De Lima: Delayed Ozone convictions an isolated case

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima believes the litigation of the Ozone disco tragedy that lasted for 18 years must not be made a gauge of the speed of the wheels of justice in the country.

The Ozone case is “just one of the few isolated cases of such overly excessive duration” of litigation, she added.

De Lima said perennial issues concerning lengthy court processes are already being addressed with reforms initiated by the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC).

“Significant steps and reforms have already been undertaken in recent years by the justice sector, in general, and by the Supreme Court and JSCC, in particular,” she said.

“Amendatory provisions had been inputted in the Rules of Court and the mandatory continuous trial system in criminal cases has been re-launched or given special focus or boost recently by the SC leadership.” 

De Lima said the Department of Justice (DOJ) has strictly imposed rules on periods for completion of preliminary investigation in criminal cases.

“Sanctions like withholding of allowances are imposed on prosecutors who incur inordinate delays in resolving cases, both at the preliminary investigation and petition for review stages,” she said.

“I’d like to think that the Ozone case is among the few isolated cases of such overly excessive duration,” she added.