poverty and distance.
On the other hand, lawyer Meneleo Aguirre, who is also the Clerk of Court of Roxas City Regional Trial Court Branch 17 stressed that with the deployment of mobile courts in Roxas City, more will be benefited.
Aguirre also pointed out that the EJOW will greatly help declog cases in courts here.
He said that aside from the hearing of cases and providing mediation services during the stay of the mobile courts here, Chief Justice Puno will also have a dialogue with the judges, court personnel, and other justice stakeholders in Capiz. (PIA/Jemin B. Guillermo)
