The Department of Justice has adopted online inquest proceedings to resolve cases while the country is still grappling with the coronavirus disease pandemic.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that the inquest proceedings would be conducted online for as long as concerned parties—the Philippine National Police, prosecution offices and courts—are Internet-capable.
During inquest proceedings, the DOJ prosecutors determine whether a person who is arrested and detained without warrant should be charged in court.
“It’s just the same procedure done online among internet-capable PNP units, courts, and prosecution offices,” Guevarra said in a text message.
Prosecutor General Benedict Malcontento explained that it is effectively a “virtual conduct of inquest proceeding using any online platform for video calls and conferences and all available electronic communications.”
The online inquest, which is paperless and does not require physical presence of parties, started last Friday.