DOJ, Marikina launch court case website

MANILA, Philippines - Residents of Marikina City can now follow up the progress of their cases in court through the Internet.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and the Marikina City government launched yesterday www.marikinaprosecutors.com, a website designed “to speed up the wheels of the justice system in the city.”

A first of its kind in the country, Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando said the website is a product of the city government’s projects on e-governance.

“This (website) is a novelty that should be followed throughout the country,” said Gonzalez. He admitted that the Department of Justice (DOJ) cannot monitor all prosecution offices, particularly those in the provinces, because of the lack of funds.

“The prosecution remains autonomous, (only when there are) complaints of cases gathering cobwebs in the office (do we find out),” Gonzalez said, noting that the website also promotes transparency.

The website also features a guide on filing a criminal complaint, legal fees, schedule of inquest duty, status of all filed and pending cases, DOJ circulars, resolutions, and downloadable forms.

Marikina chief prosecutor Jason Amante said the website would guarantee a fast and efficient delivery of justice since “it would save time on the part of the public and the prosecutors.”

“Before going to the office to file their cases, the public could access on the website how the process goes and can download forms,” Amante said, noting that the prosecution office accommodates hundreds of individuals daily.

Each of the 12 prosecutors providing services to 10 regional and municipal trial courts have their own computer sets or laptops that are connected to the Internet under the city’s Management Information System (MIS).

“We draft ordinances in the computer… Our transactions now are paperless,” Amante said. – Non Alquitran