Question & AnswerQ&A (DOJ DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 34)
The main purpose is to amend Department Order No. 318, Series of 1992 by expanding the appellate jurisdiction of the Regional State Prosecution Offices to ensure efficient delivery of prosecutorial services.
Paragraph 13 of Department Order No. 318, Series of 1992 was amended.
They are authorized to resolve with finality appeals from resolutions of dismissal by provincial or city prosecutors and their assistants within the region, specifically for offenses punishable by prision correccional or a fine not exceeding six thousand pesos or both.
Cases where the offense charged is punishable by prision correccional or a fine not exceeding six thousand pesos (P6,000.00) or both such fine and imprisonment.
Prision correccional is a penalty corresponding to imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to six years, applicable to certain less serious offenses under Philippine law.
Prior to the amendment, the appellate jurisdiction of the Regional State Prosecution Offices was more limited and this expanded their authority to resolve certain appeals with finality.
No, the appellate jurisdiction expansion applies only to cases with offenses punishable by prision correccional or fines not exceeding P6,000, meaning more serious cases are excluded from this expanded appellate jurisdiction.
The Order takes effect immediately upon its adoption on February 4, 1992.
The Order shall remain in force until further orders are issued.
Silvestre H. Bello, III signed the order as Secretary of the Department of Justice.