PHL business sector wants court cases handled quicker

SEVERAL business groups urged the Supreme Court to speed up the handling of cases given that the Philippines is among the slowest in the Asean region when it comes to deciding on a legal proceeding.

In a joint statement, private sector stakeholders said the quicker disposition of cases is beneficial for both the litigating parties and the business sector in general.

“The Court’s decisions guide businesses in their future commercial relations and transactions and profoundly affect how businesses move forward,” the statement reads. “The timely resolution of disputes inspires confidence among potential investors who can rely on the efficiency of judicial processes to uphold the laws, regulations and contracts upon which businesses are built.”

This, as the business groups noted that the Philippines has the second longest period to resolve cases in the Asean bloc, according to the 2020 World Bank/ International Finance Corp. Ease of Doing Business Report.

The signatories explained that having “judicial speed and efficiency” bodes well for the economy as this boosts competitiveness of the Philippines.

“In these uncertain times brought about by the ongoing pandemic, it is crucial that we strengthen our economy’s backbone by ensuring continuity and certainty in our commercial affairs,” the groups said.

In addition, the statement said that the role of the Supreme Court in settling cases “inspires confidence in the private and public sectors that all rights are justly and equally protected under the rule of law.”

The business groups cited the Constitution, particularly Article III, Section 16 noting that all people “have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.” In addition, they also noted that all cases should be decided within 24 months from the date of submission, unless the period is reduced by the Supreme Court.

“[W]e urge and appeal to the next Chief Justice to lead the Supreme Court in making mandatory at all court levels the periods to decide cases under the Constitution,” the statement added.

Among the business groups that signed the statement are the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc., Anvil Business Club, British Chamber of Commerce Philippines, Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Cebu Business Club, Cebu Leads Foundation, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Fintech Alliance PH, French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in The Philippines and Guild of Real Estate Entrepreneurs and Professionals Inc.

Other signatories include the Investment House Association of the Philippines, Iloilo Business Club, Judicial Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, National Real Estate Association Inc., Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Philippine Retailers Association, Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines, Tax Management Association of the Philippines and UP School of Economics Alumni Association.