by Ma. Kristine Buenafe
Last January 28, 2025, 18 European ambassadors, led by EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro, visited Saint Louis University (SLU) in Baguio to learn more about the GOJUST programme and its impact on the local justice sector. Their visit highlighted the accomplishments of the Baguio City Justice Zone and its partner grantee, the CJ Moran Community Legal Assistance Office (CJMM-CLAO).
During the visit, the ambassadors listened to firsthand experiences from CJMM-CLAO representatives, Atty. Victoria Dines and Ms. Neil Gamido, and from Justice Zone representatives, Atty. Katrina Santiago-Bosantog and Mr. Ferdinand Bucad, who shared valuable insights on the realities of justice at the grassroots level. This sparked meaningful discussions on case resolution efficiency and how it can improve access to justice in the city.
The CJMM-CLAO, which supports the Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) of SLU, has provided over 1,300 individuals with free legal assistance and trained more than 3,400 people through legal workshops and seminars. Their work has focused on supporting women, children, and vulnerable communities in Baguio.
Meanwhile, the Baguio City Justice Zone, the 9th Justice Zone in the country, continues its efforts to strengthen the barangay justice system, reduce jail congestion, and support the reintegration of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) through legal consultations and assistance. Through their work more than 1,800 individuals have benefited from their initiatives.
Before concluding their visit, Ambassador Santoro expressed his gratitude for the work CJMM-CLAO and the BCJZ has done for the vulnerable and marginalized communities in Baguio City, citing his assurance that the EU will continue to support initiatives for greater access to justice in the city and nationwide.
“On behalf of the 17 member states here with me today, you can be sure that you can count on [the European Union] when it is about making the justice system in the Philippines [more] resilient, functional, and gender-responsive,” Ambassador Santoro concluded.
The visit reinforced the strong partnership between the European Union and the Philippines in creating a more efficient, inclusive, and accessible justice system. With continued collaboration, these efforts will continue to pave the way for sustainable justice reforms and improved legal services for communities across Baguio and beyond.