The Department of Justice (DOJ) further strengthens the enforcement of environmental laws in the country by formally including within the scope of pro-active case-build up the violation of penal laws involving the environment.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla issued a department circular ast month following the the successful implementation earlier this year of his directive mandating all prosecutors to take an active role in the investigation of heinous crimes and other capital offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment.
“This latest issuance further amending D.C. No. 020 demonstrates the Department’s seriousness in cracking down on environmental crimes that cause serious degradation to nature, thereby infringing on our right to a balanced and healthful ecology,” said Remulla.
Among the laws include the Revised Forestry Code (P.D. 705), Chainsaw Act of 2022 (R.A. No. 9175), Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA No. 9147), and the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 (RA No. 11038), among others.
Prosecutors are expected to assist and cooperate with law enforcement agencies (LEA) during the case build-up stage of investigations in environmental crimes.
This will ensure that before cases are filed in court, prosecutors and LEAs are able to prove a prima facie case against violators leading to a reasonable certainty of conviction.
“We need to turn the tide, if we want to reach our common goal of achieving meaningful environmental justice within our lifetime. This requires action from all fronts, including prosecutors and law enforcement alike, by becoming vanguards of environmental protection and conservation for our future generations,” he added.
The full implementation of D.C. No. 020-B is expected to be carried out immediately, in consonance with the ongoing capacity-building training being conducted by the prosecutors for law enforcement agencies, relative to D.C. No. 020.
