The Next Five Years One-Stop-Shop

Framework. The challenges are met with volunteers networking with the community for courtwatch, prayer rallies, seminars, media for a and a host of victims- focused activities. The struggle for justice is difficult with cracks in the five pillars: Investigation, Prosecution, Judiciary, Penology and the Community. The biggest problem is corruption. Investigators may be bribed to imperil the case or quash the crime. Ditto for the Prosecution which could sell the case using technicalities. And hurdling the two, comes the Courts so loaded and so may be loaded aptly chided as hoodlums in robes. Layed with corrupt practices are bureaucratic inefficiency and red tape. Cases average five to seven years; or even longer like the Vizconde Massacre case before it gets promulgated . The VACC Courtwatch closely monitors cases at PNP or NBI or DOJ, in MTCs and RTCs. Finally, in detention facilities. And behold, VACC had recorded a conviction rate of about 85% ; 100% in one particular year, indeed! Pillars of the criminal justice system work with each other; a victim has to hurdle each pillar to the next. This demand emotional and physical stamina, gnawing expenses and cast double victimization in victims lingo. Assistance and Counseling Center. The victim or his survivors have to cross over levels or processes before the trial of his case is completed with decision rendered (and the appeals from the lower court to the Supreme Court). At every turn are weaknesses a victim is forced to confront. It will help the countrys justice program to have an easily accessible and faster assistance center in order to guide a victim in the face of massive red tape and corruption that plague the bureaucracy. It will pave the road, simplify the process and save time and effort. A Center discourages corruption since volunteers are housed in one place. Victims get fast, easy and reliable guidance from committed people. Stakeholders. At present, no such one-stop-shop operates in the Philippines. VACC envisions establishing the first one- stop-shop here as Victims Assistance and Counseling Center under these pillars: Law Enforcement Prosecution Court Jail NGOs

In one building and one door, victims may avail of free quality and accessible assistance in a single trip like the following: Counselling from experts in Investigation, Prosecution, Court and Penology; Case Monitoring at DOJ/Assistance in filing cases; Court Watch during hearings of cases; Jail Watch after conviction; Referrals to proper agencies; Internet-based Crime Reporting and Monitoring via its Crime Spots; Legal and paralegal assistance; Updated Information; and Allied services in support of the case.

The main idea of such one-stop-shop is to help victims avail of the services provided by an NGO like VACC under one roof in an easily accessible manner. It will streamline and improve the delivery of volunteer services; reach more citizens thereby improving access to justice. For leverage, the Center should be near DOJ at Padre Faura, Manila and staffed by reliable, professional and efficient volunteers like retiree from law enforcement, prosecution, bar and bench and penology. Mass media people should also be involved; likewise, students for their professional growth and maturity.

VACC aims to radically change services to victims in the country. We must cut corruption and inefficiency. Bring services closer to the people, fast and accessible. Objectives. To establish an efficient, effective, sustainable, transparent and victimsoriented One-StopShop as the proposed Center above. To improve the services extended to victims in terms of accessibility, transparency and effectiveness To curb corruption and dubious activities in the crim inal justice system in the Philippines

Partners. VACC will lead the project given its 15 years advocacy in assisting victims. Due to the major cost, it will partner with local as well as international donors for funding. It will seek the support of Government, (provide the building) and with private institutions and volunteers (for staff, experts and operational expenses).