By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — A total of 783 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have been released by the Department of Justice through the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), led by Director-General Gregorio Catapang, during the culminating activity on Monday (01 April 2024) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
The released PDLs came from various prison and penal facilities nationwide under the BuCor.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that the release of these PDLs not only addresses congestion in prisons and other detention centers but also facilitates their reintegration into mainstream society.
“Your resilience and perseverance in life within the difficult walls of the prison are a living testament that anyone who falls can rise even stronger, wiser, and better,” Remulla added.
According to the BuCor, the PDLs were freed through different means such as acquittal, parole, conditional pardon, cash bond, bail bond, expiration of maximum sentence, and expiration of maximum sentence with Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).
Also present during the ceremonial rites were Undersecretary-in-Charge for Corrections Cluster Deo Marco, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta, and Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) Chairperson Sergio Calizo.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ), Supreme Court, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have launched their 13th Justice Zone in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
According to the DOJ, Justice Zones are strategic geographic locations focused on coordinating among the SC, DOJ, DILG, and other Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) partners for the speedy and efficient administration of justice within a local sphere.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla assured that justice would always prevail.
“The Department of Justice is honored to be part of this momentous occasion where we can stand united once again with our partners in the swift and efficient administration of justice. On behalf of the Department, I want to reiterate my commitment that we will be relentless and unwavering more than ever in our pursuit of justice,” Remulla said.
Meanwhile, in his message delivered by DILG Undersecretary Lord A. Villanueva, DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos expressed solidarity in the cause of bringing accessible justice for all.
“Ang DILG, bilang isa sa mga bumubuo sa JSCC kasama ang SC at DOJ, ay patuloy na magta-trabaho para siguruhin ang paglaganap ng kapayapaan, kaayusan, at pagtataguyod ng hustisya para sa lahat sa ating bansa,” he said.
The DOJ, SC, and DILG are member agencies of the JSCC, which was institutionalized under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.
Justice Zones were also earlier installed in Quezon City, Cebu City, Davao City, Angeles City, Bacolod City, Naga City, Calamba City, Balanga City, Baguio City, Zamboanga City, Tagaytay City, and Puerto Princesa City.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Justice Board of Claims (DOJ BOC) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) forged a partnership to speech up assistance for human rights victims.
DOJ represented by the Undersecretary-in-Charge for BOC Deo Marco and CHR Chairman Richard Palpal-latoc signed the Memorandum on Agreement to safeguard the human rights victims.
Under the MOA, the DOJ is obliged to accept and evaluate referrals for claims from the CHR, provide a docketing system for the cases referred, conduct training, seminars and focus group discussions for the CHR about the Victims Compensation Program.
On the other hand, the CHR is mandated to inform their clients about the existence of the referral system, assist and refer qualified applicants, appoint a focal person, accept referrals from the DOJ for claimants not falling under RA No. 7309 and create an inventory of past cases which may still qualify to the Victims Compensation Program.
“Compensating victims of injustice is a form of mandatory justice accorded by the Rule of Law which no rule or formality should hinder in any way,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Amid the claim of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s spiritual adviser that there’s a US-Marcos Jr. conspiracy against him, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the filing of sexual abuse of a minor, child abuse, and qualified human trafficking charges against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy (PACQ).
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said that once the case is filed before the Davao City RTC, the DOJ will seek the Supreme Court’s (SC) permission for the transfer of the case to Manila.
“Dahil nga may problema sa Davao at maraming pananakot na nagaganap, kaya may pag-aalinlangan, ay minabuti po namin na talagang nakaplano na hingin sa Korte Suprema na ilipat ang venue ng kasong ito sa Maynila at mag-appoint ng special panel of prosecutors para usigin ang kasong ito,” Remulla said.
Quiboloy’s five co-accused were identified by the DOJ as Jackielyn W. Roy, Cresente Canda, Paulene Canada, Ingrid C. Canada, and Sylvia Cemanes.
Remulla also recalled that Quiboloy is also facing charges in the United States.
“Ang problema kasi dito ‘pag nagkaroon ng extradition at saka natin ipa-file yung kaso, baka sabihin nila ay hinaharang yung extradition. Mabuti nang magkaroon din ng hustisya yung humihingi ng hustisya sapagkat napakatagal na panahon na itong nangyari,” the DOJ chief noted.
Remulla disclosed that he has issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against Quiboloy to monitor if the controversial televangelist will attempt to flee the country.
He said government prosecutors will also seek from the courts the issuance of a hold departure order (HDO) to prevent Quiboloy from leaving the country.
Quiboloy — who claims to be the “Appointed Son of God — has denied all the charges against him but remains in hiding.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Justice has warmly received the appointment of Attorney Rogelio Quevedo as one of the Commissioners of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG).
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla stated that Quevedo’s extensive legal background, coupled with years of dedicated public service, exemplify his commitment to upholding justice, aligning seamlessly with the values cherished at the DOJ.
The Presidential Communications Office announced Quevedo’s appointment on Thursday (29th February 2024).
“Si G. Rogelio V. Quevedo ay inihalal bilang Komisyoner ng Presidential Commission on Good Government sa ilalim ng Department of Justice,” PCO stated in a post.
According to the DOJ, Quevedo will play a crucial role in advancing the department’s mission to combat corruption and pursue cases related to ill-gotten wealth.
Quevedo previously served as the Government Corporate Counsel of the country.
“Ang kanyang karanasan sa OGCC ay naglalagay sa kanya ng matibay na pundasyon sa kanyang susunod na pagtatalaga bilang Komisyoner ng PCGG,” the Secretary remarked.
“Binabati ko si Komisyoner Quevedo, at umaasa ang DOJ na makikipagtulungan ka sa amin upang makamit ang mga pinagsasaluhan nating mga layunin sa paghahanap ng katarungan at pagsusulong ng kabutihan ng publiko,” dagdag ni Remulla.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the bomb threats sent through email to government agencies.
Remulla said that there should be no place for pranks or spreading fear among the people.
“Let this be a warning to those behind this that we will not tolerate such acts and we will go after you with the full extent of the law,” Remulla said.
On Monday (12 Feb 1024), a bomb threat email was sent to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Education in Olongapo City and Balanga City.
The unknown e-mail sender identified himself as Takahiro Karasawa, supposedly a Japanese lawyer from a certain “Steadiness Law Office,” and a highly knowledgeable bomb-maker.
In the e-mail, Karasawa emphasized that bombs would rock major Philippine government agencies on February 12, 2024 approximately 3:34 pm.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Without naming former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have issued warnings against moves that threaten the “territorial integrity” of the Philippines.
The DND and DOJ issued the warnings after Duterte revived the campaign for “a separate and independent Mindanao” kicked off, which Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez said he is gathering signatures for.
“The mandate of the Department of National Defense is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of our national territory as enshrined in the Constitution,” Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said. “We will strictly enforce this mandate whether externally or internally.”
In a separate statement, the DOJ said it is “vehemently opposed” to calls for secession “of Mindanao or other parts of the country.”
It pointed out that secession is contrary to the principles of a democratic society as stated in the Constitution and called on Filipinos “to reject secessionist ideologies.”
Philippine National Police (PNP)chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the police forces are already looking into the matter.
“‘Yun ang tinitignan natin those who are talking about such interest of separating yun ang mino-monitor natin,” Acorda Jr. said.
The PNP chief, however, expressed confidence that the national police will oppose moves to separate Mindanao from the Republic of the Philippines.
“These are all defined through our Constitution, yung territory natin, sovereignty natin. It’s not good na after all the sacrifices of our heroes and other kababayans and now that we are enjoying peace (that this comes up),” Acorda Jr. quipped.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite apprehension by some activist groups, the Department of Justice (DOJ on Thursday (11 Jan 2024) assured that there won’t be any legal problem with the full implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Law and the granting of amnesty to several rebel groups.
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano underscored that the anti-terror law and the granting of amnesty to rebels “can go on simultaneously.”
“The two are mutually exclusive. The current talks, which have been opened up by the administration, have nothing to do with the implementation of the ATA of 2020,” Clavano explained.
In a virtual press briefing organized by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), Clavano admitted that the full implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act could affect the “status” of certain rebel groups asking for amnesty.
The DOJ spokesperson did not elaborate.
“These two can go on simultaneously. It may affect the status of a certain group granted amnesty if ever. However, the acts of terrorism, if still done during the talks, can still be prosecuted under the law. It’s a matter of good faith,” he stressed.
For its part, the NTF-ELCAC also welcomed the Supreme Court’s approval and issuance of procedural rules concerning petitions and applications related to the implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite a court order to return to the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City of the 11 inmates who testified against former Senator Leila de Lima, the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday (Dec. 23) has stood firm that they should not be returned to their former detention.
DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV argued that the inmates must remain at the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro.
“We are doing what we think is the right thing to do. Nothing more, nothing less,” Clavano IV claimed.
But De Lima was unimpressed.
“Are they afraid of the Truth? Why are they blocking it? The DOJ’s refusal to transfer the 11 inmate witnesses in my last remaining drug case from Sablayan to NBP only shows the agency’s continuing attempt to stand by its former secretaries’ (Aguirre and Guevarra) bogus charges against me,” De Lima quipped.
Presiding Judge Gener Gito of Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) recently ordered the return to the Bilibid the 11 inmates who testified against De Lima.
Gito acted on the motions filed by De Lima and the prosecution.
However, despite the court decision, the DOJ was still looking into legal action to block the transfer of the inmates to NBP.
It explained that it is concerned that such an inmate return would appear as a reward for recanting testimonies against De Lima.
The former senator filed a motion dated Nov. 21 that sought to transfer seven inmates.
She said the inmates sent her a Nov. 17 letter claiming they were forced to testify against her and are concerned for their safety.
On the other hand, the prosecution filed a Dec. 5 motion that sought the transfer of the 11 PDLs “to facilitate smooth and easy access to them.”
Last month De Lima was released on bail.
She is facing only one drug case before the RTC after she was acquitted in two other drug cases.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Not taking any chances, democratic socialist Senator Risa Hontiveros has alerted the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the possible escape of self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy of Davao-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) who is allegedly facing charges of sexual abuses and human trafficking in the United States.
Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, has written to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, seeking the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) ahead of the Senate’s impending investigation into Quiboloy and church officials scheduled for January 23, 2024.
It was learned that the ILBO is different from a Hold Departure Order (HBO).
An HBO is issued by a court, while ILBO can be issued by the DOJ and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
On Wednesday, December 13, Hontiveros stressed that the ILBO will serve as a preventive measure against Quiboloy’s potential departure from the country and compel him to be present at the January 23, 2024, Senate hearing.
Senate Resolution 884 filed by Hontiveros stated: “An investigation in aid of legislation will also allow us to determine whether our updated human trafficking laws can cover large-scale and systemic acts of trafficking done under the cover of a religious organization.”
The resolution revealed that Quiboloy’s KOJC has pastorals divided into the “inner circle” and the “inner of the innermost circle”.
“Some of these pastorals were still minors during their recruitment and during the period they were made to perform sexual services… Apollo Quiboloy allegedly coerces the members of the organization — many of whom are minors — to perform exploitative acts, such as begging in the streets and soliciting money from strangers,” it also claimed.
Last year, Quiboloy was sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, among 40 other individuals and entities sanctioned due to their supposed connection to corruption or human rights abuse across nine countries.
But Quiboloy’s lawyer Ferdinand Topacio has brushed off allegations against his client.
“These are already the subject of a criminal proceeding in California in the United States,” he disclosed in an ANC Dateline Philippines interview.
“If you think your witnesses are strong, why don’t you take them to court where the fight is fair and there is due process?” Topacio also dared Hontiveros.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Solidarity is not only during good times but most importantly during challenging times and this was proven by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) when the bloc condemned the recent fatal explosion at a gymnasium in Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, resulting in at least four deaths and 50 injuries.
On Saturday (December 9), Maharlika NuMedia learned that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has expressed gratitude to the ASEAN for its immediate condemnation of the tragic incident that was allegedly perpetrated by the terrorist Maute Group of the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Daulah Islamiyah.
The ASEAN has released a statement expressing: “Our deepest condolences to the bereaved families.”
“We thank the ASEAN community for their solidarity. As we pursue justice against the perpetrators, we welcome any future assistance from ASEAN to bolster intelligence, preventing the recurrence of such incidents,” said Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano.
He added: “Rest assured, we are dedicated to establishing peace and order in our beloved country.”
The IS earlier claimed responsibility for the December 3 Sunday attack, which occurred during a Catholic Mass, celebrating the First Sunday of Advent, in the Dimaporo Gymnasium inside the MSU campus.
Marawi City was previously devastated in 2017 after five months of military campaign against Maute-IS members and followers.
(AI/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Department of Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres has revealed plans for a drug summit in 2024. The summit aims to address the potential revision of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“The upcoming significant initiative will be the drug summit, providing an opportunity to collectively reassess this law alongside key stakeholders. This will pave the way for amendments to ensure fewer individuals face incarceration in drug-related cases,” Andres stated during the National Jail Decongestion Summit of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC).
He emphasized the commitment to adopt a nuanced approach towards low-level offenders while maintaining a strong stance against major drug dealers and suppliers.
Andres highlighted the intention to modify the Dangerous Drugs Act “to be more aligned with the present times.”
The DOJ undersecretary urged stakeholders, including civil society organizations, health organizations, the Department of Health, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant parties, to actively participate in the upcoming summit.
The National Jail Decongestion Summit brought together top officials and diplomats to explore strategies for alleviating congestion in the nation’s prisons and penal facilities.
(ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
THE Department of Justice said that the subpoena issued against former employee of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Jeff Tumbado has not yet been served due to a wrong address written on his affidavit.
“I can confirm that though a subpoena was issued, it could not be served due to the incorrect address on Mr. Tumbado’s affidavit,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said.
Clavano said that the NBI is in the process of serving another subpoena to the right address.
“This will delay the process a little bit as he was supposed to appear already on Monday if he had written only the right address,” he said.
Clavano advised Tumbado to contact the NBI if he still wishes to attend on Monday.
Tumbado was the former executive assistant to suspended LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, and he previously accused Guadiz to have allegedly given corruption money to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
However, recently he recanted his allegations, saying that his statements was”borne out of impulse, irrational thinking, misjudgment, and poor decision-making.”
Earlier, Bautista denied the corruption allegations against him and said that he will file charges against those individuals who accused him of the wrongdoing. (ai/mnm)
The Philippine Transportation and Communication Advocates (PTCA), a prominent advocate group against fake news and digital fraud, has welcomed the recent signing of a joint circular between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) aimed at strengthening the country’s fight against cybercrime.
In response to this collaborative effort by the two government agencies, the PTCA expressed its approval, emphasizing the timeliness of this development given the increasing incidence of cybercrime in the country.
According to PTCA Chief Aio Bautista, “This is a highly positive step that will bolster our mission to eliminate digital fraud and the spread of fake news. We believe that this joint circular will empower the DOJ to enlist additional prosecutors to handle the growing number of cybercrime cases.”
Bautista stressed the importance of swiftly resolving these cases, especially in the wake of recent cyberattacks on the country’s health insurer, PhilHealth.
“Swiftly apprehending cybercriminals is crucial, but prosecuting them is equally vital. Rigorous prosecution of these cybercriminals will undoubtedly send a powerful message about their malicious activities,” Bautista said.
Bautista also emphasized that the time to take action against cybercriminals is now.
The collaborative circular grants the DOJ the authority to hire an additional 1,073 prosecutors and 364 prosecution lawyers to address the increasing number of cybercrime cases.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla highlighted the need for this expansion, stating, “To effectively combat the evolving criminal landscape, we must deploy more public prosecutors with a deep understanding of legal complexities, digital forensics, and investigative techniques.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) reported that they handled 16,297 cybercrime cases from January to August 2023 alone.
In July, PNP-ACG noted a significant surge in cybercrime incidents in Metro Manila, rising from 2,477 cases the previous year to 6,250.
ACG director Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia drew attention to the prevalence of the “click the link” scam, where victims unwittingly provide scammers access to their bank details by clicking on malicious links.
Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, established the Office of Cybercrime (OOC) within the DOJ, designating it as the central authority for international mutual assistance and extradition related to cybercrime matters.
The OOC is responsible for formulating and implementing law enforcement strategies to combat cybercrime and cyber-related offenses nationwide. (ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
PINAALALAHANAN ng Department of Justice ang mga guro na ipinagbabawal ang corporal punishment sa mga eskwelahan kasabay ng pagkondena sa anumang karahasan at pang-aabuso sa mga bata.
“Child abuse in any form is an abhorrent violation of children’s rights and a crime that should never be tolerated,” ayon sa DOJ.
Ginawa ng DOJ ang pahayag matapos ang kaso ng isang guro sa Antipolo City na umano’y nanampal sa isang estudyante na namatay ilang araw pagkatapos ng insidente.
Ayon sa ina ng estudyante, hinawakan ng guro ang kwelyo ng kanyang 14-anyos na anak, hinila ang buhok nito at sinampal dahil sa pagrereklamo sa mga kaklase na maingay.
“The DOJ would like to remind teachers/educators that they hold a position of trust and responsibility in a child’s life,” sabi pa ng ahensiya.
Inatasan na rin ng DOJ ang Office of the City Prosecutor ng Antipolo City na makipag-ugnayan sa mga law enforcement agencies sa imbestigasyon at case build-up sa anumang pagkakasala na maaaring nagawa laban sa estudyante.
Kasalukuyang naka-leave ang guro at maaaring ma-dismiss dahil sa pang-aabuso sa estudyante, ayon sa Department of Education.
By Liezelle Soriano
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) have signed a joint circular, that would allow the former to hire more than one thousand prosecutors and more than 300 prosecution lawyers.
The mass hiring is expected for the DOJ to facilitate faster resolution of cybercrime issues.
To be exact, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that the joint circular empowers the agency to hire an additional 1,073 prosecutors and 364 prosecution lawyers.
“To combat this evolving criminal landscape, we must deploy more public prosecutors with a deep understanding of the legal nuances, digital forensics, and investigative techniques,” Remulla said.
For her part, Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman emphasized the significance of the nation’s prosecution service, which has to be available to all Filipinos.
Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) earlier said that it handled 16,297 cybercrime cases in a span of eight months alone or from January 2023 to August 2023.
In July, PNP-ACG said that the number of cybercrime incidents in Metro Manila alone soared to 6,250 from 2,477 last year.
ACG director Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia said that a lot of online users are still unaware of the “click the link” scam.
He added: “The victim doesn’t know that if he or she clicks the link, it would lead to a site for updating bank details. If he or she falls into the scheme, there is a big possibility that the scammers would get a hold of his or her bank details, hence, the money would be transferred to another account.”
(ai/mnm)