National Prosecution Service of the Republic of the Philippines 

   

With the advent of the Republic Act No. 10071 or the Prosecution Service Act of 2010 came about the National Prosecution Service ("NPS"), which is a key arm of the Department of Justice composed of prosecutors in the Office of the Secretary of Justice and regional prosecution offices, offices of the provincial prosecutor and offices of the city prosecutor, responsible for the preliminary investigation and prosecution of criminal cases under the supervision of the Secretary of Justice.

The NPS plays a critical role in the criminal justice system wherein prosecutors engage in case build-up and collaborate with the complainant and/or law enforcement agencies to gather evidence, witness statements, and documents.  This ensures that only prima facie cases with reasonable certainty of conviction proceed to trial, enhancing judicial efficiency and reducing court backlogs.  By resolving cases early when appropriate, the NPS streamlines the criminal justice system, saving resources and sparing the innocent from unnecessary trials.

The NPS prosecutors also represent the state and the people in trial courts and handle a broad spectrum of cases ranging from minor offenses to serious crimes.  Prosecutors advocate for justice by shielding the innocent from unwarranted prosecution and pursuing convictions for offenders.

The NPS also engages in international cooperation and mutual legal assistance, collaborating with foreign counterparts to address transnational crimes such as human trafficking, cybercrime, financial terrorism, and money laundering, among others.  This includes sharing evidence and coordinating prosecutions under international treaties, strengthening global justice efforts.

Likewise, to maintain high standards, prosecutors keep abreast with legal developments by undergoing regular training to refine their skills.

As a pillar of the criminal justice system, the NPS champions the Philippines' dedication to public service, by forging a fair and equitable legal framework that upholds accountability, strengthens public trust, and safeguards the rule of law.

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