Prosecutors urged: Be proactive

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday urged government prosecutors to be proactive in doing case build-ups to ensure that cases do not end up being dismissed once they reach the courts.

Remulla reminded prosecutors of his order – Department Circular No.20 series of 2023 – directing them to work with police investigators to be able to establish a strong prima facie case supported by actual evidence, witnesses, and documents.

Under the department order, once the case build-up is completed, the preliminary investigation will immediately start to determine whether probable cause exists to warrant the filing of charges in court.

It also prescribed closer coordination between prosecutors and law enforcers investigating the case.

Remulla said the DOJ welcomes the move of the PNP to form committees to thoroughly review cases filed before the courts but were eventually dismissed for various reasons.

“I welcome this move of the PNP of creating committees to revisit the cases they have previously filed but were dismissed. The DOJ will collaborate with the PNP to bridge the gaps,” Remulla said.

“Our prosecutors will take (a) proactive involvement in case build-up(s), making sure that no stones are left unturned,” he added.

Remulla said he was told that as part of the PNP plan, police officers who handled the cases dismissed would undergo refresher courses to beef up their competency, while those to be designated as investigators should be graduates of a relevant course and have handled cases that led to successful convictions.