House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co has hailed an initiative of the Department of Justice (DOJ) that tightens the noose around the necks of misbehaving government prosecutors.

Co cited on Wednesday, Sept. 7 the creation of the Prosecution Integrity Board of the DOJ even as the agency pushed for the approval of the agency’s P26.6-billion proposed budget for 2023.

For the purpose of Wednesday's budget deliberations, DOJ officials led by Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla faced the members of the appropriations committee.

“We laud Secretary Remulla’s first official order as head of the DOJ to create the Prosecution Integrity Board. Established through Department Circular No. 027, the board will look into misconducts of government prosecutors and recommend sanctions against them if necessary,” Co said.

As the state’s principal law agency, the DOJ plays an indispensable role as government’s prosecution arm and administers government's criminal justice system, Co said, adding that the agency is tasked to investigate crimes, prosecute offenders, and oversee the country’s correctional system.

Co also commended Remulla for his initiatives to strengthen the cause of justice and cope with the challenges brought by Covid-19 through the creation of the Case Decongestion Task Force and adoption of the “e-inquest” and “alternative preliminary investigations”.

He also noted DOJ’s dedication to stamp out online sexual exploitation, gender-based violence, and child’s rights offenses.

“With the proposed budget of P28.2 billion for fiscal year 2023, we look forward to all DOJ plans and programs to ensure that justice is served efficiently and appropriately,” Co said.

The appropriations panel chairman said the House, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, will support and help ensure DOJ’s success in achieving its plans for next year.

The budget deliberations on the DOJ budget was swiftly terminated Wednesday.

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Co and committee senior vice chairperson, Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo, also heard the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) proposed 2023 budget of P24.06 billion later that afternoon.

The Bicolano noted that over half of DOST’s proposed 2023 budget (50.46 percent, equivalent to P12.14 billion) is allocated for science and technology (S&T) services.

“As the world, including the Philippines, transitions from the pandemic, our economic survival and growth will be driven by science and technology. It is appropriate that we put bulk of the people’s money both on S&T services and research and development (R&D). DOST’s proposed R&D budget for next year is at P2.5 billion or 10 percent of the department’s total budget,” Co said.