Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla assured that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will look into the cases of German nationals who have pending cases or detained in the Philippines.
The assurance was given by Remulla to German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel during the latter’s courtesy call to the justice secretary on Wednesday, July 20, at the DOJ’s offices in Manila.
A press statement issued by the DOJ stated that the lady ambassador sought the speedy resolution of the cases of German nationals detained in the Philippines.
It said that Remulla was told by Reiffenstuel that the “criminal cases have been dragging on for quite some time.”
The DOJ did not say how many German nationals are involved.
“The Secretary vowed that the Department will be collaborating closely with the Supreme Court with the hope of amending the Rules of Court to speed up the prosecution of criminal cases,” the DOJ said.
“Further, the Department is eyeing a joint program with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the prosecutors to coordinate closely and work hand in hand,” it added.
It also said the German ambassador also raised “the issue of Visa Application Process anticipating a faster and a more efficient visa application process.”
“The Secretary assured the Ambassador that the administration would streamline the process to make it better than it was pre-pandemic,” the DOJ said.
Also during the meeting, the DOJ said “Secretary Remulla reiterated his desire to create an atmosphere friendly to business and assured the German Ambassador that the Department will no longer be weaponized against the business and international communities.”
“He further expressed his vision for a justice system that is predictable, stable and secure in order to create an environment conducive for investment,” it stated.