Procedures Upon Arrest and Preliminary Investigation
- The accused must be informed of the charges and provided an opportunity to examine complaints and supporting affidavits.
- The accused is asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
- If guilty, the justice may remand the accused to jail or set bail based on bailability rules.
- If not guilty, a preliminary investigation must commence within three days unless a delay is requested.
- Witnesses from both the prosecution and defense are examined under oath, with testimonies recorded and signed.
- The accused can cross-examine witnesses and may testify under oath but cannot be compelled against their will.
- If the justice finds reasonable cause, the accused is remanded or given bail; if not, the accused is discharged but may be rearrested.
Powers of Municipal Presidents
- In municipalities without an appointed justice or auxiliary justice of the peace, or during their absence/inability, the municipal president assumes the justices' investigative powers.
- The municipal president is entitled to the same fees for services rendered.
Revision of Criminal Case Records and Supreme Court Review
- Courts of First Instance or their clerks are no longer required to forward all criminal case records to the Supreme Court or Ministerio Fiscal except in cases involving the death penalty.
- Records of cases with acquittals or penalties other than death need only be forwarded if formally appealed.
- Death penalty cases must be forwarded regardless of appeal for Supreme Court investigation and judgment.
Legislative Procedure and Effectivity
- The Act’s passage was expedited due to public necessity.
- The Act took effect immediately upon passage on August 10, 1901.