GMA News
Inquest prosecutors on duty or on-call amid COVID-19 quarantine
Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento assured the public that prosecutors nationwide are on call to conduct inquests for individuals arrested for violating quarantine measures.
Malcontento clarified that the nationwide prosecutor network is operational despite reports of difficulties in handling inquest cases, particularly in Manila.
He explained that the issue in Manila was a minor procedural problem stemming from the Manila lockdown and a work-from-home advisory issued by the local government.
Malcontento also mentioned that 26 inquest cases were handled in Manila the previous day and were being processed for approval.
The arrested individuals in Manila primarily included homeless persons and vendors.
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Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered the closure of all prosecution offices nationwide starting Monday, March 23, in response to the rising COVID-19 cases and the Supreme Court's prior order to physically shut down all courts.
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Manila curfew violators are unable to post bail due to the absence of inquest staff, which has halted the processing of charges against them.
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Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra maintains that warrantless arrests for enhanced community quarantine violators are still valid, despite the closure of court offices nationwide.
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