The situation, in brief
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has become one of the most sought-after employers among Filipino lawyers, with applications to the National Prosecution Service (NPS) surging to levels that Secretary Fredderick Vida described Saturday as a “happy problem.” Justice Secretary Vida and Undersecretary…
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has become one of the most sought-after employers among Filipino lawyers, with applications to the National Prosecution Service (NPS) surging to levels that Secretary Fredderick Vida described Saturday as a “happy problem.”
Justice Secretary Vida and Undersecretary Anika Gran-Ong made the disclosure in an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on July 11, as part of “The DZRH SONA 2026 Series,” saying the shift reflects growing confidence in the DOJ as an institution worth joining.
Undersecretary Gran-Ong said a single Central Office posting recently drew nearly 500 applicants for just nine positions, a figure that would have been unthinkable in previous years when private practice was the default ambition of most law graduates.
“Unlike before, medyo practitioner na rin po ako. Dati po ang mga abogado gustong pumasok para sa private practice. Ngayon po, ang una nilang gustong puntahan, ‘yung National Prosecution Service,” Undersecretary Gran-Ong said.
She attributed the surge to the DOJ’s improved facilities, better benefits, stronger capacity-building programs, and a renewed sense of purpose among lawyers who want to contribute to the justice system rather than serve private clients.
Secretary Vida added that one prosecutor position—described as particularly attractive—drew 103 applicants alone, reflecting how sharply interest in public prosecution has risen.
“103 ang applicants, isang posisyon. Ganun ang interes ngayon ng mga aplikante,” Secretary Vida said.
The trend extends beyond licensed lawyers: Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez said 30 law students are currently serving as DOJ interns, with many asking about internship opportunities during the department’s outreach activities nationwide.
“May 30 interns na po kami na gustong maging abogado someday, that’s why they want to start off with DOJ. Lagi silang nagtatanong sa lahat ng ikot namin, tinatanong nila, ‘Meron po ba kayong internship?'” Undersecretary Gutierrez said.
Secretary Vida compared the surge in interest to the spike in tennis players inspired by Alex Eala, saying the public visibility of the DOJ’s work—including high-profile proceedings watched by millions — has inspired a new generation of lawyers to see public prosecution as a calling.
