Protect Crime Suspects’ Rights: Vital Steps Proposed
Manila’s 2nd district representative Roland Valeriano recently urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicolas Torre to adopt new measures aimed at protecting the rights of crime suspects. Valeriano emphasized the importance of safeguarding suspects during media interviews and public presentations, highlighting the need to prohibit interviews without the presence of legal counsel. These steps are crucial to protect suspects’ rights and ensure fair treatment.
Valeriano pointed out that the presence of legal counsel prevents exploitation of suspects who may not fully understand their rights, such as the right to remain silent and protection against self-incrimination. He stressed that the presentation of suspects in press conferences must follow strict rules that respect constitutional guarantees. The lawmaker also called for uniform policies on the public release of suspects’ mugshots to avoid unnecessary harm to their reputation.
Ensuring Proper Communication and Transparency
In regions where Filipino or English is not the primary language, Valeriano recommended that Miranda Rights be read in the local dialect to ensure full comprehension. This approach respects the cultural and linguistic diversity across the country while upholding suspects’ constitutional rights.
Moreover, he proposed monthly public updates on crime statistics through social media and press briefings, categorized by crime type and police jurisdiction. This transparency would keep communities informed and maintain public trust.
Guarding Against Misuse of Legal Processes
Valeriano also urged the PNP and Department of Justice (DOJ) to prevent the filing of incorrect charges by police officers. Such misuse can lead to wrongful dismissals, protection for guilty offenders through double jeopardy, or harassment of innocent individuals. For example, charges of attempted homicide might be improperly filed instead of lesser offenses like grave physical injuries, distorting justice.
He reminded authorities that juveniles aged 15 to 18 are not automatically exempt from arrest or criminal charges. The Supreme Court’s guidelines on handling juvenile suspects must be strictly followed nationwide to ensure fair treatment.
Evidence and Case Management
Valeriano highlighted cases where innocent drivers are wrongly charged despite clear video evidence proving others at fault. He stressed that the DOJ’s rule against pursuing weak cases should encourage the PNP to build strong cases based on solid physical evidence and credible witness testimony.
To combat public amnesia on serious crimes, the lawmaker recommended establishing a public online portal. This platform would provide updates on cases involving hazing, rape, child abuse, deadly crashes, murders, homicides, and illegal drugs. Such a resource would hold authorities accountable and keep these issues in the public eye.
For more news and updates on protecting crime suspects’ rights, visit Filipinokami.com.