President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday lauded the signing of the Department of Justice – National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) Rules on Criminal Investigation.
The President said the occasion marks one of the significant reforms in the Philippine justice system.
Speaking during the signing in Malacañang of the DOJ-NPS Rules on Preliminary Investigations and Inquest Proceedings, President Marcos said the event is a move towards a more robust and responsive legal system.
“The 2024 DOJ-NPS Rules are transformative as they institutionalize the executive and inquisitorial nature of preliminary [investigations], bringing them in line with historical and legal precedents that reinforce the authority of the Department of Justice,” he said.
The President said the new rules and procedures will ensure fairness and due process as the government protects its citizens.
“Through this, all prosecutors are now empowered to take the lead in criminal investigations, ensuring that there is proper and sufficient case build-up before filing in court,” he said.
President Marcos said the new rules will institutionalize the executive and inquisitorial nature of preliminary investigations in line with legal precedents and reinforcing the DOJ’s authority in this domain.
The guidelines will also enhance existing prosecutorial functions empowering the DOJ to take a proactive role in the investigation of crimes and ensure efficient case build-ups, he added.
As the rules in the conduct of preliminary investigations become clearer, fairness and due process shall be given paramount consideration in the handling of cases especially those involving warrantless arrests to safeguard people’s rights, Marcos stressed.
The President said the new Rules will also set up a clear quantum of evidence – prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to ensure that only cases with a strong foundation will proceed to trial.
The utilization of the new preliminary investigation rules will further streamline e-filing procedures and virtual preliminary investigation hearings to reduce delays and increase accessibility, especially in remote area, he added. PND
