Milestones in delivering ‘Real Justice for All’

Guided by the “Bagong Pilipinas” brand of leadership with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. at the forefront, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has made significant gains and progress in fulfilling its mandate of upholding the rule of law.

As a clear demonstration of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla’s commitment of delivering “Real Justice for All,” the DOJ has secured the most noteworthy achievements from July 2024 to July 2025, to wit:

1) PH Exit from Grey List

One of the most notable achievements of the DOJ in 2024 was its crucial role in the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, a milestone that gave the Philippines global recognition for its unyielding pursuit of economic justice.

After nearly four years, the country was removed from the FATF Grey List following significant Anti Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) reforms. At the February 2025 FATF plenary in Paris, the country’s progress was recognized.

Key reforms included stronger prosecution of cases, DOJ Circular Nos. 20 and 30 institutionalizing inter-agency and regional coordination, and enhanced supervision of high-risk sectors like casino junkets. Other measures included stricter registration and sanctions for money/value transfer services, improved access to beneficial ownership data, increased use of financial intelligence, and tighter regulation of nonprofit organizations and cross-border financial controls which align the Philippines with global standards.

Key reforms included stronger prosecution of cases, DOJ Circular Nos. 20 and 30 institutionalizing inter-agency and regional coordination, and enhanced supervision of high-risk sectors like casino junkets. Other measures included stricter registration and sanctions for money/value transfer services, improved access to beneficial ownership data, increased use of financial intelligence, and tighter regulation of nonprofit organizations and cross-border financial controls which align the Philippines with global standards.

In 2024, money laundering prosecutions surged, with 610 individuals accused and 185 prosecutions filed — up from 525 and 145, respectively. Terrorism financing enforcement also intensified, with 237 prosecutions, 71 arrests, and 6 convictions covering 114 terrorism financing counts. This achievement strengthens the Philippines’ reputation as a compliant and trustworthy financial jurisdiction, enhancing investor confidence and easing access to global financial services.

2) Relentless and Efficient Prosecution of Cases

As the government’s prosecution arm, the DOJ-National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) reported notable gains on Case Build-Ups for the 2nd Quarter of 2024 until the first quarter of this year. The second year of implementing the Case Build-Up (CBU) mechanism marked a substantial improvement in both volume and prosecutorial outcomes for the National Prosecution Service (NPS). From the 2nd quarter of 2024 to the 1st quarter of 2025, the NPS handled 51,502 requests and complaints from law enforcement agencies — an impressive 93.03 percent increase from the 26,681 cases received in the previous year.

Of the new requests, 95.50% were found sufficient for preliminary investigation or inquest, and 94.45 percent of these proceeded to resolution. This led to the filing of 41,613 cases in court, representing 84.60% of those resolved. Notably, the proportion of dismissed cases dropped to 6.48%, while only 8.53 percent remained pending resolution.

More significantly, the NPS recorded a prosecution success rate of 97.73 percent — an improvement over the 95.16% success rate in the first year. This reflects more effective case build-up, improved collaboration with law enforcement, and a stronger prosecutorial strategy that led to fewer dismissals and more favorable court outcomes.

Significant Convictions

a) People vs. Alice Leal Guo, et. al. (Denial of Petition for Bail)

For: Trafficking in Persons

Regional Trial Court Branch 167 of Taguig City

20 December 2024

A Pasig City RTC has denied the bail petition of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo (real name: Guo Hua Ping) and several co-accused in a qualified human trafficking case, citing strong evidence presented by the prosecution. Prosecutor-General Anthony Fadullon confirmed the denial by RTC Branch 167, which also rejected the bail requests of six others, while granting bail to Jaimielyn Santos Cruz and Maybelline Requiro Millo due to insufficient evidence against them.

b) People vs. Guiaman and Tambako (Mamasapano Killings)

For: Homicide (35 counts)

Regional Trial Court Branch 153 of Taguig City

16 December 2024

The Taguig RTC Branch 153 convicted Abubakar Guiaman (alias Commander Refy) and Mohammad Ali Tambako — rebel militia commanders linked to the MILF — for 35 counts of homicide in connection with the 2015 Mamasapano clash that resulted in the deaths of 35 PNP-SAF commandos, sentencing them to up to 14 years’ imprisonment for each count. The fatal encounter occurred on January 25, 2015, when SAF troops attempted to serve warrants on Jemaah Islamiyah-linked bomb makers Marwan and Basit Usman, triggering a deadly firefight involving MILF and BIFF forces.

c) People vs. Mark Taguba, Eirene Mae Tatad, and Dong Yi Shen

For: Drug Importation under R.A. 9165

Regional Trial Court Branch 46 of Manila

18 November 2024

In a 37-page decision dated 18 November, the Manila RTC Branch 46 sentenced businessman Mark Taguba, Eirene Mae Tatad, and Dong Yi Shen (alias Kenneth Dong) to life imprisonment and fined them P500,000 each for importing 600 kilos of shabu worth P6.4 billion from China in 2017, in violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

The court found all three guilty beyond reasonable dou bt, citing Taguba’s central role in processing documents and using his company, Golden Logistics, to facilitate the shipment, while Tatad acted as the consignee through EMT Trading, and Dong’s defense as a mere consultant was rejected. The illegal drugs, discovered through a tip-off from China Customs and a subsequent operation by the Bureau of Customs, arrived at the Manila port and were traced to a Valenzuela warehouse.

d) People vs. Hilarion Del Rosario Santos III, et. al. (Sulu Kidnapping in CY 2000)

For: Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention (21 counts)

Regional Trial Court Branch 153 of Taguig City

16 October 2024

After more than two decades, the Department of Justice (DOJ) secured the conviction of 17 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members for the 2000 kidnapping of 21 individuals from Malaysia, who were held for ransom in Sulu, Philippines. In a 157-page decision dated October 16, 2024, the Taguig RTC Branch 153 found the accused guilty of 21 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom, sentencing each to reclusion perpetua per count. Among those convicted were high-profile individuals on the UN Security Council Sanctions List, including Rajah Solaiman Movement leaders Ahmed Santos and Redendo Dellosa.

e) People vs. Alvin Balag, et. al. (Atio Hazing Case)

For: Violation of R.A. No. 8049 of the Anti-Hazing Law of 1995

Regional Trial Court Branch 11 of Manila

01 October 2024

The Manila RTC Branch 11 convicted 10 Aegis Juris Fraternity members for the 2017 hazing death of UST law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, sentencing them to up to 40 years in prison and ordering over P600,000 in damages. Judge Shirley Paglilauan noted t he deep emotional toll on Atio’s family, who thanked the DOJ and private prosecutors for their efforts. The case, filed under the original Anti-Hazing Law (RA 8049), later prompted the passage of the stricter Anti-Hazing Act (RA 11053).

f) People vs. Mark Taguba, Eirene Mae Tatad, Fidel Lee, and Dong Yi Shen

For: Importation, receipt and facilitation, and misdeclaration under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act

Regional Trial Court Branch 21 of Manila

12 September 2024

The Manila RTC Branch 21 convicted Eirene Mae Tatad, Mark Ruben Taguba II, Fidel Anoche Dee, and Dong Yi Shen (alias Kenneth Dong) for smuggling 602 kilograms of shabu worth P6.4 billion from China in 2017. The court sentenced each to reclusion perpetua and imposed a fine of P50 million per count. Found guilty of multiple violations under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the court cited their key roles in misdeclaring the shipment as kitchenware and cutting boards to bypass customs checks. The drugs, hidden in metal cylinders inside wooden crates, were intercepted in a controlled operation after a tip-off from China Customs.

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g) People vs. Janet Lim Napoles

For: Money Laundering

Regional Trial Court Branch 24 of Manila

12 July 2024

In a decision dated July 12, 2024, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 24 convicted Janet Lim Napoles of money laundering in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, sentencing her to seven to 14 years in prison and imposing a P16 million fine. The case, filed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) through the DOJ, proceeded despite the unresolved plunder charges, with the court affirming that proof of funds originating from unlawful activity suffices for a money laundering conviction. The court found beyond reasonable doubt that Napoles amassed millions in ill-gotten public funds through the PDAF scam.

3) Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) vs. Modern Day Slavery.

As reports dating back from 2023 have shown, the Philippines had become a destination country for human trafficking victims who are coerced to engage in illegal online activities veiled by POGOs as a legal cover. The IACAT has been instrumental in the rescue of these foreign nationals, as well as their safekeeping and repatriation in partnership with embassies and international organizations. Correspondingly, the DOJ has formed Special Task Forces to pursue charges against incorporators and operators of illegal POGOs. In 2024, the DOJ intensified operations, case conferences, and inter-agency coordination led to arrests and case filings, with specialized units investigating forced criminalities, including financial and cybercrimes.

By May 2025, IACAT led the repatriation of 206 Filipinos trafficked to Myanmar, funneled through illegal exits in Palawan and Zamboanga. From 2016–2024, the Philippines maintained Tier 1 status in the U.S. TIP Report. Current efforts include finalizing a One-Stop-Shop at the TIP Center for child OSAEC/CSAEM victims, strengthening localization via a revised DILG-DSWD-DOJ Joint Circular, and DOJ’s approval of charges under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022. These actions reinforce victim protection, enhance inter-agency coordination, and uphold the country’s global standing in the fight against modern slavery.

These efforts also strengthen the Philippines’ anti-trafficking response, protect vulnerable citizens, and reinforce its Tier 1 TIP status in the United States’ Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for 2016 to 2024.

4) Protecting the country’s borders.

In a significant stride to advance the nation’s border control and security, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) launched the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) on 20 March 2025 pursuant to the “Bagong Pilipinas” slogan of the Marcos Administration.

APIS is a globally recognized system that enables the advance screening of international passengers before arrival, allowing for more efficient risk assessment and streamlined immigration procedures. This proactive approach strengthens national defense against threats such as transnational crime, human trafficking, and terrorism.

Pilot implementation began on 13 March 2025, with Cebu Pacific as the first airline to transmit real-time passenger data, followed by INTERPOL connectivity tests on 18 March 2025 to ensure seamless access to global security watch lists.

On 15 May 2025, the Bureau convened a rollout meeting with 11 airlines using the Amadeus system, marking a significant milestone in API integration. With the use of the Border Control Information System (BCIS) and other government databases, the Philippines now expedites the arrival and departure of legitimate travelers—while fortifying its borders against those who seek to exploit them.

5) Restorative Justice for All — “E-Dalaw” and reformation/rehabilitation of PDLs (persons deprived of liberty).

Aside from upholding the rule of law, another essential part of the DOJ’s mandate is to ensure that the country’s Corrections System is built on a bedrock of efficiency and reliability.

The “E-Dalaw” or the electronic visitation program implemented by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), allows Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) to remotely connect with their loved ones and families through video conferencing or calls. It strengthens family ties among PDLs and eliminates the financial and logistical challenges that many of their families face when visiting penal facilities.

From July 2022 to April 2025, a total of 37,173 PDL availed of the e-Dalaw program bureau-wide. Additionally, PDLs availed of other electronic services, including 369 PDLs for E-Burol, 1,018 PDLs for court hearings, and 9,230 PDLs for video conference hearings.

At present, a total of 68 laptops, 14 cellular phones, four tablets, and one desktop computer are being used for e-Dalaw bureau wide. Out of the 68 laptops, 49 were donated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) while four were from the Department of Education (DepEd), and two tablets were donated by Mr. Jerome Knott.

6) Bringing justice closer to the Filipino people.

Rallying behind Secretary Remulla’s commitment to deliver Real Justice for All, the DOJ Action Center (DOJAC) has been consistent and relentless in bringing legal services right at the doorstep of every Filipino family. From Jan. 2022 to April 2025, DOJAC assisted 53,850 clients nationwide through its main and regional offices (Regions I, III, V, VII, X, XI, XII), Katarungan Caravans, Justice in Action lectures and public outreach. Since 2024, two new Regional Offices—Regions VII and XII—were launched to expand reach. As of May, 2025, DOJAC has held four Justice in Action (JIA) Lecture Series for the correctional institution for women with over 48 participants. Other JIA series gathered 124 participants in Madridejos, Cebu and 658 participants in San Beda.

By bringing legal services close r to communities, the DOJ strengthens public trust and promotes a more inclusive justice system.

From July–December 2022 to 2024, the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) handled an increasing number of cases—from 675,658 to 847,317, marking a 25% rise. Criminal cases remained the highest, growing from 519,977 to 658,963. Significant increases were also recorded in civil, labor, prosecutor’s office, and appealed cases. Services for women and children in conflict with the law rose by 16% and 18%, respectively, while special legal services increased by 46%.

The percentage of cases, including appealed ones, that were favorably disposed also improved steadily: from 80.73% in 2022 to 83.58% in 2023, 83.63% in 2024, and 83.88% in the first quarter of 2025 — underscoring PAO’s growing effectiveness in securing positive outcomes for clients.

The consistent rise in caseload, coupled with the steady improvement in favorable case outcomes, underscores PAO’s vital role as the frontline defender of the rights of the poor and vulnerable. As the volume and complexity of legal needs continue to grow, PAO stands as a critical pillar in upholding due process, strengthening public trust in the justice system, and ensuring that no Filipino is left without legal representation.