On July 20, 2022, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla received German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel at the Department of Justice (DOJ) Main Building. The Ambassador paid a courtesy visit to the SOJ to discuss certain concerns involving her [German] Embassy.

Ambassador Reiffenstuel raised the issue of Visa Application Process anticipating a faster and a more efficient visa application process. The Secretary assured the Ambassador that administration would streamline the process to make it better than it was pre-pandemic.

The Ambassador also brought up the concerns of German detainees whose criminal cases have been dragging on for quite some time. The Secretary vowed that the Department will be collaborating closely with the Supreme Court with the hope of amending the Rules of Court to speed up the prosecution of criminal cases. Further, the Department is eyeing a joint program with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the prosecutors to coordinate closely and work hand in hand.

In closing, Secretary Remulla reiterated his desire to create an atmosphere friendly to business and assured the German Ambassador that the Department will no longer be weaponized against the business and international communities. He further expressed his vision for a justice system that is predictable, stable and secure in order to create an environment conducive for investment.