By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Prosecutors must never measure their success solely by convictions secured, but by their unwavering commitment to justice, according to Supreme Court Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh.
Addressing regional, provincial, and city prosecutors during the Oath-Taking Ceremony for the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City, Justice Singh reminded members of the prosecution service that they serve not merely as litigators, but as “guardians of lawful power” entrusted with protecting the rule of law.
“The prosecutor’s duty is not to win at all costs. The prosecutor’s duty is to see that justice is done,” Singh emphasized.
Justice Singh stressed that prosecutors occupy a unique and critical role within the justice system because they wield significant authority over criminal proceedings.
Their decisions, she said, can profoundly affect the lives of individuals, families, victims, and entire communities.
Whether deciding to file charges or to dismiss a complaint, prosecutors must be guided by law, evidence, conscience, and fairness—not by political pressure, popularity, fear, or personal convenience.
She warned that prosecutors will inevitably face situations where the legally correct decision may be unpopular, misunderstood, or subjected to external influence.
In those moments, she said, prosecutors must remain faithful to the oath they swore to uphold.
According to Singh, the oath taken by prosecutors is not a mere formality but a continuing covenant with the Constitution, the justice system, and the Filipino people.
She underscored that integrity and accountability are the defining qualities of public prosecutors, whose authority includes investigating criminal complaints, determining whether charges should be filed, and pursuing criminal prosecution on behalf of the State.
“A decision to prosecute may place a person’s liberty, reputation, family, and future at stake,” she noted.
Likewise, a decision not to prosecute can affect a victim’s search for justice and the public’s confidence in the legal system.
Justice Singh linked the CPRA to the Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027, particularly its campaign to strengthen ethical responsibility among legal practitioners.
She explained that ethical conduct directly contributes to judicial efficiency by reducing improper filings, discouraging abuse of legal processes, minimizing delays, and enhancing public trust in institutions.
Her lecture covered key principles under the CPRA, including Independence, Propriety, Fidelity, Accountability, and the Responsible Use of Social Media.
Through practical scenarios, she demonstrated how prosecutors can navigate ethical challenges while remaining faithful to the principles of professional responsibility.
Department of Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida described the oath-taking ceremony as more than a procedural requirement, calling it a reaffirmation of the legal profession’s highest ideals.
Vida emphasized that public trust in the justice system depends heavily on the integrity and professionalism of prosecutors who serve as visible representatives of the law.
“At a time when public confidence in institutions must continually be earned, every prosecutor serves as a visible representative of the justice system,” he said.
He urged prosecutors to uphold competence, independence, fairness, and accountability in every aspect of their work.
For his part, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon reminded prosecutors that ethical leadership is demonstrated not through directives alone, but through personal example.
He said prosecutors bear immense responsibility because of the significant authority entrusted to them by law.
“The standards you uphold, the conduct you model, and the values you instill inevitably shape the professional culture of your offices,” Fadullon said.
Closing the event, DOJ Undersecretary Ian Norman E. Dato said the success of prosecutors should not be measured by the number of convictions obtained or cases handled, but by the trust they inspire in the justice system.
He noted that prosecutors give life and meaning to the law through their decisions and conduct.
“When prosecutors honor their oath, the rule of law is strengthened,” Dato said.
The ceremony concluded with a special tribute to Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, who is set to retire in November 2026 after decades of service in the judiciary.
The Department of Justice honored the Chief Justice with a plaque of recognition and a commemorative painting in appreciation of his contributions to judicial reform and public service.
Messages of gratitude were also delivered by prominent officials and members of the legal community, recognizing his leadership and commitment to strengthening the Philippine justice system.
The event underscored a common message shared by the Judiciary and the Department of Justice: that the power entrusted to prosecutors carries with it an equally profound obligation to ensure that justice—not merely conviction—remains the ultimate objective of the law.
ia/xf
