[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 141-2003, September 30, 2003 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 141-2003, September 30, 2003 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 141-2003, September 30, 2003 ]

TO:

ALL JUDGES AND CLERKS OF COURT OF THE METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS. MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS SHARIA CIRCUIT COURTS, THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL PROSECUTION SERVICE AND THE MEMBERS OF THE INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES.

SUBJECT:

CLARIFICATION ON THE MATTER OF DISPOSAL OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 22 CASES WITH UNPAID FILING FEES PURSUANT TO SUPREME COURT CIRCULAR NO. 57-97 DATED 16 SEPTEMBER 1997.

In order to address queries relative to the disposal of Batas Pambansa Big. 22 cases with unpaid filing fees pursuant to Supreme Court Circular No. 57-97 dated 16 September 1997, the procedural guidelines set forth in Item 3 of Circular No. 70-97 dated 21 October 1997 shall now read as follows:

"3. The complainant shall have a period of ten (10) days from receipt of the letter within which to pay the filing fees. Should the complainant fail to pay the filing fees within the ten (10)-day period stated herein, the case folder shall be archived. After the lapse of two (2) months, the case folder shall be forwarded to the Executive Judge (multiple sala stations) or Presiding Judge (single sala stations) who shall dismiss the case on the ground of non­payment of filing fees pursuant to Supreme Court Circular No. 57-97 dated 16 September 1997. Thereafter, the Clerk of Court shall return the ease folder to the Office of Hie Prosecutor."

For the guidance of all concerned.

30 September 2003.

PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, JR.

Court Administrator