Rappler reviews Remulla’s first days as DOJ Secretary

CHEERS TO Rappler for its report that reviewed Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla’s first 18 days as Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary. The report sets the standard for watching DOJ as an institution amid various problems and developments that have hounded the department. The report also did well to set a framework that is not dependent on the agenda that the Secretary had talked about after his appointment. Significantly, the report projected the looming challenge confronting Remulla as the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceeds with its investigation. 

Remulla, a lawyer who hails from a prominent political clan in Cavite, was among the local officials who actively campaigned for President Marcos in the 2022 elections. He was also one of politicians who red-tagged former Vice President Leni Robredo and her supporters. With these, his appointment to the DOJ calls for close scrutiny. 

Rappler’s Lian Buan pointed to three main events that Remulla has done in his first weeks in office, as well as those he is about to face:

• His meeting with the a prison reform expert to introduce changes in Bureau of Corrections (BuCor);

Controversies have hounded BuCor in the past –  air-conditioned and lavish cells in the New Bilibid Prison, mysterious COVID-19 deaths, and a highly irregular SMNI interview with convicted kidnapper and retired military general, Jovito Palparan.

Buan said that Remulla met with prison reform expert Raymund Narag, signaling he is introducing changes in the BuCor. But while DOJ is seen as having authority and supervisory powers over BuCor, the bureau is autonomous as stated in its own charter. The report said that the two had discussed the changes being considered. 

• His issuing of Circular No. 027, which would give him additional powers over the National Prosecution Service (NPS); and

Further, Buan noted Remulla’s first concrete reform which was Circular No. 027 or revised rules on appealing decisions of the NPS. Remulla gained a “tighter grip” over prosecutors with his issuance of the circular on July 13. 

Buan observed that the NPS has always prided itself as an independent unit within the DOJ. But it might lose some of its independence with the new rules.

Previously, a person who is dissatisfied with the decision can file a petition for review by the secretary. Now, Section 3 of the circular gives Remulla authority to review the same on his own, without anyone appealing for it. 

• The ICC’s resumption of its investigation into former President Duterte’s crimes against humanity

Lastly and most significantly, the report highlighted the key role that Remulla will play to determine how the government deals with the ICC investigation. As the ICC has invited the victims of Duterte’s drug war to send in their comments, Buan points to Remulla as someone at “the center of the first litmus test of the Marcos-Duterte alliance: how to deal with the ICC.” 

The government has until September 8 to respond to the ICC. “Any move will bear signs of how strong the Duterte-Marcos alliance is, especially given the President’s diplomatic posturing that he is aligned with the international community, which in turn, supports the ICC,” the report added.

Rappler’s report is a welcome effort and a quick reminder that the media owes the public the kind of reporting that will allow them a closer look at the officials they voted into power.