DOJ, IBP sign MOA for new rules on preliminary investigations

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of agreement for the information dissemination drive of the new rules on preliminary investigation.

The new rules are under DOJ Circular No. 15, which states that conducting preliminary investigation and inquest proceedings on criminal complaints is an executive function and under the sole and exclusive domain of the DOJ.

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“This game-changer in the prosecution of crimes is a product of the department’s close collaboration and good working relationship with the Supreme Court,” Remulla said.

This was not known to many lawyers in the country, thus the partnership with the IBP, which is the official organization of all Philippine lawyers.

For his part, IBP President Antonio Pido thanked the DOJ for the partnership and said they are looking forward to their collaboration.

“Napakahalaga pong malaman ito ng mga volunteer lawyers kasi bagong sistema na ito,” he said.

(The volunteer lawyers need to know this because this is a new system.)

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Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty, also present at the event, noted that the agreement was the “first-ever engagement” between the DOJ and IBP.

He said this is expected to help Filipinos achieve justice in a way that is faster and less costly.