De Lima gives erring prosecutors ultimatum to resolve pending cases

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday issued a month-long ultimatum to all erring state prosecutors who have been remiss in their duties to resolve complaints they are handling within the prescribed 60-day period.

Speaking in a news conference, De Lima did not hide her frustration over the number of prosecutors who were purportedly sitting on the criminal complaints assigned to them.

De Lima said she shared the sentiment of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who assailed Zamboanga City prosecutors Gladdy Bernabe and Alfredo Jimenez Jr. for their failure to resolve the cases filed against a couple suspected of smuggling black corals and other endangered marine species.

“It does not sit well for the department as an institution that our reputation is being (besmirched). We’re trying our best to make a difference, but our efforts are stunted because of things like this,” De Lima lamented.

She chided state prosecutors “who did not even bother to ask for an extension” to comply with her department order directing DoJ prosecutors to finish the preliminary investigation of cases within 60 days.

“If they are unable to satisfactorily explain their actuation … then we will do whatever is appropriate, which may include dismissal from service,” De Lima said.