The early dismissal of cases due to lack of evidence creates a higher level of standard in the country’s justice system, House Justice Panel Vice Chairperson Margarita “Migs” Nograles said Wednesday.
The PGA party-list congresswoman said the early dismissal of cases shows greater efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness, after the Justice Department reported that up to 90% of the cases filed in courts and with prosecutors are dismissed due to technicalities or lack of evidence.
“It already creates a higher level of standard that cases that move forward within our justice system must be backed with proper evidence to establish probable cause at an earlier stage,” she said.
“Cases need not unnecessarily go through the entire trial process anymore only to be dismissed later on due to lack of evidence after the time, resources, and filled dockets and calendars of our courts,” she added.
Nograles, a lawyer, stressed that if a case is dismissed without prejudice, individuals may go back to build their case and re-file it with more evidence.
“In fact, this creates a higher standard now to ensure that cases that go to trial are not those intended for vengeance nor are they maliciously prosecuted,” she said.
The Department of Justice seeks to increase the conviction rate through Department Order No. 20, which allows prosecutors to join police officers and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation in building up cases. — BM, GMA Integrated News
