Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla and Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman ceremonially signed the Department of Justice - Department of Budget and Management (DOJ-DBM) Joint Circular today, focusing on the Staffing Standards and Guidelines for the National Prosecution Service (NPS). This strategic move is designed to empower and optimize the operational efficiency of the DOJ's NPS.

Secretary Remulla underscored that Republic Act No. 10071, or The Prosecution Service Act of 2010, has been enacted over a decade ago; however, the lack of implementing rules and regulations has impeded its full and effective realization.

"The Joint Circular revitalizes the Prosecution Service Act of 2010 by setting a baseline for the DOJ's prosecutorial workforce tasked with conducting preliminary investigations and prosecuting cases," Secretary Remulla stated.

With 1.1 million court dockets in the last six years straining the DOJ's 246 prosecution offices nationwide, the Joint Circular is a timely response. It plans to bolster the prosecution offices with an additional 1,173 prosecutors and 540 prosecution attorneys across the country in the forthcoming years.

"This additional workforce is in line with the 'Bagong Pilipinas' reform agenda of the Marcos administration, shifting from an institution-based to a sector-based approach in justice administration. It emphasizes strong coordination among justice sector entities," Secretary Remulla mentioned.

Secretary Remulla has committed to enhancing the prosecution service since his appointment. "Today’s document signing is a testament to that promise," he affirmed.

Notable officials from both the DBM and DOJ attended the ceremony. Regional and City Prosecutors from the National Capital Region (NCR) also witnessed the signing of the DOJ-DBM Joint Circular.