Prove crime does not pay, Enrile urges prosecutors

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (April 1, 2009) - Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile underscored today the vital role played by government prosecutors in ensuring that crime does not pay in the Philippines under a democratic system that upholds the rule of law.

"I trust that in the performance of your sacred duty, you are constantly on guard against elements that are out to denigrate our justice system," Enrile told officials and members of the National Prosecutors League of the Philippines during their 21st National Convention at the Xavier Estates Sports and Country Club here.

"Our nation needs people who only have the best interest of the country at heart. I am certain that you will not fail them. However, may I remind you not to rely solely on your intelligence. Pray for wisdom. Pray for good discernment, especially when handling controversial cases."

Senate President Enrile assured the prosecutors of his support in their desire to deliver excellent results despite being overworked but underpaid.

He stressed that the Senate under his watch is profoundly appreciative of the prosecutors' "selfless dedication" and, thus, is constantly seeking ways to protect their welfare, including through the provision of additional allowances and benefits.

"You may remember well that five years ago, members of Congress tirelessly steered through long hours of deliberation Republic Act 9279, which granted additional compensation in the form of special allowances for the members of the National Prosecution Service (NPS) and the state counsels in the Department of Justice," Enrile said.

"We crafted that law in recognition of your notable accomplishments and to encourage you to remain dedicated to your work. As the chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, I approved the inclusion of the amount of P238 million in the 2009 General Appropriations Act for the implementation of RA 9279, particularly for the benefit of the government prosecutors," he added.

The senate chief said that with the effects of the global crisis already being felt in the country, the inclusion of the said provision in the national budget will help tide prosecutors over and let them cope with the economic difficulties ahead.

Enrile also informed them of a pending measure in the Senate Bill which seeks to constitute the NPS into an autonomous office to be known as the Office of the Prosecutor General.

"As one of the co-authors of the measure, my version of the bill was intended to strengthen the NPS by filling up the current vacant positions within the service so that the hundreds of thousands of pending cases will be attended to, handled and shepherded to its resolution immediately."

The senator emphasized that every man, woman and child in the country should be protected by law and that at this juncture in the nation's history, there is a need to restore the people's faith in the justice system.

"Let me remind you that your role is crucial in the fight against criminality and lawlessness," Enrile told officials and members of NPLP led by City Prosecutor Edward Togonon.

"A prosecutor's job is never easy. It is not a walk in the park as some people tend to think. A prosecutor must have broad knowledge of the law, a deeper understanding of human behavior and an excellent grasp of today's issues. A prosecutor should have a strong heart and stomach to withstand the pressures of the job."