The Department of Justice has revised the rules of procedures to speed up the handling and resolution of administrative complaints filed against prosecution officials and employees.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima issued Department Circular No. 010 dated March 25, 2015, copy of which was furnished the media last week, which streamlines the process of going after misfits in the National Prosecution Service.
De Lima’s circular adopted the revisions to the Rules of Procedure of the Internal Affairs Unit of the NPS that rationalize the procedure in the handling of administrative complaints.
It also gives “the head of an office” the prerogative to motu propio initiate administrative action against subordinates.
Complaints are treated with utmost confidentiality and any official or employee of the NPS who receives the complaints must transmit these to the IAU of the Office of the Secretary within 24 hours from its receipt for proper action.
The IAU is bound to take actions appropriate under the circumstances – including evaluating the complaint – to determine if the complaint is sufficient in form and substance.