The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Wednesday, Sept. 25, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the dissemination of the new Rules on Preliminary Investigation and Inquest Proceedings.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla described the new rules under Department Circular No. 15 as a "game changer in the prosecution of crimes.”
“Unfortunately, not all lawyers in the country are aware of this,” Remulla said.
With the signing of the MOA, he said "the widespread dissemination of DC 15 will be faster and be more efficient.”
Government prosecutors conduct preliminary investigation and inquest to determine if criminal complaints should be filed before the courts.
Prior the new rules, Remulla said the conduct of the preliminary investigation and inquest is covered by Rule 112 of the Judiciary’s Rules of Court.
Now, under the new rules, the conduct of preliminary investigation and inquest proceedings on criminal complaints "is an executive function and under the sole and exclusive doman of the DOJ," he said.
Under the new rules, the DOJ said prosecutors are required to be proactive in the build-up of cases with law enforcement.
Remulla said the reforms introduced in the new rules include “the increase of quantum of evidence at the preliminary investigation stage from mere probable cause to reasonable certainty of conviction.”
IBP President Antonio C. Pido expressed gratitude “for allowing us be a vehicle to disseminate this new rules on preliminary investigation.”
“Napakahalaga po malaman ng mga lawyers ang bagong sistema na ito (It is important for lawyers to know this new system),” said Pido who reminded that the IBP, the official organization Philippine lawyers, has proactive chapters in each of the country’s provinces.
DOJ Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez said the MOA is “the first ever engagement between the Integrated Bar of the Philippines which is the national organization of all lawyers of the Philippines and the leading law enforcement agency of the government, the Department of Justice.”
Vasquez said the new rules “ensure that the Filipino people would have a faster and less expensive administration of justice.”