DOJ achieves 100% on resolution of cases reported through hotline

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently scored a 100 percent resolution and compliance rating in the scorecard of the Office of the President - Citizens’ Complaint Center.

The DOJ cited that based on the 8888 Agency Statistics, it received 205 tickets/concerns and has resolved all of them within the 72-hour prescribed period from January 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024.

“Guided by the principles of a Bagong Pilipinas, this is another remarkable accomplishment for the DOJ which is a testament that we are serious in delivering justice for all in real time,” said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla in a statement.

The DOJ Action Center (DOJAC), under the direct supervision of Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez and its Program Director, Asst. State Prosecutor Joan Carla Guevarra, serves as the Department’s focal unit for 8888 concerns/complaints.

The 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center was established to serve as a mechanism where citizens may report their complaints and grievances on acts of red tape, and/or corruption of any national government agency, government owned or controlled corporation, government financial institutions or any instrumentality of the government.

Meanwhile, Remulla extended his appreciation to the legislators who continue to believe in their capacity in upholding the rule of law as they promised that their budget, up to the last centavo, will be used for the benefit of every Filipino in pursuit of justice.

This as Remulla and fellow officials asked the Senate to approve the DOJ’s proposed P42.25-billion budget for fiscal year 2025.

Senator Grace Poe, the sponsor of the said proposal was scrutinized by fellow senators and defended and emphasized the significant achievements and ongoing programs of the DOJ, underlining its pivotal role in maintaining the rule of law, strengthening justice institutions and ensuring accountability.

DOJ’s key reforms highlighted during the budget interpellation were the significant increase in conviction rates, streamlined case management through digital transformation initiatives, faster resolution of cases, expanded access to free legal services for vulnerable groups, intensified anti-human trafficking efforts and many more.

The DOJ added that it is also important to mention the areas in need of immediate action once the budget is approved, such as the improvement of the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) biometric identification system, purchase of body-worn cameras for immigration personnel, decongestion of prisons and other concerns.

Overall, senators were impressed with the DOJ’s long list of achievements since the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. under the leadership of  Remulla.

Senator JV Ejercito congratulated the DOJ, led by Remulla, for the innovations and reforms that they have been instituting at the said department. - Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/ATO