MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently held a general assembly to introduce more than 20 new prosecutors and outline ambitious goals for 2025. Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon emphasized the importance of their role, stating that being a prosecutor is a noble profession that requires daily excellence. He stressed the need for a shift away from outdated practices where prosecutors did not fully engage in their essential duties, urging all to approach their work with diligence, integrity, and a commitment to swift justice.
Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres encouraged the prosecutors to practice compassionate justice and collaborate closely with law enforcement to strengthen case development and prosecution efforts. The assembly also celebrated the achievements of the Office of the Secretary of Justice Prosecution Staff (OSJPS), which boasts a 98 percent conviction rate and perfect disposition rates for inquest cases, alongside a 78.62 percent rate for preliminary investigations.
The DOJ is also making strides towards removing the Philippines from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ‘grey list’ by addressing deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures. The assembly highlighted successful convictions of high-profile figures from groups like the New People’s Army, Maute Group, Abu Sayyaf, and various drug syndicates.
Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla praised the prosecutors for their crucial role in the pursuit of real-time justice, expressing optimism about achieving their goals. The strategic plans for 2025 discussed at the assembly include reorganizing divisions, implementing training programs for new prosecutors, and standardizing relevant laws and circulars to enhance prosecution efforts.