Justice Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera receives from Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente B. Salazar a copy of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 (ADR). Also in the photo are some of the members of the Committee of the Formulation of the ADR-IRR namely: Atty. Mario E. Valderrama, Atty. Victor P. Lazatin and Atty. Custodio O. Parlade (from left to right).

Manila, Philippines. - The Department of Justice launches today the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 9285, otherwise known as the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act of 2004.

By virtue of the publication of Department of Justice (DOJ) Department Circular No. 98, s. 2009 dated December 4, 2009 signed by Justice Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera, the IRR became effective fifteen days after it was published on December 16, 2009 or on December 31, 2009.

The official launch of the IRR today will be highlighted by the presentation of the main provisions of the IRR followed by perspectives from several ADR Stakeholders who likewise were members of the technical working committee that formulated the IRR namely Professor Annabelle T. Abaya, lawyers Victor P. Lazatin, Custodio O. Parlade and Mario E. Valderama. Justice Secretary Devanadera will deliver the keynote address.

With the implementation of the IRR, it will see the establishment of the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR). Headed by an Executive Director, the OADR shall carry out the following functions: promote, develop and expand the use of alternative dispute resolution in the private and public sectors; monitor, study and evaluate the use by the private and public sectors of alternative dispute resolution; recommend to Congress needed statutory changes, and strengthen and improve alternative dispute resolution practices in accordance with international standards. Another function includes the formulation of alternative dispute resolution training standards for practitioners and service providers.

The IRR of the ADR has been promulgated to prescribe the procedures and guidelines for the implementation of the ADR Act. It is expected to promote party autonomy in out-of-court resolution of disputes, expedite speedy and impartial justice as well as declog court dockets.

It is widely acknowledged that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are effective methods of resolving disagreements. These mechanisms will also enable parties to find creative solutions to their dispute. It is usually faster and less costly than ordinary court proceedings.

The launch of the ADR is aimed at increasing the awareness of people on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and that an Office has been created to attend to such related matters.
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Justice Acting Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera commended today the office of Pasig City State Prosecutor Jacinto G. Ang for the successful turnout of their initiative to conduct a city-wide activity that resulted in the immediate disposal of 1,029 of pending cases in their respective courts.

Held last November 15-30, 2009, Writeshop aimed to reduce the number of cases that were pending before the sixteen (16) Regional Trial Courts and five (5) Municipal Trial Courts of Pasig City.

“Writeshop was really intended to wipeout or finish our backlog” said Ang on the 15-day long process where prosecutors were solely devoted into the writing of resolutions and resolving of cases.

According to Ang, the judges of the RTCs and MTCs supported the activity as they did not set cases for hearing during the said period to allow their office (OCP- Pasig) to conduct the activity. ...
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Justice Acting Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera formed a team of prosecutors to assist the Task Force against Media Killings to swiftly conduct an investigation into the beheading of civilians including members of media who were with a convoy of politicians and their supporters en route to file certificates of candidacy.

“I have ordered the creation of a panel to coordinate with the NBI to immediately conduct an investigation, and likewise ordered the prosecutors of North Cotabato to confer with the victims’ families for them to avail of the benefits under the Victim’s Compensation Program (Board of Claims) and closely coordinate with law enforcement agencies for the case-build up to ensure the expeditious prosecution of all those responsible for this atrocity,” Devanadera stressed.

“The Department of Justice shall expedite the investigation of these cases until the perpetrators are arrested, prosecuted and convicted,” she said.

The Task Force 211 Head Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor will join the DOJ-NBI team and proceed immediately to Maguindanao to supervise the investigation.

Fifty-seven people yesterday were beheaded and shot dead in a remote area in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao. The dead included the wife of a vice mayor, two lawyers and at least 12 reporters.

Reports had it that the military found at least 21 bodies after a band of more than 100 gunmen hijacked a group of supporters of the mayor who were about to file certificates of candidacy. Some of the bodies were buried, and a backhoe used for digging was still in the area when authorities arrived in the place of the incident.

The Department ordered today the filing of a criminal complaint against a husband and his concubine based on the deeds of properties where they described themselves as “spouses.”

In a resolution dated 21 October 2009, Undersecretary Linda Hornilla reversed and set aside the earlier decision of the San Pablo City Prosecutor’s Office dismissing the complaint filed by Elsa Magat against her husband Rodolfo and his mistress Liwayway Malinay for insufficiency of the evidence as she presented mere photocopies of documents to prove her husband’s concubinage.

“The fact that the complainant only submitted photocopies of the documents proving co-ownership of respondents of real properties should not have deterred the City Prosecutor of San Pablo City from finding probable cause against them, since the presentation of the originals of these documents may be done during the actual trial of the case,” Hornilla stressed.

The complaint against Elsa’s husband and his mistress was for concubinage and violation of R.A. No. 9262 (Anti-Violence against Women and their Children) for causing mental and emotional anguish, public ridicule and humiliation of the complainant and her children.

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The Department of Justice has recommended the indictment for syndicated estafa against Legacy Group of Companies owner Celso G. Delos Angeles, Jr. and twelve (12) officers who drained investors’ money in the estimated amount of Php 830 million pesos.

The resolution submitted by DOJ panel headed by SSP Emilie delos Santos included the following respondents liable for syndicated estafa under P.D. 1689 in relation to Art. 315 par. 2(a) of the RPC: Celso delos Angeles, Jr., Christine Anenor Cruz-Limpin, Namnama Pasetes- Santos, Carolina G. Hinola, Alexis S. Petralba, Roy Hilario, Bruce Rafanan, Virgilio A. Odejar, Arnel Sulquiano, Cresencio G. Wagas, Jr., Edgar U. Cando, Rolando Labrador and Alfredo Novo. Charges against Norman H. Tiongson, Zacarias Carticiano, Carmencita G. Cedo, Candy Buenaventura and Raniel Roque were dismissed for lack of probable cause.

The resolution stated “it can hardly be denied that the respondents’ action or inaction amounted to deceit and damage essential in the prosecution for the crime of estafa.” “It is indisputable that the Rural Bank of Dolefil Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative, Inc. (DARBCI) failed to return the investments of the investors/depositors, hence it is undeniable that they suffered damage in the amount of their unrecouped investments,” it said. ...Read more>>

Six suspected fixers were arrested in entrapment operations conducted by the Task Force Anti-Fixers in East Avenue, Quezon City, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) reported.

The Task Force Anti-Fixers was organized by the CSC, Department of Justice, Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation in a Memorandum of Agreement last May 29, 2009. The creation of the Task Force was pursuant to Republic Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007 to underscore the government's firm resolve in fighting fixing activities particularly in frontline services.

Gerry Valdez y Cruz alias Jojo, Ronaldo Sabulao y Lopez alias Boy, also known as “one man one stop shop” Carlo Parnazo y Colendres alias Loy, Mark Estrella y San Miguel alias Mark and Romeo Deocampo y Nengo alias Romy were apprehended at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) offices at 4 p.m. on September 17.
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The DOJ-DOE Task Force ordered two oil firms to appear and explain regarding their action to increase the prices of their products amid the call of the President to prevent unreasonable price increases.

The executives of Seaoil and Shell Philippines were asked to appear before the Task Force on October 19, 2009 at 3 p.m.

The two firms were to submit relevant documents pertaining to their oil inventory from September 14, 11, 18, 25, 26 and 27, 2009 and October 2, 9 and 12, 2009 as well as sales of their products sold to dealers in the areas affected by the price adjustments; cash disbursement books for the transportation, refining and storage; purchase orders for transportation; delivery receipts; sales invoices; logs and records; computation of cost incurred and several other papers and documents related to the processing of oil and its end products.

The President previously ordered DOE Secretary Reyes and the DOJ to exercise relevant powers under R.A. No. 8479 to respond to the emergency situation brought by two typhoons that hit Metro Manila and other provinces in Luzon.

R.A. No. 8479 allows the DOJ-DOE Task Force created to conduct inquiry into predatory and unreasonable pricing, cartelization, among others, which oil industry players may resort to. ...Read more>>

Beware philandering men, this is for you.

The Department has recommended the indictment of a married man who impregnated a woman, partly gave financial support and then disowned to be father of a child.

In a resolution signed by Acting Justice Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera, criminal charges for violation of RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004) were recommended to be filed against Reynaldo Masalunga, a member of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The respondent, if found guilty, could serve an imprisonment for prision correctional (6 months 1 day to six years)

“Respondent’s withdrawal of financial support to the complainant and his child constitute economic abuse,” the resolution stated. It said respondent’s contention that “he is not the biological father of the child, hence, he is not under obligation to support her (the child), is evidentiary in nature truth which can be passed upon only after a full-blown trial on the merits.”

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Anyone who assumes an alias without court approval, this is for you.

The Department recommended today criminal charges against an individual who used an unauthorized assumed name without having a court approval.

In a resolution signed by Undersecretary Ernesto Pineda, he modified a resolution of the Quezon City Pros. Office which has previously dismissed the complaints for concealing true name and violation of Anti-Alias Law filed against respondent Josefina Bersamina Layco a.k,a. Josephine ABL Vigden.

Usec Pineda stated that “the respondent has failed to prove that she used the name(Josephine ABL Vigden) as a pseudonym for literary, cinema, television, radio or other entertainment purposes and in athletic events”. While her name as appearing in the certificate issued by the office of the local civil registry is Josefina Bersamina, “the use of name (Josephine ABL Vigden) has not been authorized by a competent court”, the resolution stressed.

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Justice Acting Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera exhorted the Philippine National Police (PNP) to implement the warrants of arrest against killers of media practitioners.

In her letter to the DILG, the Acting Secretary has requested Secretary Ronaldo Puno to direct the concerned units to vigorously serve the warrants of arrest on accused media killers. The PNP’s Task Force Tugis is to send investigating personnel from Manila to pursue all possible leads not only to indict all persons who are probably guilty of the crime but to ensure that they be tried, convicted and penalized in accordance with law.

Particularly, Devanadera referred to some media murder cases, where the accused remain at large despite standing warrants for their arrest, namely: Bert Sison - murder, RTC Lucena City, Marlene Esperat - murder, RTC Tacurong City, Jose Pantoja - frustrated murder, RTC Cagayan de Oro City, Arecio Padrigao - murder, RTC Gingoog City, and Roger Mariano - murder, Manila RTC.

“Knowing that without your vigorous support we would not be able to successfully prosecute media murder cases, we request you to use the resources of your office to find all the killers and masterminds and send a strong message to the public that the government values the lives of its citizens, including the journalists,” Devanadera emphasized.

In the same vein, she asked the NBI to join the PNP for the execution of the warrants against the accused, and also ordered the Bureau to submit report of their effort or coordination with the police in tracking down the killers.

Devanadera made the move following a letter furnished to the Department by Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists Board of Trustees(FFFJ) Chair Jose Pavia. The group wants PNP Chief Jesus Verzosa pressing not only for the preventive suspension but also for the immediate execution of the warrant of arrest against Police Insp. Redemptor “Boy” Acharon, who was charged for the murder of broadcast journalist, Dennis Cuesta last August 4, 2008. The accused was nowhere to be found after the Gen.Santos RTC issued a warrant for his arrest on February 3, 2009. Reports had it that although the accused policeman was seen in several places in Gen San, the local police seem to have exerted no effort to take him into custody as the accused is a cousin of a local executive. ...Read more>>

The Department of Justice approved today the issuance of a watch list order against 355 individuals off-loaded at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and suspected as victims of illegal recruitment covering the period from June 1, 2009 to July 5, 2009.

In her indorsement to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Acting Justice Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera granted the request of BI Comm. Marcelino Libanan for the inclusion in the watch list the said passengers whose travel documents may have been manipulated by unscrupulous human traffickers or illegal recruiters.

The Acting Secretary clarified that the directive issued against the individuals shall remain valid unless sooner terminated or extended upon the recommendation of the Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment . The list of disembarked passengers showed that almost of them were women wanting to go abroad.

The placing of the 355 disembarked individuals in the watch list is not meant to derail their dreams of working abroad but to prevent the violation of illegal recruitment and human trafficking laws. If the papers of the workers are in order they will be allowed to travel. If ever forgery was committed, the law presumes the holder or bearer of the documents as the author of the offense.

Barely a week after being appointed as acting justice secretary, Devanadera warned human traffickers and ordered all prosecutors “to exert all efforts that will address issues concerning delay in the prosecution of human trafficking cases, at the same time urging judges for speedy decision of said cases.” ...Read more>>

The Department of Justice will celebrate its 112th anniversary this September 25, 2009 with a series of activities which including medical, dental and legal mission; case tracking of DOJ Electronic Prosecution Case Management (ePCMS); photo exhibits; and honoring outstanding DOJ prosecutors and employees. The activities will start on August 27 and ending on September 28, 2009 with a gala night.

In connection with the forthcoming anniversary, DOJ Acting Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera announced today the release of 30 out of 112 prisoners who have already served their minimum sentences. The last batch will be released on September 10 at the NBI gym. ...Read more>>

A reminder to all prosecutors: “Resolve your assigned cases accordingly!

Acting Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera emphasized this after she admonished Quezon City Asst. City Pros. Bienvenido Tomboc for failure to resolve a case after the lapse of two (2) years and four (4) months since the case was assigned to him.

It was after the filing of an administrative complaint against him by the complainant when he immediately came up with a resolution recommending dismissal of the said case. Tomboc put up a reason that the delay was caused by the volume of his work, aggravated by the failure of his secretary to update the cases for him to resolve. Looking for scapegoat, he stressed that his oversight to keep track on the pending cases assigned to him was due to the erratic attendance of his secretary who was later dismissed from the service. He opted to admit his first infraction and asked for leniency. While noting his explanation, the Acting Secretary told Tomboc that “the quality of zealous regard for the just administration of law is the more important factor to consider than one who races to end the preliminary investigation of a case by hastily resolving it as speed is not the chief objective.” Devanadera added “this should not be a justification to be unmindful of the requirement that cases be resolved within the mandated period.”

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In line with the Department’s celebration of its 112 Foundation Day, a search for Most Outstanding DOJ Officials and Employees is hereby launched with the following timelines:

31 August 2009 - Deadline for submission of nominations with requirements

5 September 2009 – Screening of nominations

10 September 2009 – Judging

15 September 2009 - Notification of Awardees

25 September 2009 – Awarding

Click on the link below for the General Mechanics, Nomination Forms and Grading Sheets

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Justice Acting Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera condemned today the killing of David Emralino, former Candelaria, Quezon mayor and ordered the NBI to join the PNP in tracking down the two killers who also wounded two bodyguards of the ex-mayor.

Devanadera ordered an exhaustive investigation, assuring witness protection to any witness in the shooting of Emralino stressing that “no stone will be left unturned until the perpetrators are arrested and brought before the bar of justice,” the acting secretary said.

The former mayor and his two men were ambushed while standing near the guardhouse inside the compound of St. Peter the Baptist Church just across the municipal and police station in Candelaria at around 10:00 a.m.

Initial police investigation showed that the victims including two of the body guards who are in serious condition at the hospital, were shot at close range with 45 cal. pistol and armalite rifle. The gunmen, who suddenly appeared from nowhere and shot the victims in rapid fire, were believed to have joined the rush of church goers running out of the compound in panic. Twenty-three (23) empty shells and three (3) bullets were recovered at the crime scene.

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A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by Justice Acting Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera and Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo E. Cua, son of Rep. Junie Cua, for the construction of the Aglipay Hall of Justice, repair/improvement of three Halls of Justice, namely Cabarruguis, Diffun and Maddela, all in Qurino. Other DOJ Officials witnessed the MOA signing after which the Acting Secretary mentioned the benefits from new edifices intended to accommodate prosecutors, judges, probation officials, PAO and other members of the five pillars of the criminal justice system. ...Read more>>

The Department of Justice has found probable cause to indict the municipal treasurer of San Francisco town in Quezon for rape charges.

In a resolution duly approved by Acting Chief State Prosecutor Severino Gaña, Jr., the investigating prosecutor, SP Gilmarie Fe Pacamarra, has recommended the filing of criminal charges for two (2) counts of rape against respondent Floro Flores. An information, with no bail recommended, is set to be filed within the week before the RTC in Lucena City, Quezon.

It said “the complainant appears to have been consistent in her allegation that respondent raped her twice and that her affidavits of desistance were executed against her will.” Aside from the presence of all the elements of rape under Art.266-A, RPC, as amended by RA 8353, the resolution went on to add “when a woman, more so if she is minor, says that she has been raped, she says in effect all that is necessary to show that rape was committed.”

The case stemmed from the complaint of a 12-year-old student employed as a house help of the respondent’s family. As the school opening was about to start in June 2008 last year, she asked permission to just go home to continue her studies. The respondent was scheduled to go home to their province and asked to ride on the vehicle where she was first sexually attacked inside the back seat of the van when the driver was told to buy food. Flores took advantage in abusing her while it was raining hard as the driver has not returned due to the heavy downpour. She revealed that the second sexual attack was perpetrated early nighttime barely a week after the first assault inside their house while her parents and siblings were still in the farm. The bestial act was incidentally witnessed by a male neighbor who saw the respondent entered the complainant’s house, threatening her which prompted him to ask for help. The police found the respondent inside the house and brought him to the station.

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DOJ Acting Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera recently launched a new slogan aimed at challenging all department personnel to initiate change for the organization.

In a regular Monday flag-raising activity at the central office, she unveiled a marker with the phrase "Ako sa Pagbabago" anchored on the idea that change comes from within. "All changes and reforms must start from (within) ourselves", she emphasized. Later in the ceremony, button pins with the new slogan were distributed.

Secretary Devanadera expressed her full trust in the abilities of the Department stating that "by harnessing our talents, we will perform and hit our targets". She shared the recent conviction by five female DOJ prosecutors of the operators of the biggest drug den known as shabu tiangge in Pasig City which earned the President's recognition.

"They are symbols of the Department and the public will appreciate our efforts," she said. She made reference to the recent filing of charges in high-profile cases such as those of MV Princess of the Stars, Legacy Group of Companies owned by Celso delos Angeles and the La Union drug case. These cases were resolved shortly after the Acting Secretary assumed office. ...Read more>>

The President, the country’s drug czar, has congratulated five (5) female DOJ prosecutors for the successful conviction of a couple responsible in maintaining the biggest drug den known as shabu “flea market” near in Pasig City hall.

“Congratulations to the DOJ prosecutors, dapat i headline ito,” the President said through a cellphone of Justice Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera while the prosecutors were at her office in the Department to pay a courtesy call after the Pasig RTC rendered a verdict late in the afternoon today.

Justice Secretary Devanadera has recognized and praised the perseverance and determination of prosecutors: Amor Robles, Marlette Balagtas, Anjanette Ortile,Eden Wakay-Valdez and Elizabeth Berdal who were all previously receiving death threats during the prosecution of the spouses Amin Imam Boratong and his wife Sherly Molera Boratong. The decision of conviction came after “tremendous pressure were experienced by the prosecutors,” the Secretary said

The Secretary also acknowledged the vital role of the media, PNP AIDSOTF, the NBI and the community as a whole for their support and continued vigilance against illegal drugs.

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Click to view the full press statement ...Read more>>

Justice Acting Secretary AGNES VST DEVANADERA shows with Malolos City Mayor Danilo Domingo the recently signed MOA (July 6, 2009) for the construction of a Hall of Justice in Malolos, Bulacan. The Building which will house 2 Metropolitan Trial City Courts, Office of the Clerk of Court, Probation Office, Mediation Office, and the City Prosecutor's Office is set to be allocated Php 5 million by Sen. Edgardo Angara. The city government of Malolos City has committed for the complete construction of the edifice to the tune of Php 30 million. ...Read more>>

The Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court for doable measures that will lead to speedy decision of human trafficking cases pending in courts.

Justice Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera has taken this initiative in her desire to address the country’s image after the US State Department Report has placed the Philippines in Tier 2 stage on its efforts against human trafficking. The Secretary has opened the move considering that the executive branch can not infringe on the judiciary.

In her letter to Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Devanadera urged the highest tribunal for assistance to address the major concern raised in the 9th Global Trafficking in Persons (GTIP) Report. As she commended the SC for the “commendable and unwavering reforms initiated by the Chief Justice to improve the judiciary”, she also considered the judiciary’s effort as “encouragement for us in this protracted battle against trafficking in persons knowing that these concerns will not go unheeded”.

Based on the 9th GTIP Report, the Secretary cited delays in the trial as the major hindrance in the government’s ability to effectively prosecute trafficking crimes. Aside from noting small number of convictions obtained in 2008, the Report stated that “despite a 2005 Department of Justice circular instructing that all trafficking cases receive preferential attention, trial often take years to conclude, because of a lack of judges and courtrooms, high turn-over, and non-continuous trials, which cause some victims to withdraw their testimony.”

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The Department of Justice has ordered today the filing of criminal charges against the captain and one of the owners of the sunken MV ‘Princess of the Stars’

As the findings were released, Justice Acting Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera has immediately directed the inclusion of the respondents in the watch list of the Bureau of Immigration.

In a resolution by the panel of investigators, ship Capt Florencio M. Marimon and Edgar Go, Vice Pres. For Administration of Sulpicio Lines Inc. (SLI) were ordered charged for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, physical injuries and damage to properties under Article 365, in relation to Article 249, 263, 265 and 266, of the Revised Penal Code.

A copy of the resolution was ordered to be furnished the Ombudsman to consider in conducting investigation against the responsible officers and employees of the Bureau of Customs, Philippine Ports Authority and Philippine Coast Guard with respect to the entry into the country of the shipment containing endosulfan and its subsequent transshipment, loading in and carriage by the said ill-fated ship.

It included further preliminary investigation to be conducted against Capt. Benjamin Eugenio, Capt Nestor M. Ponteres, Engr. Ernelson Morales, all of SLI, and PO1 Felix Rizaldy M. Sardan, of the PCG, subject to Rule 112 of the Rules on Criminal Procedure. They were not impleaded as respondents but appeared to have direct participation in allowing the vessel to sail and continue to navigate despite of bad weather condition then prevailing.

It recommended Php 320,000 bail each.

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Beware human traffickers! Justice Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera has ordered prosecutors today to exert all efforts that will address issues concerning delay in the prosecution of human trafficking cases, at the same breath, urging judges for speedy decision of said cases.

The move is in response to the 2009 Global Trafficking in Persons (GTIP) report of the US State Department that placed the Philippines on Tier 2 Watch List, noting that “despite overall, the government did not show evidence of progress in convicting trafficking offenders, particularly those responsible for labor trafficking “.

Devanadera has asked DOJ prosecutors to request judges, without antagonizing them, to fast-track decisions of human trafficking cases pending in their courts. The newly installed acting justice secretary opened the move as the Department does not exercise supervision and control of courts where some of the said cases remain undecided.

Stressing lack of conviction, the Report indicated that in 2008 law enforcement agencies reported 168 trafficking cases to the DOJ of which prosecutors initiated hauling 97 cases to courts. Only four (4) trafficking convictions were obtained under the 2003 anti-trafficking law during the reporting period. From 2003-2008, the DOJ received a total of 679 TIP cases, 253 of which are pending resolution, 229 were filed in court, the rest were either filed in violation for other related laws, dismissed or withdrawn.

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Acting Justice Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera today vowed to work on a revitalized Department of Justice (DOJ).

In simple turnover ceremonies witnessed by DOJ officials and employees, Devanadera called on to prosecutors to give priority to their functions of resolving with dispatch preliminary investigation and prosecution of criminal cases well within the period of sixty (60) days as provided by existing internal policies.

She also instructed prosecutors to give special attention to certain cases which are focus of the government’s effort to rid criminality. “These are cases that are not only being monitored in our country today but by international bodies as well,” Devanadera said.

“We shall again pursue the things that we have done before under the general program of Bantay Katarungan by working on specific groups of cases. Again, we shall focus on media killings which includes the Dacer-Corbito murder case. We shall also focus on human trafficking because the number of cases are increasing by the day and by the month. Our efforts will also focus on anti-drugs cases.” ...Read more>>

The Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) signed
between the Department of Justice (DOJ)
and the Department of Justice Employees' Association (DOJEA)

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Justice Employees Association (DOJEA) recently agreed upon the terms of the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) that will govern the working relationship between the DOJ management and DOJ rank-and-file employees for three (3) years ...Read more>>

Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) Spokesman Justice Undersecretary Ricardo R. Blancaflor praised the decision of the Court of Appeals to extend for another four months the freeze order on the bank account and assets of a suspected terrorist.

“This is favorable news for all of us. This is necessary pending the completion of the investigation on Ahmed Santos, the suspected terrorist behind many bombing attacks”, Blancaflor said.

The CA has extended for another four months the freeze order on the assets and several bank accounts of Ahmed Santos, the founder of the terrorist group Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM). The Court’s Special Second Division, in a 5-page resolution penned by Associate Justice Teresita Dy-Liacco, granted the petition of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to extend the freeze order on Santos’ assets in order to prevent their disposal pending the completion of the investigation the AMLC is conducting for the possible filing of a civil forfeiture case against Santos. ...Read more>>