Outgoing justice chief Guevarra: DOJ upheld law, respected human rights
FILE PHOTO: DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Friday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) “upheld the law” and “respected human rights” under his watch.
According to the outgoing DOJ chief, his goal when he headed the agency in 2018 was to bring back the trust of the public in the justice department.
Guevarra then cited a survey among government agencies in the executive department in 2021, which showed the DOJ garnering a trust rating of 67 percent.
“I believe na ‘yun ang major achievement na nagawa ng aking administrasyon during the past more than four years,” Guevarra said in an interview with Teleradyo.
(I believe that is the major achievement during my administration over the past more than four years.)
“At ‘yan ay sa pamamagitan ng maraming pamamaraan… Unang-una ang pag-uphold ng batas. Pangalawa, ang pag-respect sa human rights. Pangatlo, ang paglaban sa corruption. Pang-apat ay ang pagkakaroon ng policy ng compassionate justice,” he added.
(We achieved that through a lot of means… First, by upholding the law. Second, by respecting human rights. Third, by fighting corruption. Fourth, through our policy of compassionate justice.)
Guevarra said he is set to speak with his successor, Cavite 7th District Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla, for their transition in the DOJ on Thursday next week, June 9.
READ: Cavite Rep. Boying Remulla set to be justice secretary under Marcos Cabinet
“Meron na [initial na napag-usapan] pero ‘yun ay in general pa lamang at ‘yung mga specifics ay pag-uusapan pa lang namin (There have been initial talks but those are just in general. We will still discuss the specifics),” Guevarra said.
According to Guevarra, they will give Remulla’s team a briefer on the operations of the DOJ as well as their major accomplishments over the past few years.
He also said they will recommend programs and projects that the next DOJ administration can continue.