CIRCULAR NO. 56-92 October 5, 1992
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 slow disposition of criminal cases pending in our courts.
In order to minimize 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 R.A. 6981, Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act (WPSB), which provides:
Sec. 9
. Speedy Hearing or Trial. — In any case where a Witness admitted into the Program shall testify, the judicial or quasi-judicial body or investigating authority shall assure a speedy hearing or trial and shall endeavor to finish said processing within three (3) months from the filing 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 WSPB witnesses are presently testifying and to give said cases preferential attention.
Strict observance is enjoined.
October 5, 1992.
(Sgd.) ERNANI CRUZ PAÑO
Court Administrator
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