As part of the Supreme Court of the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to reform the Shari’ah justice system, Dr. Nassef M. Adiong, together with Ms. Asmin P. Abdullah, SCL, from the Policy Research and Legal Services–Legislative Measures and Legal Assistance Division (PRLS-LMLAD), and Mr. Gurhan Adan, SCL, from the Policy Research and Legal Services–Legislative Research Division (PRLS-LRD), participated in a focus group discussion (FGD) in Davao City from August 10 to 12, 2024. These discussions were part of the Institutional Review and Assessment of the Philippines’ Shari’ah Justice System (IRA-SJS), a Supreme Court initiative aimed at evaluating and improving Shari’ah courts.
The IRA-SJS is a cornerstone project of the Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI 2022-2027). This initiative seeks to align the Shari’ah justice system with the principles of justice, equity, efficiency, and inclusivity. The review also aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance the system’s overall functionality, with a particular focus on addressing the needs of marginalized groups.
PRLS’s participation in the FGDs involved engaging with various stakeholders to assess the integration of innovations within the current Shari’ah justice framework. The event brought together representatives from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, Shari’ah court judges, members of the academe, Shari’ah counselors, and local government officials to discuss key issues within the system.
The discussions included a modified SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats faced by the Shari’ah justice system. Stakeholders examined various aspects, including the system’s impact on marginalized communities, the effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and the competencies required of Shari’ah judges and practitioners. Participants also explored the feasibility of establishing additional Shari’ah courts and a Shari’ah High Court, as well as legal amendments necessary to improve the system.
PRLS played a key role in documenting the discussions with Shari’ah Counselors-at-Law, which will contribute to policy recommendations for the Supreme Court. These recommendations are expected to enhance the responsiveness and inclusivity of the Shari’ah justice system while ensuring its alignment with national and global standards of judicial innovation.
The Supreme Court’s initiative underscores its commitment to improving the Shari’ah justice system’s overall performance, making it more accessible and effective for all Filipinos, particularly those in the Bangsamoro region
Nassef Manabilang Adiong, PhD 