Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida on Saturday said prosecutors are now working under a clear time standard for conducting preliminary investigations.
In an interview with DZRH News Television, Vida said the Department of Justice has 120 days to dispose of cases once they are docketed for preliminary investigation.
He explained that cases exceeding the 120-day period are already considered part of the backlog, emphasizing that the timeline begins upon the filing of the complaint.
Vida said stronger coordination between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors helps improve case build-up and serves as a deterrent to crime.
He added that timely and solid case preparation helps ensure cases prosper in court while preventing congestion in courts and jails.
