THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged all Filipinos to demand justice and accountability from public officials as the country commemorated the International Day of Democracy yesterday (September 15) and the start of the Rule of Law Month.
Warning about the unchecked spread of misinformation on social media and disrespect for constitutional safeguards, the commission called on the people to be more vigilant about protecting their rights.
“The rule of law is the foundation of a healthy and flourishing democracy. At a time when these principles are at risk of erosion due to disinformation and the weakening of checks and balances, it becomes ever more urgent to safeguard truth, strengthen civic spaces, and uphold accountability as cornerstones of a just and dignified society,” the CHR said.
For this year, the International Day of Democracy adopted the theme “From Voice to Action,” which is a plea for all States to put into effect calls of the civil society for meaningful reforms.
“As we commemorate these observances, let this be a call to all stakeholders—government, civil society, and citizens alike—to stand firm in defending the principles of democracy and the rule of law. By doing so, we affirm that human rights are not privileges but inherent to all, and that the strength of democracy lies in ensuring that no one is above the law,” the CHR said.
The Commission said concerted action is imperative as the Philippines currently ranks 99th out of 142 countries in the 2024 World Justice Project (WJP) with a rating of 0.46—falling below the global average of 0.55.
The WJP is an independent, multidisciplinary organization working to create knowledge, build awareness, and stimulate action to advance the rule of law worldwide.
It puts out a yearly Rule of Law Index which evaluates 142 countries on eight categories: constraints on government power, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice, and criminal justice.
The CHR said the low rank of the Philippines in the Rule of Law Index means the country has poor ratings on ensuring equal access to justice, dismantling the culture of impunity, and protecting civic spaces.
“In times of political, social, and economic uncertainty, the rule of law is not merely a legal safeguard but a moral compass that keeps societies anchored in justice and equality,” the commission added.
