INSTEAD of probable cause, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has suggested “reasonable certainty of conviction” as requirement before prosecutors file criminal cases in courts.

Remulla, a former lawmaker from Cavite, made the suggestion during the fourth leg of the Justice Zone Dialogue Series on January 11, 2023 at the Baguio Country Club Convention Center in Baguio City, where Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. were also in attendance.

According to Remulla, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is focused on pushing for an increase in the degree of proof necessary for the filing of criminal cases in court, adding that in order to file high quality cases, prosecutors should not just pursue cases on the basis of a finding of probable cause, but also on the existence of a reasonable certainty of conviction.

“We all know that there is a need to narrow the great divide between the current degree of proof needed for the filing of a criminal information, probable cause, and that of conviction, which is proof beyond reasonable doubt,” said Remulla.

He stressed that such measure will benefit the courts as it will help decongest court dockets, and give judges more time to only hear cases where the evidence is complete.

Meanwhile, Remulla, Gesmundo, and Abalos reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together to ensure the success of Justice Zone.

There are a total of nine Justice Zones nationwide: Quezon City, Angeles City, Bacolod City, Columba City, Balanga City, Cebu City, Davao City, Naga City, and Baguio City.

The JSCC comprises the Supreme Court, the DOJ, and the DILG. It was the first time that three JSCC principals were present in the Justice Zone Dialogue Series since its launch last year.

The first three dialogues were held in Cebu City, Davao City, and Naga City.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Hector Lawas