The Philippines rose by nine notches to rank 51st among 102 countries in the Rule of Law Index 2015, which measures how the rule of law is experienced in practical, everyday situations by ordinary people around the world.
Based on the latest study conducted by the nonprofit organization World Justice Project (WJP), the Philippines fared well in three of the eight categories by which the 102 countries were assessed. Results showed that the country ranked high in terms of constraints on government powers (39th); absence of corruption (47th), and open government (50th).
The Philippines, however, fell to the bottom half of the global rankings in terms of regulatory enforcement (52nd); order and security (58th); criminal justice (66th); fundamental rights (67th), and civil justice (75th).
The WJP Rule of Law Index 2015, the fifth report in an annual series, was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2014. Results were based on 100,000 household and 2,400 expert surveys that used 44 indicators across the eight categories, each of which is scored and ranked globally and against regional and income peers. The study is said to be the only rule of law and corruption perceptions index that combines both expert consultation and data collection.
WJP defines the rule of law based on four universal principles derived from internationally accepted standards. These were accountability under the law; clear, publicized and stable laws; accessible, fair and efficient enactment of laws; and timely delivery of justice.
A statement issued by the Philippine embassy in Washington noted that the Philippines was one of the most improved countries in terms of global rankings. The country is also the most improved among Asean member nations.