ILIGAN VISION 2050
PILLAR #14 – FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE AND RIGHTS OF ILIGANON
Iligan City, a place with rich cultural heritage, industrial growth, and natural beauty, has, for many years, been a thriving beacon of opportunity. But amid all its successes, a vast segment of its population suffers from an absence of justice and protection—particularly those from marginalized communities. The poor, victims of abuse, and individuals living in remote barangays (villages) continue to experience neglect and exclusion, largely because the system fails to reach them or earn their trust.
Many Iliganons, particularly the vulnerable, face an uphill battle when it comes to securing justice. The victims of violence, discrimination, human trafficking, and human rights violations find themselves unable to access the justice system. The unfortunate truth is that the process of securing legal help is arduous, complicated, expensive, and often inaccessible, particularly for those without means or connections. As a result, many Iliganons are left to suffer in silence, unable to pursue justice or to protect their rights.
If the legal and human rights systems in Iligan are not strengthened—especially at the grassroots level—abuse, fear, and hopelessness will continue to plague the community. There must be a concerted effort to ensure that justice is not a privilege for the few, but a right that every Iliganon can access. Only when the local justice system is accessible, efficient, and fair can we begin to remedy the deep-seated issues of inequality and injustice that affect many people in Iligan.
THE CURRENT STATE OF ACCESS TO JUSTICE IN ILIGAN
Access to justice in Iligan, as in many parts of the Philippines, remains a significant challenge for many residents. The country’s legal system, though built to serve all, has not effectively bridged the gap between the law and the lives of marginalized communities. For people who live in poverty or in remote areas, the journey to justice is often long and discouraging.
1. Financial Barriers to Justice
One of the greatest barriers to accessing justice is financial. Legal assistance, such as the fees for lawyers, court appearances, and administrative expenses, is often too costly for the majority of Iliganons. This is especially problematic for the poor, who may struggle just to meet basic living expenses, let alone afford the high costs associated with legal processes.
Even with pro bono services available through public defenders or some non-governmental organizations, the reality is that these services are limited and often stretched thin, making it difficult for people to get the attention their cases require. For many, the financial burden of pursuing legal action forces them to abandon their cases before they even begin, which often leads to prolonged suffering for victims.
2. Geographical Barriers
Geography also plays a key role in limiting access to justice for Iliganons, especially those living in remote barangays or rural areas. The distance to the nearest courthouse, police station, or legal service office can be prohibitive, particularly for those without reliable transportation or the financial means to travel. This is compounded by the fact that some barangays, particularly those located in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), lack access to the legal infrastructure and services available in the city center.
For residents of these remote areas, seeking justice often means facing additional challenges: long travel times, physical hardship, and the expense of transportation. Furthermore, public legal awareness campaigns and advocacy programs rarely reach these communities, leaving them unaware of their legal rights or how to seek legal recourse.
3. Social Stigma and Distrust of the Legal System
Another significant barrier to justice in Iligan is the social stigma that surrounds certain legal issues, especially those concerning human rights violations. Victims of abuse, discrimination, human trafficking, or violence often hesitate to come forward due to fear of shame, victim-blaming, or retribution from perpetrators. Many individuals, particularly those from vulnerable or marginalized communities, face systemic discrimination, both within their communities and within the legal system itself.
This distrust in the legal system is further exacerbated by concerns about corruption and inefficiency within the system. Many Iliganons do not believe they will receive fair treatment, as the legal processes may seem unfair or slow-moving. As a result, people avoid seeking help, choosing instead to suffer in silence, feeling that the system will not provide justice for them.
4. Complicated and Lengthy Legal Processes
The legal processes involved in seeking justice in the Philippines are often long, complicated, and filled with bureaucratic hurdles. For the average Iliganon, understanding the nuances of the law, filing necessary documents, attending hearings, and following through with case progress can feel like an insurmountable task. For the average person without legal training or assistance, the sheer complexity of the justice system can be overwhelming.
Moreover, the long delays in court proceedings are another significant challenge. Due to a backlog of cases, many individuals are left waiting for months or even years before their cases are resolved. This is especially problematic in cases of abuse or human rights violations, where timely legal intervention is crucial for the safety and well-being of victims. Unfortunately, many people are forced to endure prolonged legal battles, which only serve to deepen their trauma and disillusionment with the justice system.
THE IMPORTANCE OF STRENGTHENING LOCAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS
To ensure that justice is accessible to every Iliganon, the city must prioritize strengthening the local legal infrastructure. A local justice system that is accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the people can be a powerful tool in combating injustice and ensuring that all Iliganons have the opportunity to protect their rights.
1. Establishing Accessible Legal Assistance Programs
The first step toward improving access to justice in Iligan is the establishment of more accessible legal assistance programs. These programs could be designed to provide free or affordable legal services to the poor, individuals living in remote areas, and other vulnerable groups. Such programs should be staffed by lawyers, paralegals, and legal aid organizations, offering not only legal representation but also education on how to navigate the justice system.
By providing accessible legal services at the barangay level, the government can ensure that more Iliganons have the support they need to assert their rights and seek justice. These services could be delivered through mobile legal assistance units that travel to remote areas or through the creation of local legal clinics that operate regularly in each barangay.
2. Promoting Legal Awareness and Education
A key aspect of ensuring access to justice is promoting legal awareness and education. Many Iliganons are unaware of their rights, the legal process, or where to turn for help when they face injustice. This lack of awareness only serves to perpetuate cycles of abuse, discrimination, and exploitation.
To address this, the local government must initiate public awareness campaigns aimed at educating Iliganons about their legal rights. These campaigns should focus on topics such as domestic violence, human trafficking, labor rights, discrimination, and human rights violations. Additionally, the city should establish community programs and workshops that teach residents how to navigate the legal system and access the resources available to them.
3. Strengthening Barangay Services and Mediation
Barangays are the frontlines of community services and should be empowered to take a more active role in resolving legal issues. By strengthening barangay-level justice mechanisms, such as community mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), the local government can help resolve disputes before they escalate into lengthy and expensive legal battles.
In addition, barangay officials should receive training in legal matters, conflict resolution, and human rights so that they can better support their communities and intervene in cases of abuse, discrimination, or violation of rights. Providing barangay officials with the tools and knowledge they need will allow them to better serve their communities and create an environment of trust and cooperation.
4. Enhancing the Efficiency of the Court System
The local court system must also be made more efficient and responsive to the needs of the people. This can be achieved by reducing the backlog of cases and streamlining the judicial process. Special courts or tribunals could be established for specific cases, such as family disputes, human trafficking, and domestic violence, to expedite the legal process and ensure that justice is delivered in a timely manner.
Additionally, the court system should be more accessible, with courts located in areas that are easily reachable by all residents. Virtual hearings and online case tracking should be incorporated to make the legal process more accessible, particularly for individuals in remote areas.
5. Encouraging Community Participation and Support Systems
Finally, the community must play an active role in supporting the fight for justice. Local organizations, community leaders, and NGOs should work together to raise awareness about legal issues and provide support to victims of abuse or discrimination. Community-based programs that focus on providing counseling, rehabilitation, and legal assistance will empower individuals to seek justice and rebuild their lives.
It is essential for the government to collaborate with local organizations, including human rights groups, women’s rights organizations, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups, to ensure that the needs of all Iliganons are addressed. Together, these organizations can create a network of support that helps individuals navigate the justice system and hold perpetrators of abuse and injustice accountable.
CONCLUSION
The fight for justice and human rights in Iligan is far from over. However, by addressing the systemic barriers to justice and implementing reforms that focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and efficiency, we can begin to ensure that every Iliganon has access to the protection and justice they deserve. Strengthening the local justice system and creating a culture of fairness and accountability will provide a foundation for a more just and equitable future for all. For Iligan to truly prosper, every resident—regardless of their social, economic, or geographic background—must be able to access justice, protect their rights, and secure the opportunities that will allow them to thrive.