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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos to DOJ, police: Ensure prosecutors' safety amid new criminal probe rules

Marcos to DOJ, police: Ensure prosecutors' safety amid new criminal probe rules

Published Jul 10, 2024 06:36 am

President Marcos has ordered the Justice department and police to come up with ways to ensure the safety of prosecutors in the country.

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President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. witnesses the signing of the 2024 Department of Justice - National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) Rules on Preliminary Investigation and Inquest Proceedings in a ceremony at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañan Palace on July 10, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Malacañang)


"I direct the DOJ and the PNP to recommend ways to help ensure the safety and protection of our prosecutors," Marcos said.

The President made the directive as the executive and judiciary signed the 2024 Department of Justice National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) rules on preliminary investigations and inquest proceedings on Wednesday, July 10.


He said this, recognizing the threats that prosecutors face in their line of work.


"Our prosecutors are vital to the administration of justice. Given this role, we recognize the threats that you face in this line of duty," Marcos said.


Under the new rule, prosecutors are now empowered to take the lead in criminal investigations, ensuring that there is proper and sufficient case build-up before filing in court.


"The new rules [elevated] the quantum of evidence from probable cause to prima facie evidence with a reasonable certainty of conviction. This means that only strong cases are brought to trial, reducing frivolous suits and malicious prosecution that clog our courts," Marcos said in his speech during the signing ceremony.

According to Marcos, the new procedure veers away from the procedures that were more rigid, allowing the submission of additional documents and enabling a more comprehensive examination of the case.


The Chief Executive further said that the inquest proceedings also improved, providing a detailed process for handling warrantless arrests, including the filing of referral letters, submission of required evidence, provisional determination of arrest validity, and submission of lacking evidence.


"This ensures that the rights of the accused are protected, even in urgent situations," he added.


The 2024 DOJ-NPS rules also adopt e-filings and virtual hearings.


"At the crux of these reforms is instilling accountability of the prosecutors to the public. The period set in resolving preliminary investigation complaints will guarantee that cases will be evaluated and resolved within a reasonable time," Marcos also stated.

"To our prosecutors, you have your work now cut out for you. You are not just gatekeepers but also the shepherds of the highest integrity, ethics, and impartiality in the administration of justice," he added.

Related Tags

DOJ Philippine National Police (PNP) President Marcos 2024 Department of Justice National Prosecution Service prosecutors
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