Inquirer photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a circular expanding the scope of proactive case-building on violations of penal laws involving the environment, now including the Revised Forestry Code, the Chainsaw Act of 2022, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018, among others.
With the recently issued Department Circular No. 020-B, the DOJ on Sunday said prosecutors were now 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 can prove a prima facie case against violators leading to a reasonable certainty of conviction,” the agency said in a statement.
The latest circular signed on Sept. 10 followed the implementation of DOJ Circular No. 020, issued on March 31, 2023, which mandated all prosecutors to take an active role in the investigation of heinous crimes and other capital offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua.
“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,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.
Remulla noted that achieving environmental justice required actions from all fronts, including prosecutors and law enforcement alike, “by becoming vanguards of environmental protection and conservation for our future generations.”
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 DOJ prosecutors for law enforcement agencies.
The circular also covers violations of the Philippine Mining Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.