The Department of Justice (DOJ) has completed its nationwide “Human Rights: Anchors of Justice Training,” aimed at strengthening prosecutors’ understanding of human rights principles and their application in the administration of justice.
The initiative, spearheaded by the DOJ Human Rights Office (DOJ-HRO), forms part of the department’s efforts under Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida to promote accountability, access to justice and respect for human dignity.
Launched in 2025, the training program covered Metro Manila and Baguio City for its Luzon legs, followed by Cebu City from October 13 to 15, 2026, and Davao City from October 26 to 30, 2026.
The sessions focused on key human rights issues, including access to justice, victim and witness protection, accountability for grave human rights violations, human trafficking and cybercrime.
Participants also attended lectures and workshops addressing practical challenges in integrating human rights principles into prosecutorial work and the broader justice system.
During the Davao City training, DOJ Senior Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, chairperson of the DOJ Human Rights Office, emphasized that prosecutors must recognize the human impact of every case they handle.
“Behind every file is a life, behind every case is a human story, and behind every decision is an opportunity to strengthen trust in the rule of law,” Vasquez said.
The DOJ said the training sought to equip prosecutors with a deeper understanding of departmental policies and programs through a human rights perspective, while reinforcing the importance of fairness and accountability in handling cases.
Vida, meanwhile, stressed that the pursuit of justice must balance accountability with compassion and respect for human dignity.
“The pursuit of justice must be relentless in seeking accountability, unyielding in upholding the rule of law, and, at the same time, guided by compassion and respect for human dignity,” Vida said.
Following the completion of the nationwide program, the DOJ-HRO said it would continue implementing initiatives to integrate human rights principles into the work of prosecutors and other justice-sector personnel.
The department said these efforts are intended to strengthen the administration of justice and promote greater public trust in the country’s legal institutions.
