Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on Monday, March 13, expressed hope that the Philippine National Police (PNP) would welcome the soon-to-be released new rules that would require government prosecutors to work with law enforcers in the build-up of criminal cases. Remulla explained that under the old set-up, “prosecutors play a passive role” and “simply wait for the evidence collected by law enforcers.” Under the new soon-to-be released rules, “our prosecutors shall now proactively participate in, cooperate and coordinate with law enforcers in building-up of cases.” “Moving forward, prosecutors and police would be partners in the case build-up stage to collect the right evidence, to establish witness statements, connect the dots and finally formulate a strong case before our courts,” he said. He expressed confidence that the new rule will improve the conviction rates and “better serve our people by providing the safety and security every Filipino deserves.” “Indeed, things will change. We all have to make adjustments. I therefore hope that it is a change that is welcomed by the PNP,” he said during the launch of the Digital Booking System at the PNP’s headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Remulla had earlier told the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland last Feb. 28 that the DOJ will soon release “the new case build-up rule that will change the landscape in the prosecution of cases.” Also, during the launch of the PNP’s Digital Booking System, Remulla urged the PNP to stop using as a measure of success the number of persons arrested. “Huwag nang pairalin muli ang ating quota, quota system. Itigil na po natin ito. Hindi po statistics ang buhay ng tao. Hindi po ito flashpoints pang promotion ang buhay ng Pilipino. Hindi po accomplishment ang magpakulong ng inosenteng tao kung di nakakasama at nakakawalang gana ang ganung sistema (Let’s stop the quota system. Let’s stop this. The lives of people are not statistics. These are not flashpoints for promotion. Detaining innocent people is not an accomplishment but is bad and diminishes the system),” he stressed.