FISCALS ASSURED
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez yesterday assured the country’s prosecutors (also known as fiscals) that the House of Representatives would continue supporting the strengthening the National Prosecution Service.
The leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives made the assurance in remarks during the 34th national convention and 17th national election of the Prosecutors’ League of the Philippines at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
The league’s guests included Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon.
Speaker Romualdez, a law graduate from UP, told prosecutors that he feels a sense of kinship with them.
“I may not have chosen the courtroom path that many of you walk every day, but I understand and deeply respect the discipline, the sacrifice, and the silent courage it takes to pursue justice – case after case, day after day,” he said.
“You carry out your mission away from the spotlight, but your work lights the way for a more just society. In cities and in far-flung areas, in high-profile cases and in those known only to victims and their families – you speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. You stand up for the rule of law, and more importantly, for the dignity of every Filipino,” he said.
He said this is the reason why the House, under his leadership, is committed to supporting and strengthening the National Prosecution Service.
“You deserve not just recognition, but real, tangible support,” he stressed.
The House leader recalled that when he was House majority leader, he steered the passage of Republic Act No. 11643, the Survivorship Law for Prosecutors.
“That law closed a painful gap – finally giving the surviving spouses and children of prosecutors the same rights long granted to other members of the justice system. It was the right thing to do. And it was just the beginning,” he said.
“Today, I stand before you to say: our commitment continues,” he said.
He said the House is pushing for the swift passage of the Hazard Pay for Public Prosecutors Act, “a measure that recognizes the very real dangers many of you face in the line of duty.”
“Whether you are handling cases involving drug syndicates, terrorism, human trafficking, or corruption, the risk is real. And so, too, should be the support,” he added.
Speaker Romualdez informed his audience that the House is also supporting the approval of Bill No. 117, filed by Cavite Rep. Roy Loyola, which aims to bring the salary grades of prosecutors and their benefits at par with those in the judiciary.
“This is not just about compensation—it’s about fairness and respect. Beyond that, the House is reviewing proposals to improve your retirement benefits, security assistance, and logistical support. These are not favors. These are investments in the people who hold the justice system together,” he said.
“Mga kasama ko sa serbisyo publiko, I know that you did not enter this profession to seek the limelight or the applause. You do what you do because you believe in the law, in justice, and in the good it can do for our country. But let me say this clearly: you are not forgotten. And under our watch, you will no longer be the unsung heroes of the justice system,” he said.
He said the House would stand with prosecutors “in legislation, in policy, and in every effort to make our institutions stronger and more responsive.”
“Because when we support our prosecutors, we strengthen our democracy,” he added.
Speaker Romualdez pointed out that the prosecutors’ conference is “not only be a celebration of what you’ve accomplished – but a reminder of how much more we can do, together.”
“Let us continue to build a justice system that is firm but fair, compassionate but strong. A justice system that restores trust and inspires hope. At sa pagtataguyod natin ng Bagong Pilipinas, we will make sure that those who uphold the law will be upheld by the State in return,” he said.
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