Guevarra hails DOJ for surviving ‘major institutional crisis’

MANILA, Philippines–For continuing to uphold the rule of law, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the Department of Justice (DOJ) has survived a “major institutional crisis” brought about by the wrong implementation of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).

“Because we continued to uphold the rule of law, we continued to follow what is right, of what is just and because you, my co-workers at the Department [of Justice] has rallied behind the leadership of the DOJ, the DOJ has survived this major institutional crisis,” Guevara said in his speech at the 122nd DOJ Founding Anniversary.

“And as a matter fact came out almost unscathed, if I may say even smelling good,” he said as he noted that one senator even mentioned that the present DOJ “enjoys a clean public image.

The DOJ became a figure in the GCTA controversy after reports that former Calauan Mayor Antonio Sanchez who was sentenced with nine reclusion perpetua will be able to go out because of good conduct.

The release was stopped and a review of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Expanded GCTA Law was conducted. Sanchez’ release also prompted legislative inquiries that opened door to more anomalies inside the national penitentiary.

President Rodrigo Duterte then ordered all heinous crimes convicts who were released from 2014 to surrender.

The DOJ has also started polishing the list provided by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to make sure to exclude non-GCTA releases.

Guevarra expressed satisfaction that the lawmakers acknowledge the DOJ’s effort as a bill has been filed in support of the DOJ’s call to reacquire more control over the BuCor.

“So, that is probably a recognition to some extent that there is a necessity for a more active oversight function on the part of the DOJ,” Guevarra said.

He also acknowledges Congress’ initiative offering additional funding for the DOJ.

“Sa DOJ ang ating problema, saan ilalagay, saan ilalaan ang additional funds na gusto ibigay sa atin,” Guevarra said.

[At the DOJ, our problem is where to put, where to appropriate the additional funds that they want to give us.]

“My dear co-workers at the DOJ, I just want you to rejoice in our newfound strength, newfound public image. I’d like to say the DOJ has been reborn,” Guevarra said.  /muf