Signing Ceremony of the DOJ Rules on Criminal Investigation (Speech) 07/10/24

Signing Ceremony of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Rules on Criminal Investigation
Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace
July 10, 2024
“Through this, we aim to make our justice system more efficient by streamlining processes, cutting down delays and making justice more accessible to everyone,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed as he witnessed the signing of the 2024 Department of Justice - National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) Rules on Preliminary Investigation and Inquest Proceedings - a move considered groundbreaking in making significant reforms in the country’s justice system.
In his remarks, the President underscored the signing as significant in establishing a more robust and responsive legal system by establishing a stronger collaboration between the Executive and Judiciary Branches of the government.
“The 2024 DOJ-NPS Rules are transformative as they institutionalize the executive and inquisitorial nature of preliminary investigations, bringing them in line with the historical and legal precedents that reinforce the authority of the DOJ,” he said.
Under the rules, all prosecutors are now empowered to lead in criminal investigations and ensure sufficient case build-up before filing in court. These also guarantee fairness and due process to all Filipinos, including the accused, as well as holding the guilty accountable. Moreover, the new rules elevated the quantum of evidence from probable cause to prima facie evidence with a reasonable certainty of conviction.
It also paved the way for improved inquest proceedings by providing a detailed process for handling warrantless arrests, as well as the utilization of technology through the adoption of e-filings and virtual hearings.
The Chief Executive recognized the efforts of those involved in this game changing initiative, including the Supreme Court for entrusting the Executive Branch with the authority to craft the rules on criminal investigation. He also reaffirmed the government’s continuous commitment to safeguard all prosecutors as they perform their responsibilities in the administration of justice under the vision of a ‘Bagong Pilipinas.’
“We are all stepping into a new era of law enforcement and prosecution, and knowing that - from here onwards - every case we handle, every decision we make, and every reform we champion will impact the lives of every single Filipino and shape the future of our country,” he emphasized.
“So guided by the principles of justice and our unwavering belief in the rule of law, let us strive to bring a better and a just future for our people and our nation,” President Marcos Jr. stated in his message.
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