[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 09-2018, January 17, 2018 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 09-2018, January 17, 2018 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 09-2018, January 17, 2018 ]

TO: ALL JUDGES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS

SUBJECT : PLEA BARGAINING IN DRUG CASES PURSUANT TO ESTIPONA V. JUDGE LOBRIGO, G.R. NO. 226679, 15 AUGUST 2017

In view of the issuance of the Entry of Judgment in Estipona v. Judge Lobrigo, G.R. No. 226679, 15 August 2017, all concerned are INFORMED that the Decision of the Court in the instant case has become final and executory on 7 November 2017.

Accordingly, OCA Circular No. 215-2017, dated 23 October 2017, enjoining judges to refrain from acting on motions and requests for plea bargaining in drug cases until the Court has decided the case of Estipona v. Judge Lobrigo with finality, is hereby REVOKED.

For your information and guidance.

17 January 2018

(SGD.) JOSE MIDAS P. MARQUEZ Court Administrator