USAID-Funded Project Helps Bring the Philippine Judiciary

UNCLAS MANILA 001793 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV CASC BTIO BEXP EAIR ECON RP SUBJECT: USAID-Funded Project Helps Bring the Philippine Judiciary into the Information Age ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: On July 23, 2008, the Philippine Supreme Court launched the USAID-funded Automated Case Management-Information System (CMIS) to address the backlog that has been plaguing the court system. The CMIS aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the four appellate courts with a uniquely-designed software program for the Philippine courts that will computerize the judiciary's case management system. The Ambassador, along with Chief Justice of the Philippines Reynato S. Puno, presented the software system along with needed computer hardware components to the courts. The event demonstrated the USG's ongoing commitment to enhance judicial efficiency, strengthen judicial capacity, improve access to justice, and promote greater transparency and accountability within the democratic processes of the Philippines. The event received wide media coverage including the top two national TV networks, all government TV networks, two national radio stations, and a number of the national daily papers. END SUMMARY -------------- Unveiling of the CMIS -------------- ¶2. (U) On July 23, 2008 the Philippine Supreme Court launched the USAID-funded CMIS to combat the case backlog and docket congestion. The Ambassador presented USAID-donated hardware and software to Chief Justice Reynato Puno and the presiding justices representing the Court of Appeals, the Court of Tax Appeals and the Sandiganbayan (Anti-Graft Court). The Ambassador discussed the essential role of an effective and efficient judiciary in strengthening democratic processes. The ongoing partnership between the US and the Philippines was emphasized, while underlining the importance of a strong commitment from the Philippine courts' leadership to ensure the proper implementation and continued maintenance for success of the new system. ¶3. (U) Closing remarks from Chief Justice Reynato Puno underscored that the CMIS aims to allow better transparency in court operations and performance in order to enhance public service. Approximately 40 associate justices and court officers attended the event. -------------- USG Contribution -------------- ¶4. (U) At the end of 2007, more than 700,000 cases were pending before the trial and appellate courts of the Philippines. There was no automated system to locate, monitor, and manage court cases. In response to the Supreme Court's announced commitment to eliminate the backlog, USAID financially supported the development of a computer system for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals and the Sandiganbayan (Anti-Graft Court). The USAID assistance package also included the donation of 50 desktop computers, two powerful servers, high speed scanners, computer aided transcription machines and provision of computer literacy training to justices and court personnel. USG assistance for the CMIS and hardware amounted to more than 650,000 dollars. Kenney