MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to come up with steps to ensure the safety of prosecutors. Speaking at the signing of the DOJ-National Prosecution Service (NPS) Rules on Criminal Investigation at Malacañang, Marcos recognized the crucial role of prosecutors in the administration of justice. 'Given this role, we recognize the threats that you face in this line of duty,' Marcos said in his speech. 'I direct the DOJ and the PNP to recommend ways to help ensure the safety and protection of our prosecutors,' he said. The President also urged the country's prosecutors to become shepherds of 'highest integrity, ethics, and impartiality' in the administration of justice. 'To our prosecutors, you have your work now cut out for you. You are not just gatekeepers but also the shepherds of the highest integrity, ethics, and impartiality in the administration of justice,' he said. 'We are all stepping into a new e ra of law enforcement and prosecution, and knowing that-from here onwards-every case we handle, every decision we make, [and] every reform we champion will impact the lives of every single Filipino and it will shape the future of our country,' he added. DOJ-NPS Rules The signing of the DOJ-NPS Rules, Marcos said, marks one of the significant reforms in the Philippine justice system. 'Through this, all prosecutors are now empowered to take the lead in criminal investigations, ensuring that there is proper and sufficient case build-up before filing in court,' he said. The President said the new rules will institutionalize the executive and inquisitorial nature of preliminary investigations in line with legal precedents and reinforcing the DOJ's authority in this domain. The guidelines will also complement existing prosecutorial functions empowering the DOJ to take a proactive role in the investigation of crimes and ensure efficient case build-ups, he added. The new preliminary investigation rules will als o further streamline electronic filing or e-filing procedures and virtual preliminary investigation hearings to reduce delays and increase accessibility, especially in remote area. Source: Philippines News Agency