For many of us, the criminal justice system can seem like an intimidating labyrinth. Itis undoubtedly a complex machinery, but one good place to begin is by understanding its five pillars: law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, and the community.

Let us focus on prosecution.

The National Prosecution Service (NPS), created under Republic Act No. 10071, is primarily responsible for the preliminary investigation and prosecution of cases involving violations of penal laws. It is composed of the Prosecution Staff in the Office of the Secretary of Justice headed by the Prosecutor General; 18 Regional Prosecution Offices; 82 Provincial Prosecution Offices; and 149 City Prosecution Offices. With3,407 prosecutors and 510 prosecution attorneys stationed across the country, the NPSserves as a vital bridge between law enforcement and the courts.

Earlier this month, Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida convened the 249 heads of prosecution offices in Manila for a three-day summit.

The first day focused on ethics and professional accountability. Prosecutors renewed their Lawyer’sOath under the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, the landmark ethical framework adopted by the Supreme Court in 2023. The oath was administered by Secretary Vida in the presence of Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo and several members of the Supreme Court, including Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa (himself a former Secretary of Justice), Rodil V. Zalameda, Samuel H. Gaerlan, and Maria Filomena D. Singh, who also delivered a lecture on theupdated ethical standards.

Through the ceremony, the DOJ sought to underscore a simple but fundamental truth: public confidence in the justice system and the rule of law rests not on laws alone but on the integrity of those entrusted to enforce and uphold them.

The second day highlighted a dimension of the work of heads of prosecution offices that often goes not only unnoticed but alsooverlooked.The DOJ partnered with the Development Academy of the Philippines, whose Dean, Dr. Lizan E. Perante-Calina, conducted a lecture on leadership and management. The gathering also marked the launch of the Prosecutor’s Manual, developed with support from the European Union and the International Development Law Organization.

That evening, newly appointed and promoted chief prosecutors took their oath before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., followed by a meriendacena attended by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.

The third day consisted of two separate levelling sessions led by Secretary Vida: one with the 18 Regional Prosecutors and another with the 231 Provincial and City Prosecutors, focusing on DOJ’s current programs and priorities.

For many years, prosecutors across the country worked under limitations in manpower, resources, and facilities.Recent reforms, undertaken with the full support of President Marcos, have addressed these longstanding challenges.

Three new Regional Prosecution Offices have been established for MIMAROPA, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and the Negros Island Region, increasing the number of regional offices from 15 to 18. Additional provincial and city prosecution offices have likewise been created, including the Provincial Prosecution Office of Maguindanao del Sur, and the City Prosecution Offices of Sto. Tomas (Batangas), General Trias (Cavite), Calaca (Batangas), Baliwag (Bulacan), and Carmona (Cavite).

These new offices mean easier access to justice to the people who need it most.

Equally significant has been the expansion of prosecutorial manpower. Since 2022, the government has created 651 additional prosecutor positions and 351 prosecution attorney positions, with 592 more targeted over the next three years. These numbers mean more prosecutors reviewing complaints promptly, more lawyers appearing in court, more victims receiving assistance, and more criminals being held accountable.

The investment has not been limited to personnel. Prosecutors have also received enhanced benefits, including increased allowances, medical assistance, communication support, and survivorship benefits for the families of deceased prosecutors. More than₱1 billion has likewise been devoted to professional development and training.

This support is producing clear results. In 2025, the NPS recorded a prosecution success rate of 90.84%.

In criminal law, it is axiomatic that crimes are deterred not by the severity of the penalties but by the certainty of conviction. With the dedication, decency, and discipline of our prosecutors, together with the steadfast support of President Marcosand the leadership of Secretary Vida, the National Prosecution Service continues to grow into an institution that is competent, professional, and worthy of the confidence of every Filipino.