By Benjamin Pulta | Philippine News Agency
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday signed new rules on proceedings to expedite summary and preliminary investigations.
In a news release, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said the National Prosecution Service (NPS) rules will build upon earlier procedures in the investigation of crimes where the penalty prescribed by law is six years or below.
Last May, the Supreme Court en banc recognized the authority of the DOJ to promulgate its 2024 DOJ-NPS Rules on Preliminary Investigations and Inquest Proceedings, which governed crimes where the imposable penalty is six years and one day and above.
“More than mere procedural updates, this circular embodies the Department’s steadfast resolve to address delays in case preparation, to strengthen prosecutorial engagement in investigations, and to expedite the justice process. It provides structure, consistency, and efficiency in handling cases swiftly, thus ensuring our legal actions are both fair and solidly grounded in evidence with a high likelihood of conviction,” Remulla said.
The new rules expand the application of innovations introduced by Remulla, calling for more active collaboration by prosecutors with law enforcement agencies in case buildups, and adopting a policy to ensure that only trial-ready and evidence-supported cases will be filed in the courts, among others.
Remulla urged regional prosecutors, Metro Manila prosecutors and their deputies, as well as senior prosecutors from the main office, who attended the event not only to celebrate the rules as a procedural document but as a testament to the DOJ’s commitment to justice and reform.
“Every reform we introduce, every guideline we clarify, and every procedure we update is a step closer to a justice system that is prompt, effective, and trustworthy. Our goal remains steadfast: to guarantee that every investigation yields a fair and just outcome, that every indictment is supported by the required quantum of evidence, and that our nation’s trust in the legal process remains unshaken,” he said.
The new rules shall become effective after 15 calendar days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.