DOJ, DENR collaborate on prosecution of environmental cases

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) aimed at strengthening the prosecution of environmental cases.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and DENR Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga formalized the agreement on Friday at the DOJ headquarters in Manila. Also present were Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres, DENR Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr., and environmental lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr.

“This MOA will help operationalize the DOJ’s case build-up policy under Department Circular No. 20-B, ensuring that environmental cases brought before our prosecutors are backed by solid evidence that can stand in court,” said Andres.

He emphasized that crimes such as illegal logging, illegal mining, and wildlife trafficking serve as predicate offenses to money laundering.

“Criminal networks plunder our forests, exploit our marine resources, and drive endangered species to extinction—not just for profit, but to fund larger illicit operations. Stopping environmental crime is also stopping financial crime,” he added.

Remulla echoed this sentiment, highlighting the long-term impact of the agreement.

“This is an institutional measure that we want to last… to the generation that will come after us… we leave something in place that will ensure that environmental justice is justice,” he said.

According to the DENR’s presentation, the MOA outlines the deputization of DENR lawyers as special prosecutors and the development of guidelines for presenting witnesses in court.

Loyzaga underscored President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive that those who exploit the country’s natural resources must be held accountable.

“We cannot fulfill that directive without this collaboration with the DOJ,” she said. “We thank Secretary Remulla for his proactive pursuit of the national government’s commitment to uphold justice and protect our country’s natural resources.”

The DENR reported that as of October 2024, its regional offices had recorded 6,446 environmental crime cases. Of these, 27.2% remain pending with prosecutors, 7.2% were dismissed, 38.6% led to convictions, and 22.5% are still under trial. — DVM, GMA Integrated News