DOJ: Streamlined survivorship claims honors deceased prosecutors

MANILA: The streamlined process for the filing of survivorship claims seeks to honor the invaluable service of deceased prosecutors, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Thursday. "No amount of money will ever be enough to pay off the priceless service our dearly departed prosecutors have rendered for the country in order to uphold the Rule of Law and guarantee the efficient administration of justice. Their remaining loved ones have sacrificed so much for the welfare of the Filipino people by sharing with society the time and life of our deceased prosecutors, hence, it must be the State's obligation to ensure their loved ones are well taken care of and given a bright future ahead," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement on Thursday. Under Republic Act 11643, the family of qualified prosecutors shall now be eligible to receive survivorship benefits, which cover all accrued retirement benefits that a deceased prosecutor ought to have received if he or she were still alive. DOJ Department Circular 038 series of 2023 provides that 'claims may only be filed by the legitimate surviving spouse, dependent child/children of the qualified prosecutor, or legal guardian or duly authorized representative of the qualified beneficiary/ies pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 11643.' The IRR of RA 11643 was signed by Remulla on Oct. 27, 2023. Upon completion of documentary requirements and necessary forms, the claim may be filed before the Personnel Division of the DOJ or any Regional, Provincial, or City Prosecution Office nearest to the beneficiaries' actual residence. Electronic filing is encouraged for early evaluation purposes only, as the original and/or certified true copy of the documentary requirements must be filed. The receiving office shall pre-assess the completeness of the documents presented and after proper validation, endorse them to the Government Service Insurance System. Approved survivorship claims shall be paid to the qualified beneficiaries upon the rele ase of funds by the Department of Budget and Management. 'This would truly help the surviving spouse or dependent children of a deceased prosecutor, as they are now armed with the know-hows of processing their benefits,' Remulla said. 'I am certain that our dearly departed would be given peace and serenity on the other side of life with this development.' (PNA) Source: Philippines News Agency