DOJ assures public: Only meritorious cases will proceed to trial

The Department of Justice (DOJ) assured the public Monday that only meritorious cases will proceed to trial as it welcomed the Supreme Court’s (SC) ruling that upheld the validity of a department circular that raised the standards of evidence in preliminary investigations and inquest proceedings.

In a statement, the DOJ said it will continue implementing the guidelines, training prosecutors, and collaborating with stakeholders.

This came after the SC dismissed the petition filed by a lawyer and ruled that the DOJ's Department Circular 15 is a valid exercise of the agency's authority.

Under DC 15 dated July 2024, the standard of proof was raised from probable cause to prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said the ruling affirms the DOJ’s commitment to reforming and advancing the country’s criminal justice system.

"The Supreme Court's affirmation validates our bold step toward a more discerning and effective prosecution system,” Vida said.

“This is not about making justice harder to achieve. It’s about making it fairer, faster, and more reliable for all Filipinos,” he added. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News