Manila – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has implemented a new policy designed to secure stronger cases in criminal prosecutions, which is expected to not only lead to surer convictions but also help alleviate jail congestion. DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Andres, speaking at the Jail Congestion Summit in Manila, explained that the policy under Department Circular 20 mandates increased cooperation between law enforcement officers and prosecutors to ensure the filing of ironclad cases, thereby prioritizing the interests of crime victims.
According to Philippines News Agency, Andres noted a 20 percent reduction in the number of cases filed since the implementation of the new policy, with expectations of a further decrease up to 50 percent once the program is fully implemented nationwide. Despite fewer cases being filed, the DOJ anticipates a significant increase in conviction rates for cases that pass scrutiny and proceed to court.
The policy change aims to eliminate the filing of weak or insufficiently evidenced cases, which has historically led to court backlogs. Andres emphasized the necessity of having prima facie evidence with a reasonable certainty of conviction before filing a case in court, a shift from the previous practice of filing based merely on probable cause. This approach aligns with protecting individuals’ rights against unjust deprivation of liberty.
The DOJ’s revised policy now requires more substantial evidence before a person can be charged in court. This change is part of broader efforts to reform criminal procedures, with expected actions from the Supreme Court to institutionalize prosecutorial prerogatives for comprehensive investigations prior to court filings.