[ SC CIRCULAR NO. 56-92, October 05, 1992 ]

[ SC CIRCULAR NO. 56-92, October 05, 1992 ]

[ SC CIRCULAR NO. 56-92, October 05, 1992 ]

OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR

TO:

ALL JUDGES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS, METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS

SUBJECT:

SPEEDY DISPOSITION OF CRIMINAL CASES WITH DETENTION PRISONERS AND' WITH WITNESS PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENEFIT (WPSB) WITNESSES

The attention of this Court was invited, by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Committee of the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program, Department of Justice, Manila, on the alarming number of detainees/prisoners in the City and Municipal Jails nationwide, due to 3low disposition of criminal cases pending in our courts.

In order to minimise the delay in resolving cases, all judges are enjoined to act promptly on cases pending in their respective salas, particularly, criminal cases involving detention prisoners, pursuant to the mandate of Administrative Circular No. 4, dated September 22, 1988. Furthermore, you are hereby directed to. faithfully observe Section 9 of RA 6981, Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act (WPSB), which-provides:

"Section 9. Speedy Hearing or Trial. - In any case where a Witness admitted into the Program shall "testify, the judicial or or investigating authority shall assure a speedy hearing or trial and shall endeavor to finish said processing within three (3) months from the filling of the case."

On this account, inventory of court dockets is hereby directed to determine the number of pending cases with detention prisoners and wherein WPSB witnesses are presently testifying and to give said cases preferential attention.

Strict observance is enjoined.

October 5, 1992.

(SGD.) ERNANI CRUZ PAÑO

Court Administrator