Foreign chambers seek judiciary reforms

MANILA — The Joint Foreign Chambers, the umbrella organization of foreign chambers operating in the country, is urging the government to implement major reforms, particularly in the area of the judiciary, in the run-up to President Aquino’s delivery of his second State of the Nation Address.

While generally satisfied with the accomplishments of the Aquino administration thus far, the group said more reforms could be done, especially in the judiciary.

“We need to reform the judicial sector. Business harassment, or when competitors seek (temporary restraining orders), is a big issue for investors. The delay in getting certain issues to court is also a problem,” Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines president Julian Payne said in a JFC briefing yesterday.

“Reconsiderations are likewise big issues. The Supreme Court sometimes reconsider cases two to three times. There’s no certainty in the business environment. It’s like we can’t depend on written laws here. The courts have to be consistent in its decisions, regardless of the members (of these courts),” he added.  /INQUIRER