Court fees limit the poor’s access to justice, says UE Law dean Valdez

UE Law Dean Amado Valdez. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Court fees, for University of the East College of Law Dean Amado Valdez, is unconstitutional because it limits the poor’s access to courts.

Valdez is the first to be interviewed by the Judicial and Bar Council on the third day of live interviews of candidates for the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

“High fees affect access to justice,” Valdez said.

“Between access to justice and fees, I think we need to give more premium value of access to justice. There has to be a fair opportunity to seek redress for their grievances,” he added.