DOJ TO MAKE OWN RULES ON PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to make history next month by signing a document allowing the agency to make its own rules on preliminary investigation.

In a news forum on Saturday, DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the signing of the document is set on July 4 during the agency’s Town Hall forum in Dasmariñas Arena, Cavite.

“We will be signing a very historical document. Under the rules of court, Rule 112 pertains to preliminary investigation. That is under the Supreme Court Rules of Court,” he said.

The current rules on preliminary investigation are contained in Rule 112 of the Rules of Court, which was crafted by the Supreme Court.

Clavano said judges have no role in Rule 112. Thus, the DOJ is assuming that role by making its own rules on preliminary investigation, he added.

“So, ang titingnan na po ng mga abogado, ang titingnan po ng mga practitioner at kung sinuman ang dadaan po sa proseso ay hindi na po iyong rules of court kasi mawawala na po doon ang Rule 112,” Clavano explained.

“Mapupunta na po sa DOJ under its own rules for preliminary investigation,” he added.

“So, malaking bagay po iyon dahil mawawala na po iyong rule na iyon sa Supreme Court. From one branch of government, mapupunta na po sa executive branch.”

The DOJ’s town hall forum will also discuss the conviction rate in the country. He said the conviction rate in the Philippines is making progress.

“If I’m not mistaken, 14 to 15 percent ang iniangat sa conviction rate po natin,” Clavano said.