The procedures and concepts outlined correspond closely to Philippine law as embodied in

the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Revised Penal Code, and the Department of
Justice (DOJ) Circular No. 15 (2024 DOJ-NPS Rules on Preliminary Investigations and
Inquest Proceedings). Here is the reviewer tailored specifically to Philippine legal provisions:

Procedure of Preliminary Investigation under Philippine Law

Preliminary investigation is an inquiry under Rule 112 of the Rules of Court, conducted to
determine if there is a well-founded belief or prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty
of conviction that a crime has been committed and that the respondent is probably guilty,
warranting a trial. The DOJ’s updated standard under Circular No. 15 requires “reasonable
certainty of conviction,” which is a higher threshold than the traditional probable cause.

The process involves:

- Filing a complaint-affidavit with affidavits of the complainant and witnesses, and supporting
documents specifying the respondent’s last known address to comply with due process.
- Initial assessment by the head of the prosecution office for sufficiency before docketing.
- Investigating prosecutor’s determination within five (5) days whether to dismiss or proceed
with subpoena and hearing.
- Respondent’s filing of verified counter-affidavit within ten (10) days of receipt; personal
appearance may be waived if the affidavit is sworn before an authorized officer.
- Preliminary investigation hearing where clarifications may be made; parties may submit
questions but have no cross-examination rights.
- Submission of reply and rejoinder affidavits if necessary.
- Issuance of resolution recommending filing of information or dismissal, subject to approval
by the head of prosecution office within specified timelines.
- Right to file motions for reconsideration and petition for review within designated periods.

Procedure of Inquest Proceedings under Philippine Law

Inquest proceedings are informal and summary investigations conducted by prosecutors in
warrantless arrest cases, governed by Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code and DOJ
Circular No. 15. Key legal points include:
- Referral letter by law enforcement within the mandated 12/18/36-hour delivery period under
Article 125.
- Provisional determination of the validity of the warrantless arrest by prosecution office
before docketing.
- Release order if the arrest is invalid or if law enforcement fails to submit required evidence
timely.
- Legal requirement for counsel presence and explanation of rights and charges to the
respondent.
- Administration of oath and clarificatory questioning during inquest.
- Signing of waiver of Article 125 by the respondent, if opting for preliminary investigation in
lieu of immediate judicial delivery, with a mandatory 15-day limit for its completion.
- Same-day resolution on the legality of the arrest and presence of prima facie evidence,
with transmission for approval the next working day.

Information under Philippine Law

The Information is a formal written charge filed by the prosecutor pursuant to Rule 112 and
must:
- Be verified and subscribed by the prosecutor certifying the existence of probable cause or
reasonable certainty of conviction.
- Be supported by affidavits, affidavits of witnesses, documents, and resolution.
- Be filed with the appropriate court with jurisdiction over the offense.

Waiver of Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code

Article 125 requires that a person arrested without a warrant be delivered to judicial
authorities within prescribed timeframes or else the officer faces criminal penalties. The
waiver allows:
- The detainee to request a preliminary investigation instead, waiving immediate delivery.
- The investigating prosecutor to complete the investigation within 15 days, after which
detention without charge violates constitutional rights.
- The detainee’s counsel to witness and confirm the waiver signing.
- Courts to grant bail and emphasize speedy disposition during this period.
- The detention must not exceed the prescribed 15-day period; else the detainee must be
released.

Memo of Preliminary Investigation under Philippine Law

The memo or resolution:
- Details evidence assessment, legal basis for findings, and recommendation to file the case
or dismiss it.
- Is required to be approved by the head of the prosecution office prior to filing or dismissal.
- Must be communicated to parties, enabling them to seek motion for reconsideration or
petition for review.
- Ensures transparency and due process in prosecutorial decision-making.

Complaint Affidavit under Philippine Law

The complaint-affidavit must follow these essentials:
- Must state specific allegations and indicate the respondent’s last known address.
- Be sworn before authorized officers such as prosecutors, government officials, or notaries
public.
- Be accompanied by affidavits of complainants and witnesses, along with supporting
documentary evidence.
- Satisfy the “prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty” rule to move forward.
- Must be submitted in required copies.

Counter Affidavit under Philippine Law

The respondent’s counter-affidavit:
- Must be verified and sworn before an authorized official or notary.
- Can be filed within the designated period and may include defense evidence.
- Can be submitted without the respondent’s personal appearance if duly sworn.
- Serves as the formal response to the allegations and challenges the complainant’s
evidence.
- Is necessary for due process and proper evaluation of probable cause.

Step-by-Step Procedure of Preliminary Investigation (Philippine Law)

1. Complainant files complaint-affidavit and supporting evidence to the prosecution office.
2. Head of prosecution office reviews sufficiency and evidence completeness before
docketing.
3. Investigating prosecutor receives case docket and assesses initial findings within five
days.
4. Issuance of subpoena to respondent to file counter-affidavit within ten days.
5. Filing of counter-affidavit by respondent within prescribed period.
6. Preliminary investigation hearing held for clarificatory inquiries if necessary.
7. Submission of reply and rejoinder affidavits as needed.
8. Issuance of resolution recommending filing of information or dismissal with reasons.
9. Forwarding of resolution to head of prosecution office for approval within five days.
10. Promulgation of resolution to parties within ten days.
11. Aggrieved party can file motion for reconsideration or petition for review within statutory
periods.
12. Case proceeds accordingly either to trial or dismissed.

Step-by-Step Procedure of Inquest Proceeding (Philippine Law)

1. Law enforcement files referral letter to prosecution office within Article 125 prescribed
period.
2. Provisional validity check of warrantless arrest by prosecution head.
3. Docketing case for inquest if evidence complete and timely filed; otherwise, request
additional evidence or order release.
4. Counsel presence ensured and rights/charges explained to detainee.
5. Administration of oath to complainants, witnesses, or parties.
6. Clarificatory questioning conducted by inquest prosecutor.
7. Respondent may waive Article 125 right with counsel signing written waiver.
8. Inquest prosecutor issues resolution same day determining legality of arrest and whether
charges are warranted.
9. Resolution submitted for approval next working day.
10. Inquest may be conducted virtually if both parties and prosecution have ICT resources.

---

This framework aligns with the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure (Rules 110-127), the
Revised Penal Code (especially Article 125), and DOJ Circular No. 15 of 2024, providing a
complete legal basis on preliminary investigations and inquest proceedings in the
Philippines. For application or updates, always consult frontline legal practitioners or official
DOJ issuances.

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