President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted on Wednesday the importance of using the latest available technologies in administering justice in the country.
As a testament to the government’s commitment to digitalize government services in the Philippines, the President said the Department of Justice (DOJ) is adopting such technologies.
The Chief Executive earlier led the signing of the 2024 Department of Justice-National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) Rules on Preliminary Investigations and Inquest Proceeding.
The rules set by the DOJ-NPS aims to uphold due process, protect the rights of the accused and facilitate the fair and efficient administration of justice in the country.
“The 2024 DOJ-NPS rules also make use of our technology. Adopting e-filings and virtual hearings are a testament to our commitment to digitalize government services throughout the country,” President Marcos said during the occasion.
“And through this, we aim to make our justice system more efficient by streamlining processes, cutting down delays, [and] making justice more accessible to everyone. At the crux of these reforms is instilling accountability of the prosecutors to the public,” he added.
In a press briefing in Malacañang after the event, Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres said that in line with DOJ’s mantra of real justice in real time, the agency is carrying out e-procedures.
“Meaning, gumagamit na po tayo ng teknolohiya para sa pag-conduct ng preliminary investigation. Dati-rati po ay hindi natin nagagawa iyan. Ngunit sa bagong rules of procedure, maaari na po tayong mag-conduct ng video conferencing sa preliminary investigation,” Andres told reporters.
“Ang submission po ng mga affidavit ay puwede na rin through the ICT portal – isa pong internet portal iyan na maaaring ma-access ng mga partido para po mas mapabilis dahil karamihan ng mga complainants, wala pong panahon na magpunta sa piskalya para maglahad ng kanilang reklamo,” he added.
Under DOJ’s new process, even a video conference is allowed. An e-filed complaint will be investigated by the DOJ, which is consistent with its objective to deliver real justice in real time, the official pointed out. | PND
