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.

It can be recalled that in the turnover ceremony last June 15, 2009, the Acting Secretary vowed to work for a revitalized Department of Justice. She called on prosecutors to resolve preliminary investigations of cases within the 60-day prescribed period. She urged them to give special thrust to priority cases of the government dealing with media killings, human trafficking, illegal drugs, and business scams. "These are cases that are not only being monitored in our country today but by international bodies as well," she said.

Currently, in her desire to fast-track the resolution of pending cases, Devanadera is making the rounds in various prosecution offices nationwide to inventory unresolved cases and those pending in court. After her surprise visits at two prosecution offices in Cebu and Zamboanga, other regional prosecution offices are also scheduled." This is part of housekeeping intended for every prosecution office," she said.