The Department of Justice (DOJ) vowed on Thursday to institute reforms, paving the way for the online preliminary investigations of criminal complaints filed before government prosecutors.
DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres said during the “Bagong Pilipinas DOJ Town Hall” event held in Dasmarinas City, Cavite that the department will soon issue circulars to implement online preliminary investigations.
Andres said the DOJ took the cue from the judiciary when the Supreme Court (SC) allowed the conduct of video conferencing during trials.
“Video conferencing is being done in courts and this will be part of the system of the DOJ to expeditiously conduct the preliminary investigation,” he stressed.
“The online submission of affidavits will also be allowed,” Andres added.
Preliminary investigations are usually conducted in the presence of prosecutors, complainants, respondents, and witnesses to decide if the complaints will be filed in court.
Andres, however, noted that moving this process online will allow the DOJ to “achieve our motto of real justice, in real time.”
“With accountability mechanisms in place, we will be able to establish a culture where perpetrators are made responsible for their actions,” the DOJ official added.