Prosecutor’s Offices Are Now Physically Open In GCQ Areas

Pursuant to DOJ Office Order No. 0474 dated 15 May 2020, all prosecutors’ offices in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) physically opened starting 16 May 2020, Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm..

Alternative work arrangements may be adopted as deemed proper by the Prosecutor General and the Regional Prosecutors upon taking into consideration the health status and residence of the prosecutors, prosecution attorneys, and their support staff.

Inquest proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules of Court and relevant guidelines issued by the Department of Justice. Nonetheless, the conduct of electronic inquest is encouraged as far as practicable.

Complaints for preliminary investigation, preferably through electronic filing, shall continue to be received for docketing, recording, and assigning to a prosecutor. Investigating prosecutors shall resume previously scheduled preliminary investigation hearings and case conferences subject to strict observance of the minimum health standards. Moreover, trial prosecutors shall attend court hearings and prosecute cases.

The reglementary period for filing of affidavits, motions, position papers, petition for review, and other relevant papers shall commence to run on 31 May 2020 for those areas which transitioned to GCQ last 01 May 2020. For all other areas that will be placed under GCQ after 31 May 2020, the reglementary period shall commence to run upon lifting of the ECQ restrictions or unless sooner declared by the department.