The Department of Justice (DOJ), through the National Prosecution Service - Special Projects Division (NPS-SPD), hosted in Mandaue City, Cebu the 17th Trial Advocacy Course (TAC) for the benefit of its prosecution force, focusing on participants from regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and BARMM.

The TAC is a weeklong activity which ran from 11-15 November 2024 which intends to ensure that prosecutors are not only highly-skilled in litigating cases but are likewise effective courtroom advocates.

This course comes in blended format, asynchronous learning modules are accomplished in the DOJ e-Academy ahead of the face-to-face training.

These are then reinforced by a series of intensive in-person learning and moot court activities that are not only meant to instill skills and strategies in conducting effective direct, re-direct, cross and re-cross examinations, but teach/remind proper and effective courtroom decorum as well.

“Prosecutors should not only be trained intellectually but should also be mentored in observing proper court decorum in line with our principles as lawyers of the people, let us uphold the rule of law with pride, respect and modesty at all times to serve as role models in our chosen legal craft,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla told the NPS.

The 17th TAC iteration was supported by the International Development Law Organization and the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.