My first visit to the DOJ as the Justice Secretary afforded me the chance, not only to have a first look at the different offices in the DOJ compound, it also gave me the chance to meet the senior officials of the Department.

We have our work cut out for us.

President Duterte’s marching order to us is very clear.

The DOJ will offer no sanctuary nor respite to criminals involved in illegal drugs and terrorism.

Time to roll our sleeves and get to work. 

                                      - Justice Secretary MENARDO I. GUEVARRA

Yesterday, April 10, 2018, I made my first visit to the Department of Justice as its Secretary. The short visit allowed me to see my office and to take a brief tour of the offices within the DOJ compound courtesy of the undersecretaries and the assistant secretaries who met me upon my arrival.

I also had my first press briefing with the members of the DOJ Media. During the so-called “meet and greet” with the DOJ Media,  I emphasized that I have no agenda except to carry out the orders of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. One such order is  that the DOJ will be a vital component in our government’s efforts to effectively deal with the scourge of illegal drugs and of terrorism.

While I was greatly surprised that President Duterte appointed me, the moment I took my oath, I committed to sincerely endeavor to address all the concerns which I know will fill up my plate from my first day as Justice Secretary.

I will spend the remaining days of the working week to orient myself with the different offices and agencies which comprise the DOJ Family. I have requested all concerned officials to brief me on the workings of the DOJ on April 11, 2018.

Under the Almighty’s guidance, I humbly enjoin all the members of the DOJ Family to work with us and to support all our undertakings in our determined pursuit to realize the DOJ’s motto of Justitiae Pax Opus, Justice for All!