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Criminal Procedure Memory Aid
JAN 24
Posted by Magz
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
Rule 110 PROSECUTION of Offenses
1. General Rule: MTC and RTC courts gain jurisdiction over the offense upon the filing of
complaint by a complainant or an information by the prosecuting officer
Court gains jurisdiction over the person of the accused upon arrest or surrender; such
jurisdiction once gained cannot be lost even if accused escapes (Gimenez vs. Nazareno)
Jurisdiction of the court over the offense is determined at the time of the institution of the
action and is retained even if the penalty for the offense is later lowered or raised (People vs.
Lagon)
2. Complaint sworn written statement charging a person with an offense, subscribed by the
offended party, any peace officer or other public official charged with the enforcement of the law
violated
Information accusation in writing charging a person with an offense, subscribed by the fiscal and
filed with the court
3. Complaint and Information distinguished:
Complaint Information
A sworn statement Need not be sworn to
Subscribed by the offended
party, any peace officer or other Subscribed to by the fiscal
officer charged with the
enforcement of the law violated
May be filed either with the
court or in the fiscals office
generally to commence the
preliminary investigation of the
charges made Filed with the court
4. Cases where civil courts of equal rank are vested with concurrent jurisdiction:
1. Features stated in Art. 2, RPC
Cognizable by proper court in which charge is first filed
1. Continuing crimes committed in different judicial regions
2. Offenses wherein any of the essential elements were committed in different territorial
jurisdictions
3. Offenses committed aboard a train, vehicle, aircraft or vessel (see R110, 15)
i. Railroad, train, aircraft
(1) Territory or municipality where vehicle passed
(2) Place of departure
(3) Place of arrival
ii. Vessel
(1) First port of entry
(2) Thru which it passed during voyage
e. Libel and written defamation
5. Remedies of offended party when fiscal unreasonably refuses to file an information or include
a person therein as an accused
1. In case of grave abuse of discretion, action for mandamus
2. Lodge a new complaint against the offenders
3. Take up matter with the Secretary of Justice
4. Institute administrative charges against the erring fiscal
5. File criminal charges under Art. 208, RPC (prosecution of offenses)
6. File civil action under Art. 27, NCC for damages (PO refuses or neglects to perform official duty)
7. Secure appointment of another fiscal
8. Institute another criminal action if no double jeopardy is involved
6. Writs of injunction or prohibition to restrain a criminal prosecution are not available, EXCEPT
1. To afford adequate protection to constitutional rights of accused
2. Necessary for the orderly administration of justice or to avoid oppression or multiplicity of
actions
3. Pre-judicial question which is sub judice
4. Acts of the officer are without or in excess of authority
5. Prosecution is under an invalid law, ordinance or regulation
6. Double jeopardy is clearly apparent
7. Court has no jurisdiction over the case
8. Case of persecution rather than prosecution
9. Charges are manifestly false and motivated by lust for vengeance
10. Clearly no prima facie case against the accused and MTQ on that ground had been denied
7. Institution of Criminal Actions:
a. In RTC:
By filing a complaint with the appropriate officer for the purpose of conducting requisite
preliminary investigation therein.
b. In Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts:
By filing the complaint or information directly with said courts, or a complaint with the fiscals
office
c. In Metropolitan Trial Courts
By filing the complaint ONLY with the office of the fiscal
In all 3 above cases, such institution shall interrupt the period of prescription of the offense
charged (Rule 110, 1)
d. Offenses subject to summary procedure
[i.e. (1) violation of traffic laws; (2) violation of rental laws; (3) violation of municipal or city
ordinances; and (4) criminal cases where the penalty does not exceed 6 months or fine of P1000
or both, irrespective of other imposable penalties and civil liabilities]
The complaint or information shall be filed directly in court without need of a prior preliminary
examination or preliminary investigation.
Zaldivia vs. Reyes since a criminal case covered by the Rules of Summary Procedure shall be
deemed commenced only when it is filed in court, then the running of the prescriptive period
shall be halted on the date the case is actually filed in court and not on any date before that.
Reodica vs. CA [clarifies Zaldivia above] Under Art. 91 of the RPC, the period of prescription
shall be interrupted by the filing of the complaint or information. It does not distinguish whether
the complaint is filed for preliminary examination or investigation only, or for an action on the
merits. Thus, the filing of the complaint even with the fiscals office should suspend the running
of the Statute of Limitations. The ruling in Zaldivia is not applicable to all cases subject to the
Rules on Summary Procedure, since that particular case involved a violation of an
ordinance. Therefore, the applicable law therein was not Art. 91 of the RPC, but Act No. 3326
(An Act to Establish Periods of Prescription for Violations Penalized by Special Acts and Municipal
Ordinances and to Provide when Prescription Shall Begin to Run), 2 of which provides that
period of prescription is suspended only when judicial proceedings are instituted against the guilty
party.
8. Contents of information
a. Name of the accused
Information may be amended as to the name of the accused, but such amendment cannot be
questioned for the first time on appeal (People vs. Guevarra)
Error of name of the offended party: if material to the case, it necessarily affects the
identification of the act charged. Conviction for robbery cannot be sustained if there is a variance
between the allegation and the proof as to the ownership of the property stolen.
b. Designation of offense by statute (or of section/subsection of statute violated)
Only one offense charged, EXCEPT where law prescribes a single punishment for various
offenses.
If facts do not completely allege all the elements of the crime charged, the info may be
quashed; however, the prosecution is allowed to amend the info to include the necessary facts
(People vs. Purisima)
c. Acts or omissions complained of constituting the offense
Information need only allege facts, not include all the evidence which may be used to prove
such facts (Balitaan vs. CFI)
d. Name of offended party
e. Approximate time of commission
Approximation of time is sufficient; amendment as to time is only a formal amendment; no
need to dismiss case (People vs. Molero)
A significant discrepancy in the time alleged cannot be sustained since such would allow the
prosecution to prove an offense distantly removed from the alleged date, thus substantially
impairing the rights of the accused to be informed of the charges against him (People vs. Reyes)
f. Place of commission
Conviction may be had even if it appears that the crime was committed not at the place
alleged, provided that the place of actual commission was within the courts jurisdiction and
accused was not surprised by the variance between the proof and the information
Qualifying and inherent aggravating circumstances need to be alleged as they are integral parts
of the crime. If proved, but not alleged, become only generic aggravating circumstances.
9. Amendment of information and Substitution of information, distinguished
Amendment
Substitution
Involves either formal or
substantial changes
Necessarily involves a
substantial change
Without leave of court if before
plea
Needs leave of court as original
information has to be dismissed
Where only as to form, there is
no need for another preliminary
investigation and retaking of
plea of accused
Another preliminary
investigation is entailed and
accused has to plead anew
Refers to the same offense
charged or which necessarily
includes or is necessarily
included in original charges,
hence, substantial amendments
to info after plea taken cannot
be made over objections of
accused for if original info is
withdrawn, accused could
invoke double jeopardy
Requires or presupposes that
new info involves a different
offense which does not include
or is not included in the original
charge, hence, accused cannot
claim double jeopardy
10. After plea, amendment only as to matters of form, provided
1. Leave of court is obtained; and
2. Amendment is not prejudicial to rights of accused
11. When amendment is only as to form
1. Neither affects or alters nature of offense charged
2. Charge does not deprive accused of a fair opportunity to present his defense
3. Does not involve a change in basic theory of prosecution
12. Exceptions to rule on venue
1. Felonies in Art. 2, RPC (cognizable by proper court in which charge is first filed)
2. Continuing offenses
3. Piracy which is triable anywhere
4. Libel (residence; or where first published)
5. In exceptional cases, to ensure fair trial and impartial inquiry
13. Special cases (who may prosecute)
a. Adultery and concubinage
Only offended spouse can be complainant
Both guilty parties must be included in complaint
b. Crimes against chastity
With consent of the offended party, offended spouse, grandparents, guardian, or state asparens
patriae, in that order
Offended party, even if minor, has right to initiate the prosecution of the case independently of
parents, grandparents or guardian, unless she is incompetent/incapable on grounds other than
minority.
If offended party who is a minor fails to file the complaint, her parents, grandparents or
guardian may do so.
In crimes against chastity, the consent of the victim is a jurisdictional requirementretraction
renders the information void (People vs. Ocapan)
If complexed with a public crime, the provincial fiscal may sign the complaint on his own
c. Defamation (consisting of imputation of offenses in [a] or [b])
Complainant must be offended party
The offended party may intervene in the prosecution of the criminal case because of her
interest in it (Banal vs. Tadeo)
14. Procedure
1. Complaint filed in MTC or info filed in RTC where an essential ingredient of the crime took place
(territorial jurisdiction)
1. Amendment as a matter of right before plea
2. Amendment upon discretion of the court after plea
Inclusion of other accused is only a formal amendment which would not be prejudicial to the
accused and should be allowed (People vs. CA)
d. After plea and before judgment, if it appears there was a mistake in charging proper offense,
court shall dismiss original info upon the filing of a corrected one, provided that the accused will
not be placed in double jeopardy (substitution)
Fiscal determines direction of prosecution; complainant must ask fiscal if he wants to dismiss
the case; the motion to dismiss must be addressed to the court which has discretion over the
disposition of the case (Republic vs. Sunga)
Objection to the amendment of an information or complaint must be raised at the time the
amendment is made; otherwise, deemed to have consented thereto.
15. Remedies
a. Motion to quash
May be filed after arraignment but before plea on the grounds provided by the rules (generally,
a flaw in the info)
If duplicity of offense charged is not raised in trial through a motion to quash info, the right to
question it is waived (People vs. Ocapan)
b. Motion to dismiss
May be filed after plea but before judgment on most of grounds for motion to quash
16. Duplicity of Offense (in information or complaint)
Defined as the joinder of separate and distinct offenses in one and the same
information/complaint
Remedy: file a motion to quash; failure is equivalent to a waiver
Exception: when existing laws prescribe a single punishment (complex crimes)
Rule 111 Prosecution of Civil Action
1. General Rule: The injured party may file a civil action independent of the criminal proceeding
to recover damages from the offender.
Article 32 is a valid cause of a civil action for damages against public officers who impair the
Constitutional rights of citizens (Aberca vs. Ver)
Even if the private prosecutor participates in the prosecution, if he is not given the chance to
prove damages, the offended party is not barred from filing a separate civil action
2. Civil action for recovery of civil liability impliedly instituted, EXCEPT
1. Waiver
2. Reservation of right to institute separate action
3. Institution of civil action prior to criminal action
NOTE: Under SC Circular 57-97, all criminal actions for violations of BP Blg. 22 shall be deemed
to necessarily include the corresponding civil action, and no reservation to file such civil action
separately shall be allowed or recognized.
San Ildefonso Lines vs. CA past pronouncements of the SC that the requirement in Rule 111
that a reservation be made prior to the institution of an independent civil action is an
unauthorized amendment to substantive law is now no longer controlling. Far from altering
substantive rights, the primary purpose of the reservation requirement is to avoid multiplicity of
suits, to prevent delays, to clear congested dockets, to simplify the work of the trial court, and in
short, the attainment of justice with the least expense and vexation to parties-litigants.
3. Civil action suspended when criminal action filed, EXCEPT
1. Independent civil action (Arts. 32, 33, 34 and 2176 of NCC)
2. Prejudicial civil action
3. Civil case consolidated with criminal action
4. Civil action not one intended to enforce civil liability arising from the offense (e.g., action for
legal separation against a spouse who committed concubinage)
4. Prejudicial question arises when
1. The civil action involves an issue similar or intimately related to the issue raised in the criminal
action
2. The resolution of such issue will determine whether the criminal action will proceed or not
Requisites for a prejudicial question:
1. The civil action involves an issue similar or intimately related to the issue raised in the criminal
action: and
2. The resolution of such issue determines whether or not the criminal action may proceed
Petition for suspension of criminal action is to be filed at any time before prosecution rests.
5. Remedies
a. Reservation of right to institute separate civil proceedings to recover civil liability arising from
crime
Must be made before prosecution presents evidence
Action instituted only after final judgment in criminal action
b. Petition to suspend the criminal action
May be filed upon existence of a prejudicial question in a pending civil action
Filed at any time before the prosecution rests
6. Extinction of penal action does not carry with it extinction of the civil unless the extinction
proceeds from a declaration in a final judgment that the fact from which the civil might arise did
not exist.
Final judgment in civil absolving defendant from civil liability not a bar to criminal action
7. Filing fees:
1. Actual or compensatory damages filing fees not required
2. Moral, temperate and exemplary filing fees required
1. If alleged, fees must be paid by offended party upon filing of complaint or information
1. If not alleged, filing fees considered a first lien on the judgment
Rule 112 Preliminary Investigation
1. Preliminary investigation inquiry or proceeding to determine if there is sufficient ground to
engender a well-founded belief that a crime cognizable by the RTC has been committed, and that
the respondent is probably guilty thereof, and should be held for trial
A preliminary investigation is only necessary for an information to be filed with the RTC;
complaints may be filed with the MTC without need of an information, which is merely
recommendatory (Tandoc vs. Resultan)
Absence of a preliminary investigation is NOT a ground for a motion to quash the information;
an information filed without a preliminary investigation is defective but not fatal; in its absence,
the accused may ask for one; it is the fiscals refusal to conduct a preliminary investigation when
the accused demands one which is a violation of the rights of the accused(Doromal vs.
Sandiganbayan). Court should not dismiss the info, but hold the case in abeyance and either: (1)
conduct its own investigation; or (2) require the fiscal to hold a reinvestigation.
2. GENERAL RULE: The fiscal conducts the preliminary investigation before filing an information
with the RTC, EXCEPT where the accused is lawfully arrested without a warrant and an inquest is
conducted.
3. Right to Preliminary Investigation
A personal right and may be waived
Waived by failure to invoke the right prior to or at least at the time of the plea
4. Who conducts Preliminary Investigation
1. Provincial or city fiscals and their assistants
2. Judges of MTC and MCTC
3. National and regional state prosecutors
4. Such other officers as may be authorized by law
5. Duly authorized legal officers of COMELEC
1. The Ombudsman
2. The PCGG, in cases of ill-gotten wealth
5. Procedure
a. If conducted prior to arrest
i. Complainant files complaint with
(a) Provincial or city fiscal
(b) Regional or state prosecutor
(c) MTC or MCTC judge, excluding MTC judge of Metro Manila or chartered cities
(d) Other offices authorized by law
1. Investigating officer either dismisses complaint or asks by subpoena complainant and respondent
to submit affidavits and counter-affidavits
1. If the investigating officer finds prima facie evidence, he prepares an information and a
resolution
i.e., if fiscal finds reasonable ground to believe that a crime has been committed and accused
is probably guilty thereof
Prima facie evidence is that evidence which, standing alone, unexplained and uncontradicted,
would be enough to merit a conviction of the accused
iv. Otherwise, he recommends the dismissal of the complaint
If the investigating officer is an MTC judge, and he finds that probable cause exists and that
there is a need to place the accused under custody, then he may issue a warrant of arrest
Flores vs. Sumaling What differentiates the present rule from the previous one is that while
before, it was mandatory for the investigating judge to issue a warrant for the arrest of the
accused if he found probable cause, the rule now is that the investigating judges power to order
the arrest of the accused is limited to instances in which there is a necessity for placing him in
custody in order not to frustrate the ends of justice. It is therefore error for the investigating
judge to order the issuance of a warrant of arrest solely on his finding of probable cause, without
making any finding of a necessity to place the accused in immediate custody to prevent a
frustration of justice.
1. Investigating officer forwards records to the city fiscal or chief state prosecutor
1. City fiscal or state prosecutor either dismisses the complaint or files the information in
court
Decision prevails over decision of the MTC judge
vii. Records will not form records of the case proper
Court on its own or on motion may order production of record
b. If conducted after warrantless arrest
1. If accused waives Art. 125, RPC and asks for a preliminary investigation, with the assistance of
counsel, then the procedure for one prior to arrest is followed
1. Inquest conducted as follows
(a) Fiscal determines the validity of the arrest
(b) Fiscal determines existence of prima facie evidence based on the statements of the
complainant, arresting officer and witnesses
(c) Fiscal either dismisses the complaint and orders the immediate release of the accused, OR
prepares and files an information
While fiscal has quasi-judicial discretion whether or not to file an information, once it is filed
with the court, the court acquires jurisdiction giving it discretion over the disposition of the case
and the Sec. of Justice should refrain from entertaining petitions for review or appeals from the
decision of fiscal (Crespo vs. Mogul; Velasquez vs. Undersecretary of Justice)
NOTE: Information may be filed by offended party, peace officer or fiscal without preliminary
investigation.
6. Remedies
a. Motion for preliminary investigation
Filed when accused is arrested without warrant
Must be with assistance of counsel and after waiving Art. 125, RPC
b. Motion for preliminary investigation
Filed within 5 days after accused learns an information against him has been filed without a
preliminary investigation
c. Motion for re-investigation
d. Appeal to DOJ
Filed upon denial of his motion for a preliminary investigation, on the ground that his rights to
due process of law were violated, ousting the court of jurisdiction
e. Petition for prohibition
Filed with appellate court to stop the criminal proceedings
Ordinarily, injunction will not lie but may be granted in certain cases
When prohibition proper to restrain criminal proceedings:
1. When strong-arm tactics are used for vindictive purposes (Salonga vs. Cruz-Pano)
2. When the accused is deprived of his rights
3. When the statute on which the charge is based is null and void
4. When it will aid the administration of justice (Tatad vs. Sandiganbayan)
5. When multiplicity of suits will be avoided (Guingona vs. City Fiscal)
Rule 113 Arrest
1. Arrest taking a person into custody in order that he may be bound to answer for the
commission of some offense, made by an actual restraint of the person or by his submission to
custody
2. General Rule: No person may be arrested without a warrant.
Not all persons detained are arrested; only those detained to answer for an offense.
Invitations are not arrests and are usually not unconstitutional, but in some cases may be
taken as commands (Babst vs. NBI); however, the practice of issuing an invitation to a person
who is investigated in connection with an offense he is suspected to have committed is considered
as placing him under custodial investigation. (RA 7438)
Warrants of arrest remain valid until arrest is effected, or the warrant is lifted
Arrest may be made at any time of the day or night
3. Warrantless arrests by a peace officer or a private person
a. When person to be arrested is committing, attempting or has committed an offense
b. When an offense has just been committed and the person making the arrest has personal
knowledge that the person to be arrested committed it
Warrantless arrest anytime for a continuing offense like rebellion, subversion (Umil vs. Ramos)
The continuing crime, not the crime finally charged, needs only be the cause of the arrest (Umil
vs. Ramos)
c. When person to be arrested is an escaped detainee (either serving sentence or with case
pending)
1. When a person lawfully arrested escapes
2. Bondsman, for purpose of surrendering the accused
3. Accused attempts to leave country without court permission
4. Procedure
a. With warrant
1. Complainant files application with affidavits attached
2. Judge conducts ex parte preliminary examination to determine probable cause
In determining probable cause, judge must:
(1) Personally examine witness
(2) Witness must be under oath
(3) Examination must be reduced to writing (Luna vs. Plaza)
In determining probable cause, the judge may rely on findings by responsible officer (Lim vs.
Felix)
iii. Judge issues warrant of arrest
If without preliminary examination, considered irregular (Bagcal vs. Villaraza)
iv. If peace officer is unable to serve warrant 10 days after issuance, he must file a report and
explanation with judge within 10 days
v. If warrant served
(1) Person informed that he is being arrested
(2) Informed of cause of his arrest
(3) Officer may break door or window if admission to building is refused
(4) Person physically restrained
For private citizens making an arrest
May not do so except to do some service to humanity or justice
(5) No violence or unnecessary force may be used
(6) Officer may summon assistance
(7) Person who escapes after arrest may be immediately pursued
vi. Person arrested is brought to nearest police station or jail
b. Without warrant:
1. Person is arrested
1. Person arrested may waive right to Art. 125, RPC and ask for preliminary investigation or
inquest
Fiscal is not judicial authority contemplated under Art. 125 (Sayo vs. Chief of Police)
1. Fiscal files info
5. Requisites for a warrant of arrest:
1. Probable cause
2. Signed by judge
3. Specifically naming or particularly and sufficiently describing person to be arrested
John Doe warrants are void for being general warrants (Pangandaman vs. Cesar)
6. Remedies
a. Petition for writ of habeas corpus
Filed with any court, to effect immediate release of the person detained
Filed when a person is being illegally detained (without judicial process), or was illegally
arrested (void warrant or unlawful warrantless arrest, or warrantless arrest beyond period with no
information filed)
Habeas corpus is not allowed when:
1. The person is in custody of an officer under process of law, and
2. The court had jurisdiction to issue the process (Luna vs. Plaza)
If an arrest is improper, the remedy is a motion for quashal of the warrant of arrest and/or a
motion to quash the information, not habeas corpus (Ilagan vs. Enrile)
Habeas corpus is no longer available after an information has been filed, the information being
the judicial process required by law (Ilagan vs. Enrile)
Habeas corpus is proper when a person is being restrained illegally, e.g., imprisoned past
maximum penalty allowed by law (Gumabon vs. Director of Prisons)
b. Quashal of warrant of arrest
Filed with court which issued the warrant of arrest when the warrant of arrest is fatally flawed
c. Motion to quash information
Filed with court when information against the person arrested has been filed
Must be made in a special appearance before the court questioning only its lack of
jurisdiction over the person of the accused
Otherwise, the voluntary appearance of the person arrested by filing a motion before the court
would be deemed a submission to the authority of the court, thus granting it whatever jurisdiction
it lacked over the person
Any irregularity in the arrest is cured when the petitioner submits himself to the jurisdiction of
the court, e.g., by filing for bail (Bagcal vs. Villaraza)
7. V.V. Mendoza, Rights to Counsel in Custodial Investigation
Evolution of rights of the accused under custodial investigation
1. All involuntary confession were inadmissible; accused had to prove involuntariness
1. Involuntary confessions were inadmissible only if they were false
2. Revert to exclusionary rule: any involuntary confession is inadmissible
1. Miranda rule: the accused must be informed of his rights
1. To remain silent
2. Against self-incrimination
3. To counsel
4. Definition of custodial investigation questioned
1. It begins only after arrest
2. Police investigations prior to arrest are not covered
3. The rights may be waived, but the rights to be informed of these
rights,i.e., to warning, may not be waived
4. Warning must not only be said, officer must make sure the person
arrested understands them specifically
5. Present rules
1. Voluntary confessions are admissible
2. Test of voluntariness determined on a case-to-case basis
3. Waiver of rights must not only be with counsel but must be in
writing
Confessions made without assistance of counsel are inadmissible as evidence to incriminate the
accused, but they may be used to impeach the credibility of the accused, or they may be treated
as verbal admission of the accused through the testimony of the witnesses (People vs. Molas)
Rule 114 Bail
1. Bail security given for the release of a person in custody of law, furnished by him or a
bondsman, conditioned upon his appearance before any court as required under the following
conditions:
1. Undertaking effective upon approval and remains in force at all stages until promulgation of
judgment, unless sooner cancelled
2. Accused shall appear before court when required
3. Failure to appear despite notice to him or the bondsman will waive his right to be present and
trial shall proceed in absentia
4. Bondsman shall surrender accused for execution of judgment
Bail applies to all persons detained, not just to those charged with the offense (Herras vs.
Teehankee)
Court has power to prohibit person out on bail from leaving the country (Manotoc, Jr. vs. CA)
Bail implies delivery of the accused to the sureties who, though not holding him prisoner, may
seize him and imprison him until they can deliver him to court (US vs. Bonoan)
2. General Rule: All persons are entitled to bail as a matter of right, except those charged with
capital offenses.
Right to bail traditionally unavailable to military personnel facing court martial, who are not in
the same class as civilians (Comendador vs. de Villa)
Bail should be available regardless of other circumstances or the merits of the case, if the
health or the life of the detainee is in danger (Dela Rama vs. Peoples Court)
Excessive bail is tantamount to denial of bail, which is unconstitutional (Dela Camara vs. Enage)
3. When bail is a matter of right
Before or after conviction by MTC, MCTC, MJC
Before conviction by the RTC of an offense not punishable by death, reclusion perpetua or life
imprisonment
4. When bail is discretionary (application filed with court where case is pending)
1. Upon conviction by RTC of an offense not punishable by death, reclusion perpetua or life
imprisonment
2. Provisional liberty under same circs. but during period to appeal subject to consent of bondsman
3. In case he has applied for probation after final judgment, he may be allowed temporary liberty
under his bail or recognizance
5. Procedure
a. Offense charged is not capital:
i. Accused applies for bail
(1) Where information against him was filed or where case is pending
(2) Absent (1), in another branch of the same court within the province or city where he is held
(3) If arrested in another province, city or municipality, file with the RTC
(4) Absent (3), with the MTC
1. Judge sets bail
1. Accused may move to reduce bail, and hearing will be set
2. Accused posts bail and deposits the same with the Municipal/City/Provincial Treasurer or,
if cash, with the Collector of Internal Revenue
3. Accused is released
b. Offense charged is capital:
1. Accused petitions for bail
2. Judge sets hearing to determine whether evidence of guilt is strong
Ex-parte hearing on bail is arbitrary and unacceptable (Herras vs. Teehankee)
1. Prosecution presents evidence
1. Court may not force fiscal to produce evidence (Herras vs. Teehankee)
2. If evidence is strong, bail is denied
1. Otherwise, judge sets bail and procedure for non-capital offense is followed
In capital crimes, judges discretion is limited to determining strength of evidence and does not
cover determining whether bail should be allowed (Herras vs. Teehankee)
Evidence must be strong that the accused is guilty of the capital offense charged, not just of any
offense (Bernardez vs. Valera)
6. Bail bond an obligation under seal given by accused with one or more sureties and made
payable to proper officer with the condition to be void upon performance by the accused of such
acts as he may legally be required to perform
7. Recognizance
1. Obligation of record entered into before some court of magistrate duly authorized to take it,
with the condition to do some particular act, the most usual condition in criminal cases being
the appearance of the accused for trial
2. Does not require signature of accused for trial
3. Does not require signature of accused to be valid
8. Prosecution witnesses may be required to post bail to ensure their appearance at the
trial,except:
1. Substitution of info (see R110, 14)
2. Court believes that material witness may not appear at the trial
9. When bail required under RA 6036 (violation of ordinance, light felony, criminal offense not
higher that 6 month imprisonment and/or P2000 fine, or both)
1. a. Caught in flagrante
2. Confessed to commission of offense unless repudiated (force and intimidation)
3. Previously escaped, evaded sentence or jumped bail
4. Violation of Sec. 2 (fails to report to clerk of court periodically under his recognizance)
5. Recidivist, habitual delinquent previously convicted for an offense to which the law or ordinance
attaches an equal or greater penalty or for 2 or more offenses to which it attaches a lighter
penalty
6. Committed offense while on parole or under conditional pardon
7. Previously pardoned by municipal or city mayor for violation of ordinance for at least 2 times
10. Instances when accused may be released on recognizance:
1. Offense charged is a violation of an ordinance, a light felony or criminal offense the imposable
penalty to which does not exceed 6 months and or P2000 fine
2. Person has been in custody for a period equal to or more than the minimum of the imposable
principal penalty, without application of the Indeterminate Sentence Law or any modifying
circumstance
3. Accused has applied for probation and before the same has been resolved, but NO BAIL was filed
or accused is incapable of filing one
4. Youthful offender held for physical and mental examination, trial or appeal, if unable to furnish
bail
11. Cancellation of bail
a. Upon application with the court and due notice to the fiscal
1. Accused surrenders back to custody
1. Accused dies
b. Automatic cancellation
1. Case is dismissed
1. Accused is acquitted
2. Accused is convicted and surrenders for execution of judgment
12. When bail cancelled or denied: after RTC imposes imprisonment exceeding 6 years, but not
more than 20 years, and:
1. Accused is a recidivist, quasi-recidivist, habitual delinquent or guilty of the aggravating
circumstance of reiteration;
2. Provisionally escaped, evaded sentence, violated provisions of bail;
3. Committed offense while on probation, parole, or conditional pardon;
4. Probability of flight; or
5. Undue risk that during appeal, he may commit another crime
13. When bail is forfeited
a. Accused fails to appear before court when required
30 days for bondsman to show cause why judgment should not be rendered against him
b. Bondsman fails to produce him within 30 days
c. Bondsman fails to satisfactorily explain to the court why accused did not appear when first
required to do so
Sureties guarantee only appearance of the accused, not his conduct (US vs. Bonoan)
Sureties exonerated if appearance made impossible by an act of God, the obligee or the law (US
vs. Bonoan)
14. Provisional forfeiture
1. Within 30 days, produce the body or give reason for non-production AND
2. Explain satisfactorily the absence of the accused when first required to appear
15. Remedies
1. Application for bail, when bail can be availed of as a matter of right
2. Petition for bail, when the offense charged is a capital offense
For judge to set hearing for the determination of strength of evidence of guilt
16. Circumstances to be considered in fixing amount of bail:
1. Financial ability of accused to give bail;
2. Nature and circumstances of offense;
3. Penalty of offense charged;
4. Character and reputation of accused;
5. Age and health of accused
6. Weight of evidence against accused
7. Probability of accused appearing for trial;
8. Forfeiture of other bonds;
9. Fact that accused was a fugitive from justice when arrested; and
10. Pendency of other cases in which the accused is under bond
17. Notes:
1. Posting bail waives the right to question any irregularity attending the arrest of a person
(Callanta vs. Villanueva). However, this does not result in waiver of the inadmissibility of the
articles seized incidentally to such illegal arrest.
2. Accused waived the right to question any irregularity in the conduct of the preliminary
investigation when he failed to do so before entering his plea (People vs. Dela Cerna)
3. Accused out on bail may be re-arrested if he attempts to depart from the Philippines without
prior court permission (warrantless arrest allowed).
Rule 115 Rights of Accused
1. Right of the accused under the Rules
a. To be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt
In an appeal from a conviction, the accused shall again be presumed innocent until and unless
his conviction is affirmed (Castillo vs. Felix)
b. To be informed of the nature and cause of charges
The right must be substantially complied with; arraignment and later proceedings must be in a
language the accused understands (People vs. Crisologo)
c. To be present at every stage of proceedings, subject to waiver by bail
If an accused escapes, he waives this right and merits a trial in absentia; the accused forfeits
his rights to be notified of proceedings in the future and to adduce evidence in his behalf (People
vs. Salas)
1. To testify as witness on his own behalf, subject to cross-examination on matters covered by
direct examination; not to be prejudiced by his silence
2. Not to be compelled to be a witness against himself
3. To confront and examine the witnesses against him, including the right to use in evidence
testimony of a witness
4. Who is deceased, out of or cannot with due diligence be found in the RP
1. Given in another proceeding
2. With the same parties
3. Same subject matter
4. Opportunity to cross-examine
Prosecution has no privilege to withhold the identity of informers when such informer was
crucial in the operation itself; failure to present the informer is a denial of the right to confront
the witness which merits the reversal of the conviction (People vs. Bagano)
g. To have compulsory process to secure witnesses and evidence in his behalf
h. To have a speedy, impartial and public trial
Unreasonable postponements of trial amounts to a denial of the right to a speedy trial, entitling
the accused to mandamus to compel dismissal of the case, or to habeas corpus if he is detained
i. To have the right of appeal
2. Rights of the accused under the Constitution
a. To due process
b. Against self-incrimination
Right is limited to testimonies; ocular inspection of the body may be allowed (Villaflor vs.
Summers)
Being informed of rights means a meaningful transmission of information, without which
confession made by the accused is inadmissible (People vs. Nicandro)
Confessions obtained through coercion are inadmissible (People vs. Opida)
Right against self-incrimination and to counsel do not apply during custodial investigation
(People vs. Ayson)
During trial, the right against self-incrimination takes the following form:
1. Accused may refuse to testify
2. If he testifies, he may refuse to answer those questions which may incriminate him in ANOTHER
offense
c. Against double jeopardy
d. To be heard by himself and counsel
3. Double jeopardy
1. First jeopardy must have attached prior to the first
2. First jeopardy attached and terminated
3. Valid complaint or information
1. Competent court with jurisdiction
2. Accused had pleaded
3. Action ended in conviction, acquittal or termination without the consent of the accused
c. Offense charged in later case is:
1. Same as that in previous case
1. Necessarily includes or is included in the previous case
2. An attempt or frustration of the offense in previous case
1. An offense lesser than that charged to which the accused pleaded guilty with the
consent of the fiscal and the offended party
4. Exceptions to double jeopardy
1. The offense was made graver by supervening events
2. The facts constituting the graver offense were only discovered after the filing of the earlier
information
No double jeopardy if the new fact which justified the new charge arose only after arraignment
and conviction (People vs. City Court)
No double jeopardy where the trial was a sham since there was no competent court (Galman vs.
Sandiganbayan)
No double jeopardy if first case was dismissed with consent of the accused (Caes vs. IAC)
There is double jeopardy if a person is charged twice under different penal statutes for the
same acts (People vs. Relova)
c. Plea of guilty to a lesser offense without the consent of the fiscal and the offended party
5. Remedies
1. Motion to quash
2. Motion to dismiss
Both filed on the ground of violation of accuseds rights, thereby ousting the court of
jurisdiction
6. NOTES:
Constitution, Art. III, Sec. 1
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor shall any
person be denied the equal protection of the laws.
Constitution, Art. III, Sec. 14
1. No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process of law.
2. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved,
and shall enjoy the right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusations against him,
to have a speedy, impartial and public trial, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have
compulsory process to secure the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence in his
behalf.
However, after arraignment, trial may proceed notwithstanding the absence of the accused
provided that he has been duly notified and that his failure to appear is unjustifiable.
Constitution, Art. III, Sec. 16
All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial, quasi-
judicial, or administrative bodies.
Constitution, Art. III, Sec. 17
No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.
Constitution, Art. III, Sec. 21
No person shall be twice put in jeopardy of punishment for the same offense.
If an act is punished by a law or ordinance, conviction or acquittal under either shall constitute a
bar to another prosecution for the same act.
Rule 116 Arraignment and Plea
1. Procedure
1. Court informs accused of his right to counsel and asks him if he wants one
2. Court appoints counsel de oficio if accused has none
If no such member of the available, any person who is a resident of the province, of good
repute for probity and ability to defend accused
c. Court gives counsel time to confer with accused at least an hour before arraignment
Period allowed for counsel de oficio to confer with accused must be substantially complied
with; if not, case may be remanded for re-arraignment (People vs. Gonzaga)
1. Accused given a copy of the information, which is read to him in a language he understands
2. Accused is asked whether he pleads guilty or not guilty
3. Accused files a motion to quash or makes plea
4. Accused personally makes his plea
5. Plea is entered into record
6. If accused makes plea of not guilty, counsel has at least 2 days to prepare for trial
People vs. Agbayani the right for 2 days to prepare must be expressly demanded. Only when
so demanded does denial thereof constitute reversible error and ground for new trial. Further,
such right may be waived, expressly or impliedly.
NOTE, HOWEVER, under SC Circular 38-98 (implementing Speedy Trial Act of 1997), accused
must be given at least 15 days to prepare for trial, which shall commence within 30 days from
receipt of Pre-Trial Order.
j. Case proceeds to pre-trial, trial or hearing, depending on the plea
Statement in the judgment that the accused was arraigned and pleaded is sufficient; the
manner of statement of such fact is immaterial (People vs. Cariaga)
2. Kinds of plea
1. No plea a plea of not guilty shall be entered
2. Conditional plea of guilt a plea of not guilty shall be entered
3. Not guilty case proceeds to trial or pre-trial
4. Guilty to a lesser offense if fiscal and offended party consents, conviction under offense
charged for purposes of double jeopardy
5. Info may be amended
1. Case goes to trial
2. Even if info is not amended, and even if lesser offense is not included in offense charged,
court may still find the accused guilty of that lesser offense
e. Guilty to a capital offense
Court conducts searching inquiry to determine if accused was aware of the charges, of his plea,
and its consequences
Court requires prosecution to present evidence to prove guilt of accused and determine his
degree of culpability, and accused may still establish presence of mitigating circumstances in his
favor
f. Guilty to a non-capital offense
Court receives evidence from the parties to determine penalty to impose
Plea of guilty not necessarily followed by conviction. Upon receipt of exculpatory evidence (if
accused pleaded guilty), trial court should consider the plea withdrawn and in its place, order the
plea of not guilty
Plea of guilty waives only defects which may be taken advantage of by motion to quash or by
plea in abatement; cannot cure jurisdictional defects.
3. Effects
a. Entry of plea will waive
1. Right to question illegality of the arrest
2. Right to question any irregularity in the preliminary investigation
3. Right to file a motion to quash
b. Improvident plea of guilty may be changed to not guilty any time before judgment is rendered
c. A plea of not guilty may not be changed to guilty, as doing so would only spare the prosecution
of presenting evidence and still result in the conviction of the accused.
4. Remedies
a. Motion for specification
May be filed any time before plea, even after a MTQ
Filed when the information is insufficient in form or is generally worded, that a Bill of
Particulars is necessary to clarify the acts for which the accused is being charged
b. Motion to quash
May be filed at anytime before plea is entered
Based on grounds provided by the rules
c. Motion to suspend arraignment
Filed when the accused seems mentally unsound or if there is a prejudicial question in a
pending civil case
d. Motion to withdraw an improvident plea of guilt
May be filed at any time before judgment of conviction becomes final, when it can be shown
that the accused was not aware of the significance of pleading guilty to the charges
Rule 117 Motion to Quash
1. Motion to quash a hypothetical admission that even if all the facts alleged were true, the
accused still cannot be convicted due to other reasons
2. When to file Motion to Quash
General Rule: Before entering plea; all grounds not raised deemed waived
Exception: The following grounds may be used in MTQ even after plea
1. No offense charged
2. Lack of jurisdiction over the offense charged
3. Extinction of the offense or of the penalty
4. Double jeopardy
3. Grounds
a. Information does not conform to prescribed form
For the info to charge a complex crime, it is not necessary that it be defined by law, only that
it alleges that one offense was necessary to commit the other (People vs. Alagao)
b. Court has no jurisdiction
1. No territorial jurisdiction
2. No jurisdiction over offense charged may be raised at any time; no waiver considered even
upon failure to move to quash on such ground
3. No jurisdiction over person of the accused
The court gained jurisdiction over the person of the accused when he voluntarily appeared for
the pre-suspension hearing (Layosa vs. Rodriguez)
c. Accused would be put in double jeopardy
Bars another prosecution
No waiver
No double jeopardy if first case was dismissed with the consent of the accused (Que vs. Cosico),
unless ground for dismissal is: (a) denial of right to speedy trial; or (b) insufficiency of evidence.
If the first case was dismissed due to a deficient information, then there was no valid
information and there could be no double jeopardy (Caniza vs. People)
Cudia vs CA it should be the Provincial Prosecutor of Pampanga, not the City Prosecutor, who
should prepare informations for offenses committed within Pampanga but outside Angeles
City. An information must be prepared and presented by the prosecuting attorney or someone
authorized by law. If not, the court does not acquire jurisdiction. Although failure to file a
motion to quash the information is a waiver of all objections to it insofar as formal objections to
pleadings are concerned, questions relating to want of jurisdiction may be raised at any stage of
the proceedings. Moreover, since the complaint or information was insufficient because it was so
defective in form or substance that conviction upon it could not have been sustained, its dismissal
without the consent of the accused cannot be pleaded as prior jeopardy, and will not be a bar to a
second prosecution.
d. More than one offense was charged, EXCEPT where law prescribes single punishment for
various offenses
e. Facts alleged do not constitute an offense
May be raised at any time
No waiver
For charge to be complete, it is necessary to state that it was exempted from any amnesty
existing at the time
f. Criminal action or liability has been extinguished
g. Information contains allegations which, if true, would be a legal excuse or justification
h. Officer who filed the information had no authority
Presentation of evidence cannot cure an invalid information (People vs. Asuncion)
NOTE: Court will consider no other grounds other than those raised, EXCEPT lack of jurisdiction
over offense charged.
4. Requisites of Double jeopardy
a. Valid information or complaint, sufficient in form and substance
b. Before court of competent jurisdiction
Doctrine of Jurisdiction by Estoppel: depends upon whether the lower court actually had
jurisdiction or not. If it had no jurisdiction, but the case was tried and decided upon the theory
that it had jurisdiction, the parties are not barred on appeal, from assailing such jurisdiction, for
the same must exist as a matter of law, and may not be conferred by consent of the parties or by
estoppel. However, if the lower court had jurisdiction, and the case was heard and decided upon
a given theory, such, for instance, as that the court had no jurisdiction, the party who induced it
to adopt such theory will not be permitted, on appeal, to assume an inconsistent position that
the lower court had jurisdiction. Here, the principle of estoppel applies. The rule that jurisdiction
is conferred by law, and does not depend upon the will of the parties, has no bearing thereon.
c. Accused had pleaded
d. Conviction, acquittal, or dismissal or termination of case without consent of accused
e. Bar to offense charged, attempt to commit the same or necessarily includes or is necessarily
included
Conviction for physical injuries through reckless imprudence constitutes double jeopardy to the
charge of damage to property through reckless imprudence.
5. Procedure
1. MTQ filed
2. If based on defect in info which can be cured, court shall order its amendment
3. Quashing the info shall NOT be a bar to subsequent prosecution (accused has not pleaded yet),
EXCEPT when the ground is:
1. Double jeopardy OR
2. Extinction of criminal liability
6. Remedies
1. Motion to dismiss if certain grounds were not raised or denied in a MTQ
2. Trial
If there was really no basis for the info, then such could be proved in the trial
Upon denial of a MTQ, the proper remedy is to go on trial and later to appeal, if necessary;
mandamus or certiorari will only be granted if there is not other plain, simple and adequate
remedy
7. Failure to move to quash or to allege any ground therefor deemed a waiver of such
grounds,except:
1. Failure to charge an offense
2. Lack of jurisdiction over the offense charged
3. Extinction of the offense or of the penalty
4. Double jeopardy
Rule 118 Pre-Trial
1. Plea bargaining process whereby the accused and the prosecution in a criminal case work
out a mutually satisfactory disposition of the case subject to court approval. It usually involves
the defendants pleading guilty to a lesser offense or to only some of the counts of a multi-count
indictment in return for a lighter sentence than that for the greater charge.
Under Speedy Trial Act of 1997, in all criminal cases cognizable by the MTC, MCTC, MeTC,
RTC and Sandiganbayan, pretrial is mandatory.
Under SC Circular 38-98, implementing the Speedy Trial Act of 1997, an accused may plea
guilty to a lesser offense only if said offense is necessarily included in the offense charged.
2. Stipulation of facts
Facts which both parties and respective counsels agree on as evidenced by their signatures;
these facts need not be proved by evidence in trial
Stipulation is inadmissible if unsigned by either accused or counsel; a later memo of
confirmation, signed only by counsel, cannot cure defect (Fule vs. CA)
3. Pre-trial order binds the parties, limits the trial to matters not yet disposed of, and controls
the course of action during the trial
4. Procedure
1. Judge must calendar pre-trial
2. Either party may waive the pre-trial
3. If court appoints counsel de oficio, counsel has at least 2 days to prepare
4. In the pre-trial conference
5. Plea bargaining
6. Stipulation of facts
7. Marking of evidence (does not imply conceding to its admissibility or credibility)
8. Waiver of objections to admissibility of evidence
9. Other matters which will promote a fair and expeditious trial
e. Judge issues pre-trial order
Rule 119 Trial
1. In trial, the defense tries
1. To assail the admissibility of evidence which prove the elements of the offense charged
2. To assail the credibility of such evidence
3. To prove another version, possibly admitting certain evidence of the prosecution and adding
other evidence to cast reasonable doubt
Even in summary procedure, the judge cannot base his decision simply on affidavits; he must
give the defendant the chance to cross-examine (Combate vs. San Jose)
2. Procedure
a. Parties notified of date of trial 2 days before trial date (R119, 1)
HOWEVER, under SC Circular 38-98, accused must be given at least 15 days to prepare for trial,
which shall commence within 30 days from receipt of Pre-Trial Order.
1. Accused may move that his witnesses be examined
2. Defense witnesses examined by any judge or lawyer
3. Prosecution witnesses, if they would be unable to attend trial, may be examined by the judge
handling the case
4. Trial continues from day to day, unless postponed for a just cause
5. Prosecution presents evidence
Presentation
Testimonies: direct examination
Cross-examination
Re-cross
Offer
1. Accused may move for discharge
2. Prosecution rests
3. Defense may, with or without leave of court, file a demurrer to evidence
4. Defense presents evidence
5. Defense rests
6. Prosecution presents rebuttal evidence
7. Defense presents rebuttal evidence
8. Trial is closed; case is submitted for judgment
3. When mistake made in charging proper offense
1. If Accused cannot be convicted of offense charged or offense necessarily included therein
2. Accused detained, not discharged
3. Original case dismissed upon filing of proper information
Example: Charged with theft. At trial, appears that offense is estafa. The prosecution can ask
for the dismissal of the info in order to file a new one for estafa. No Double Jeopardy because no
valid info in the first case.
4. Application for examination of witnesses for accused before trial
1. Sick or infirm; unable to attend trial
2. Resides more than 100 km. from means of trial; no means to attend
5. Application (prosecution)
1. Sick or infirm
2. Has to leave the RP with indefinite date of returning
6. Requisites for postponement due to absence of a witness
1. Witness is really material and appears to the court to be so
2. Party who applies for postponement has not been guilty of neglect
3. Witness can be had at the time to which the trial has been deferred
4. No similar evidence could be obtained
7. Requisites to discharge of an accused as State Witness
1. Testimony of accused absolutely needed
2. No other direct evidence available EXCEPT his testimony
3. Testimony can be corroborated on material points
4. Accused does not appear to be most guilty
5. Accused has never been convicted of offense involving moral turpitude
Discharge of accused, when not all the requisites were met, cannot be revoked as long as he
testified according to what was expected of him (People vs. Aninon)
8. Remedies
a. Motion for separate trials
Filed by the fiscal to try several accused separately
Granted at the courts discretion
May also be ordered by the court motu proprio
b. Motion to consolidate
Upon the courts discretion, separate charges may be tried in one single case if the offenses
charged arise form the same facts or form part of a series of similar offenses
Court allowed consolidation of rape cases substantially committed in the same manner (People
vs. David)
c. Motion for continuance filed to postpone trial for just cause
d. Motion to exclude public
Excluding parties, counsels and court personnel
May also be ordered by court motu proprio
e. Motion for discharge
Filed before the prosecution rests
Hearing to determine existence of requisites for discharge
Prosecution will present evidence and the sworn statement of the proposed state witness
Evidence adduced in this said hearing automatically form part of trial; however, if court denies
motion for discharge, his sworn statement shall be inadmissible in evidence.
Discharge of the accused has the effect of acquittal, unless accused fails or refuses to testify
against his co-accused in accordance with his statement (which formed the basis for his discharge)
f. Demurrer to evidence
May be made after the prosecution rests its case
If the court finds the prosecutions evidence insufficient, the case will be dismissed
Otherwise, if demurrer denied
1. If the demurrer was made with leave of court, defense gets to present evidence
2. If the demurrer was made without leave of court, defense is deemed to have waived the right to
present evidence and the case is submitted for judgment
Case may also be dismissed motu proprio
g. Motion to reopen
Filed after the case is submitted for judgment but before judgment is actually rendered
To allow either side to present additional evidence, if such could not be found before
Granted on discretion of the judge
The accused cannot move to reopen the case to allow him to adduce evidence in his behalf
when his failure to adduce them during the trial was his own fault (People vs. Cruz)
Rule 120 Judgment
1. Judgment adjudication by the court that the accused is guilty or not guilty of the offense
charged, and the imposition of the proper penalty and civil liability provided by law on the
accused
2. General Rule: If the accused is found not guilty, he will be acquitted and the acquittal
immediately becomes final and executory. If the accused is found guilty, penalty and civil
liability will be imposed on him.
3. Accused may be convicted of
1. The offense charged
2. A lesser offense necessarily included in the offense charged
Accused cannot be convicted for an offense graver than that charged (People vs. Guevarra)
4. Contents
1. Written in official language
2. Personally prepared and signed by the judge
3. Contains facts proved
4. Contains law upon which judgment is based
In case of conviction, judgment must state:
1. Legal qualification of offense and aggravating and mitigating circumstances
2. Level of participation
3. Penalty imposed
4. Civil liability for damages, unless right to separate civil action has been reserved
In case of acquittal, judgment must state:
1. Civil liability for damages, unless acts alleged clearly did not exist
2. Basis of liability
5. Procedure
1. Judge reads judgment in presence of accused
2. If judgment is of acquittal
3. It becomes final and executory
4. It bars subsequent prosecution for the same offense
c. If judgment is of conviction, remedy is to file:
1. Motion for reconsideration
2. Motion for new trial
3. Notice of appeal
Or else, judgment becomes final and is entered in the book of Judgments
6. When judgment in a criminal case becomes final:
1. After lapse of period for perfecting an appeal; or
2. When sentence partially or totally satisfied or served; or
3. Accused has expressly waived in writing his right to appeal, EXCEPT in cases of automatic review
where death penalty is imposed
4. Accused has applied for probation
7. Only a judgment in conviction can be modified or set aside
1. Before judgment had been final (otherwise double jeopardy);
2. Before appeal had been perfected; or
3. To correct clerical errors in the judgment
8. Remedies
a. Appeal
Filed within 15 days of promulgation of judgment
Period is interrupted by filing of a motion for new trial or reconsideration
On motion of accused or at its own instance with consent of the accused
b. Motion for reconsideration
Filed when there are errors of law or fact in the judgment
Shall require no further proceedings
Notice should be given to the fiscal
c. Motion for new trial
Notice should be given to the fiscal
Filed on the following grounds:
1. Error of law or irregularities have been made during trial which are prejudicial to the substantial
rights of the accused
ii. New evidence has been found which could not have been found before and which could change
the judgment
9. Procedure for new trial
1. Hearing shall be set and held
2. All evidence not alleged to be in error shall stand
3. New evidence will be introduced
4. Old judgment may be set aside and a new one rendered
10. Notes:
Suspension of sentence for youthful offenders after conviction, minor is committed to custody
and care of DSWD or any training institution until reaches 21 years of age, or a shorter period
Probation disposition under which a defendant after conviction and sentences, is released
subject to conditions imposed by the court and to the supervision of a probation officer
Parole the conditional release of an offender from a penal or correctional institution after he
has served the minimum period of his prison sentence under the continued custody of the state
and under conditions that permit his reincarceration if he violated the conditions of his release
Rule 121 New Trial or Reconsideration
1. Reopening of the case
1. Made by the court before judgment is rendered in the exercise of sound discretion
2. Does not require consent of accused
3. May be made at the instance of either party who can thereafter present additional evidence
2. Motion for new trial
1. Filed after judgment is rendered but before the finality thereof
2. At the instance or with the consent of the accused
3. The prosecution can move only for the reconsideration of the judgment but cannot present
additional evidence
3. Motion for New Trial is denied if:
1. Only impeaching evidence is sought to be introduced as the court had already passed upon issue
of credibility
2. Only corroborative evidence is offered
3. Prisoner admits commission of crime with which accused is charged (facility with which such
confession can be obtained and fabricated)
4. Alleged new evidence is inherently improbable and could easily be concocted
5. Alleged new evidence consists of recantations of prosecution witness, due to unreliability of
such recantations, EXCEPT if no other evidence to sustain conviction aside from recanted
testimony
4. New Trial vs. Reconsideration
Motion for recon is based on the grounds of errors of law in the judgment is court is not asked
to reopen the case for further proceedings, but to reconsider its findings or conclusions of law and
make them conformable to the law applicable to the case on the judgment the court has to
render anew.
5. New Trial vs. Modification of Judgment
In New Trial, irregularities are expunged from the record and/or new evidence is introduced. In
modification of judgment, no new hearings or proceedings of any kind or change in the record or
evidence. A simple modification is made on the basis of what is on the record.
6. New Trial vs. Reopening of the Case
New trial presupposes that existence of a judgment to be set aside upon the granting of a new
trial
In reopening, no judgment has yet been rendered, although the hearing may have already been
closed
7. Motion for Reconsideration
Grounds are errors of law or fact in judgment, which require no further proceedings.
8. Effects of Granting Motion for New Trial or Reconsideration
a. Based on error of law or irregularities during trial:
Proceedings and evidence not affected by irregularities stand, and those affected are set
aside. Court may allow introduction of new evidence
b. Based on newly discovered evidence:
Evidence already taken shall stand; new evidence taken with the old
Rule 122 Appeal
1. Procedure
a. Filed with RTC, if original case was with MTC
Notice served to lower court and to adverse party
b. Filed with the CA or SC, if original case was with RTC
i. With CA: notice of appeal with court, and with copy on adverse party
If CA is of opinion that penalty should be reclusion perpetua or higher, it shall render judgment
imposing said penalty, but refrain from entering judgment and then certify the case and the
entire record thereof to the SC for review (R124, 13)
CA may reverse, affirm, or modify judgment of RTC, or remand case for new trial or re-trial, or
dismiss the case
If RTC decided case in appellate jurisdiction: Petition for Review
ii. With SC: notice of appeal where penalty imposed is life imprisonment, or lesser penalty
involving offenses committed on the same occasion, or arising out of same occurrence where
graver penalty of death is available but life imprisonment is imposed; all other cases, by petition
for review on certiorari
If death penalty, automatic review
iii. Withdrawal of appeal
May be made at any time before judgment on the appeal is rendered
Lower court judgment becomes final
Case remanded for execution of judgment
Once notice of appeal is filed, cannot be validly withdrawn to give way for a Motion for Recon or
a Motion for New Trial, since the filing of the notice perfected the appeal, and the trial court
loses its power to modify or set aside the judgment. The only valid withdrawal of an appeal is
where the accused decides to serve his sentence.
2. Effect of appeal by any of several accused
1. Shall not affect those who did not appeal, EXCEPT if favorable and applicable to them
2. Civil appeal by offended party shall not affect criminal aspect of judgment
3. Execution of judgment on appellant will be stayed upon perfection of appeal
3. When appeal by prosecution from order of dismissal of criminal case will not result in double
jeopardy
1. Dismissal made upon motion or with express consent of the accused
2. Dismissal is not an acquittal nor based upon consideration of the evidence or merits of the
case
3. Question to be passed upon by the appellate court is purely legal so that if the dismissal is found
incorrect, the case has to be remanded to the court of origin to determine the guilt or
innocence of the accused
4. When serving sentence, remedy is to petition for habeas corpus
1. Filed when the law under which the accused was convicted is repealed or declared
unconstitutional
2. When a later judgment is rendered acquitting others for similar circumstances
Otherwise, equal protection is violated
1. When penalty is lowered and convict has already served more than the maximum period of the
new penalty
Habeas corpus is available when a person is imprisoned beyond the maximum penalty imposed
by law (Gumabon vs. Dir. of Prisons)
NOTE: When dismissal is capricious, certiorari lies and no double jeopardy since validity and not
correctness of dismissal is being challenged.
Rule 126 Search and Seizure
1. Search warrant an order in writing issued in the name of the People of the Philippines,
signed by a judge and directed to a peace officer, commanding him to search for personal
property described therein and bring it before the court
Cannot be issued to look for evidence (Uy Khetin vs. Villareal)
Seizing objects to be used as evidence is equivalent to forcing one to be a witness against
himself (Uy Khetin vs. Villareal)
For a warrant to be valid, it must meet the requirements set by law (Burgos vs. Chief of Staff)
Tapping conversations is equivalent to a search and seizure (US vs. Katz)
2. General Rule: No search or seizure can be conducted unless it is authorized by a search
warrant. Evidence gathered from an illegal search and seizure is inadmissible.
Warrantless searches are illegal, unreasonable and unconstitutional (Alvarez vs. CFI)
It is not the police action which is impermissible, but the procedure and unreasonable character
by which it is exercised (Guazon vs. de Villa)
Court gains jurisdiction over items seized by a valid search warrant and returned to it, and such
is not an unconstitutional deprivation of property (Villanueva vs. Querubin)
Evidence from an illegal search may be used as evidence, if no objection is raised (Stonehill vs.
Diokno)
Right against unreasonable search and seizure may be waived, but for the waiver to be
effective:
1. The right must exist
2. Person must be aware of the right
3. Person clearly shows the intent to relinquish such right
No waiver against unreasonable search and seizure when one compromises the criminal
proceedings (Alvarez vs. CFI)
There is no waiver of right when evidence of coercion is present (Roan vs. Gonzales)
3. Requisites of a valid search warrant
a. Issued upon probable cause
Probable cause such facts and circumstances which would lead a reasonably prudent man to
believe that a crime has been committed and the thing to be searched for and seized is in the
place to be searched
b. Probable cause is personally determined by the issuing judge
Hence, signed by him
By any RTC, to be served anywhere in the country, for an offense which occurred anywhere in
the country (Malaloan vs. CA)
c. Issuing judge personally examined, in the form of searching questions, the appellant and his
witness and took down their written depositions
d. Search warrant particularly describes or identifies the property to be seized
Property which men may lawfully possess may not be the object of a search warrant (Uy Khetin
vs. Villareal)
Nature of goods may allow description to be general or not too technical (Alvarez vs. CFI)
e. Particularly describes the place to be searched
f. It shall issue only for one specific offense
Otherwise, cannot be said to have issued upon probable cause (Asian Surety vs. Herrera)
Absence of specific offense makes impossible determination of probable cause (Stonehill vs.
Diokno)
g. Was not issued for more than 10 days prior to a search made pursuant thereto (search warrant
becomes void after 10 days)
h. Indicates time, if to be served at night
4. When a search warrant may be said to particularly describe the thing to be seized
1. Description is as specific as circumstances allow
2. Expresses a conclusion of fact by which the warrant officer may be guided
3. Things described are limited to those which bear a direct relation to the offense for which the
warrant is issued
5. Procedure
a. Complainant files application, attaches affidavits
Oath requires that the person taking it personally knows the facts of the case (People vs. Sy
Juco)
Affidavits submitted must state that the premises is occupied by the person against whom the
warrant is issued, that the objects to be seized are fruits or means of committing a crime, and
that they belong to the same person, thus, not affecting third persons (People vs. Sy Juco)
When complainants knowledge is hearsay, affidavits of witnesses are necessary (Alvarez vs.
CFI)
b. Judge conducts ex parte preliminary examination of complainant and witnesses under oath to
determine probable cause
Judge must ask probing questions, not just repeat facts in the affidavit (Roan vs. Gonzales)
c. Judge issues search warrant good for 10 days
d. Peace officer in presence of occupant, members of the family OR 2 witnesses of sufficient age
and discretion residing in the same locality
Search may last for more than a day as long as it is part of the same search for the same
purpose and of the same place (Uy Khetin vs. Villareal)
e. Peace officer leaves receipt with occupant at place searched
f. Peace officer files return of search warrant and inventory, and surrenders items seized to
receiving court (not necessarily court which issued the warrant)
Items seized illegally must remain in custodia legis pending resolution of the case (Roan vs.
Gonzales)
6. Remedies from an unlawful search
1. MTQ the warrant
2. Motion to suppress as evidence the objects illegally taken
3. Return of property illegally seized
7. When a search may be validly conducted without a warrant
1. Without consent of person searched
2. When the search is incident to a lawful arrest
3. Personal knowledge of the arresting person (Posadas vs. CA)
4. Limited to:
(1) Immediate time of arrest
(2) Immediate vicinity of the arrest
(3) Weapons and things which may be used as proof of offense charged (Nolasco vs. Pano)
iii. Subject in an offense which is mala prohibita cannot be summarily seized (Roan vs. Gonzales)
iv. May extend beyond arrestee to include premises and surrounding under his immediate control
1. Border searches (customs, mail and airport)
2. Vessels and aircrafts for violation of Tariff and Customs Code, EXCEPT dwelling houses
3. Plain view
4. Moving vehicle
5. Hot pursuit
6. Stop-and-frisk, reasonable check-points
7. Private searches with no state action (People vs. Marti)
8. Inspection of building and premises for enforcement of fire, sanitary and building regulations
8. Person making the arrest may take from the arrestee
1. Properties used in the commission of the crime
2. Fruits or proceeds thereof
3. Property which may furnish the arrestee with a weapon against the arresting person
4. Property which may be used as evidence at the trial
9. NOTES:
Constitution, Art. III, Sec. 2
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, papers, houses and effects against
unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable,
and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon probable cause to be
determined personally by the judge after examination under oath or affirmation of the
complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and particularly describing the place to be
searched and the persons or things to be seized.
Constitution, Art. III, Sec. 3
1. The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon lawful order
of the court, or when public safety or order requires otherwise as prescribed by law.
2. Any evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section shall be inadmissible for any
purpose in the proceeding.
Rule 127 Provisional Remedies in Criminal Cases
1. Attachment as provisional remedy in criminal cases
1. Accused is about to abscond from RP
2. Criminal action is based on a claim for money or property embezzled or fraudulently misapplied
or converted to the use of the accused who is a public officer, or any officer of a corporation, or
an attorney, factor, broker, agent or clerk in a fiduciary capacity, in willful violation of duty
3. Accused has concealed, removed or disposed of his property, or is about to do so
4. Accused resides outside the RP