Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC)

JOINT DECLARATION OF THE JUSTICE SECTOR AGENCIES IN SUPPORT OF THE EFFECTIVEAND EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

Guiding Principle. While it is recognized that the institutions that comprise the justice sector are independent and have their respective mandates, the justice sector operates in an environment where there is an interdependence of functions and a wide range of shared interests crucial to the effective and efficient administration of justice.

Approach. In recognition of this guiding principle, a coordinated approach to justice sector policy making, planning, and operations is essential to provide for a coherent and effective sectoral approach to the administration of justice.

Composition. The justice sector institutions are committed to working together and have agreed to establish a Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC), composed of senior representatives from the Judiciary, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government and their relevant attached agencies.

Functions. The JSCC shall serve as a joint forum for dialogue on issues of common interest and mechanism for effective coordination and sharing of information in support of planning and implementation of joint initiatives.

Implementation Arrangements. Recognizing that the JSCC functions involve policy and institutional coordination, the principals acknowledge the importance of their presence and participation in the meetings and also agree to desi'gnate key officials involved in policy implementation to attend on their absence.

The JSCC shall identify priority issuesand challenges that may be collectively addressed and shall meet on a regular monthly basis.

The JSCC will be assisted by a Secretariat whose main function is to provide technical and logistical support to the JSCC.

Signed in Manila on 30 April 2010:

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Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC)
(The Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) is composed ofthe Supreme Court, Department of Justice, and Department of the Interior and Local Government)

2011 Anti-Illegal Drugs Forum

The JSCC held the 2011 Anti-Illegal Drugs Forum at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on 14 November 2011. The Forum aims to identify the problems/gaps in handling illegal drugs cases and formulate strategies in solving the same.

Chief Justice Renato C. Corona, who delivered the keynote speech, and Senator Vicente C. Sotto III, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. and Justice Secretary Leila M. Delima, who also gave their messages, signed a "Joint Declaration in Support of the Campaign Against Illegal Drugs".

A highlight of the Forum is the workshop, participated in by representatives from the different pillars of the justice system, where participants crafted an action plan to propose solutions to the issues/problems/gaps in the handling of drugs cases.

The event was capped by a closing remarks by Interior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo.