DOJ’s New Reasonable Certainty Conviction Standard Cuts Cases
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Justice’s new reasonable certainty of conviction standard has triggered a notable drop in the number of cases filed with the National Prosecution Service in Northern Mindanao, local authorities said. This shift marks a key change in how prosecutors handle criminal complaints.
According to Regional Prosecutor Merlynn Uy, the policy replaces the old probable cause benchmark with a stricter requirement, ensuring only cases with a strong likelihood of conviction proceed. “Now, we have to have a reasonable certainty that we could have a conviction,” she said during a recent press gathering.
Impact on Case Volume and Court Efficiency
Uy added that this new reasonable certainty of conviction standard has led to about a 15 percent decrease in filed cases locally. This reduction helps unclog court dockets and speeds up the criminal justice process. “It’s a very positive development for the justice system,” she remarked.
The policy demands prosecutors carefully assess evidence before formally filing a case. Only complaints backed by solid proof receive a docket number and move forward to preliminary investigation. Conversely, cases lacking sufficient evidence are closed but can be reopened once new evidence emerges.
Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
Emphasizing quality, Uy explained, “It’s better to file even just a few solid cases rather than many weak ones. Mere quantity is not a positive accomplishment for us. We go for quality cases to be brought before the courts.” This approach ensures fairness, focusing on the completeness and strength of evidence rather than favoring any party.
Local experts noted that this DOJ policy, recognized by the Supreme Court, aims to streamline prosecutions and reduce delays. By filtering out weak cases early, the justice system can focus resources on those most likely to succeed in court.
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