Remulla gives DOJ prosecutors a broader role in building cases

Attorney General Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla gave Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors a broader role in building cases to maximize their functions in the pursuit of justice.

This was stated in the Department Circular No. 007 Series of 2024, amending DC 20 issued on March 31, 2023 or the “Policy on Proactive Involvement of Prosecutors in Case Construction” to empower prosecutors in case construction.

All members of the National Public Prosecution Service (NPS) were instructed to record violations related to three more specific criminal laws, with a view to the proactive involvement of prosecutors in the investigation of crimes.

Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act” (CMTA), Republic Act No. 10845, otherwise known as the “Anti-Agricultural Contraband Act of 2016”, and the National Internal Revenue Code of 1987 ( NIRC) are now included for active case building by prosecutors, in addition to the six key scope areas identified in DC 20.

It is expected that this step will maximize the functions of the NPS, which will ensure the existence of a prima facie case and reasonable certainty of conviction based on available documents, witnesses, real evidence and the like, so that efforts in pursuing of righteousness shall not fail. waste.

“Empowering our prosecutors and boosting their morale in the discharge of their duties is one of the paramount responsibilities of the DOJ to its staff and workforce, and leverages our firm commitment to the Filipino people that justice will always prevail, regardless of the odds, at any cost,” Remulla said. stressed out.

Originally, DC 20 covers six major areas of application: Republic Act No. 9165 (The Dangerous Drugs Act), Republic Act No. 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001), Republic Act No. 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020). ), Republic Act No. 10168 (Prevention and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2012), and all other capital crimes punishable by perpetua withdrawal.

Prosecutors are required to establish the existence of a prima facie case and reasonable certainty of conviction before filing a complaint for preliminary investigation.

If there is not sufficient evidence, prosecutors are required to notify law enforcement of the lack of evidence and direct them to submit the missing evidence.

DC 007 comes into effect 15 days after publication in the Government Gazette.