In brief On 16 July 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued Department Circular No. 015 or the “2024 DOJ-NPS Rules on Preliminary Investigations and Inquest Proceedings” (“Rules”). The Rules mark a significant change to the conduct of criminal proceedings in the Philippines, as they supersede the rules on preliminary investigations previously found in the Rules of Court. The Rules cover the procedure for case build-up, preliminary investigation, inquest proceedings (in situations involving warrantless arrests)…