The House of Representatives on Wednesday pushed for the approval of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) proposed P28.2 billion budget for 2023.
At the same time, the House appropriations committee chaired by Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co commended Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla for the creation of the Prosecution Integrity Board of the DOJ.
“We laud Secretary [Crispin] Remulla’s first official order as head of the DOJ to create the Prosecution Integrity Board. Established through Department Circular No. 027, the Board will look into misconducts of government prosecutors and recommend sanctions against them if necessary,” Co said during the hearing.
As the State’s principal law agency, Co said the DOJ plays an indispensable role as government’s prosecution arm and administers government’s criminal justice system. DOJ is tasked to investigate crimes, prosecute offenders, and oversee the country’s correctional system.
Co also commended Remulla for his initiatives to strengthen the cause of justice and cope with the challenges brought by Covid-19 through the creation of the Case Decongestion Task Force and adoption of the “e-inquest” and “alternative preliminary investigations”.
He also noted DOJ’s dedication to stamp out online sexual exploitation, gender-based violence, and child’s rights offenses.
“With the proposed budget of P28.2 billion for fiscal year 2023, we look forward to all DOJ plans and programs to ensure that justice is served efficiently and appropriately,” Co said.
Co said Congress, led by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, will support and help ensure DOJ’s success in achieving its plans for next year.
Also at Wednesday’s budget hearing, Co and committee senior vice chair, Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo, also heard the Department of Science and Technology’s proposed 2023 budget of P24.06 billion. He noted that over half of DOST’s proposed 2023 budget (50.46 percent equivalent to P12.14 billion) is allocated for Science and Technology Services.
“As the world, including the Philippines, transitions from the pandemic, our economic survival and growth will be driven by science and technology. It is appropriate that we put bulk of the people’s money both on S&T Services and research and development. DOST’s proposed R&D budget for next year is at P2.5 billion or 10 percent of the department’s total budget,” Co said.
