DOJ creates 10-member fiscal team to handle election cases

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has created a special task force composed of fiscals to help the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolve cases related to the national polls in May.

Justice Sec. Leila de Lima issued Department Order No. 53, which gave a team of 10 fiscals, led by senior assistant state prosecutor Roberto Lao, concurrent powers to conduct preliminary investigation and prosecution of election-related offenses.

The other members of the team tasked to handle cases in the National Capital Region are assistant state prosecutors Cielito Celi, Cristina Barot, Mary Ann Parong, Susan Bilog-Azarcon, Cesar Calubag, Benito Oliver Sales III, Crecencio delos Trinos Jr., Romeo Martin Seranilla, and Diosdado Solidum Jr.

De Lima also ordered regional prosecutors to designate two fiscals in the DOJ-Comelec special task force to resolve poll-related cases in their jurisdiction.

In issuing the order, De Lima cited as basis Resolution No. 9584 approved by the poll body last Dec. 18 creating the joint special task force.