DOJ Chief Welcomes Judiciary Review, Eyes Systemic Improvement

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday welcomed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s call to conduct an examination into the judiciary, saying this will give way to improving the system. The Secretary expressed hope that this review would lead to enhancements in the legal system as a whole. During the Ombudsman’s budget hearing, Remulla said the judiciary should be examined closely by those in government, and its members should do some soul-searching after magistrates reversed rulings by his office and by the Department of Justice when he was its secretary. When he was Justice secretary, Remulla said the Ombudsman had dismissed someone from the National Bureau of Investigation, only for the CA to later reinstate the person. Following this, the Supreme Court (SC) invited the Ombudsman to file the proper complaints and submit evidence so that the High Tribunal can "determine the facts and, when warranted, exercise its disciplinary authority." Vida said the Ombudsman, SC, and the DOJ have the same goal. “Actually, I was on the phone with the Ombudsman. I congratulated him. Sabi ko thank you [for] putting forward this matter on the table para pagusapan,” he said. “Kasi sa dulo nito, pagkatapos pagusapan, pagkatapos dumaan sa tamang proseso, dapat mas maging maganda ‘yung sistemang legal natin,” he added. This could represent a significant step towards enhancing the transparency and efficiency of the judiciary in the Philippines. Source: GMA News Philippines