Manila, Feb. 19 -- Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said a grant secured from the European Union would help create a more effective, inclusive, and accountable Philippine justice system.

In a statement on Wednesday, Recto said the 16.5 million euros (PHP1 billion) grant agreement for the Enabling Justice and Rule of Law in the Philippines of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) was signed on Nov. 22, 2024.

"This agreement is of great importance to us because we recognize that economic progress and the rule of law must go hand in hand," Recto said in his opening remarks at the ceremonial exchange of documents on Wednesday.

The grant program was extended by the EU in recognition of the successful implementation of its previously f...