Rules of Court - Criminal Proceedure

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RulesofCourtCriminalProceedure
TheLawphilProjectArellanoLawFoundation
Rules110127
REVISEDRULESOFCRIMINALPROCEDURE
THEREVISEDRULESOFCRIMINALPROCEDURE
(Asamended,December1,2000)
RULE110
ProsecutionofOffenses
Section1.Institutionofcriminalactions.Criminalactionsshallbeinstitutedasfollows:
(a)Foroffenseswhereapreliminaryinvestigationisrequiredpursuanttosection1ofRule112,byfilingthecomplaintwiththe
properofficerforthepurposeofconductingtherequisitepreliminaryinvestigation.
(b)Forallotheroffenses,byfilingthecomplaintorinformationdirectlywiththeMunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipalCircuit
TrialCourts,orthecomplaintwiththeofficeoftheprosecutor.InManilaandothercharteredcities,thecomplaintshallbefiled
withtheofficeoftheprosecutorunlessotherwiseprovidedintheircharters.
Theinstitutionofthecriminalactionshallinterrupttherunningperiodofprescriptionoftheoffensechargedunlessotherwiseprovided
inspeciallaws.(1a)
Section 2. The Complaint or information. The complaint or information shall be in writing, in the name of the People of the
Philippinesandagainstallpersonswhoappeartoberesponsiblefortheoffenseinvolved.(2a)
Section3.Complaintdefined. A complaint is a sworn written statement charging a person with an offense, subscribed by the
offendedparty,anypeaceofficer,orotherpublicofficerchargedwiththeenforcementofthelawviolated.(3)
Section4.Informationdefined.Aninformationisanaccusationinwritingchargingapersonwithanoffense,subscribedbythe
prosecutorandfiledwiththecourt.(4a)
Section5.Whomustprosecutecriminalactions.Allcriminalactionscommencedbyacomplaintorinformationshallbeprosecuted
under the direction and control of the prosecutor. However, in Municipal Trial Courts or Municipal Circuit Trial Courts when the
prosecutorassignedtheretoortothecaseisnotavailable,theoffendedparty,anypeaceofficer,orpublicofficerchargedwiththe
enforcement of the law violated may prosecute the case. This authority cease upon actual intervention of the prosecutor or upon
A.M.No.02207SCeffectiveMay1,2002)
elevationofthecasetotheRegionalTrialCourt.(ThisSectionwasrepealedby
Thecrimesofadulteryandconcubinageshallnotbeprosecutedexceptuponacomplaintfiledbytheoffendedspouse.Theoffended
partycannotinstitutecriminalprosecutionwithoutincludingtheguiltyparties,ifbothalive,nor,inanycase,iftheoffendedpartyhas
consentedtotheoffenseorpardonedtheoffenders.
Theoffensesofseduction,abductionandactsoflasciviousnessshallnotbeprosecutedexceptuponacomplaintfiledbytheoffended
partyorherparents,grandparentsorguardian,nor,inanycase,iftheoffenderhasbeenexpresslypardonedbyanyofthem.Ifthe
offended party dies or becomes incapacitated before she can file the complaint, and she has no known parents, grandparents or
guardian,theStateshallinitiatethecriminalactioninherbehalf.
The offended party, even if a minor, has the right to initiate the prosecution of the offenses of seduction, abduction and acts of
lasciviousnessindependentlyofherparents,grandparents,orguardian,unlesssheisincompetentorincapableofdoingso.Where
theoffendedparty,whoisaminor,failstofilethecomplaint,herparents,grandparents,orguardianmayfilethesame.Therighttofile
theactiongrantedtoparents,grandparentsorguardianshallbeexclusiveofallotherpersonsandshallbeexercisedsuccessivelyin
theorderhereinprovided,exceptasstatedintheprecedingparagraph.
Nocriminalactionfordefamationwhichconsistsintheimputationoftheoffensesmentionedaboveshallbebroughtexceptatthe
instanceofanduponcomplaintfiledbytheoffendedparty.(5a)
Theprosecutionforviolationofspeciallawsshallbegovernedbytheprovisionsthereof.(n)
Section6.Sufficiencyofcomplaintorinformation.Acomplaintorinformationissufficientifitstatesthenameoftheaccusedthe
designation of the offense given by the statute the acts or omissions complained of as constituting the offense the name of the
offendedpartytheapproximatedateofthecommissionoftheoffenseandtheplacewheretheoffensewascommitted.
Whenanoffenseiscommittedbymorethanoneperson,allofthemshallbeincludedinthecomplaintorinformation.(6a)
Section7.Nameoftheaccused.Thecomplaintorinformationmuststatethenameandsurnameoftheaccusedoranyappellation
ornicknamebywhichhehasbeenorisknown.Ifhisnamecannotbeascertained,hemustbedescribedunderafictitiousnamewith
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astatementthathistruenameisunknown.
Ifthetruenameoftheaccusedisthereafterdisclosedbyhimorappearsinsomeothermannertothecourt,suchtruenameshallbe
insertedinthecomplaintorinformationandrecord.(7a)
Section8.Designationoftheoffense.Thecomplaintorinformationshallstatethedesignationoftheoffensegivenbythestatute,
avertheactsoromissionsconstitutingtheoffense,andspecifyitsqualifyingandaggravatingcircumstances.Ifthereisnodesignation
oftheoffense,referenceshallbemadetothesectionorsubsectionofthestatutepunishingit.(8a)
Section 9. Cause of the accusation. The acts or omissions complained of as constituting the offense and the qualifying and
aggravatingcircumstancesmustbestatedinordinaryandconciselanguageandnotnecessarilyinthelanguageusedinthestatute
butintermssufficienttoenableapersonofcommonunderstandingtoknowwhatoffenseisbeingchargedaswellasitsqualifying
andaggravatingcircumstancesandforthecourttopronouncejudgment.(9a)
Section10.Placeofcommissionoftheoffense.Thecomplaintorinformationissufficientifitcanbeunderstoodfromitsallegations
thattheoffensewascommittedorsomeoftheessentialingredientsoccurredatsomeplacewithinthejurisdictionofthecourt,unless
theparticularplacewhereitwascommittedconstitutesanessentialelementoftheoffenseorisnecessaryforitsidentification.(10a)
Section11.Date of commission of the offense. It is not necessary to state in the complaint or information the precise date the
offensewascommittedexceptwhenitisamaterialingredientoftheoffense.Theoffensemaybeallegedtohavebeencommittedon
adateasnearaspossibletotheactualdateofitscommission.(11a)
Section12.Nameoftheoffendedparty.Thecomplaintorinformationmuststatethenameandsurnameofthepersonagainst
whomoragainstwhosepropertytheoffensewascommitted,oranyappellationornicknamebywhichsuchpersonhasbeenoris
known.Ifthereisnobetterwayofidentifyinghim,hemustbedescribedunderafictitiousname.
(a) In offenses against property, if the name of the offended party is unknown, the property must be described with such
particularityastoproperlyidentifytheoffensecharged.
(b) If the true name of the of the person against whom or against whose properly the offense was committed is thereafter
disclosedorascertained,thecourtmustcausethetruenametobeinsertedinthecomplaintorinformationandtherecord.
(c)Iftheoffendedpartyisajuridicalperson,itissufficienttostateitsname,oranynameordesignationbywhichitisknownor
bywhichitmaybeidentified,withoutneedofaverringthatitisajuridicalpersonorthatitisorganizedinaccordancewithlaw.
(12a)
Section13.Duplicityoftheoffense.Acomplaintorinformationmustchargebutoneoffense,exceptwhenthelawprescribesa
singlepunishmentforvariousoffenses.(13a)
Section14.Amendmentorsubstitution. A complaint or information may be amended, in form or in substance, without leave of
court,atanytimebeforetheaccusedentershisplea.Afterthepleaandduringthetrial,aformalamendmentmayonlybemadewith
leaveofcourtandwhenitcanbedonewithoutcausingprejudicetotherightsoftheaccused.
However,anyamendmentbeforeplea,whichdowngradesthenatureoftheoffensechargedinorexcludesanyaccusedfromthe
complaintorinformation,canbemadeonlyuponmotionbytheprosecutor,withnoticetotheoffendedpartyandwithleaveofcourt.
Thecourtshallstateitsreasonsinresolvingthemotionandcopiesofitsordershallbefurnishedallparties,especiallytheoffended
party.(n)
Ifitappearsatanytimebeforejudgmentthatamistakehasbeenmadeinchargingtheproperoffense,thecourtshalldismissthe
originalcomplaintorinformationuponthefilingofanewonechargingtheproperoffenseinaccordancewithsection19,Rule119,
providedtheaccusedshallnotbeplacedindoublejeopardy.Thecourtmayrequirethewitnessestogivebailfortheirappearanceat
thetrial.(14a)
Section15.Placewhereactionistobeinstituted.
(a)Subjecttoexistinglaws,thecriminalactionshallbeinstitutedandtriedinthecourtofthemunicipalityorterritorywherethe
offensewascommittedorwhereanyofitsessentialingredientsoccurred.
(b)Whereanoffenseiscommittedinatrain,aircraft,orotherpublicorprivatevehiclewhileinthecourseofitstrip,thecriminal
actionshallbeinstitutedandtriedinthecourtofanymunicipalityorterritorywheresuchtrain,aircraftorothervehiclepassed
duringsuchitstrip,includingtheplaceofitsdepartureandarrival.
(c)Whereanoffenseiscommittedonboardavesselinthecourseofitsvoyage,thecriminalactionshallbeinstitutedandtried
inthecourtofthefirstportofentryorofanymunicipalityorterritorywherethevesselpassedduringsuchvoyage,subjectto
thegenerallyacceptedprinciplesofinternationallaw.
(d)CrimescommittedoutsidethePhilippinesbutpunishableunderArticle2oftheRevisedPenalCodeshallbecognizableby
thecourtwherethecriminalactionisfirstfiled.(15a)
Section16.Interventionoftheoffendedpartyincriminalaction.Wherethecivilactionforrecoveryofcivilliabilityisinstitutedinthe
criminalactionpursuanttoRule111,theoffendedpartymayintervenebycounselintheprosecutionoftheoffense.(16a)
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RULE111
ProsecutionofCivilAction
Section1.Institutionofcriminalandcivilactions.(a)Whenacriminalactionisinstituted,thecivilactionfortherecoveryofcivil
liabilityarisingfromtheoffensechargedshallbedeemedinstitutedwiththecriminalactionunlesstheoffendedpartywaivesthecivil
action,reservestherighttoinstituteitseparatelyorinstitutesthecivilactionpriortothecriminalaction.
Thereservationoftherighttoinstituteseparatelythecivilactionshallbemadebeforetheprosecutionstartspresentingitsevidence
andundercircumstancesaffordingtheoffendedpartyareasonableopportunitytomakesuchreservation.
When the offended party seeks to enforce civil liability against the accused by way of moral, nominal, temperate, or exemplary
damageswithoutspecifyingtheamountthereofinthecomplaintorinformation,thefilingfeesthereofshallconstituteafirstlienonthe
judgmentawardingsuchdamages.
Wheretheamountofdamages,otherthanactual,isspecifiedinthecomplaintorinformation,thecorrespondingfilingfeesshallbe
paidbytheoffendedpartyuponthefilingthereofincourt.
ExceptasotherwiseprovidedintheseRules,nofilingfeesshallberequiredforactualdamages.
Nocounterclaim,crossclaimorthirdpartycomplaintmaybefiledbytheaccusedinthecriminalcase,butanycauseofactionwhich
couldhavebeenthesubjectthereofmaybelitigatedinaseparatecivilaction.(1a)
(b) The criminal action for violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22 shall be deemed to include the corresponding civil action. No
reservationtofilesuchcivilactionseparatelyshallbeallowed.
Uponfilingoftheaforesaidjointcriminalandcivilactions,theoffendedpartyshallpayinfullthefilingfeesbasedontheamountofthe
checkinvolved,whichshallbeconsideredastheactualdamagesclaimed.Wherethecomplaintorinformationalsoseekstorecover
liquidated,moral,nominal,temperateorexemplarydamages,theoffendedpartyshallpayadditionalfilingfeesbasedontheamounts
allegedtherein.Iftheamountsarenotsoallegedbutanyofthesedamagesaresubsequentlyawardedbythecourt,thefilingfees
basedontheamountawardedshallconstituteafirstlienonthejudgment.
Wherethecivilactionhasbeenfiledseparatelyandtrialthereofhasnotyetcommenced,itmaybeconsolidatedwiththecriminal
action upon application with the court trying the latter case. If the application is granted, the trial of both actions shall proceed in
accordancewithsection2ofthisRulegoverningconsolidationofthecivilandcriminalactions.(cir.5797)
Section 2. When separate civil action is suspended. After the criminal action has been commenced, the separate civil action
arisingtherefromcannotbeinstituteduntilfinaljudgmenthasbeenenteredinthecriminalaction.
Ifthecriminalactionisfiledafterthesaidcivilactionhasalreadybeeninstituted,thelattershallbesuspendedinwhateverstageit
may be found before judgment on the merits. The suspension shall last until final judgment is rendered in the criminal action.
Nevertheless, before judgment on the merits is rendered in the civil action, the same may, upon motion of the offended party, be
consolidatedwiththecriminalactioninthecourttryingthecriminalaction.Incaseofconsolidation,theevidencealreadyadducedin
thecivilactionshallbedeemedautomaticallyreproducedinthecriminalactionwithoutprejudicetotherightoftheprosecutionto
crossexaminethewitnessespresentedbytheoffendedpartyinthecriminalcaseandofthepartiestopresentadditionalevidence.
Theconsolidatedcriminalandcivilactionsshallbetriedanddecidedjointly.
During the pendency of the criminal action, the running of the period of prescription of the civil action which cannot be instituted
separatelyorwhoseproceedinghasbeensuspendedshallbetolled.(n)
Theextinctionofthepenalactiondoesnotcarrywithitextinctionofthecivilaction.However,thecivilactionbasedondelictshallbe
deemedextinguishedifthereisafindinginafinaljudgmentinthecriminalactionthattheactoromissionfromwhichthecivilliability
mayarisedidnotexist.(2a)
Section3.Whencivilactionmayproceededindependently.InthecasesprovidedforinArticles32,33,34and2176oftheCivil
Code of the Philippines, the independent civil action may be brought by the offended party. It shall proceed independently of the
criminalactionandshallrequireonlyapreponderanceofevidence.Innocase,however,maytheoffendedpartyrecoverdamages
twiceforthesameactoromissionchargedinthecriminalaction.(3a)
Section4.Effectofdeathoncivilactions.Thedeathoftheaccusedafterarraignmentandduringthependencyofthecriminal
actionshallextinguishthecivilliabilityarisingfromthedelict.However,theindependentcivilactioninstitutedundersection3ofthis
Ruleorwhichthereafterisinstitutedtoenforceliabilityarisingfromothersourcesofobligationmaybecontinuedagainsttheestateor
legalrepresentativeoftheaccusedafterpropersubstitutionoragainstsaidestate,asthecasemaybe.Theheirsoftheaccusedmay
be substituted for the deceased without requiring the appointment of an executor or administrator and the court may appoint a
guardianadlitemfortheminorheirs.
Thecourtshallforthwithordersaidlegalrepresentativeorrepresentativestoappearandbesubstitutedwithinaperiodofthirty(30)
daysfromnotice.
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A final judgment entered in favor of the offended party shall be enforced in the manner especially provided in these rules for
prosecutingclaimsagainsttheestateofthedeceased.
Iftheaccuseddiesbeforearraignment,thecaseshallbedismissedwithoutprejudicetoanycivilactiontheoffendedpartymayfile
againsttheestateofthedeceased.(n)
Section5.Judgmentincivilactionnotabar.Afinaljudgmentrenderedinacivilactionabsolvingthedefendantfromcivilliabilityis
notabartoacriminalactionagainstthedefendantforthesameactoromissionsubjectofthecivilaction.(4a)
Section6.Suspensionbyreasonofprejudicialquestion.Apetitionforsuspensionofthecriminalactionbaseduponthependency
of a prejudicial question in a civil action may be filed in the office of the prosecutor or the court conducting the preliminary
investigation.Whenthecriminalactionhasbeenfiledincourtfortrial,thepetitiontosuspendshallbefiledinthesamecriminalaction
atanytimebeforetheprosecutionrests.(6a)
Section7.Elementsofprejudicialquestion. The elements of a prejudicial question are: (a) the previously instituted civil action
involvesanissuesimilarorintimatelyrelatedtotheissueraisedinthesubsequentcriminalaction,and(b)theresolutionofsuchissue
determineswhetherornotthecriminalactionmayproceed.(5a)
RULE112
PreliminaryInvestigation
Section1.Preliminaryinvestigationdefinedwhenrequired. Preliminary investigation is an inquiry or proceeding to determine
whetherthereissufficientgroundtoengenderawellfoundedbeliefthatacrimehasbeencommittedandtherespondentisprobably
guiltythereof,andshouldbeheldfortrial.
Exceptasprovidedinsection7ofthisRule,apreliminaryinvestigationisrequiredtobeconductedbeforethefilingofacomplaintor
informationforanoffensewherethepenaltyprescribedbylawisatleastfour(4)years,two(2)monthsandone(1)daywithoutregard
tothefine.(1a)
Section2.Officersauthorizedtoconductpreliminaryinvestigations.
Thefollowingmayconductpreliminaryinvestigations:
(a)ProvincialorCityProsecutorsandtheirassistants
(b)JudgesoftheMunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipalCircuitTrialCourts
(c)NationalandRegionalStateProsecutorsand
(d)Otherofficersasmaybeauthorizedbylaw.
Their authority to conduct preliminary investigations shall include all crimes cognizable by the proper court in their respective
territorialjurisdictions.(2a)
Section3.Procedure.Thepreliminaryinvestigationshallbeconductedinthefollowingmanner:
(a)Thecomplaintshallstatetheaddressoftherespondentandshallbeaccompaniedbytheaffidavitsofthecomplainantand
hiswitnesses,aswellasothersupportingdocumentstoestablishprobablecause.Theyshallbeinsuchnumberofcopiesas
there are respondents, plus two (2) copies for the official file. The affidavits shall be subscribed and sworn to before any
prosecutororgovernmentofficialauthorizedtoadministeroath,or,intheirabsenceorunavailability,beforeanotarypublic,
eachofwhomustcertifythathepersonallyexaminedtheaffiantsandthatheissatisfiedthattheyvoluntarilyexecutedand
understoodtheiraffidavits.
(b)Withinten(10)daysafterthefilingofthecomplaint,theinvestigatingofficershalleitherdismissitifhefindsnogroundto
continuewiththeinvestigation,orissueasubpoenatotherespondentattachingtoitacopyofthecomplaintanditssupporting
affidavitsanddocuments.
The respondent shall have the right to examine the evidence submitted by the complainant which he may not have been
furnishedandtocopythemathisexpense.Iftheevidenceisvoluminous,thecomplainantmayberequiredtospecifythose
which he intends to present against the respondent, and these shall be made available for examination or copying by the
respondentathisexpense.
Objectsasevidenceneednotbefurnishedapartybutshallbemadeavailableforexamination,copying,orphotographingat
theexpenseoftherequestingparty.
(c) Within ten (10) days from receipt of the subpoena with the complaint and supporting affidavits and documents, the
respondent shall submit his counteraffidavit and that of his witnesses and other supporting documents relied upon for his
defense.Thecounteraffidavitsshallbesubscribedandsworntoandcertifiedasprovidedinparagraph(a)ofthissection,with
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copiesthereoffurnishedbyhimtothecomplainant.Therespondentshallnotbeallowedtofileamotiontodismissinlieuofa
counteraffidavit.
(d) If the respondent cannot be subpoenaed, or if subpoenaed, does not submit counteraffidavits within the ten (10) day
period,theinvestigatingofficershallresolvethecomplaintbasedontheevidencepresentedbythecomplainant.
(e)Theinvestigatingofficermaysetahearingiftherearefactsandissuestobeclarifiedfromapartyorawitness.Theparties
can be present at the hearing but without the right to examine or crossexamine. They may, however, submit to the
investigatingofficerquestionswhichmaybeaskedtothepartyorwitnessconcerned.
The hearing shall be held within ten (10) days from submission of the counteraffidavits and other documents or from the
expirationoftheperiodfortheirsubmission.Itshallbeterminatedwithinfive(5)days.
(f)Withinten(10)daysaftertheinvestigation,theinvestigatingofficershalldeterminewhetherornotthereissufficientground
toholdtherespondentfortrial.(3a)
Section4.Resolutionofinvestigatingprosecutoranditsreview.Iftheinvestigatingprosecutorfindscausetoholdtherespondent
fortrial,heshallpreparetheresolutionandinformation.Heshallcertifyunderoathintheinformationthathe,orasshownbythe
record,anauthorizedofficer,haspersonallyexaminedthecomplainantandhiswitnessesthatthereisreasonablegroundtobelieve
thatacrimehasbeencommittedandthattheaccusedisprobablyguiltythereofthattheaccusedwasinformedofthecomplaintand
oftheevidencesubmittedagainsthimandthathewasgivenanopportunitytosubmitcontrovertingevidence.Otherwise,heshall
recommendthedismissalofthecomplaint.
Within five (5) days from his resolution, he shall forward the record of the case to the provincial or city prosecutor or chief state
prosecutor,ortotheOmbudsmanorhisdeputyincasesofoffensescognizablebytheSandiganbayanintheexerciseofitsoriginal
jurisdiction.Theyshallactontheresolutionwithinten(10)daysfromtheirreceiptthereofandshallimmediatelyinformthepartiesof
suchaction.
Nocomplaintorinformationmaybefiledordismissedbyaninvestigatingprosecutorwithoutthepriorwrittenauthorityorapprovalof
theprovincialorcityprosecutororchiefstateprosecutorortheOmbudsmanorhisdeputy.
Where the investigating prosecutor recommends the dismissal of the complaint but his recommendation is disapproved by the
provincialorcityprosecutororchiefstateprosecutorortheOmbudsmanorhisdeputyonthegroundthataprobablecauseexists,the
lattermay,byhimself,filetheinformationagainsttherespondent,ordirectanyotherassistantprosecutororstateprosecutortodoso
withoutconductinganotherpreliminaryinvestigation.
If upon petition by a proper party under such rules as the Department of Justice may prescribe or motu proprio, the Secretary of
Justicereversesormodifiestheresolutionoftheprovincialorcityprosecutororchiefstateprosecutor,heshalldirecttheprosecutor
concernedeithertofilethecorrespondinginformationwithoutconductinganotherpreliminaryinvestigation,ortodismissormovefor
dismissalofthecomplaintorinformationwithnoticetotheparties.Thesameruleshallapplyinpreliminaryinvestigationsconducted
bytheofficersoftheOfficeoftheOmbudsman.(4a)
Section5.Resolutionofinvestigatingjudgeanditsreview.Withinten(10)daysafterthepreliminaryinvestigation,theinvestigating
judge shall transmit the resolution of the case to the provincial or city prosecutor, or to the Ombudsman or his deputy in cases of
offensescognizablebytheSandiganbayanintheexerciseofitsoriginaljurisdiction,forappropriateaction.Theresolutionshallstate
thefindingsoffactsandthelawsupportinghisaction,togetherwiththerecordofthecasewhichshallinclude:(a)thewarrant,ifthe
arrestisbyvirtueofawarrant(b)theaffidavits,counteraffidavitsandothersupportingevidenceoftheparties(c)theundertakingor
bailoftheaccusedandtheorderforhisrelease(d)thetranscriptsoftheproceedingsduringthepreliminaryinvestigationand(e)the
orderofcancellationofhisbailbond,iftheresolutionisforthedismissalofthecomplaint.
Withinthirty(30)daysfromreceiptoftherecords,theprovincialorcityprosecutor,ortheOmbudsmanorhisdeputy,asthecasemay
be,shallreviewtheresolutionoftheinvestigatingjudgeontheexistenceofprobablecause.Theirrulingshallexpresslyandclearly
statethefactsandthelawonwhichitisbasedandthepartiesshallbefurnishedwithcopiesthereof.Theyshallorderthereleaseof
anaccusedwhoisdetainedifnoprobablecauseisfoundagainsthim.(5a)
Section6.Whenwarrantofarrestmayissue.(a)BytheRegionalTrialCourt.Withinten(10)daysfromthefilingofthecomplaint
orinformation,thejudgeshallpersonallyevaluatetheresolutionoftheprosecutoranditssupportingevidence.Hemayimmediately
dismiss the case if the evidence on record clearly fails to establish probable cause. If he finds probable cause, he shall issue a
warrantofarrest,oracommitmentorderiftheaccusedhasalreadybeenarrestedpursuanttoawarrantissuedbythejudgewho
conductedthepreliminaryinvestigationorwhenthecomplaintorinformationwasfiledpursuanttosection7ofthisRule.Incaseof
doubtontheexistenceofprobablecause,thejudgemayordertheprosecutortopresentadditionalevidencewithinfive(5)daysfrom
noticeandtheissuemustberesolvedbythecourtwithinthirty(30)daysfromthefilingofthecomplaintofinformation.
(b) By the Municipal Trial Court. When required pursuant to the second paragraph of section 1 of this Rule, the preliminary
investigationofcasesfallingundertheoriginaljurisdictionoftheMetropolitanTrialCourt,MunicipalTrialCourtinCities,Municipal
Trial Court, or Municipal Circuit Trial Court may be conducted by either the judge or the prosecutor. When conducted by the
prosecutor, the procedure for the issuance of a warrant or arrest by the judge shall be governed by paragraph (a) of this section.
When the investigation is conducted by the judge himself, he shall follow the procedure provided in section 3 of this Rule. If the
findings and recommendations are affirmed by the provincial or city prosecutor, or by the Ombudsman or his deputy, and the
correspondinginformationisfiled,heshallissueawarrantofarrest.However,withoutwaitingfortheconclusionoftheinvestigation,
thejudgemayissueawarrantofarrestifhefindsafteranexaminationinwritingandunderoathofthecomplainantandhiswitnesses
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intheformofsearchingquestionandanswers,thataprobablecauseexistsandthatthereisanecessityofplacingtherespondent
underimmediatecustodyinordernottofrustratetheendsofjustice.
(c)Whenwarrantofarrestnotnecessary.Awarrantofarrestshallnotissueiftheaccusedisalreadyunderdetentionpursuanttoa
warrantissuedbythemunicipaltrialcourtinaccordancewithparagraph(b)ofthissection,orifthecomplaintorinformationwasfiled
pursuanttosection7ofthisRuleorisforanoffensepenalizedbyfineonly.Thecourtshallthenproceedintheexerciseofitsoriginal
jurisdiction.(6a)
Section7.When accused lawfully arrested without warrant. When a person is lawfully arrested without a warrant involving an
offensewhichrequiresapreliminaryinvestigation,thecomplaintorinformationmaybefiledbyaprosecutorwithoutneedofsuch
investigationprovidedaninquesthasbeenconductedinaccordancewithexistingrules.Intheabsenceorunavailabilityofaninquest
prosecutor,thecomplaintmaybefiledbytheoffendedpartyorapeaceofficedirectlywiththepropercourtonthebasisoftheaffidavit
oftheoffendedpartyorarrestingofficerorperson.
Beforethecomplaintorinformationisfiled,thepersonarrestedmayaskforapreliminaryinvestigationinaccordancewiththisRule,
buthemustsignawaiveroftheprovisionsofArticle125oftheRevisedPenalCode,asamended,inthepresenceofhiscounsel.
Notwithstandingthewaiver,hemayapplyforbailandtheinvestigationmustbeterminatedwithinfifteen(15)daysfromitsinception.
Afterthefilingofthecomplaintorinformationincourtwithoutapreliminaryinvestigation,theaccusedmay,withinfive(5)daysfrom
thetimehelearnsofitsfiling,askforapreliminaryinvestigationwiththesamerighttoadduceevidenceinhisdefenseasprovidedin
thisRule.(7asec.2,R.A.No.7438)
Section8.Records. (a) Records supporting the information or complaint. An information or complaint filed in court shall be
supportedbytheaffidavitsandcounteraffidavitsofthepartiesandtheirwitnesses,togetherwiththeothersupportingevidenceand
theresolutiononthecase.
(b)Recordofpreliminaryinvestigation.Therecordofthepreliminaryinvestigation,whetherconductedbyajudgeorafiscal,shall
notformpartoftherecordofthecase.However,thecourt,onitsowninitiativeoronmotionofanyparty,mayordertheproductionof
therecordoranyitspartwhennecessaryintheresolutionofthecaseoranyincidenttherein,orwhenitistobeintroducedasan
evidenceinthecasebytherequestingparty.(8a)
Section9.CasesnotrequiringapreliminaryinvestigationnorcoveredbytheRuleonSummaryProcedure.
(a) If filed with the prosecutor. If the complaint is filed directly with the prosecutor involving an offense punishable by
imprisonmentoflessfour(4)years,two(2)monthsandone(1)day,theprocedureoutlinedinsection3(a)ofthisRuleshallbe
observed.Theprosecutorshallactonthecomplaintbasedontheaffidavitsandothersupportingdocumentssubmittedbythe
complainantwithinten(10)daysfromitsfiling.
(b)If filed with the Municipal Trial Court. If the complaint or information is filed directly with the Municipal Trial Court or
Municipal Circuit Trial Court for an offense covered by this section, the procedure in section 3(a) of this Rule shall be
observed. If within ten (10) days after the filing of the complaint or information, the judge finds no probable cause after
personallyevaluatingtheevidence,orafterpersonallyexamininginwritingandunderoaththecomplainantandhiswitnesses
in the form of searching question and answers, he shall dismiss the same. He may, however, require the submission of
additionalevidence,withinten(10)daysfromnotice,todeterminefurthertheexistenceofprobablecause.Ifthejudgestill
findsnoprobablecausedespitetheadditionalevidence,heshall,withinten(10)daysfromitssubmissionorexpirationofsaid
period, dismiss the case. When he finds probable cause, he shall issue a warrant of arrest, or a commitment order if the
accused had already been arrested, and hold him for trial. However, if the judge is satisfied that there is no necessity for
placingtheaccusedundercustody,hemayissuesummonsinsteadofawarrantofarrest.(9a)
RULE113
Arrest
Section 1. Definition of arrest. Arrest is the taking of a person into custody in order that he may be bound to answer for the
commissionofanoffense.(1)
Section2.Arresthowmade.Anarrestismadebyanactualrestraintofapersontobearrested,orbyhissubmissiontothecustody
ofthepersonmakingthearrest.
Noviolenceorunnecessaryforceshallbeusedinmakinganarrest.Thepersonarrestedshallnotbesubjecttoagreaterrestraint
thanisnecessaryforhisdetention.(2a)
Section3.Dutyofarrestingofficer.Itshallbethedutyoftheofficerexecutingthewarranttoarresttheaccusedandtodeliverhimto
thenearestpolicestationorjailwithoutunnecessarydelay.(3a)
Section4.Executionofwarrant.Theheadoftheofficetowhomthewarrantofarrestwasdeliveredforexecutionshallcausethe
warranttobeexecutedwithinten(10)daysfromitsreceipt.Withinten(10)daysaftertheexpirationoftheperiod,theofficertowhomit
wasassignedforexecutionshallmakeareporttothejudgewhoissuedthewarrant.Incaseofhisfailuretoexecutethewarrant,he
shallstatethereasonstherefor.(4a)
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Section5.Arrestwithoutwarrantwhenlawful.Apeaceofficeroraprivatepersonmay,withoutawarrant,arrestaperson:
(a) When, in his presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is actually committing, or is attempting to commit an
offense
(b)Whenanoffensehasjustbeencommitted,andhehasprobablecausetobelievebasedonpersonalknowledgeoffactsor
circumstancesthatthepersontobearrestedhascommitteditand
(c)Whenthepersontobearrestedisaprisonerwhohasescapedfromapenalestablishmentorplacewhereheisserving
final judgment or is temporarily confined while his case is pending, or has escaped while being transferred from one
confinementtoanother.
Incasesfallingunderparagraph(a)and(b)above,thepersonarrestedwithoutawarrantshallbeforthwithdeliveredtothenearest
policestationorjailandshallbeproceededagainstinaccordancewithsection7ofRule112.(5a)
Section6.Timeofmakingarrest.Anarrestmaybemadeonanydayandatanytimeofthedayornight.(6)
Section7.Methodofarrestbyofficerbyvirtueofwarrant.Whenmakinganarrestbyvirtueofawarrant,theofficershallinformthe
persontobearrestedofthecauseofthearrestandofthefactthatawarranthasbeenissuedforhisarrest,exceptwhenhefleesor
forciblyresistsbeforetheofficerhasopportunitytosoinformhim,orwhenthegivingofsuchinformationwillimperilthearrest.The
officerneednothavethewarrantinhispossessionatthetimeofthearrestbutafterthearrest,ifthepersonarrestedsorequires,the
warrantshallbeshowntohimassoonaspracticable.(7a)
Section8.Methodofarrestbyofficerwithoutwarrant.Whenmakinganarrestwithoutawarrant,theofficershallinformtheperson
to be arrested of his authority and the cause of the arrest, unless the latter is either engaged in the commission of an offense, is
pursuedimmediatelyafteritscommission,hasescaped,fleesorforciblyresistsbeforetheofficerhasopportunitysotoinformhim,or
whenthegivingofsuchinformationwillimperilthearrest.(8a)
Section9.Methodofarrestbyprivateperson.Whenmakinganarrest,aprivatepersonshallinformthepersontobearrestedofthe
intention to arrest him and cause of the arrest, unless the latter is either engaged in the commission of an offense, is pursued
immediatelyafteritscommission,orhasescaped,flees,orforciblyresistsbeforethepersonmakingthearresthasopportunitytoso
informhim,orwhenthegivingofsuchinformationwillimperilthearrest.(9a)
Section10.Officermaysummonassistance.Anofficermakingalawfularrestmayorallysummonasmanypersonsashedeems
necessarytoassisthimineffectingthearrest.Everypersonsosummonedbyanofficershallassisthimineffectingthearrestwhenhe
canrendersuchassistancewithoutdetrimenttohimself.(10a)
Section11.Rightofofficertobreakintobuildingorenclosure.Anofficer,inordertomakeanarresteitherbyvirtueofawarrant,or
without a warrant as provided in section 5, may break into any building or enclosure where the person to be arrested is or is
reasonablybelievedtobe,ifheisrefusedadmittancethereto,afterannouncinghisauthorityandpurpose.(11a)
Section12.Righttobreakoutfrombuildingorenclosure.Wheneveranofficerhasenteredthebuildingorenclosureinaccordance
withtheprecedingsection,hemaybreakouttherefromwhennecessarytoliberatehimself.(12a)
Section13.Arrestafterescapeorrescue.Ifapersonlawfullyarrestedescapesorisrescued,anypersonmayimmediatelypursue
orretakehimwithoutawarrantatanytimeandinanyplacewithinthePhilippines.(13)
Section14.Right of attorney or relative to visit person arrested. Any member of the Philippine Bar shall, at the request of the
personarrestedorofanotheractinginhisbehalf,havetherighttovisitandconferprivatelywithsuchpersoninthejailoranyother
placeofcustodyatanyhourofthedayornight.Subjecttoreasonableregulations,arelativeofthepersonarrestedcanalsoexercise
thesameright.(14a)
RULE114
Bail
Section1.Baildefined.Bailisthesecuritygivenforthereleaseofapersonincustodyofthelaw,furnishedbyhimorabondsman,
toguaranteehisappearancebeforeanycourtasrequiredundertheconditionshereinafterspecified.Bailmaybegivenintheformof
corporatesurety,propertybond,cashdeposit,orrecognizance.(1a)
Section2.Conditionsofthebailrequirements.Allkindsofbailaresubjecttothefollowingconditions:
(a)Theundertakingshallbeeffectiveuponapproval,andunlesscancelled,shallremaininforceatallstagesofthecaseuntil
promulgationofthejudgmentoftheRegionalTrialCourt,irrespectiveofwhetherthecasewasoriginallyfiledinorappealedto
it
(b)TheaccusedshallappearbeforethepropercourtwheneverrequiredbythecourtoftheseRules
(c)Thefailureoftheaccusedtoappearatthetrialwithoutjustificationanddespiteduenoticeshallbedeemedawaiverofhis
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righttobepresentthereat.Insuchcase,thetrialmayproceedinabsentiaand
(d)Thebondsmanshallsurrendertheaccusedtothecourtforexecutionofthefinaljudgment.
Theoriginalpapersshallstatethefullnameandaddressoftheaccused,theamountoftheundertakingandtheconditionsherein
required.Photographs(passportsize)takenwithinthelastsix(6)monthsshowingtheface,leftandrightprofilesoftheaccusedmust
beattachedtothebail.(2a)
Section3.Noreleaseortransferexceptoncourtorderorbail.Nopersonunderdetentionbylegalprocessshallbereleasedor
transferredexceptuponorderofthecourtorwhenheisadmittedtobail.(3a)
Section4.Bail,amatterofrightexception. All persons in custody shall be admitted to bail as a matter of right, with sufficient
sureties, or released on recognize as prescribed by law or this Rule (a) before or after conviction by the Metropolitan Trial Court,
MunicipalTrialCourt,MunicipalTrialCourtinCities,orMunicipalCircuitTrialCourt,and(b)beforeconvictionbytheRegionalTrial
Courtofanoffensenotpunishablebydeath,reclusionperpetua,orlifeimprisonment.(4a)
Section5.Bail,whendiscretionary.UponconvictionbytheRegionalTrialCourtofanoffensenotpunishablebydeath,reclusion
perpetua,orlifeimprisonment,admissiontobailisdiscretionary.Theapplicationforbailmaybefiledandacteduponbythetrialcourt
despite the filing of a notice of appeal, provided it has not transmitted the original record to the appellate court. However, if the
decisionofthetrialcourtconvictingtheaccusedchangedthenatureoftheoffensefromnonbailabletobailable,theapplicationfor
bailcanonlybefiledwithandresolvedbytheappellatecourt.
Should the court grant the application, the accused may be allowed to continue on provisional liberty during the pendency of the
appealunderthesamebailsubjecttotheconsentofthebondsman.
Ifthepenaltyimposedbythetrialcourtisimprisonmentexceedingsix(6)years,theaccusedshallbedeniedbail,orhisbailshallbe
cancelleduponashowingbytheprosecution,withnoticetotheaccused,ofthefollowingorothersimilarcircumstances:
(a)Thatheisarecidivist,quasirecidivist,orhabitualdelinquent,orhascommittedthecrimeaggravatedbythecircumstance
ofreiteration
(b)Thathehaspreviouslyescapedfromlegalconfinement,evadedsentence,orviolatedtheconditionsofhisbailwithout
validjustification
(c)Thathecommittedtheoffensewhileunderprobation,parole,orconditionalpardon
(d)Thatthecircumstancesofhiscaseindicatetheprobabilityofflightifreleasedonbailor
(e)Thatthereisundueriskthathemaycommitanothercrimeduringthependencyoftheappeal.
Theappellatecourtmay,motupropriooronmotionofanyparty,reviewtheresolutionoftheRegionalTrialCourtafternoticetothe
adversepartyineithercase.(5a)
Section6.Capitaloffensedefined.Acapitaloffenseisanoffensewhich,underthelawexistingatthetimeofitscommissionandof
theapplicationforadmissiontobail,maybepunishedwithdeath.(6a)
Section7.Capitaloffenseofanoffensepunishablebyreclusionperpetuaorlifeimprisonment,notbailable.Nopersoncharged
withacapitaloffense,oranoffensepunishablebyreclusionperpetuaorlifeimprisonment,shallbeadmittedtobailwhenevidenceof
guiltisstrong,regardlessofthestageofthecriminalprosecution.(7a)
Section8.Burdenofproofinbailapplication.Atthehearingofanapplicationforbailfiledbyapersonwhoisincustodyforthe
commissionofanoffensepunishablebydeath,reclusionperpetua,orlifeimprisonment,theprosecutionhastheburdenofshowing
thatevidenceofguiltisstrong.Theevidencepresentedduringthebailhearingshallbeconsideredautomaticallyreproducedatthe
trial,butuponmotionofeitherparty,thecourtmayrecallanywitnessforadditionalexaminationunlessthelatterisdead,outsidethe
Philippines,orotherwiseunabletotestify.(8a)
Section9.Amountofbailguidelines.Thejudgewhoissuedthewarrantorgrantedtheapplicationshallfixareasonableamountof
bailconsideringprimarily,butnotlimitedto,thefollowingfactors:
(a)Financialabilityoftheaccusedtogivebail
(b)Natureandcircumstancesoftheoffense
(c)Penaltyfortheoffensecharged
(d)Characterandreputationoftheaccused
(e)Ageandhealthoftheaccused
(f)Weightoftheevidenceagainsttheaccused
(g)Probabilityoftheaccusedappearingatthetrial
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(h)Forfeitureofotherbail
(i)Thefactthataccusedwasafugitivefromjusticewhenarrestedand
(j)Pendencyofothercaseswheretheaccusedisonbail.
Excessivebailshallnotberequired.(9a)
Section10. Corporate surety. Any domestic or foreign corporation, licensed as a surety in accordance with law and currently
authorized to act as such, may provide bail by a bond subscribed jointly by the accused and an officer of the corporation duly
authorizedbyitsboardofdirectors.(10a)
Section11.Propertybond,howposted.Apropertybondisanundertakingconstitutedaslienontherealpropertygivenassecurity
fortheamountofthebail.Withinten(10)daysaftertheapprovalofthebond,theaccusedshallcausetheannotationofthelienonthe
certificateoftitleonfilewiththeRegisterofDeedsifthelandisregistered,orifunregistered,intheRegistrationBookonthespace
providedtherefor,intheRegistryofDeedsfortheprovinceorcitywherethelandlies,andonthecorrespondingtaxdeclarationinthe
officeoftheprovincial,cityandmunicipalassessorconcerned.
Withinthesameperiod,theaccusedshallsubmittothecourthiscomplianceandhisfailuretodososhallbesufficientcauseforthe
cancellationofthepropertybondandhisrearrestanddetention.(11a)
Section12.Qualificationsofsuretiesinpropertybond.Thequalificationofsuretiesinapropertybondshallbeasfollows:
(a)EachmustbearesidentownerofrealestatewithinthePhilippines
(b)Wherethereisonlyonesurety,hisrealestatemustbeworthatleasttheamountoftheundertaking
(c) If there are two or more sureties, each may justify in an amount less than that expressed in the undertaking but the
aggregateofthejustifiedsumsmustbeequivalenttothewholeamountofbaildemanded.
Inallcases,everysuretymustbeworththeamountspecifiedinhisownundertakingoverandabovealljustdebts,obligationsand
propertiesexemptfromexecution.(12a)
Section13.Justificationofsureties.Everysuretyshalljustifybyaffidavittakenbeforethejudgethathepossessesthequalifications
prescribedintheprecedingsection.Heshalldescribethepropertygivenassecurity,statingthenatureofhistitle,itsencumbrances,
thenumberandamountofotherbailsenteredintobyhimandstillundischarged,andhisotherliabilities.Thecourtmayexaminethe
suretiesuponoathconcerningtheirsufficiencyinsuchmannerasitmaydeemproper.Nobailshallbeapprovedunlessthesuretyis
qualified.(13a)
Section14.Depositofcashasbail.Theaccusedoranypersonactinginhisbehalfmaydepositincashwiththenearestcollector
orinternalrevenueorprovincial,city,ormunicipaltreasurertheamountofbailfixedbythecourt,orrecommendedbytheprosecutor
whoinvestigatedorfiledthecase.Uponsubmissionofapropercertificateofdepositandawrittenundertakingshowingcompliance
with the requirements of section 2 of this Rule, the accused shall be discharged from custody. The money deposited shall be
considered as bail and applied to the payment of fine and costs while the excess, if any, shall be returned to the accused or to
whoevermadethedeposit.(14a)
Section 15. Recognizance. Whenever allowed by law or these Rules, the court may release a person in custody to his own
recognizanceorthatofaresponsibleperson.(15a)
Section16.Bail, when not required reduced bail or recognizance. No bail shall be required when the law or these Rules so
provide.
Whenapersonhasbeenincustodyforaperiodequaltoormorethanthepossiblemaximumimprisonmentprescribefortheoffense
charged, he shall be released immediately, without prejudice to the continuation of the trial or the proceedings on appeal. If the
maximum penalty to which the accused may be sentenced is destierro, he shall be released after thirty (30) days of preventive
imprisonment.
A person in custody for a period equal to or more than the minimum of the principal penalty prescribed for the offense charged,
withoutapplicationoftheIndeterminateSentenceLaworanymodifyingcircumstance,shallbereleasedonareducedbailoronhis
ownrecognizance,atthediscretionofthecourt.(16a)
Section17.Bail,wherefiled.(a)Bailintheamountfixedmaybefiledwiththecourtwherethecaseispending,orintheabsenceor
unavailabilityofthejudgethereof,withanyregionaltrialjudge,metropolitantrialjudge,municipaltrialjudge,ormunicipalcircuittrial
judgeintheprovince,city,ormunicipality.Iftheaccusedisarrestedinaprovince,city,ormunicipalityotherthanwherethecaseis
pending,bailmayalsobefiledwithanyregionaltrialcourtofsaidplace,orifnojudgethereofisavailable,withanymetropolitantrial
judge,municipaltrialjudge,ormunicipalcircuittrialjudgetherein.
(b)Wherethegrantofbailisamatterofdiscretion,ortheaccusedseekstobereleasedonrecognizance,theapplicationmay
onlybefiledinthecourtwherethecaseispending,whetheronpreliminaryinvestigation,trial,oronappeal.
(c)Anypersonincustodywhoisnotyetchargedincourtmayapplyforbailwithanycourtintheprovince,city,ormunicipality
whereheisheld.(17a)
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Section 18. Notice of application to prosecutor. In the application for bail under section 8 of this Rule, the court must give
reasonablenoticeofthehearingtotheprosecutororrequirehimtosubmithisrecommendation.(18a)
Section19.Releaseonbail.Theaccusedmustbedischargeduponapprovalofthebailbythejudgewithwhomitwasfiledin
accordancewithsection17ofthisRule.
Wheneverbailisfiledwithacourtotherthanwherethecaseispending,thejudgewhoacceptedthebailshallforwardit,togetherwith
the order of release and other supporting papers, to the court where the case is pending, which may, for good reason, require a
differentonetobefiled.(19a)
Section20.Increaseorreductionofbail.Aftertheaccusedisadmittedtobail,thecourtmay,upongoodcause,eitherincreaseor
reduceitsamount.Whenincreased,theaccusedmaybecommittedtocustodyifhedoesnotgivebailintheincreasedamountwithin
a reasonable period. An accused held to answer a criminal charge, who is released without bail upon filing of the complaint or
information, may, at any subsequent stage of the proceedings and whenever a strong showing of guilt appears to the court, be
requiredtogivebailintheamountfixed,orinlieuthereof,committedtocustody.(20a)
Section21.Forfeitureofbond.WhenthepresenceoftheaccusedisrequiredbythecourtortheseRules,hisbondsmenshallbe
notifiedtoproducehimbeforethecourtonagivendateandtime.Iftheaccusedfailstoappearinpersonasrequired,hisbailshallbe
declared forfeited and the bondsmen given thirty (30) days within which to produce their principal and to show cause why no
judgmentshouldberenderedagainstthemfortheamountoftheirbail.Withinthesaidperiod,thebondsmenmust:
(a)producethebodyoftheirprincipalorgivethereasonforhisnonproductionand
(b)explainwhytheaccuseddidnotappearbeforethecourtwhenfirstrequiredtodoso.
Failinginthesetworequisites,ajudgmentshallberenderedagainstthebondsmen,jointlyandseverally,fortheamountofthebail.
The court shall not reduce or otherwise mitigate the liability of the bondsmen, unless the accused has been surrendered or is
acquitted.(21a)
Section22.Cancellationofbail.Uponapplicationofthebondsmen,withduenoticetotheprosecutor,thebailmaybecancelled
uponsurrenderoftheaccusedorproofofhisdeath.
Thebailshallbedeemedautomaticallycancelleduponacquittaloftheaccused,dismissalofthecase,orexecutionofthejudgmentof
conviction.
Inallinstances,thecancellationshallbewithoutprejudicetoanyliabilityonthebond.(22a)
Section23.Arrestofaccusedoutonbail.Forthepurposeofsurrenderingtheaccused,thebondsmenmayarresthimor,upon
writtenauthorityendorsedonacertifiedcopyoftheundertaking,causehimtobearrestedbyapoliceofficeroranyotherpersonof
suitableageanddiscretion.
AnaccusedreleasedonbailmayberearrestedwithoutthenecessityofawarrantifheattemptstodepartfromthePhilippineswithout
permissionofthecourtwherethecaseispending.(23a)
Section24.Nobailafterfinaljudgmentexception.Nobailshallbeallowedafterthejudgmentofconvictionhasbecomefinal.If
beforesuchfinality,theaccusedhasappliesforprobation,hemaybeallowedtemporarylibertyunderhisbail.Whennobailwasfiled
ortheaccusedisincapableoffilingone,thecourtmayallowhisreleaseonrecognizancetothecustodyofaresponsiblememberof
thecommunity.Innocaseshallbailbeallowedaftertheaccusedhascommencedtoservesentence.(24a)
Section25.Courtsupervisionofdetainees.Thecourtshallexercisesupervisionoverallpersonsincustodyforthepurposeof
eliminatingunnecessarydetention.TheexecutivejudgesoftheRegionalTrialCourtsshallconductmonthlypersonalinspectionsof
provincial, city, and municipal jails and their prisoners within their respective jurisdictions. They shall ascertain the number of
detainees, inquire on their proper accommodation and health and examine the condition of the jail facilities. They shall order the
segregationofsexesandofminorsfromadults,ensuretheobservanceoftherightofdetaineestoconferprivatelywithcounsel,and
strivetoeliminateconditionsinimicaltothedetainees.
In cities and municipalities to be specified by the Supreme Court, the municipal trial judges or municipal circuit trial judges shall
conduct monthly personal inspections of the municipal jails in their respective municipalities and submit a report to the executive
judgeoftheRegionalTrialCourthavingjurisdictiontherein.
AmonthlyreportofsuchvisitationshallbesubmittedbytheexecutivejudgestotheCourtAdministratorwhichshallstatethetotal
numberofdetainees,thenamesofthoseheldformorethanthirty(30)days,thedurationofdetention,thecrimecharged,thestatusof
thecase,thecausefordetention,andotherpertinentinformation.(25a)
Section 26. Bail not a bar to objections on illegal arrest, lack of or irregular preliminary investigation. An application for or
admissiontobailshallnotbartheaccusedfromchallengingthevalidityofhisarrestorthelegalityofthewarrantissuedtherefor,or
fromassailingtheregularityorquestioningtheabsenceofapreliminaryinvestigationofthechargeagainsthim,providedthathe
raisesthembeforeenteringhisplea.Thecourtshallresolvethematterasearlyaspracticablebutnotlaterthanthestartofthetrialof
thecase.(n)
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RULE115
RightsofAccused
Section1.Rightsofaccusedatthetrial.Inallcriminalprosecutions,theaccusedshallbeentitledtothefollowingrights:
(a)Tobepresumedinnocentuntilthecontraryisprovedbeyondreasonabledoubt.
(b)Tobeinformedofthenatureandcauseoftheaccusationagainsthim.
(c)Tobepresentanddefendinpersonandbycounselateverystageoftheproceedings,fromarraignmenttopromulgationof
the judgment. The accused may, however, waive his presence at the trial pursuant to the stipulations set forth in his bail,
unless his presence is specifically ordered by the court for purposes of identification. The absence of the accused without
justifiablecauseatthetrialofwhichhehadnoticeshallbeconsideredawaiverofhisrighttobepresentthereat.Whenan
accusedundercustodyescapes,heshallbedeemedtohavewaivedhisrighttobepresentonallsubsequenttrialdatesuntil
custody over him is regained. Upon motion, the accused may be allowed to defend himself in person when it sufficiently
appearstothecourtthathecanproperlyprotecthisrightwithouttheassistanceofcounsel.
(d)Totestifyasawitnessinhisownbehalfbutsubjecttocrossexaminationonmatterscoveredbydirectexamination.His
silenceshallnotinanymannerprejudicehim.
(e)Tobeexemptfrombeingcompelledtobeawitnessagainsthimself.
(f) To confront and crossexamine the witnesses against him at the trial. Either party may utilize as part of its evidence the
testimony of a witness who is deceased, out of or can not with due diligence be found in the Philippines, unavailable or
otherwise unable to testify, given in another case or proceeding, judicial or administrative, involving the same parties and
subjectmatter,theadversepartyhavingtheopportunitytocrossexaminehim.
(g)Tohavecompulsoryprocessissuedtosecuretheattendanceofwitnessesandproductionofotherevidenceinhisbehalf.
(h)Tohavespeedy,impartialandpublictrial.
(i)Toappealinallcasesallowedandinthemannerprescribedbylaw.(1a)
RULE116
ArraignmentandPlea
Section1.Arraignmentandpleahowmade.
(a)Theaccusedmustbearraignedbeforethecourtwherethecomplaintorinformationwasfiledorassignedfortrial.The
arraignment shall be made in open court by the judge or clerk by furnishing the accused with a copy of the complaint or
information,readingthesameinthelanguageordialectknowntohim,andaskinghimwhetherhepleadsguiltyornotguilty.
Theprosecutionmaycallatthetrialwitnessesotherthanthosenamedinthecomplaintorinformation.
(b)Theaccusedmustbepresentatthearraignmentandmustpersonallyenterhisplea.Botharraignmentandpleashallbe
madeofrecord,butfailuretodososhallnotaffectthevalidityoftheproceedings.
(c)Whentheaccusedrefusestopleadormakesaconditionalplea,apleaofnotguiltyshallbeenteredforhim.(1a)
(d)Whentheaccusedpleadsguiltybutpresentsexculpatoryevidence,hispleashallbedeemedwithdrawnandapleaofnot
guiltyshallbeenteredforhim.(n)
(e)Whentheaccusedisunderpreventivedetention,hiscaseshallberaffledanditsrecordstransmittedtothejudgetowhom
thecasewasraffledwithinthree(3)daysfromthefilingoftheinformationorcomplaint.Theaccusedshallbearraignedwithin
ten (10) days from the date of the raffle. The pretrial conference of his case shall be held within ten (10) days after
arraignment.(n)
(f)Theprivateoffendedpartyshallberequiredtoappearatthearraignmentforpurposesofpleabargaining,determinationof
civilliability,andothermattersrequiringhispresence.Incaseoffailureoftheoffendedpartytoappeardespiteduenotice,the
courtmayallowtheaccusedtoenterapleaofguiltytoalesseroffensewhichisnecessarilyincludedintheoffensecharged
withtheconformityofthetrialprosecutoralone.(cir.189)
(g)UnlessashorterperiodisprovidedbyspeciallaworSupremeCourtcircular,thearraignmentshallbeheldwithinthirty
(30)daysfromthedatethecourtacquiresjurisdictionoverthepersonoftheaccused.Thetimeofthependencyofamotionto
quashorforabillofparticularsorothercausesjustifyingsuspensionofthearraignmentshallbeexcludedincomputingthe
period.(sec.2,cir.3898)
Section2.Pleaofguiltytoalesseroffense.Atarraignment,theaccused,withtheconsentoftheoffendedpartyandtheprosecutor,
may be allowed by the trial court to plead guilty to a lesser offense which is necessarily included in the offense charged. After
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arraignmentbutbeforetrial,theaccusedmaystillbeallowedtopleadguiltytosaidlesseroffenseafterwithdrawinghispleaofnot
guilty.Noamendmentofthecomplaintorinformationisnecessary.(sec.4,circ.3898)
Section3.Pleaofguiltytocapitaloffensereceptionofevidence.Whentheaccusedpleadsguiltytoacapitaloffense,thecourt
shall conduct a searching inquiry into the voluntariness and full comprehension of the consequences of his plea and require the
prosecutiontoprovehisguiltandtheprecisedegreeofculpability.Theaccusedmaypresentevidenceinhisbehalf.(3a)
Section4.Pleaofguiltytononcapitaloffensereceptionofevidence,discretionary. When the accused pleads guilty to a non
capitaloffense,thecourtmayreceiveevidencefromthepartiestodeterminethepenaltytobeimposed.(4)
Section5.Withdrawalofimprovidentpleaofguilty.Atanytimebeforethejudgmentofconvictionbecomesfinal,thecourtmay
permitanimprovidentpleaofguiltytobewithdrawnandbesubstitutedbyapleaofnotguilty.(5)
Section6.Dutyofcourttoinformaccusedofhisrighttocounsel.Beforearraignment,thecourtshallinformtheaccusedofhisright
to counsel and ask him if he desires to have one. Unless the accused is allowed to defend himself in person or has employed a
counselofhischoice,thecourtmustassignacounseldeoficiotodefendhim.(6a)
Section7.Appointmentofcounseldeoficio.Thecourt,consideringthegravityoftheoffenseandthedifficultyofthequestionsthat
mayarise,shallappointascounseldeoficioonlysuchmembersofthebaringoodstandingwho,byreasonoftheirexperienceand
ability,cancompetentlydefendtheaccused.Butinlocalitieswheresuchmembersofthebararenotavailable,thecourtmayappoint
anyperson,residentoftheprovinceandofgoodreputeforprobityandability,todefendtheaccused.(7a)
Section8.Timeforcounseldeoficiotoprepareforarraignment.Wheneveracounseldeoficioisappointedbythecourttodefend
theaccusedatthearraignment,heshallbegivenareasonabletimetoconsultwiththeaccusedastohispleabeforeproceedingwith
thearraignment.(8)
Section9.Billofparticulars.Theaccusedmay,beforearraignment,moveforabillofparticularstoenablehimproperlytoplead
andtopreparefortrial.Themotionshallspecifytheallegeddefectsofthecomplaintorinformationandthedetailsdesired.(10a)
Section10.Productionorinspectionofmaterialevidenceinpossessionofprosecution.Uponmotionoftheaccusedshowinggood
causeandwithnoticetotheparties,thecourt,inordertopreventsurprise,suppression,oralteration,mayordertheprosecutionto
produce and permit the inspection and copying or photographing of any written statement given by the complainant and other
witnessesinanyinvestigationoftheoffenseconductedbytheprosecutionorotherinvestigatingofficers,aswellasanydesignated
documents, papers, books, accounts, letters, photographs, objects or tangible things not otherwise privileged, which constitute or
containevidencematerialtoanymatterinvolvedinthecaseandwhichareinthepossessionorunderthecontroloftheprosecution,
police,orotherlawinvestigatingagencies.(11a)
Section11.Suspensionofarraignment.Uponmotionbytheproperparty,thearraignmentshallbesuspendedinthefollowing
cases:
(a) The accused appears to be suffering from an unsound mental condition which effective renders him unable to fully
understandthechargeagainsthimandtopleadintelligentlythereto.Insuchcase,thecourtshallorderhismentalexamination
and,ifnecessary,hisconfinementforsuchpurpose
(b)Thereexistsaprejudicialquestionand
(c)ApetitionforreviewoftheresolutionoftheprosecutorispendingateithertheDepartmentofJustice,ortheOfficeofthe
Presidentprovided,thattheperiodofsuspensionshallnotexceedsixty(60)dayscountedfromthefilingofthepetitionwith
thereviewingoffice.(12a)
RULE117
MotiontoQuash
Section 1. Time to move to quash. At any time before entering his plea, the accused may move to quash the complaint or
information.(1)
Section2.Formandcontents.Themotiontoquashshallbeinwriting,signedbytheaccusedorhiscounselandshalldistinctly
specify its factual and legal grounds. The court shall consider no ground other than those stated in the motion, except lack of
jurisdictionovertheoffensecharged.(2a)
Section3.Grounds.Theaccusedmaymovetoquashthecomplaintorinformationonanyofthefollowinggrounds:
(a)Thatthefactschargeddonotconstituteanoffense
(b)Thatthecourttryingthecasehasnojurisdictionovertheoffensecharged
(c)Thatthecourttryingthecasehasnojurisdictionoverthepersonoftheaccused
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(d)Thattheofficerwhofiledtheinformationhadnoauthoritytodoso
(e)Thatitdoesnotconformsubstantiallytotheprescribedform
(f)Thatmorethanoneoffenseischargedexceptwhenasinglepunishmentforvariousoffensesisprescribedbylaw
(g)Thatthecriminalactionorliabilityhasbeenextinguished
(h)Thatitcontainsavermentswhich,iftrue,wouldconstitutealegalexcuseorjustificationand
(i)Thattheaccusedhasbeenpreviouslyconvictedoracquittedoftheoffensecharged,orthecaseagainsthimwasdismissed
orotherwiseterminatedwithouthisexpressconsent.(3a)
Section4.Amendmentofthecomplaintorinformation.Ifthemotiontoquashisbasedonanallegeddefectofthecomplaintor
informationwhichcanbecuredbyamendment,thecourtshallorderthatanamendmentbemade.(4a)
If it is based on the ground that the facts charged do not constitute an offense, the prosecution shall be given by the court an
opportunitytocorrectthedefectbyamendment.Themotionshallbegrantediftheprosecutionfailstomaketheamendment,orthe
complaintorinformationstillsuffersfromthesamedefectdespitetheamendment.(n)
Section5.Effectofsustainingthemotiontoquash.Ifthemotiontoquashissustained,thecourtmayorderthatanothercomplaint
or information be filed except as provided in section 6 of this rule. If the order is made, the accused, if in custody, shall not be
dischargedunlessadmittedtobail.Ifnoorderismadeorifhavingbeenmade,nonewinformationisfiledwithinthetimespecifiedin
theorderorwithinsuchfurthertimeasthecourtmayallowforgoodcause,theaccused,ifincustody,shallbedischargedunlessheis
alsoincustodyforanothercharge.(5a)
Section6.Ordersustainingthemotiontoquashnotabartoanotherprosecutionexception. An order sustaining the motion to
quashisnotabartoanotherprosecutionforthesameoffenseunlessthemotionwasbasedonthegroundsspecifiedinsection3(g)
and(i)ofthisRule.(6a)
Section7.Formerconvictionoracquittaldoublejeopardy.Whenanaccusedhasbeenconvictedoracquitted,orthecaseagainst
himdismissedorotherwiseterminatedwithouthisexpressconsentbyacourtofcompetentjurisdiction,uponavalidcomplaintor
informationorotherformalchargesufficientinformandsubstancetosustainaconvictionandaftertheaccusedhadpleadedtothe
charge,theconvictionoracquittaloftheaccusedorthedismissalofthecaseshallbeabartoanotherprosecutionfortheoffense
charged,orforanyattempttocommitthesameorfrustrationthereof,orforanyoffensewhichnecessarilyincludesorisnecessarily
includedintheoffensechargedintheformercomplaintorinformation.
However,theconvictionoftheaccusedshallnotbeabartoanotherprosecutionforanoffensewhichnecessarilyincludestheoffense
chargedintheformercomplaintorinformationunderanyofthefollowinginstances:
(a) the graver offense developed due to supervening facts arising from the same act or omission constituting the former
charge
(b) the facts constituting the graver charge became known or were discovered only after a plea was entered in the former
complaintorinformationor
(c)thepleaofguiltytothelesseroffensewasmadewithouttheconsentoftheprosecutorandoftheoffendedpartyexceptas
providedinsection1(f)ofRule116.
Inanyoftheforegoingcases,wheretheaccusedsatisfiesorservesinwholeorinpartthejudgment,heshallbecreditedwiththe
sameintheeventofconvictionforthegraveroffense.(7a)
Section8.Provisionaldismissal.Acaseshallnotbeprovisionallydismissedexceptwiththeexpressconsentoftheaccusedand
withnoticetotheoffendedparty.
Theprovisionaldismissalofoffensespunishablebyimprisonmentnotexceedingsix(6)yearsorafineofanyamount,orboth,shall
becomepermanentone(1)yearafterissuanceoftheorderwithoutthecasehavingbeenrevived.Withrespecttooffensespunishable
byimprisonmentofmorethansix(6)years,theirprovisionaldismissalshallbecomepermanenttwo(2)yearsafterissuanceofthe
orderwithoutthecasehavingbeenrevived.(n)
Section9.Failuretomovetoquashortoallegeanygroundtherefor.Thefailureoftheaccusedtoassertanygroundofamotionto
quashbeforehepleadstothecomplaintorinformation,eitherbecausehedidnotfileamotiontoquashorfailedtoallegethesamein
said motion, shall be deemed a waiver of any objections based on the grounds provided for in paragraphs (a), (b), (g), and (i) of
section3ofthisRule.(8)
RULE118
PreTrial
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Section1.Pretrialmandatoryincriminalcases. In all criminal cases cognizable by the Sandiganbayan, Regional Trial Court,
MetropolitanTrialCourt,MunicipalTrialCourtinCities,MunicipalTrialCourtandMunicipalCircuitTrialCourt,thecourtshallafter
arraignmentandwithinthirty(30)daysfromthedatethecourtacquiresjurisdictionoverthepersonoftheaccused,unlessashorter
periodisprovidedforinspeciallawsorcircularsoftheSupremeCourt,orderapretrialconferencetoconsiderthefollowing:
(a)pleabargaining
(b)stipulationoffacts
(c)markingforidentificationofevidenceoftheparties
(d)waiverofobjectionstoadmissibilityofevidence
(e)modificationoftheorderoftrialiftheaccusedadmitsthechargebutinterposesalawfuldefenseand
(f)suchothermattersaswillpromoteafairandexpeditioustrialofthecriminalandcivilaspectsofthecase.(secs.2and3,cir.
3898)
Section2.Pretrialagreement.Allagreementsoradmissionsmadeorenteredduringthepretrialconferenceshallbereducedin
writingandsignedbytheaccusedandcounsel,otherwise,theycannotbeusedagainsttheaccused.Theagreementscoveringthe
mattersreferredtoinsection1ofthisRuleshallbeapprovedbythecourt.(sec.4,cir.3898)
Section3.Nonappearanceatpretrialconference.Ifthecounselfortheaccusedortheprosecutordoesnotappearatthepretrial
conferenceanddoesnotofferanacceptableexcuseforhislackofcooperation,thecourtmayimposepropersanctionsorpenalties.
(se.5,cir.3898)
Section4.Pretrialorder.Afterthepretrialconference,thecourtshallissueanorderrecitingtheactionstaken,thefactsstipulated,
andevidencemarked.Suchordershallbindtheparties,limitthetrialtomattersnotdisposedof,andcontrolthecourseoftheaction
duringthetrial,unlessmodifiedbythecourttopreventmanifestinjustice.(3)
RULE119
Trial
Section1.Timetopreparefortrial.Afterapleaofnotguiltyisentered,theaccusedshallhaveatleastfifteen(15)daystoprepare
fortrial.Thetrialshallcommencewithinthirty(30)daysfromreceiptofthepretrialorder.(sec.6,cir.3898)
Section 2. Continuous trial until terminated postponements. Trial once commenced shall continue from day to day as far as
practicableuntilterminated.Itmaybepostponedforareasonableperiodoftimeforgoodcause.(2a)
Thecourtshall,afterconsultationwiththeprosecutoranddefensecounsel,setthecaseforcontinuoustrialonaweeklyorothershort
termtrialcalendarattheearliestpossibletimesoastoensurespeedytrial.Innocaseshalltheentiretrialperiodexceedonehundred
eighty(180)daysfromthefirstdayoftrial,exceptasotherwiseauthorizedbytheSupremeCourt.(sec.8,cir.3898).
The time limitations provided under this section and the preceding section shall not apply where special laws or circulars of the
SupremeCourtprovideforashorterperiodoftrial.(n)
Section3.Exclusions.Thefollowingperiodsofdelayshallbeexcludedincomputingthetimewithinwhichtrialmustcommence:
(a)Anyperiodofdelayresultingfromotherproceedingsconcerningtheaccused,includingbutnotlimitedtothefollowing:
(1)Delayresultingfromanexaminationofthephysicalandmentalconditionoftheaccused
(2)Delayresultingfromproceedingswithrespecttoothercriminalchargesagainsttheaccused
(3)Delayresultingfromextraordinaryremediesagainstinterlocutoryorders
(4)Delayresultingfrompretrialproceedingsprovided,thatthedelaydoesnotexceedthirty(30)days
(5)Delayresultingfromordersofinhibition,orproceedingsrelatingtochangeofvenueofcasesortransferfromothercourts
(6)Delayresultingfromafindingoftheexistenceofaprejudicialquestionand
(7) Delay reasonably attributable to any period, not exceed thirty (30) days, during which any proceeding which any
proceedingconcerningtheaccusedisactuallyunderadvisement.
(b)Anyperiodofdelayresultingfromtheabsenceorunavailabilityofanessentialwitness.
For purposes of this subparagraph, an essential witness shall be considered absent when his whereabouts are unknown or his
whereaboutscannotbedeterminedbyduediligence.Heshallbeconsideredunavailablewheneverhiswhereaboutsareknownbut
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hispresencefortrialcannotbeobtainedbyduediligence.
(c)Anyperiodofdelayresultingfromthementalincompetenceorphysicalinabilityoftheaccusedtostandtrial.
(d)Iftheinformationisdismisseduponmotionoftheprosecutionandthereafterachargeisfiledagainsttheaccusedforthesame
offense,anyperiodofdelayfromthedatethechargewasdismissedtothedatethetimelimitationwouldcommencetorunastothe
subsequentchargehadtherebeennopreviouscharge.
(e) A reasonable period of delay when the accused is joined for trial with a coaccused over whom the court has not acquired
jurisdiction,or,astowhomthetimefortrialhasnotrunandnomotionforseparatetrialhasbeengranted.
(f) Any period of delay resulting from a continuance granted by any court motuproprio, or on motion of either the accused or his
counsel,ortheprosecution,ifthecourtgrantedthecontinuanceonthebasisofitsfindingssetforthintheorderthattheendsofjustice
servedbytakingsuchactionoutweighthebestinterestofthepublicandtheaccusedinaspeedytrial.(sec.9,cir.3898)
Section4.Factorsforgrantingcontinuance.Thefollowingfactors,amongothers,shallbeconsideredbyacourtindetermining
whethertograntacontinuanceundersection3(f)ofthisRule.
(a)Whetherornotthefailuretograntacontinuanceintheproceedingwouldlikelymakeacontinuationofsuchproceeding
impossibleorresultinamiscarriageofjusticeand
(b)Whetherornotthecasetakenasawholeissonovel,unusualandcomplex,duetothenumberofaccusedorthenatureof
theprosecution,orthatitisunreasonabletoexpectadequatepreparationwithintheperiodsoftimeestablishedtherein.
Inaddition,nocontinuanceundersection3(f)ofthisRuleshallbegrantedbecauseofcongestionofthecourt'scalendarorlackof
diligentpreparationorfailuretoobtainavailablewitnessesonthepartoftheprosecutor.(sec.10,cir.3898)
Section5.Timelimitfollowinganorderfornewtrial.Iftheaccusedistobetriedagainpursuanttoanorderforanewtrial,thetrial
shallcommencewithinthirty(30)daysfromnoticeoftheorder,providedthatiftheperiodbecomesimpracticalduetounavailabilityof
witnessesandotherfactors,thecourtmayextenditbutnottoexceedonehundredeighty(180)daysfromnoticeofsaidorderfora
newtrial.(sec.11,cir.3898)
Section6.Extendedtimelimit.Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsection1(g),Rule116andtheprecedingsection1,forthefirst
twelvecalendarmonthperiodfollowingitseffectivityonSeptember15,1998,thetimelimitwithrespecttotheperiodfromarraignment
totrialimposedbysaidprovisionshallbeonehundredeighty(180)days.Forthesecondtwelvemonthperiod,thelimitshallbeone
hundredtwenty(120)days,andforthethirdtwelvemonthperiod,thetimelimitshallbeeighty(80)days.(sec.7,cir.3898)
Section7.Publicattorney'sdutieswhereaccusedisimprisoned.Ifthepublicattorneyassignedtodefendapersonchargedwitha
crimeknowsthatthelatterispreventivelydetained,eitherbecauseheischargedwithabailablecrimebuthasnomeanstopostbail,
or,ischargedwithanonbailablecrime,or,isservingatermofimprisonmentinanypenalinstitution,itshallbehisdutytodothe
following:
(a)Shallpromptlyundertaketoobtainthepresenceoftheprisonerfortrialorcauseanoticetobeservedonthepersonhaving
custodyoftheprisonerrequiringsuchpersontosoadvisetheprisonerofhisrighttodemandtrial.
(b)Uponreceiptofthatnotice,thecustodianoftheprisonershallpromptlyadvisetheprisonerofthechargeandofhisrightto
demandtrial.Ifatanytimethereaftertheprisonerinformshiscustodianthathedemandssuchtrial,thelattershallcausenotice
tothateffecttosentpromptlytothepublicattorney.
(c)Uponreceiptofsuchnotice,thepublicattorneyshallpromptlyseektoobtainthepresenceoftheprisonerfortrial.
(d)Whenthecustodianoftheprisonerreceivesfromthepublicattorneyaproperlysupportedrequestfortheavailabilityofthe
prisonerforpurposesoftrial,theprisonershallbemadeavailableaccordingly.(sec.12,cir.3898)
Section8.Sanctions.Inanycaseinwhichprivatecounselfortheaccused,thepublicattorney,ortheprosecutor.
(a)Knowinglyallowsthecasetobesetfortrialwithoutdisclosingthatanecessarywitnesswouldbeunavailablefortrial
(b)Filesamotionsolelyfordelaywhichheknowsistotallyfrivolousandwithoutmerit
(c) Makes a statement for the purpose of obtaining continuance which he knows to be false and which is material to the
grantingofacontinuanceor
(d) Willfully fails to proceed to trial without justification consistent with the provisions hereof, the court may punish such
counsel,attorney,orprosecution,asfollows:
(1)Byimposingonacounselprivatelyretainedinconnectionwiththedefenseofanaccused,afinenotexceeding
twentythousandpesos(P20,000.00)
(2)Byimposingonanyappointedcounseldeoficio,publicattorney,orprosecutorafinenotexceedingfivethousand
pesos(P5,000.00)and
(3)Bydenyinganydefensecounselorprosecutortherighttopracticebeforethecourttryingthecaseforaperiodnot
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exceedingthirty(30)days.Thepunishmentprovidedforbythissectionshallbewithoutprejudicetoanyappropriate
criminalactionorothersanctionauthorizedundertheserules.(sec.13,cir.3898)
Section9.Remedywhereaccusedisnotbroughttotrialwithinthetimelimit.Iftheaccusedisnotbroughttotrialwithinthetime
limitrequiredbySection1(g),Rule116andSection1,asextendedbySection6ofthisrule,theinformationmaybedismissedon
motionoftheaccusedonthegroundofdenialofhisrightofspeedytrial.Theaccusedshallhavetheburdenofprovingthemotionbut
theprosecutionshallhavetheburdenofgoingforwardwiththeevidencetoestablishtheexclusionoftimeundersection3ofthisrule.
Thedismissalshallbesubjecttotherulesondoublejeopardy.
Failureoftheaccusedtomovefordismissalpriortotrialshallconstituteawaiveroftherighttodismissunderthissection.(sec.14,cir.
3898)
Section10.LawonspeedytrialnotabartoprovisiononspeedytrialintheConstitution.Noprovisionoflawonspeedytrialandno
ruleimplementingthesameshallbeinterpretedasabartoanychargeofdenialoftherighttospeedytrialguaranteedbysection
14(2),articleIII,ofthe1987Constitution.(sec.15,cir.3898)
Section11.Orderoftrial.Thetrialshallproceedinthefollowingorder:
(a)Theprosecutionshallpresentevidencetoprovethechargeand,inthepropercase,thecivilliability.
(b)Theaccusedmaypresentevidencetoprovehisdefense,anddamages,ifany,arisingfromtheissuanceofaprovisional
remedyinthecase.
(c) The prosecution and the defense may, in that order, present rebuttal and surrebuttal evidence unless the court, in
furtheranceofjustice,permitsthemtopresentadditionalevidencebearinguponthemainissue.
(d)Uponadmissionoftheevidenceoftheparties,thecaseshallbedeemedsubmittedfordecisionunlessthecourtdirects
themtoargueorallyortosubmitwrittenmemoranda.
(e)Whentheaccusedadmitstheactoromissionchargedinthecomplaintorinformationbutinterposesalawfuldefense,the
orderoftrialmaybemodified.(3a)
Section12.Applicationforexaminationofwitnessforaccusedbeforetrial.When the accused has been held to answer for an
offense,hemay,uponmotionwithnoticetotheotherparties,havewitnessesconditionallyexaminedinhisbehalf.Themotionshall
state:(a)thenameandresidenceofthewitness(b)thesubstanceofhistestimonyand(c)thatthewitnessissickorinfirmastoafford
reasonablegroundforbelievingthathewillnotbeabletoattendthetrial,orresidesmorethanonehundred(100)kilometersfromthe
place of trial and has no means to attend the same, or that other similar circumstances exist that would make him unavailable or
preventhimfromattendingthetrial.Themotionshallbesupportedbyanaffidavitoftheaccusedandsuchotherevidenceasthecourt
mayrequire.(4a)
Section13.Examinationofdefensewitnesshowmade.Ifthecourtissatisfiedthattheexaminationofawitnessfortheaccusedis
necessary,anorderwillbemadedirectingthatthewitnessbeexaminedataspecifieddate,timeandplaceandthatacopyofthe
orderbeservedontheprosecutoratleastthree(3)daysbeforethescheduledexamination.Theexaminationshallbetakenbeforea
judge,or,ifnotpracticable,amemberoftheBaringoodstandingsodesignatedbythejudgeintheorder,oriftheorderbemadebya
courtofsuperiorjurisdiction,beforeaninferiorcourttobedesignatedtherein.Theexaminationshallproceednotwithstandingthe
absenceoftheprosecutorprovidedhewasdulynotifiedofthehearing.Awrittenrecordofthetestimonyshallbetaken.(5a)
Section14.Bailtosecureappearanceofmaterialwitness.Whenthecourtissatisfied,uponprooforoath,thatamaterialwitness
willnottestifywhenrequired,itmay,uponmotionofeitherparty,orderthewitnesstopostbailinsuchsumasmaybedeemedproper.
Uponrefusaltopostbail,thecourtshallcommithimtoprisonuntilhecompliesorislegallydischargedafterhistestimonyhasbeen
taken.(6a)
Section15.Examinationofwitnessfortheprosecution.Whenitsatisfactorilyappearsthatawitnessfortheprosecutionistoosick
orinfirmtoappearatthetrialasdirectedbytheorderofthecourt,orhastoleavethePhilippineswithnodefinitedateofreturning,he
may forthwith be conditionally examined before the court where the case is pending. Such examination, in the presence of the
accused,orinhisabsenceafterreasonablenoticetoattendtheexaminationhasbeenservedonhim,shallbeconductedinthesame
mannerasanexaminationatthetrial.Failureorrefusaloftheaccusedtoattendtheexaminationafternoticeshallbeconsidereda
waiver.Thestatementtakenmaybeadmittedinbehalfoforagainsttheaccused.(7a)
Section16.Trialofseveralaccused.Whentwoormoreaccusedarejointlychargedwithanyoffense,theyshallbetriedjointly
unlessthecourt,initsdiscretionanduponmotionoftheprosecutororanyaccused,ordersseparatetrialforoneormoreaccused.
(8a)
Section17.Dischargeofaccusedtobestatewitness.Whentwoormorepersonsarejointlychargedwiththecommissionofany
offense,uponmotionoftheprosecutionbeforerestingitscase,thecourtmaydirectoneormoreoftheaccusedtobedischargedwith
theirconsentsothattheymaybewitnessesforthestatewhen,afterrequiringtheprosecutiontopresentevidenceandthesworn
statementofeachproposedstatewitnessatahearinginsupportofthedischarge,thecourtissatisfiedthat:
(a)Thereisabsolutenecessityforthetestimonyoftheaccusedwhosedischargeisrequested
(b)Theisnootherdirectevidenceavailablefortheproperprosecutionoftheoffensecommitted,exceptthetestimonyofsaid
accused
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(c)Thetestimonyofsaidaccusedcanbesubstantiallycorroboratedinitsmaterialpoints
(d)Saidaccuseddoesnotappeartobethemostguiltyand
(e)Saidaccusedhasnotatanytimebeenconvictedofanyoffenseinvolvingmoralturpitude.
Evidenceadducedinsupportofthedischargeshallautomaticallyformpartofthetrial.Ifthecourtdeniesthemotionfordischargeof
theaccusedasstatewitness,hisswornstatementshallbeinadmissibleinevidence.(9a)
Section18.Dischargeofaccusedoperatesasacquittal.Theorderindicatedintheprecedingsectionshallamounttoanacquittal
ofthedischargedaccusedandshallbeabartofutureprosecutionforthesameoffense,unlesstheaccusedfailsorrefusestotestify
againsthiscoaccusedinaccordancewithhisswornstatementconstitutingthebasisforthedischarge.(10a)
Section19.Whenmistakehasbeenmadeinchargingtheproperoffense.Whenitbecomesmanifestatanytimebeforejudgment
thatamistakehasbeenmadeinchargingtheproperoffenseandtheaccusedcannotbeconvictedoftheoffensechargedorany
otheroffensenecessarilyincludedtherein,theaccusedshallnotbedischargedifthereappearsgoodcausetodetainhim.Insuch
case,thecourtshallcommittheaccusedtoanswerfortheproperoffenseanddismisstheoriginalcaseuponthefilingoftheproper
information.(11a)
Section20.Appointmentofactingprosecutor.Whenaprosecutor,hisassistantordeputyisdisqualifiedtoactduetoanyofthe
groundsstatedinsection1ofRule137orforanyotherreasons,thejudgeortheprosecutorshallcommunicatewiththeSecretaryof
Justiceinorderthatthelattermayappointanactingprosecutor.(12a)
Section21.Exclusion of the public. The judge may, motuproprio, exclude the public from the courtroom if the evidence to be
producedduringthetrialisoffensivetodecencyorpublicmorals.Hemayalso,onmotionoftheaccused,excludethepublicfromthe
trial,exceptcourtpersonnelandthecounseloftheparties.(13a)
Section22.Consolidationoftrialsofrelatedoffenses.Chargesforoffensesfoundedonthesamefactsorformingpartofaseriesof
offensesofsimilarcharactermaybetriedjointlyatthediscretionofthecourt.(14a)
Section 23. Demurrer to evidence. After the prosecution rests its case, the court may dismiss the action on the ground of
insufficiency of evidence (1) on its own initiative after giving the prosecution the opportunity to be heard or (2) upon demurrer to
evidencefiledbytheaccusedwithorwithoutleaveofcourt.
Ifthecourtdeniesthedemurrertoevidencefiledwithleaveofcourt,theaccusedmayadduceevidenceinhisdefense.Whenthe
demurrer to evidence is filed without leave of court, the accused waives the right to present evidence and submits the case for
judgmentonthebasisoftheevidencefortheprosecution.(15a)
Themotionforleaveofcourttofiledemurrertoevidenceshallspecificallystateitsgroundsandshallbefiledwithinanonextendible
periodoffive(5)daysaftertheprosecutionrestsitscase.Theprosecutionmayopposethemotionwithinanonextendibleperiodof
five(5)daysfromitsreceipt.
Ifleaveofcourtisgranted,theaccusedshallfilethedemurrertoevidencewithinanonextendibleperiodoften(10)daysfromnotice.
Theprosecutionmayopposethedemurrertoevidencewithinasimilarperiodfromitsreceipt.
Theorderdenyingthemotionforleaveofcourttofiledemurrertoevidenceorthedemurreritselfshallnotbereviewablebyappealor
bycertioraribeforejudgment.(n)
Section24.Reopening.Atanytimebeforefinalityofthejudgmentofconviction,thejudgemay,motupropriooruponmotion,with
hearingineithercase,reopentheproceedingstoavoidamiscarrageofjustice.Theproceedingsshallbeterminatedwithinthirty(30)
daysfromtheordergratingit.(n)
RULE120
Judgment
Section1.Judgmentdefinitionandform.Judgmentistheadjudicationbythecourtthattheaccusedisguiltyornotguiltyofthe
offensechargedandtheimpositiononhimoftheproperpenaltyandcivilliability,ifany.Itmustbewrittenintheofficiallanguage,
personallyanddirectlypreparedbythejudgeandsignedbyhimandshallcontainclearlyanddistinctlyastatementofthefactsand
thelawuponwhichitisbased.(1a)
Section 2. Contents of the judgment. If the judgment is of conviction, it shall state (1) the legal qualification of the offense
constitutedbytheactscommittedbytheaccusedandtheaggravatingormitigatingcircumstanceswhichattendeditscommission(2)
theparticipationoftheaccusedintheoffense,whetherasprincipal,accomplice,oraccessoryafterthefact(3)thepenaltyimposed
upontheaccusedand(4)thecivilliabilityordamagescausedbyhiswrongfulactoromissiontoberecoveredfromtheaccusedby
theoffendedparty,ifthereisany,unlesstheenforcementofthecivilliabilitybyaseparatecivilactionhasbeenreservedorwaived.
Incasethejudgmentisofacquittal,itshallstatewhethertheevidenceoftheprosecutionabsolutelyfailedtoprovetheguiltofthe
accused or merely failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. In either case, the judgment shall determine if the act or
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omissionfromwhichthecivilliabilitymightarisedidnotexist.(2a)
Section3.Judgmentfortwoormoreoffenses.Whentwoormoreoffensesarechargedinasinglecomplaintorinformationbutthe
accusedfailstoobjecttoitbeforetrial,thecourtmayconvicthimofasmanyoffensesasarechargedandproved,andimposeonhim
thepenaltyforeachoffense,settingoutseparatelythefindingsoffactandlawineachoffense.(3a)
Section4.Judgmentincaseofvariancebetweenallegationandproof.Whenthereisvariancebetweentheoffensechargedinthe
complaintorinformationandthatproved,andtheoffenseaschargedisincludedinornecessarilyincludestheoffenseproved,the
accusedshallbeconvictedoftheoffenseprovedwhichisincludedintheoffensecharged,oroftheoffensechargedwhichisincluded
intheoffenseproved.(4a)
Section5.Whenanoffenseincludesorisincludedinanother.Anoffensechargednecessarilyincludestheoffenseprovedwhen
someoftheessentialelementsoringredientsoftheformer,asallegedinthecomplaintorinformation,constitutethelatter.Andan
offensechargedisnecessarilyincludedintheoffenseproved,whentheessentialingredientsoftheformerconstituteorformapartof
thoseconstitutingthelatter.(5a)
Section6.Promulgationofjudgment.Thejudgmentispromulgatedbyreadingitinthepresenceoftheaccusedandanyjudgeof
thecourtinwhichitwasrendered.However,iftheconvictionisforalightoffense,thejudgmentmaybepronouncedinthepresence
ofhiscounselorrepresentative.Whenthejudgeisabsentoroutsideoftheprovinceorcity,thejudgmentmaybepromulgatedbythe
clerkofcourt.
Iftheaccusedisconfinedordetainedinanotherprovinceorcity,thejudgmentmaybepromulgatedbytheexecutivejudgeofthe
Regional Trial Court having jurisdiction over the place of confinement or detention upon request of the court which rendered the
judgment. The court promulgating the judgment shall have authority to accept the notice of appeal and to approve the bail bond
pendingappealprovided,thatifthedecisionofthetrialcourtconvictingtheaccusedchangedthenatureoftheoffensefromnon
bailabletobailable,theapplicationforbailcanonlybefiledandresolvedbytheappellatecourt.
Theproperclerkofcourtshallgivenoticetotheaccusedpersonallyorthroughhisbondsmanorwardenandcounsel,requiringhimto
bepresentatthepromulgationofthedecision.Iftheaccusedtriedinabsentiabecausehejumpedbailorescapedfromprison,the
noticetohimshallbeservedathislastknownaddress.
Incasetheaccusedfailstoappearatthescheduleddateofpromulgationofjudgmentdespitenotice,thepromulgationshallbemade
byrecordingthejudgmentinthecriminaldocketandservinghimacopythereofathislastknownaddressorthruhiscounsel.
Ifthejudgmentisforconvictionandthefailureoftheaccusedtoappearwaswithoutjustifiablecause,heshalllosetheremedies
available in these rules against the judgment and the court shall order his arrest. Within fifteen (15) days from promulgation of
judgment, however, the accused may surrender and file a motion for leave of court to avail of these remedies. He shall state the
reasons for his absence at the scheduled promulgation and if he proves that his absence was for a justifiable cause, he shall be
allowedtoavailofsaidremedieswithinfifteen(15)daysfromnotice.(6a)
Section7.Modificationofjudgment.Ajudgmentofconvictionmay,uponmotionoftheaccused,bemodifiedorsetasidebeforeit
becomesfinalorbeforeappealisperfected.Exceptwherethedeathpenaltyisimposed,ajudgmentbecomesfinalafterthelapseof
theperiodforperfectinganappeal,orwhenthesentencehasbeenpartiallyortotallysatisfiedorserved,orwhentheaccusedhas
waivedinwritinghisrighttoappeal,orhasappliedforprobation.(7a)
Section8.Entryofjudgment.Afterajudgmenthasbecomefinal,itshallbeenteredinaccordancewithRule36.(8)
Section9.Existingprovisionsgoverningsuspensionofsentence,probationandparolenotaffectedbythisRule.Nothinginthis
Ruleshallaffectanyexistingprovisionsinthelawsgoverningsuspensionofsentence,probationorparole.(9a)
RULE121
NewTrialorReconsideration
Section1.Newtrialorreconsideration.Atanytimebeforeajudgmentofconvictionbecomesfinal,thecourtmay,onmotionofthe
accusedoratitsowninstancebutwiththeconsentoftheaccused,grantanewtrialorreconsideration.(1a)
Section2.Groundsforanewtrial.Thecourtshallgrantanewtrialonanyofthefollowinggrounds:
(a)Theerrorsoflaworirregularitiesprejudicialtothesubstantialrightsoftheaccusedhavebeencommittedduringthetrial
(b) The new and material evidence has been discovered which the accused could not with reasonable diligence have
discoveredandproducedatthetrialandwhichifintroducedandadmittedwouldprobablychangethejudgment.(2a)
Section3.Groundforreconsideration.Thecourtshallgrantreconsiderationonthegroundoferrorsoflaworfactinthejudgment,
whichrequiresnofurtherproceedings.(3a)
Section4.Formofmotionandnoticetotheprosecutor.Themotionforanewtrialorreconsiderationshallbeinwritingandshall
state the grounds on which it is based. If based on a newlydiscovered evidence, the motion must be supported by affidavits of
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witnessesbywhomsuchevidenceisexpectedtobegivenorbydulyauthenticatedcopiesofdocumentswhichareproposedtobe
introducedinevidence.Noticeofthemotionfornewtrialorreconsiderationshallbegiventotheprosecutor.(4a)
Section 5. Hearing on motion. Where a motion for a new trial calls for resolution of any question of fact, the court may hear
evidencethereonbyaffidavitsorotherwise.(5a)
Section6.Effectsofgrantinganewtrialorreconsideration.Theeffectsofgrantinganewtrialorreconsiderationarethefollowing:
(a)Whenanewtrialisgrantedonthegroundoferrorsoflaworirregularitiescommittedduringthetrial,allproceedingsand
evidenceaffectedtherebyshallbesetasideandtakenanew.Thecourtmay,intheinterestofjustice,allowtheintroductionof
additionalevidence.
(b)Whenanewtrialisgrantedonthegroundofnewlydiscoveredevidence,theevidencealreadyadducedshallstandand
thenewlydiscoveredandsuchotherevidenceasthecourtmay,intheinterestofjustice,allowtobeintroducedshallbetaken
andconsideredtogetherwiththeevidencealreadyintherecord.
(c)Inallcases,whenthecourtgrantsnewtrialorreconsideration,theoriginaljudgmentshallbesetasideorvacatedanda
newjudgmentrenderedaccordingly.(6a)
RULE122
Appeal
Section1.Whomayappeal.Anypartymayappealfromajudgmentorfinalorder,unlesstheaccusedwillbeplacedindouble
jeopardy.(2a)
Section2.Wheretoappeal.Theappealmaybetakenasfollows:
(a)TotheRegionalTrialCourt,incasesdecidedbytheMetropolitanTrialCourt,MunicipalTrialCourtinCities,MunicipalTrial
Court,orMunicipalCircuitTrialCourt
(b)TotheCourtofAppealsortotheSupremeCourtinthepropercasesprovidedbylaw,incasesdecidedbytheRegional
TrialCourtand
(c)TotheSupremeCourt,incasesdecidedbytheCourtofAppeals.(1a)
Section3.Howappealtaken.
(a) The appeal to the Regional Trial Court, or to the Court of Appeals in cases decided by the Regional Trial Court in the
exerciseofitsoriginaljurisdiction,shallbetakenbyfilinganoticeofappealwiththecourtwhichrenderedthejudgmentor
finalorderappealedfromandbyservingacopythereofupontheadverseparty.
(b)TheappealtotheCourtofAppealsincasesdecidedbytheRegionalTrialCourtintheexerciseofitsappellatejurisdiction
shallbebypetitionforreviewunderRule42.
(c) The appeal to the Supreme Court in cases where the penalty imposed by the Regional Trial Court is death, reclusion
perpetua,orlifeimprisonment,orwherealesserpenaltyisimposedbutforoffensescommittedonthesameoccasionorwhich
aroseoutofthesameoccurrencethatgaverisetothemoreseriousoffenseforwhichthepenaltyofdeath,reclusionperpetua,
orlifeimprisonmentisimposed,shallbebyfilinganoticeofappealinaccordancewithparagraph(a)ofthissection.
(d)NonoticeofappealisnecessaryincaseswherethedeathpenaltyisimposedbytheRegionalTrialCourt.Thesameshall
beautomaticallyreviewedbytheSupremeCourtasprovidedinsection10ofthisRule.
(e) Except as provided in the last paragraph of section 13, Rule 124, all other appeals to the Supreme Court shall be by
petitionforreviewoncertiorariunderRules45.(3a)
Section4.Publicationofnoticeofappeal.Ifpersonalserviceofthecopyofthenoticeofappealcannotbemadeupontheadverse
partyorhiscounsel,servicemaybedonebyregisteredmailorbysubstitutedservicepursuanttosections7and8ofRule13.(4a)
Section5.Waiverofnotice.Theappelleemaywaivehisrighttoanoticethatanappealhasbeentaken.Theappellatecourtmay,
initsdiscretion,entertainanappealnotwithstandingfailuretogivesuchnoticeiftheinterestsofjusticesorequire.(5a)
Section6.Whenappealtobetaken.Anappealmustbetakenwithinfifteen(15)daysfrompromulgationofthejudgmentorfrom
noticeofthefinalorderappealedfrom.Thisperiodforperfectinganappealshallbesuspendedfromthetimeamotionfornewtrialor
reconsideration is filed until notice of the order overruling the motion shall have been served upon the accused or his counsel at
whichtimethebalanceoftheperiodbeginstorun.(6a)
Section7.Transcribingandfilingnotesofstenographicreporteruponappeal.Whennoticeofappealisfiledbytheaccused,the
trialcourtshalldirectthestenographicreportertotranscribehisnotesoftheproceedings.WhenfiledbythePeopleofthePhilippines,
the trial court shall direct the stenographic reporter to transcribe such portion of his notes of the proceedings as the court, upon
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motion,shallspecifyinwriting.Thestenographicreportershallcertifytothecorrectnessofthenotesandthetranscriptthereof,which
shallconsistoftheoriginalandfourcopies,andshallfiletheoriginalandfourcopieswiththeclerkwithoutunnecessarydelay.
Ifdeathpenaltyisimposed,thestenographicreportershall,withinthirty(30)daysfrompromulgationofthesentence,filewiththeclerk
originalandfourcopiesofthedulycertifiedtranscriptofhisnotesoftheproceedings.Noextensionoftimeforfilingofsaidtranscriptof
stenographicnotesshallbegrantedexceptbytheSupremeCourtandonlyuponjustifiablegrounds.(7a)
Section8.Transmissionofpaperstoappellatecourtuponappeal.Withinfive(5)daysfromthefilingofthenoticeofappeal,the
clerkofthecourtwithwhomthenoticeofappealwasfiledmusttransmittotheclerkofcourtoftheappellatecourtthecompleterecord
ofthecase,togetherwithsaidnotice.Theoriginalandthreecopiesofthetranscriptofstenographicnotes,togetherwiththerecords,
shallalsobetransmittedtotheclerkoftheappellatecourtwithoutunduedelay.Theothercopyofthetranscriptshallremaininthe
lowercourt.(8a)
Section9.AppealtotheRegionalTrialCourts.
(a) Within five (5) days from perfection of the appeal, the clerk of court shall transmit the original record to the appropriate
RegionalTrialCourt.
(b)Uponreceiptofthecompleterecordofthecase,transcriptsandexhibits,theclerkofcourtoftheRegionalTrialCourtshall
notifythepartiesofsuchfact.
(c)Withinfifteen(15)daysfromreceiptofthesaidnotice,thepartiesmaysubmitmemorandaorbriefs,ormayberequiredby
theRegionalTrialCourttodoso.Afterthesubmissionofsuchmemorandaorbriefs,orupontheexpirationoftheperiodtofile
thesame,theRegionalTrialCourtshalldecidethecaseonthebasisoftheentirerecordofthecaseandofsuchmemoranda
orbriefsasmayhavebeenfiled.(9a)
Section10.Transmissionofrecordsincaseofdeathpenalty.Inallcaseswherethedeathpenaltyisimposedbythetrialcourt,the
recordsshallbeforwardedtotheSupremeCourtforautomaticreviewandjudgmentwithinfive(5)daysafterthefifteenth(15)day
followingthepromulgationofthejudgmentornoticeofdenialofamotionfornewtrialorreconsideration.Thetranscriptshallalsobe
forwardedwithinten(10)daysafterthefilingthereofbythestenographicreporter.(10a)
Section11.Effectofappealbyanyofseveralaccused.
(a) An appeal taken by one or more of several accused shall not affect those who did not appeal, except insofar as the
judgmentoftheappellatecourtisfavorableandapplicabletothelatter
(b)Theappealoftheoffendedpartyfromthecivilaspectshallnotaffectthecriminalaspectofthejudgmentororderappealed
from.
(c) Upon perfection of the appeal, the execution of the judgment or final order appealed from shall be stayed as to the
appealingparty.(11a)
Section12.Withdrawalofappeal.Notwithstandingtheperfectionoftheappeal,theRegionalTrialCourt,MetropolitanTrialCourt,
MunicipalTrialCourtinCities,MunicipalTrialCourt,orMunicipalCircuitTrialCourt,asthecasemaybe,mayallowtheappellantto
withdrawhisappealbeforetherecordhasbeenforwardedbytheclerkofcourttotheproperappellatecourtasprovidedinsection8,
in which case the judgment shall become final. The Regional Trial Court may also, in its discretion, allow the appellant from the
judgment of a Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Municipal Trial Court, or Municipal Circuit Trial Court to
withdrawhisappeal,providedamotiontothateffectisfiledbeforerenditionofthejudgmentinthecaseonappeal,inwhichcasethe
judgmentofthecourtoforiginshallbecomefinalandthecaseshallberemandedtothelattercourtforexecutionofthejudgment.
(12a)
Section13.Appointmentofcounseldeoficioforaccusedonappeal.Itshallbethedutyoftheclerkofthetrialcourt,uponfilingofa
noticeofappeal,toascertainfromtheappellant,ifconfinedinprison,whetherhedesirestheRegionalTrialCourt,CourtofAppealsor
theSupremeCourttoappointacounseldeoficiotodefendhimandtotransmitwiththerecordonaformtobepreparedbytheclerkof
courtoftheappellatecourt,acertificateofcompliancewiththisdutyandoftheresponseoftheappellanttohisinquiry.(13a)
RULE123
ProcedureintheMunicipalTrialCourts
Section1.UniformProcedure.TheproceduretobeobservedintheMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipal
CircuitTrialCourtsshallbethesameasintheRegionalTrialCourts,exceptwhereaparticularprovisionappliesonlytoeitherofsaid
courtsandincriminalcasesgovernedbytheRevisedRuleonSummaryProcedure.(1a)
RULE124
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ProcedureintheCourtofAppeals
Section1.Titleofthecase.InallcriminalcasesappealedtotheCourtofAppeals,thepartyappealingthecaseshallbecalledthe
"appellant"andtheadversepartythe"appellee,"butthetitleofthecaseshallremainasitwasinthecourtoforigin.(1a)
Section2.Appointmentofcounseldeoficiofortheaccused.Ifitappearsfromtherecordofthecaseastransmittedthat(a)the
accusedisconfinedinprison,(b)iswithoutcounseldeparteonappeal,or(c)hassignedthenoticeofappealhimself,theclerkof
courtoftheCourtofAppealsshalldesignateacounseldeoficio.
Anappellantwhoisnotconfinedinprisonmay,uponrequest,beassignedacounseldeoficiowithinten(10)daysfromreceiptofthe
noticetofilebriefandheestablisheshisrightthereto.(2a)
Section3.Whenbriefforappellanttobefiled.Withinthirty(30)daysfromreceiptbytheappellantorhiscounselofthenoticefrom
theclerkofcourtoftheCourtofAppealsthattheevidence,oralanddocumentary,isalreadyattachedtotherecord,theappellantshall
fileseven(7)copiesofhisbriefwiththeclerkofcourtwhichshallbeaccompaniedbyproofofserviceoftwo(2)copiesthereofupon
theappellee.(3a)
Section4.Whenbriefforappelleetobefiledreplybriefoftheappellant.Withinthirty(30)daysfromthereceiptofthebriefofthe
appellant,theappelleeshallfileseven(7)copiesofthebriefoftheappelleewiththeclerkofcourtwhichshallbeaccompaniedby
proofofserviceoftwo(2)copiesthereofupontheappellant.
Withintwenty(20)daysfromreceiptofthebriefoftheappellee,theappellantmayfileareplybrieftraversingmattersraisedinthe
formerbutnotcoveredinthebriefoftheappellant.(4a)
Section5.Extensionoftimeforfilingbriefs.Extensionoftimeforthefilingofbriefswillnotbeallowedexceptforgoodandsufficient
causeandonlyifthemotionforextensionisfiledbeforetheexpirationofthetimesoughttobeextended.(5a)
Section6.Formofbriefs. Briefs shall either be printed, encoded or typewritten in double space on the legal size good quality
unglazedpaper,330mm.inlengthby216mm.inwidth.(6a)
Section7.Contentsofbrief.Thebriefsincriminalcasesshallhavethesamecontentsasprovidedinsections13and14ofRule
44.Acertifiedtruecopyofthedecisionorfinalorderappealedfromshallbeappendedtothebriefofappellant.(7a)
Section8.Dismissalofappealforabandonmentorfailuretoprosecute.TheCourtofAppealsmay,uponmotionoftheappelleeor
motuproprioandwithnoticetotheappellantineithercase,dismisstheappealiftheappellantfailstofilehisbriefwithinthetime
prescribedbythisRule,exceptwheretheappellantisrepresentedbyacounseldeoficio.
TheCourtofAppealsmayalso,uponmotionoftheappelleeormotuproprio,dismisstheappealiftheappellantescapesfromprison
orconfinement,jumpsbailorfleestoaforeigncountryduringthependencyoftheappeal.(8a)
Section 9. Prompt disposition of appeals. Appeals of accused who are under detention shall be given precedence in their
dispositionoverotherappeals.TheCourtofAppealsshallhearanddecidetheappealattheearliestpracticabletimewithdueregard
totherightsoftheparties.Theaccusedneednotbepresentincourtduringthehearingoftheappeal.(9a)
Section10.Judgmentnottobereversedormodifiedexceptforsubstantialerror.Nojudgmentshallbereversedormodifiedunless
theCourtofAppeals,afteranexaminationoftherecordandoftheevidenceadducedbytheparties,isoftheopinionthaterrorwas
committedwhichinjuriouslyaffectedthesubstantialrightsoftheappellant.(10a)
Section11.Scopeofjudgment. The Court of Appeals may reverse, affirm, or modify the judgment and increase or reduce the
penaltyimposedbythetrialcourt,remandthecasetotheRegionalTrialCourtfornewtrialorretrial,ordismissthecase.(11a)
Section12.Powertoreceiveevidence The Court of Appeals shall have the power to try cases and conduct hearings, receive
evidenceandperformanyandallactsnecessarytoresolvefactualissuesraisedincases(a)fallingwithinitsoriginaljurisdiction,(b)
involvingclaimsfordamagesarisingfromprovisionalremedies,or(c)wherethecourtgrantsanewtrialbasedonlyonthegroundof
newlydiscoveredevidence.(12a)
Section13.QuorumofthecourtcertificationorappealofcasestoSupremeCourt.Three(3)JusticesoftheCourtofAppealsshall
constituteaquorumforthesessionsofadivision.Theunanimousvoteofthethree(3)Justicesofadivisionshallbenecessaryforthe
pronouncementofajudgmentorfinalresolution,whichshallbereachedinconsultationbeforethewritingoftheopinionbyamember
ofthedivision.Intheeventthatthethree(3)Justicescannotreachaunanimousvote,thePresidingJusticeshalldirecttheraffle
committee of the Court to designate two (2) additional Justices to sit temporarily with them, forming a special division of five (5)
members and the concurrence of a majority of such division shall be necessary for the pronouncement of a judgment or final
resolution.ThedesignationofsuchadditionalJusticesshallbemadestrictlybyraffleandrotationamongallotherJusticesofthe
CourtofAppeals.
WhenevertheCourtofAppealsfindsthatthepenaltyofdeath,reclusionperpetua,orlifeimprisonmentshouldbeimposedinacase,
the court, after discussion of the evidence and the law involved, shall render judgment imposing the penalty of death, reclusion
perpetua,orlifeimprisonmentasthecircumstanceswarrant.However,itshallrefrainfromenteringthejudgmentandforthwithcertify
thecaseandelevatetheentirerecordthereoftotheSupremeCourtforreview.(13a)
Section14.Motionfornewtrial.Atanytimeaftertheappealfromthelowercourthasbeenperfectedandbeforethejudgmentof
theCourtofAppealsconvictingtheappellantbecomesfinal,thelattermaymoveforanewtrialonthegroundofnewlydiscovered
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evidencematerialtohisdefense.Themotionshallconformwiththeprovisionsofsection4,Rule121.(14a)
Section15.Wherenewtrialconducted.Whenanewtrialisgranted,theCourtofAppealsmayconductthehearingandreceive
evidenceasprovidedinsection12ofthisRuleorreferthetrialtothecourtoforigin.(15a)
Section16.Reconsideration.Amotionforreconsiderationshallbefiledwithinfifteen(15)daysafterfromnoticeofthedecisionor
final order of the Court of Appeals, with copies served upon the adverse party, setting forth the grounds in support thereof. The
mittimus shall be stayed during the pendency of the motion for reconsideration. No party shall be allowed a second motion for
reconsiderationofajudgmentorfinalorder.(16a)
Section17.Judgmenttransmittedandfiledintrialcourt.WhentheentryofjudgmentoftheCourtofAppealsisissued,acertified
truecopyofthejudgmentshallbeattachedtotheoriginalrecordwhichshallberemandedtotheclerkofthecourtfromwhichthe
appealwastaken.(17a)
Section18.Applicationofcertainrulesinciviltocriminalcases. The provisions of Rules 42, 44 to 46 and 48 to 56 relating to
procedureintheCourtofAppealsandintheSupremeCourtinoriginalandappealedcivilcasesshallbeappliedtocriminalcases
insofarastheyareapplicableandnotinconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisRule.(18a)
RULE125
ProcedureintheSupremeCourt
Section1.Uniformprocedure.UnlessotherwiseprovidedbytheConstitutionorbylaw,theprocedureintheSupremeCourtin
originalandinappealedcasesshallbethesameasintheCourtofAppeals.(1a)
Section2.ReviewofdecisionsoftheCourtofAppeals.TheprocedureforthereviewbytheSupremeCourtofdecisionsincriminal
casesrenderedbytheCourtofAppealsshallbethesameasincivilcases.(2a)
Section3.Decisionifopinionisequallydivided.WhentheSupremeCourtenbancisequallydividedinopinionorthenecessary
majoritycannotbehadonwhethertoacquittheappellant,thecaseshallagainbedeliberateduponandifnodecisionisreached
afterredeliberation,thejudgmentofconvictionofthelowercourtshallbereversedandtheaccusedacquitted.(3a)
RULE126
SearchandSeizure
Section1.Searchwarrantdefined.AsearchwarrantisanorderinwritingissuedinthenameofthePeopleofthePhilippines,
signedbyajudgeanddirectedtoapeaceofficer,commandinghimtosearchforpersonalpropertydescribedthereinandbringit
beforethecourt.(1)
Section 2. Court where application for search warrant shall be filed. An application for search warrant shall be filed with the
following:
a)Anycourtwithinwhoseterritorialjurisdictionacrimewascommitted.
b)Forcompellingreasonsstatedintheapplication,anycourtwithinthejudicialregionwherethecrimewascommittedifthe
placeofthecommissionofthecrimeisknown,oranycourtwithinthejudicialregionwherethewarrantshallbeenforced.
However,ifthecriminalactionhasalreadybeenfiled,theapplicationshallonlybemadeinthecourtwherethecriminalactionis
pending.(n)
Section3.Personalpropertytobeseized.Asearchwarrantmaybeissuedforthesearchandseizureofpersonalproperty:
(a)Subjectoftheoffense
(b)Stolenorembezzledandotherproceeds,orfruitsoftheoffenseor
(c)Usedorintendedtobeusedasthemeansofcommittinganoffense.(2a)
Section4.Requisitesforissuingsearchwarrant.Asearchwarrantshallnotissueexceptuponprobablecauseinconnectionwith
onespecificoffensetobedeterminedpersonallybythejudgeafterexaminationunderoathoraffirmationofthecomplainantandthe
witnesseshemayproduce,andparticularlydescribingtheplacetobesearchedandthethingstobeseizedwhichmaybeanywhere
inthePhilippines.(3a)
Section5.Examinationofcomplainantrecord. The judge must, before issuing the warrant, personally examine in the form of
searchingquestionsandanswers,inwritingandunderoath,thecomplainantandthewitnesseshemayproduceonfactspersonally
knowntothemandattachtotherecordtheirswornstatements,togetherwiththeaffidavitssubmitted.(4a)
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Section6.Issuance and form of search warrant. If the judge is satisfied of the existence of facts upon which the application is
basedorthatthereisprobablecausetobelievethattheyexist,heshallissuethewarrant,whichmustbesubstantiallyintheform
prescribedbytheseRules.(5a)
Section7.Righttobreakdoororwindowtoeffectsearch.Theofficer,ifrefusedadmittancetotheplaceofdirectedsearchafter
givingnoticeofhispurposeandauthority,maybreakopenanyouterorinnerdoororwindowofahouseoranypartofahouseor
anythingthereintoexecutethewarrantorliberatehimselforanypersonlawfullyaidinghimwhenunlawfullydetainedtherein.(6)
Section8.Searchofhouse,room,orpremisetobemadeinpresenceoftwowitnesses.Nosearchofahouse,room,oranyother
premiseshallbemadeexceptinthepresenceofthelawfuloccupantthereoforanymemberofhisfamilyorintheabsenceofthe
latter,twowitnessesofsufficientageanddiscretionresidinginthesamelocality.(7a)
Section9.Timeofmakingsearch.Thewarrantmustdirectthatitbeservedinthedaytime,unlesstheaffidavitassertsthatthe
propertyisonthepersonorintheplaceorderedtobesearched,inwhichcaseadirectionmaybeinsertedthatitbeservedatany
timeofthedayornight.(8)
Section10.Validityofsearchwarrant.Asearchwarrantshallbevalidforten(10)daysfromitsdate.Thereafteritshallbevoid.(9a)
Section11.Receiptforthepropertyseized.Theofficerseizingpropertyunderthewarrantmustgiveadetailedreceiptforthesame
tothelawfuloccupantofthepremisesinwhosepresencethesearchandseizureweremade,orintheabsenceofsuchoccupant,
must,inthepresenceofatleasttwowitnessesofsufficientageanddiscretionresidinginthesamelocality,leaveareceiptintheplace
inwhichhefoundtheseizedproperty.(10a)
Section 12. Delivery of property and inventory thereof to court return and proceedings thereon. (a) The officer must forthwith
deliverthepropertyseizedtothejudgewhoissuedthewarrant,togetherwithatrueinventorythereofdulyverifiedunderoath.
(b)Ten(10)daysafterissuanceofthesearchwarrant,theissuingjudgeshallascertainifthereturnhasbeenmade,andif
none,shallsummonthepersontowhomthewarrantwasissuedandrequirehimtoexplainwhynoreturnwasmade.Ifthe
returnhasbeenmade,thejudgeshallascertainwhethersection11ofthisRulehasbeencomplainedwithandshallrequire
thatthepropertyseizedbedeliveredtohim.Thejudgeshallseetoitthatsubsection(a)hereofhasbeencompliedwith.
(c)Thereturnonthesearchwarrantshallbefiledandkeptbythecustodianofthelogbookonsearchwarrantswhoshall
enterthereinthedateofthereturn,theresult,andotheractionsofthejudge.
Aviolationofthissectionshallconstitutecontemptofcourt.(11a)
Section13.Searchincidenttolawfularrest.Apersonlawfullyarrestedmaybesearchedfordangerousweaponsoranythingwhich
mayhavebeenusedorconstituteproofinthecommissionofanoffensewithoutasearchwarrant.(12a)
Section14.Motiontoquashasearchwarrantortosuppressevidencewheretofile.Amotiontoquashasearchwarrantand/orto
suppress evidence obtained thereby may be filed in and acted upon only by the court where the action has been instituted. If no
criminalactionhasbeeninstituted,themotionmaybefiledinandresolvedbythecourtthatissuedthesearchwarrant.However,if
suchcourtfailedtoresolvethemotionandacriminalcaseissubsequentfiledinanothercourt,themotionshallberesolvedbythe
lattercourt.(n)
RULE127
ProvisionalRemediesinCriminalCases
Section1.Availabilityofprovisionalremedies.Theprovisionalremediesincivilactions,insofarastheyareapplicable,maybe
availedofinconnectionwiththecivilactiondeemedinstitutedwiththecriminalaction.(1a)
Section2.Attachment.WhenthecivilactionisproperlyinstitutedinthecriminalactionasprovidedinRule111,theoffendedparty
may have the property of the accused attached as security for the satisfaction of any judgment that may be recovered from the
accusedinthefollowingcases:
(a)WhentheaccusedisabouttoabscondfromthePhilippines
(b)Whenthecriminalactionisbasedonaclaimformoneyorpropertyembezzledorfraudulentlymisappliedorconvertedto
theuseoftheaccusedwhoisapublicofficer,officerofacorporation,attorney,factor,broker,agent,orclerk,inthecourseof
hisemploymentassuch,orbyanyotherpersoninafiduciarycapacity,orforawillfulviolationofduty
(c)Whentheaccusedhasconcealed,removed,ordisposedofhisproperty,orisabouttodosoand
a)WhentheaccusedresidesoutsidethePhilippines.(2a)
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