DOJ implements computerized system for prosecutors

CEBU, Philippines – A better monitoring of pending cases at the prosecutors' office is seen with the implementation of a computerized system of cases.

This was revealed in yesterday's launching of the "Automated Prosecution Case Management System."

Regional State Prosecutor (RSP) Fernando Gubalani said that he can now easily monitor the pending cases of a certain prosecutor.

Gubalani can just click the mouse and check the various cases assigned to each prosecutor.

The prosecutors have 60 days within which to resolve cases. Failure to do so within the time frame mandated by law would mean that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will withhold the allowance of the prosecutor, as recommended by the RSP.

The 60-day period is given to prosecutors who handle complaints that undergo a preliminary investigation, a procedure wherein the respondents are given a chance to submit their counter-affidavit to refute the allegations against them.

Within this period, prosecutors will determine if there is probable cause to merit the filing of a formal case in court. If there is none, a complaint is recommended for dismissal.

DOJ Chief Information Technology Officer Maria Bernadeth Bautista explained, however, that there will be limit in the access of prosecutors and the people to the website.

She cited reasons of confidentiality, and for security purposes.

Bautista said that the prosecutor cannot access the folder of another prosecutor.

"There is a username and a password allocated for each prosecutor for them to access their own account and they are not obliged to open the others as it is not their duty," she said.

Gubalani is assigned to monitor all prosecutors under his jurisdiction as well as their pending cases.

If he notices that a certain prosecutor has pending cases, he will first give notice before he will recommend to the DOJ for the withholding of the allowance.

Bautista said that the budget for this project is P3 million for the whole country. The amount covers the software and hardware.

Also, Bautista said that Region 7 is priority after Manila because Central Visayas has a lot of cases and this project would make it easier for the RSP to monitor the pending cases online.

Central Visayas was chosen as project recipient because of its case loads and the number of prosecutors who need to be monitored.

Cebu City Prosecutor Nicolas Sellon, however, said everyone may not readily accept this project as there are people who cling to the old ways.

"Kinaraan to binago but ang uban mo-ana nga mas nindot ang kinaraan compared sa binago," said Sellon. (FREEMAN)