IN a move to streamline the legal process, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has issued new guidelines aimed at expediting investigations for crimes punishable by six years or less.
The DoJ-National Prosecution Service Rules (NPS) on Summary Investigation and Expedited Preliminary Investigation, signed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday, are designed to speed up the handling of minor criminal cases.
The rules build on the 2024 DoJ-NPS Rules on Preliminary Investigations and Inquest Proceedings issued earlier this year that apply to more serious crimes with penalties of over six years.
The new rules outline clear procedures to ensure quicker resolution of cases and a more efficient judicial process.
DoJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, speaking at the ceremonial signing of the rules, urged prosecutors to embrace the new framework, saying it should “serve as our call to action” to improve the justice system.
Remulla said that the new rules would address delays in case preparations.
“This circular embodies our steadfast resolve to expedite the justice process, strengthen prosecutorial engagement, and ensure that every case is handled with fairness, structure, and consistency,” he said.
He stressed that the goal was to ensure that legal actions were grounded in solid evidence, thereby increasing the likelihood of conviction.
“Every reform we introduce, every guideline we clarify, and every procedure we update is a step closer to a justice system that is prompt, effective, and trustworthy,” Remulla said.
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