Prosecutors’ role in justice system stressed

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Justice, highlighted the crucial role of prosecutors in the criminal justice system as he and former president Rodrigo Duterte attended the 32nd Annual Convention of the Prosecutors’ League of the Philippines Inc. (PLP) at SMX Lanang Premier in Davao City on Wednesday, March 29.

In his speech, Go emphasized that prosecutors help promote public trust in the criminal justice system, citing that they work to ensure that the system is fair, impartial and accountable to the people it serves.

“It is truly an honor for me to be with you all. As a senator and member of the Senate Committee on Justice, I understand the importance of maintaining justice in our country and the role of the prosecutors in implementing it. Your dedication and commitment to justice are essential in maintaining a fair and just society,” said Go.

The convention was also attended by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Department of Justice Secretary Jesus “Boying” Remulla and Undersecretary Brigido Dulay, Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento, and Associate Justices Rodel Zalameda and Joseph Lopez, among others.

The PLP is an organization founded in 1969 and is composed of prosecutors from various parts of the country. It aims to promote the welfare of prosecutors, enhance the efficiency of the prosecution service, and uphold the rule of law in the country.

Furthermore, PLP also collaborates with other organizations and agencies in the justice sector, including the Department of Justice, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police, among others.

Continuing his remarks, Go took the opportunity to express his gratitude to former president Duterte for signing into law Republic Act (RA) 11643, which grants survivorship benefits to the surviving legitimate spouse and dependent children of deceased retired members of the National Prosecution Service.

“This is to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by our prosecutors in the pursuit of justice. We understand that their job is not an easy one, and we are committed to supporting them in any way that we can,” he acknowledged.

The law, which Go co-authored and co-sponsored in the Senate, grants survivorship benefits to the surviving legitimate spouse and dependent children in case of the death of a retired member of the NPS or a member of the same who is eligible to retire optionally at the time of death.

The beneficiaries shall be entitled to receive all the retirement benefits that the deceased member was receiving or is entitled to receive.

“One of the significant measures I co-authored is RA 11643, which grants survivorship benefits to the surviving legitimate spouse and dependent children of deceased retired members of the National Prosecution Office,” Go said.

Go also expressed his optimism that these benefits would significantly help the kin of deceased prosecutors sustain their needs even after the latter’s passing.

The senator acknowledged the risks that prosecutors are exposed to and stressed that the grant serves as a small gesture of appreciation for their dedication to serve the country.

Meanwhile, Go also reiterated his support for stronger law enforcement to address the country’s issues, especially drug-related crimes, and to promote peace and order in the country.

It is for this reason that the lawmaker was instrumental in pushing for several measures, such as the Malasakit Centers Act, Salary Standardization Law 5, Expansion of the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act, Department of Migrant Workers Act, National Academy of Sports, and BFP Modernization Act, among others.

“As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, I pushed and fought for the passage of the Malasakit Centers Act. I also continue to push for programs that could improve medical access for all such as the establishment of Super Health Centers and specialty centers in DoH hospitals because this is also the priority of President Bongbong Marcos,” he shared.