The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed it will reach out again to the Senate regarding the investigation into a shooting incident that occurred in May. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida stated that the department will send another request to conduct an inspection, or at least view the Senate facility where the incident took place.
Prosecution Seeks On-Site Inspection
Secretary Vida believes that beyond the collected video footage, it would be more beneficial for the prosecution to personally see the location of the shooting. He expressed hope that with the change in Senate leadership, there will be stronger coordination and cooperation between the chamber and the prosecution.
Previous Denial and Concerns
The statement comes after the Senate reportedly denied the Special Panel of Prosecutors permission to inspect the vicinity. The Senate explained that separate, parallel investigations were already being conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman and the Philippine National Police. Additionally, the National Bureau of Investigation's status as an attached agency of the DOJ raised potential conflict-of-interest concerns.
As of now, the Senate has not yet responded to the department's new request. However, the DOJ assured that this will not hinder the ongoing prosecution investigation into the case.
