Case Summary (A.M. No. 99-7-20-SC)
Public Policy Considerations
The resolution is rooted in the public policy and public interest demands that criminal cases involving violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 (Republic Act No. 6425), as amended, be resolved expeditiously. The urgency arises from the need to address the significant delays in the resolution of drug-related cases, particularly those where the imposable penalty is less than death.
Designation of a Special Court
In response to these concerns, the resolution designates Branch 10 of the RTC in Cebu City as a Special Court specifically tasked with handling drug cases where the imposed penalty is lower than death. This initiative aims to streamline the judicial process in dealing with the backlog and ensure timely justice.
Guidelines for Case Management
To facilitate the effective management of cases, the resolution lays out specific guidelines. The judges from the other branches of the RTC in Cebu City, excluding those designated as heinous crimes courts, are required to compile an inventory of all pending drug-related cases. This inventory must include detailed information such as case numbers, filing dates, arraignment dates, and current case statuses, which must be submitted within ten days of receiving the resolution.
Transfer of Cases to Branch 10
Cases that are pending for arraignment or pre-trial, as well as those where the reception of evidence has not begun, will be transferred to Branch 10 along with their corresponding records. This transfer must occur within thirty days following the submission of the required inventory. Cases that are not eligible for transfer will remain in their original branches but must be accorded priority by the respective Presiding Judges.
Raffle and Credit System for Case Assignments
To maintain an equitable distribution of cases, Branch 10 will receive credit for the drug cases transferred to it, thereby excluding it from the raffle of cases conducted thereafter. Judges from the branches that transferred cases to Branch 10 will receive appropriate replacements for these cases through a raffle system, ensuring balanced workloads among the judges.
Future Assignments to Branch 10
Furthermore, any ne
...continue readingCase Syllabus (A.M. No. 99-7-20-SC)
Case Background and Context
- The case involves a resolution from the Supreme Court of the Philippines designating Branch 10 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Cebu City as a special court for drug-related cases where the imposable penalty is lower than death.
- The resolution is aimed at addressing public policy and public interest concerns regarding the expeditious resolution of criminal cases under the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 (R.A. No. 6425), as amended.
- It was noted that existing drug cases with penalties lower than death were pending in various branches of the RTC in urban areas, contributing to delays in their resolution.
Designation of Special Court
- The Supreme Court designated Branch 10 of the RTC of Cebu City, presided over by Honorable Judge Soliver C. Peras, as a special court specifically for drug cases with penalties lower than death.
- The resolution stipulates that Branch 10 will hear and decide all relevant criminal cases pending before the RTC of Cebu City.
Guidelines for Implementation
- The resolution includes specific guidelines for the effective implementation of the designation:
- Judges of other RTC branches in Cebu City are required to compile an inventory of all drug-related criminal cases, catego