DOJ vows to uphold due process, fairness in legal proceedings

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday vowed to ensure that the principles of due process and fair treatment are upheld in all legal proceedings.

The agency made the assurance in response to the call of various media groups to dismiss the cases against journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and human rights advocates Mariel Domequil and Alexander Philip Abinguna.

"It is important to emphasize that the DOJ prosecutors are expected to be objective in their assessment and evaluation of the evidence at hand," the DOJ said in a statement.

"The decision-making process within the DOJ is guided by a thorough review of the facts, evidence, and applicable laws, with the ultimate goal of promoting justice and the rule of law," it added.

The media groups sent the letter to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to mark the fourth year of the journalist and rights advocates' detention, which stemmed from charges related to terrorism financing.

The three were arrested in a police raid in Tacloban City on Feb. 7, 2020 over alleged illegal possession of firearms and for allegedly being members of the New People's Army.

Meanwhile, the DOJ called on stakeholders to respect the institution's independence.

"Thank you for bringing these concerns to our attention. Rest assured that the DOJ, as the government's prosecution arm and enforcer of the criminal justice system, is hellbent on promoting transparency and fairness," it said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News