New PI rules adopted
THE MARCOS government on Wednesday adopted new rules on preliminary investigation (PI) and inquest proceedings to ensure air-tight cases while easing court dockets.
“It’s no secret that our dockets have been heavily burdened with the volume of cases, causing delays in the administration of justice,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said in a speech at the signing of the Department of Justice (DoJ)-National Prosecution Service’s Rules on Preliminary Investigations and Inquest Proceedings at the presidential palace.
“Today, we address this problem by introducing reforms that are a product of the strong collaboration between the Executive and the Judiciary,” he said.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said the new rules would institutionalize the executive and inquisitorial nature of preliminary investigations, “reinforcing the DoJ’s authority in this domain.”
“The new rules will also enhance prosecutorial functions, empowering them to take a proactive role in the investigation of crimes and ensure efficient case build-up,” he added. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza