422 Phil. 246
PARDO, J.:
"WHEREAS, Section 16, Article III of the Constitution guarantees that, "[a]ll persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies,"On August 8, 2000, the Court required Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Francis E. Garchitorena to comment on the letter of the IBP and to submit a list of all Sandiganbayan cases pending decision, or with motion for reconsideration pending resolution, indicating the dates they were deemed submitted for decision or resolution.[4]
"WHEREAS, Canon 12 of the Code of Professional Responsibility for Lawyers mandates that "[a] lawyer shall exert every effort and consider it his duty to assist in the speedy and efficient administration of justice;"
"WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to undertake measures to assist in the speedy disposition of cases pending before the various courts and tribunals;
"WHEREAS, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines has received numerous complaints from its members about serious delays in the decision of cases and in the resolution of motions and other pending incidents before the different divisions of the Sandiganbayan;
"WHEREAS, Supreme Court Administrative Circular No. 10-94 requires all Regional Trial Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts to submit to the Supreme Court a bi-annual report indicating the title of the case, its date of filing, the date of pre-trial in civil cases and arraignment in criminal cases, the date of initial trial, the date of last hearing and the date that the case is submitted for decision, and to post, in a conspicuous place within its premises, a monthly list of cases submitted for decision;
"WHEREAS, Supreme Court Administrative Circular No. 10-94 has not been made applicable to the Sandiganbayan;
"WHEREAS, considering that the Sandiganbayan is also a trial court, the requirements imposed upon trial courts by Supreme Court Administrative Circular No. 10-94 should also be imposed upon the Sandiganbayan;
"NOW, THEREFORE, in view of the foregoing, the Board of Governors of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines hereby resolves as follows:
"1. To recommend to the Supreme Court that Supreme Court Administrative Circular No. 10-94 be made applicable to the Sandiganbayan in regard cases over which the Sandiganbayan has original jurisdiction; and
"2. To recommend to the Supreme Court an inquiry into the causes of delay in the resolution of incidents and motions and in the decision of cases before the Sandiganbayan for the purpose of enacting measures intended at avoiding such delays.
"Done in Los Baños, Laguna, this 29th day of July, 2000."
Thus, the Sandiganbayan has a total of four hundred fifteen (415) cases for decision remaining undecided long beyond the reglementary period to decide, with one case submitted as early as May 24, 1990,[7] and motion for reconsideration which has remained unresolved over thirty days from submission.[8]
"Cases SubmittedW/ Motions For Reconsideration "For Decision "1st Division341 None "2nd Division5 None "3rd Division12 None "4th Division5 None "5th Division52 1 "Total415"[6]
We consider ex mero motu the Resolution of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) as an administrative complaint against Presiding Justice Francis E. Garchitorena for "serious delays in the decision of cases and in the resolution of motions and other pending incidents before the different divisions of the Sandiganbayan," amounting to incompetence, inefficiency, gross neglect of duty and misconduct in office.
(1) Failure of the Office of the Special Prosecutor to submit reinvestigation report despite the lapse of several years; (2) Filing of numerous incidents such as Motion to Dismiss, Motion to Quash, Demurrer to Evidence, etc. that remain unresolved for years; (3) Suspension of proceedings because of a pending petition for certiorari and prohibition with the Supreme Court; (4) Cases remain unacted upon or have no further settings despite the lapse of considerable length of time; and (5) Unloading of cases already submitted for decision even if the ponente is still in service.
"Sec. 15. (1) All cases or matters filed after the effectivity of this Constitution must be decided or resolved within twenty-four months from date of submission to the Supreme Court, and, unless reduced by the Supreme Court, twelve months for all lower collegiate courts, and three months for all other lower courts.The above provision does not apply to the Sandiganbayan. The provision refers to regular courts of lower collegiate level that in the present hierarchy applies only to the Court of Appeals.[23]
"(2) A case or matter shall be deemed submitted for decision or resolution upon the filing of the last pleading, brief or memorandum required by the Rules of Court or by the court itself."[22]
"Sec. 6. Maximum period for termination of cases - As far as practicable, the trial of cases before the Sandiganbayan once commenced shall be continuous until terminated and the judgment shall be rendered within three (3) months from the date the case was submitted for decision."On September 18, 1984, the Sandiganbayan promulgated its own rules,[36] thus:[37]
"Sec. 3 Maximum Period to Decide Cases - The judgment or final order of a division of the Sandiganbayan shall be rendered within three (3) months from the date the case was submitted for decision (underscoring ours)."Given the clarity of the rule that does not distinguish, we hold that the three (3) month period, not the twelve (12) month period, to decide cases applies to the Sandiganbayan. Furthermore, the Sandiganbayan presently sitting in five (5) divisions,[38] functions as a trial court. The term "trial" is used in its broad sense, meaning, it allows introduction of evidence by the parties in the cases before it.[39] The Sandiganbayan, in original cases within its jurisdiction, conducts trials, has the discretion to weigh the evidence of the parties, admit the evidence it regards as credible and reject that which they consider perjurious or fabricated.[40]
Case Title | Case No. | Date Submitted for Decision |
(1) People v. Pañares | 12127 | May 24, 1990 |
(2) People v. Gabriel Duero | 11999 | December 11, 1990 |
(3) People v. Rhiza Monterozo | 133533 | December 14, 1990 |
(4) People v. Zenon R. Perez | 13353 | January 7, 1991 |
(5) People v. Bernardo B. Dayao, Jr. | 12305-12306 | February 7, 1991 |
(6) People v. Melquiades Ribo | 13521 | May 7, 1991 |
(7) People v. Carlos Benitez | 12102 | June 19, 1991 |
(8) People v. Salvador P. Nopre, et. al. | 11156-11160 | August 9, 1991 |
(9) People v. Delfina A. Letegio | 12289 | August 28, 1991 |
(10) People v. Rodolfo A. Lasquite | 13618 | August 28, 1991 |
(11) People v. Potenciana Evangelista | 13679-13680 | September 3, 1991 |
(12) People v. Ramon N. Guico, Jr. et. al | 16516 | December 2, 1991 |
(13) People v. Ruperto N. Solares | 16239 | January 10, 1992 |
(14) People v. Socorro Alto | 13708 | March 9, 1992 |
(15) People v. Tomas Baguio | 130151 | March 11, 1992 |
(16) People v. Felipa D. de Veyra | 13672 | April 13, 1992 |
(17) People v. Felicidad Tabang | 12139 | July 23, 1992 |
(18) People v. Jose S. Buguiña | 14227 | September 9, 1992 |
(19) People v. Eleno T. Regidor, et al. | 13689-13695 | January 6, 1993 |
(20) People v. Serafin Unilongo | 14411 | February 2, 1993 |
(21) People v. Manuel Parale, et al. | 15168 | June 21, 1993 |
(22) People v. Robert P. Wa-acon | 14375 | June 21, 1993 |
(23) People v. Linda J. Necessito | 13668 | July 13, 1993 |
(24) People v. Simon Flores | 16946 | August 4, 1993 |
(25) People v. Alejandro F. Buccat | 14986 | August 31, 1993 |
(26) People v. Irma Collera Monge | 15301 | March 9, 1994 |
(27) People v. Melencio F. Ilajas | 9977 | May 10, 1994 |
(28) People v. Buenaventura Q. Sindac, et al. | 13747-13748 | August 19, 1994 |
(29) People v. Jesus A. Bravo | 17514 | August 24, 1994 |
(30) People v. Raul S. Tello | 15006 | November 15, 1994 |
(31) People v. Celso N. Jacinto | 14975 | January 10, 1995 |
(32) People v. Mayor Antonio Abad Santos, et al. | 17670 | January 24, 1995 |
(33) People v. Lamberto R. Te | 20588 | February 14, 1995 |
(34) People v. Ale Francisco | 21020 | July 18, 1995 |
(35) People v. Dir. Felix R. Gonzales, et al. | 13563 | July 25, 1995 |
(36) People v. Mayor Adelina Gabatan, et al. | 14324 | January 3, 1996 |
(37) People v. Victoria Posadas-Adona | 17202 | January 4, 1996 |
(38) People v. Roberto Estanislao Chang, et al. | 16854 | January 22, 1996 |
(39) People v. Godofredo Yambao, et al. | 16927-16928 | March 13, 1996 |
(40) People v. Honesto G. Encina | 13171 | April 26, 1996 |
(41) People v. Pablito Rodriguez | 13971 | May 10, 1996 |
(42) People v. Leandro A. Suller | 17759 | June 28, 1996 |
(43) People v. Trinidad M. Valdez | 16695 | August 26, 1996 |
(44) People v. Vivencio B. Patagoc | 19651 | January 27, 1997 |
(45) People v. Engr. Antonio B. Laguador | 14195 | March 31, 1997 |
(46) People v. Paterno C. Belciña, Jr. | 16583-16585 | March 31, 1997 |
(47) People v. SPO3 Serafin V. Reyes | 21608 | March 31, 1997 |
(48) People v. Mayor Samuel F. Bueser, et al. | 22195-22196 | March 31, 1997 |
(49) People v. Romeo C. Monteclaro | 14223 | May 6, 1997 |
(50) People v. Rodolfo E. Aguinaldo | 20948-20949 | October 17, 1997 |
(51) People v. Aniceto M. Sobrepeña | 23324 | October 27, 1997 |
(52) People v. Marietta T. Caugma, et al. | 17001 | November 26, 1997 |
(53) People v. Mayor Meliton Geronimo, et al. | 19708 | February 23, 1998 |
(54) People v. Fernando Miguel, et al. | 17600 | April 7, 1998 |
(55) People v. Rogelio A. Aniversario | 17601 | April 7, 1998 |
(56) People v. Corazon Gammad Leaño | 9812-9967 | May 8, 1998 |
(57) People v. Teresita S. Lazaro | 17901 | June 8, 1998 |
(58) People v. Brig. Gen. Raymundo Jarque, et al. | 20688 | October 19, 1998 |
(59) People v. Pros. Filotea Estorninos | 23509 | October 19, 1998 |
(60) People v. Orlando Mina | 19534-19545 | October 20, 1998 |
(61) People v. Vice Gov. Milagros A. Balgos | 23042 | October 20, 1998 |
(62) People v. Ceferino Paredes, Jr., et al. | 18857 | November 17, 1998 |
(63) People v. Brig. Gen. Rayundo Jarque, et al. | 18696 | January 15, 1999 |
(64) People v. Mayor Agustin R. Escaño, Jr. | 23336 | January 15, 1999 |
(65) People v. Mayor Edgar V. Teves, et al. | 23374 | January 15, 1999 |
(66) People v. C/Supt. Alfonso T. Clemente, et al. | 22832 | January 29, 1999 |
(67) People v. Dominica Santos | 19059-19063 | February 18, 1999 |
(68) People v. Edith G. Tico | 23273 | April 20, 1999 |
(69) People v. Sec. Hilarion J. Ramiro, et al. | 23511 | August 6, 1999 |
(70) People v. Timoteo A. Garcia, et al. | 24042-24098 | August 6, 1999 |
(71) People v. Mayor Jeceju L. Manaay | 24402 | August 6, 1999 |
(72) People v. Dir. Rosalinda Majarais, et al. | 24355 | August 18, 1999 |
(73) People v. Victor S. Limlingan | 24281 | August 13, 1999 |
(74) People v. Nestor S. Castillo, et al. | 24631 | August 31, 1999 |
(75) People v. Apolinar Candelaria | 22145 | September 6, 1999 |
(76) People v. Bernardo Billote Resoso | 19773-19779 | October 11, 1999 |
(77) People v. Atty. Alfredo Fordan Rellora, et al. | 24433-24434 | October 11, 1999 |
(78) People v. Faustino Balacuit | 98 | December 22, 1999 |
(79) People v. Mayor Bernardino Alcaria, Jr., et al. | 23418-23423 | January 6, 2000 |
(80) People v. Joel R. Lachica, et al. | 24319-24329 | January 6, 2000 |
(81) People v. Jose Micabalo, et al. | 24531-24534 | April 27, 2000 |
(82) People v. Mayor Eduardo Alarilla | 23069 | May 29, 2000 |
(83) People v. Pros. Nilo M. Sarsaba, et al. | 23323 | May 29, 2000 |
(84) People v. Philip G. Zamora | 24150 | May 29, 2000 |
Case Title | Case No. | Date Submitted for Decision |
(1) People v. Marcelino Cordova, et al. | 18435 | August 11, 2000 |
(2) People v. Benjamin T. Damian | 22858 | August 11, 2000 |
(3)People v. Lino L. Labis, et al. | 22398 | July 18, 2000 |
(4)People v. Alfredo Sarmiento, et al. | 24407-24408 | August 11, 2000 |
Case Title | Case No. | Date Submitted for Decision |
(1) People v. Sergia Zoleta | A/R # 016 | November 16, 1999 |
(2) People v. Manuel Solon Y Tenchaves | A/R # 029 | December 9, 1999 |
(3) People v. Eliseo L. Ruiz | 13861-13863 | April 6, 2000 |
(4) People v. Manuel R. Galvez, et al. | 13889 | September 30, 1999 |
(5) People v. Tolentino Mendoza, et al. | 16756 | August 28, 1999 |
(6) People v. Rodrigo Villas | 19563 | April 6, 2000 |
(7) People v. Ernesto Vargas | 19574 | April 6, 2000 |
(8) People v. Ernesto, Vargas, et al. | 20053 | April 6, 2000 |
(9) People v. Marcelo T. Abrenica, et al. | 23522 | July 6, 2000 |
(10) People v. Florencio Garay, et al. | 25657 | May 5, 200 |
Case Title | Case No. | Date Submitted for Decision |
(1) People v. Jaime Alos, et Al. | 17664 | August 31, 1999 |
(2) People v. Antonio R. De Vera | 23366 | November 26, 1999 |
(3) People v. Aurora Mantele | 24841-42 | May 9, 2000 |
(4) People v. Olegario Clarin, Jr., et al. | 25198 | July 12, 2000 |
Case Title | Case No. | Date Submitted for Decision |
(1) People v. Nestor A. Pablo | 13344 | January 16, 1998 |
(2) People v. Hernand D. Dabalus, et al. | 14397 | January 13, 1999 |
(3) People v. Eduardo Pilapil | 16672 | March 23, 2000 |
(4) People v. P/Sgt. Nazario Marifosque | 17030 | April 16, 1998 |
(5) People v. Ignacio B. Bueno | 17055 | September 12, 1995 |
(6) People v. Corazon G. Garlit | 17072 | March 31, 1997 |
(7) People v. Mayor Rufo Pabelonia, et al. | 17538 | November 14, 1995 |
(8) People v. Enrique B. Lenon, et al. | 17617 | March 13, 1996 |
(9) People v. Constancio Bonite, et al. | 17618-17619 | May 1, 1995 |
(10) People v. Jesus Villanueva | 17884 | January 9, 1996 |
(11) People v. Ricardo T. Liwanag, et al. | 18008 | March 9, 1998 |
(12) People v. Ma. Lourdes L. Falcon | 18036 | January 18, 1995 |
(13) People v. Luis D. Montero, et al. | 18684 | July 24, 1998 |
(14) People v. Roel D. Morales | 18699 | December 22, 1995 |
(15) People v. Diosdado T. Gulle | 18759 | October 18, 1995 |
(16) People v. Benjamin Sapitula, et al. | 18785 | August 31, 1995 |
(17) People v. Danilo R. Santos, et al. | 18932 | November 4, 1997 |
(18) People v. Pat. Danilo Marañon | 19039 | May 24, 1995 |
(19) People v. Romeo Cabando, et al. | 19378-19379 | May 27, 1996 |
(20) People v. SPO2 Rodolfo Burbos | 19593 | July 6, 1998 |
(21) People v. Guillermo M. Viray, et al. | 19614 | August 31, 1998 |
(22) People v. Mayor Bonifacio Balahay | 20427 | November 5, 1999 |
(23) People v. Enrique Sy, et al. | 20487 | December 17, 1998 |
(24) People v. PO2 Manuel L. Bien | 20648-20649 | March 31, 1998 |
(25) People v. Felipe L. Laodenio | 23066 | September 28, 1999 |
(26) People v. Mayor Walfrido A. Siasico | 23427 | January 16, 1998 |
Case Number Date Submitted Criminal Cases 1. 11156 8/9/91 2. 11157 8/9/91 3. 11158 8/9/91 4. 11159 8/9/91 5. 11160 8/9/91 6. 11999 12/10/90 7. 12102 7/1/91 8. 12127 2/12/90 9. 12139 6/10/92 10. 12289 8/28/91 11. 12305 2/7/91 12. 12306 2/7/91 13. 13015 3/2/92 14. 13171 11/16/95 15. 13353 10/6/90 16. 13521 12/12/99 17. 13563 7/4/95 18. 13618 7/14/91 19. 13668 6/13/93 20. 13672 3/5/92 21. 13679 8/6/91 22. 13680 8/6/91 23. 13689 11/14/92 24. 13690 11/14/92 25. 13691 11/14/92 26. 13692 11/14/92 27. 13693 11/14/92 28. 13694 11/14/92 29. 13695 11/14/92 30. 13708 3/9/92 31. 13747 8/19/94 32. 13748 8/19/94 33. 13971 3/12/95 34. 14223 3/7/97 35. 14227 9/5/92 36. 14230 11/30/90 37. 14287 7/3/94 38. 14324 11/5/95 39. 14375 5/22/95 40. 14411 1/24/93 41. 14975 9/29/94 42. 14986 12/11/92 43. 15006 11/19/94 44. 15168 3/25/93 45. 15301 3/16/94 46. 16239 12/26/91 47. 16516 11/19/91 48. 16583 8/13/96 49. 16584 8/13/96 50. 16585 8/13/96 51. 16695 8/15/96 52. 16854 1/15/96 53. 16927 12/17/95 54. 16928 12/17/95 55. 16946 8/4/93 56. 17001 9/4/97 57. 17278 5/2/94 58. 17447 9/6/94 59. 17448 9/6/94 60. 17514 8/19/94 61. 17600 8/30/97 62. 17601 8/30/97 63. 17670 11/25/94 64. 17759 6/25/96 65. 17901 5/28/98 66. 18283 2/21/95 67. 18696 8/9/98 68. 18857 10/21/98 69. 19059 2/11/99 70. 19060 2/11/99 71. 19061 2/11/99 72. 19062 2/11/99 73. 19063 2/11/99 74. 19534 9/2/98 75. 19535 9/2/98 76. 19651 11/15/96 77. 19708 8/25/98 78. 19773 5/21/99 79. 19774 5/21/99 80. 19775 5/21/99 81. 19976 5/21/99 82. 19977 5/21/99 83. 19978 5/21/99 84. 19979 5/21/99 85. 20588 2/14/95 86. 20688 7/9/98 87. 20948 10/9/97 88. 20949 10/9/97 89. 21020 7/4/95 90. 22145 7/7/99 91. 22195 6/14/96 92. 22196 6/14/96 93. 22832 10/21/98 94. 23042 8/27/98 95. 23146 11/13/00 96. 23273 4/19/99 97. 23323 3/23/00 98. 23324 8/3/97 99. 23336 9/4/97 100. 23374 12/17/98 101. 23418 10/15/99 102. 23419 10/15/99 103. 23420 10/15/99 104. 23421 10/15/99 105. 23422 10/15/99 106. 23423 10/15/99 107. 23509 9/5/98 108. 23511 4/23/99 109. 23540 10/15/99 110. 24042 4/28/99 111. 24043 4/28/99 112. 24044 4/28/99 113. 24045 4/28/99 114. 24046 4/28/99 115. 24047 4/28/99 116. 24048 4/28/99 117. 24049 4/28/99 118. 24050 4/28/99 119. 24051 4/28/99 120. 24052 4/28/99 121. 24053 4/28/99 122. 24054 4/28/99 123. 24055 4/28/99 124. 24056 4/28/99 125. 24057 4/28/99 126. 24058 4/28/99 127. 24059 4/28/99 128. 24060 4/28/99 129. 24061 4/28/99 130. 24062 4/28/99 131. 24063 4/28/99 132. 24064 4/28/99 133. 24065 4/28/99 134. 24066 4/28/99 135. 24067 4/28/99 136. 24068 4/28/99 137. 24069 4/28/99 138. 24070 4/28/99 139. 24071 4/28/99 140. 24072 4/28/99 141. 24073 4/28/99 142. 24074 4/28/99 143. 24075 4/28/99 144. 24076 4/28/99 145. 24077 4/28/99 146. 24078 4/28/99 147. 24079 4/28/99 148. 24080 4/28/99 149. 24081 4/28/99 150. 24082 4/28/99 151. 24083 4/28/99 152. 24084 4/28/99 153. 24085 4/28/99 154. 24086 4/28/99 155. 24087 4/28/99 156. 24088 4/28/99 157. 24089 4/28/99 158. 24090 4/28/99 159. 24091 4/28/99 160. 24092 4/28/99 161. 24093 4/28/99 162. 24094 4/28/99 163. 24095 4/28/99 164. 24096 4/28/99 165. 24097 4/28/99 166. 24098 4/28/99 167. 24150 1/31/00 168. 24236 2/14/00 169. 24237 2/14/00 170. 24281 5/9/99 171. 24319 11/4/99 172. 24320 11/4/99 173. 24321 11/4/99 174. 24322 11/4/99 175. 24323 11/4/99 176. 24324 11/4/99 177. 24325 11/4/99 178. 24326 11/4/99 179. 24327 11/4/99 180. 24328 11/4/99 181. 24329 11/4/99 182. 24339 10/20/00 183. 24355 2/18/99 184. 24395 7/13/99 185. 24402 6/17/99 186. 24433 9/6/99 187. 24434 9/6/99 188. 24531 12/16/99 189. 24532 12/16/99 190. 24533 12/16/99 191. 24534 12/16/99 192. 24631 8/9/99 193. 24768 7/8/00 194. 6672 7/11/90 195. 9977 5/10/94 Civil Case 1. 0112 1/11/92 2. 0116 10/16/91 3. 0156 3/14/97
Case No. Date Submitted Criminal Case 1. 19542 4/16/99 2. 19004 9/10/96 3. 22934 10/14/00 4. 20483 8/28/96 5. 20484 8/28/96 6. 23529 10/23/00 7. 23530 10/23/00 8. 23338 12/2/99 9. 18786 11/28/00 10. 19686 07/2/97 11. 184403 12/4/98 12. 184404 12/4/98 13. 184405 12/4/98 14. 184406 12/4/98 15. 184407 12/4/98 16. 184408 12/4/98 17. 184409 12/4/98 18. 184410 12/4/98 19. 184411 12/4/98 20. 184412 12/4/98 21. 184413 12/4/98 22. 184414 12/4/98 23. 184415 12/4/98 24. 184416 12/4/98 25. 184417 12/4/98 26. 13827 8/30/00 27. 13828 8/30/00 28. 13829 8/30/00 29. 13830 8/30/00 30. 13831 8/30/00 31. 13832 8/30/00 32. 18965 11/30/00 33. 19848 3/28/96 34. 20765 8/30/96 35. 20816 3/11/98 36. 19692 8/27/00 37. 19693 8/27/00 38. 19694 8/27/00 39. 19695 8/27/00 40. 19696 8/27/00 41. 19697 8/27/00 42. 19698 8/27/00 43. 19699 8/27/00 44. 19700 8/27/00 45. 19701 8/27/00 46. 19702 8/27/00 47. 19703 8/27/00 48. 19704 8/27/00 49. 19705 8/27/00 50. 19706 8/27/00 51. 19707 8/27/00 52. 23262 10/11/00 53. AR#035 12/9/00 54. 24994 8/17/00 55. 21097 12/13/00 56. 20660 12/20/00 57. 23111 11/27/00 58. 24407 7/27/00 59. 24408 7/27/00 60. 18435 3/21/00 61. 22858 8/4/00 62. 22976 5/4/99 Civil Case 1. 0171 7/10/00
Case Number Date Submitted 1.SCA/005 12/18/00 2.A/R 016 8/5/99 3.A/R 029 10/2/00 4.487 4/8/98 5.488 4/8/98 6.489 4/8/98 7.490 4/8/98 8.491 4/8/98 9.11794 6/10/00 10.13861 4/6/00 11. 13862 4/6/00 12. 13863 4/6/00 13. 13889 3/25/99 14. 16756 8/25/99 15. 17532 12/11/00 16. 18867 10/5/00 17. 18868 10/5/00 18. 18869 10/5/00 19. 18870 10/5/00 20. 18871 10/5/00 21. 18872 10/5/00 22. 19182 4/6/00 23. 19563 4/6/00 24. 19574 4/6/00 25. 19622 4/6/00 26. 19623 4/6/00 27. 19624 4/6/00 28. 20053 4/6/00 29. 20054 4/6/00 30. 20271 12/18/00 31. 22143 12/18/00 32. 23014 9/23/00 33. 23522 7/6/00 34. 23699 3/22/00 35. 23700 3/22/00 36. 23701 3/22/00 37. 23802 9/10/00 38. 23803 9/10/00 39. 24153 12/18/00 40. 24697 9/10/00 41. 24698 9/10/00 42. 24741 12/7/00 43. 24779 10/28/00 44. 24780 10/28/00 45. 24781 10/28/00 46. 25657 5/5/00
Case No. Date Submitted 1. 11960 09/21/98 2.17664 01/29/98 3.13036 02/22/99 4.13037 02/22/99 5.13593 05/21/96 6.13594 05/21/96 7.13757 03/21/97 8.14380 02/14/95 9.16809 03/26/00 10.17015 06/06/94 11.17016 06/06/94 12.17140 06/13/96 13.17141 06/13/96 14.17209 12/27/96 15.17805 02/15/00 16.17806 02/15/00 17.17809 02/15/00 18. 17856 04/02/00 19. 18005 05/07/96 20. 18006 05/07/96 21. 18257 09/22/97 22. 18894 11/17/00 23. 18895 11/17/00 24. 18896 11/17/00 25. 18900 10/28/00 26. 18935 06/16/00 27. 18936 06/16/00 28. 18937 06/16/00 29. 19567 05/21/96 30. 20338 05/19/97 31. 20469 07/07/00 32. 20470 07/07/00 33. 20471 07/07/00 34. 20472 07/07/00 35. 20473 07/07/00 36. 20474 07/07/00 37. 20475 07/07/00 38. 20476 07/07/00 39. 20664 06/29/96 40. 20685 02/18/00 41. 20828 09/13/00 42. 21093 08/07/99 43. 21131 08/04/96 44. 21778 09/29/97 45. 21779 09/29/97 46. 21780 09/29/97 47. 22891 03/02/00 48. 22892 03/02/00 49. 23007 05/24/99 50. 23058 04/27/00 51. 23059 04/27/00 52. 23060 04/27/00 53. 23061 04/27/00 54. 23062 04/27/00 55. 23366 03/28/99 56. 23415 05/25/00 57. 23534 12/15/00 58. 23708 09/27/00 59. 24447 09/18/00 60. 24448 09/18/00 61. 24464 07/26/00 62. 24465 07/26/00 63. 24742 10/10/00 64. 24841 03/22/00 65. 24842 03/22/00 66. 24851 10/29/00 67. 25198 05/31/00 68. 25389 09/26/00 69. 25543 12/27/00 70. 25658 07/28/00
We find that Presiding Justice Francis E. Garchitorena failed to devise an efficient recording and filing system to enable him to monitor the flow of cases and to manage their speedy and timely disposition. This is his duty on which he failed.[53]
Case Number Date Submitted Criminal Cases 1. 14397 1/4/99 2. 16672 2/13/00 3. 17030 2/19/98 4. 17826 12/9/00 5. 17827 12/9/00 6. 18478 8/21/00 7. 18684 5/29/98 8. 18880 12/6/00 9. 19510 12/4/00 10. 19511 12/4/00 11. 19512 12/4/00 12. 19593 6/5/98 13. 19614 7/31/98 14. 19668 7/26/98 15. 20194 1/8/01 16. 20427 11/3/99 17. 20648 1/4/98 18. 20649 1/4/98 19. 20694 3/11/98 20. 21882 8/12/00 21. 22184 12/16/00 22. 22873 12/4/99 23. 22926 11/13/00 24. 23066 8/16/99 25. 23319 9/30/00 26. 23450 9/16/00 27. 23515 1/29/00 28. 24155 11/30/00 29. 24379 8/27/00 30. 24759 5/5/00 31. 24858 12/28/00
Case Number | Date Submitted | Ponente Assigned | Reason for Not Deciding Case | |||
194. 11999 | 12/10/90 | Garchitorena | Under study, submitted before the reorganization | |||
195. 12102 | 7/1/91 | Garchitorena | Under study, submitted before the reorganization | |||
196. 12127 | 2/12/90 | Not reported; unaccounted for by Sandiganbayan report | ||||
197. 12139 | 6/10/92 | Castaneda* | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
198. 12289 | 8/28/91 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
199. 12305-06 | 2/7/91 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
200. 13015 | 3/2/92 | Garchitorena | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
201. 13171 | 11/16/95 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
202. 13353 | 10/6/90 | Garchitorena | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
203. 13521 | 12/12/99 | Garchitorena | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
204. 13563 | 7/4/95 | Garchitorena | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
205. 13618 | 7/14/91 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
206. 13668 | 6/13/93 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
207. 13672 | 3/5/92 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
208. 13679-80 | 8/6/91 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
209. 13689-95 | 11/14/92 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
210. 13708 | 3/9/92 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
211. 13747-48 | 8/19/94 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
212. 13971 | 3/12/95 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
213. 14223 | 3/7/97 | Death of accused is unconfirmed and dismissal of the case was held in abeyance. (Ong, J.)* | ||||
214. 14227 | 9/5/92 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
215. 14230 | 11/30/90 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
216. 14287 | 7/3/94 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
217. 14324 | 11/5/95 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
218. 14375 | 5/22/95 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
219. 14411 | 1/24/93 | Garchitorena | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
220. 14975 | 9/29/94 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
221. 14986 | 12/11/92 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
222. 15006 | 11/19/94 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
223. 15168 | 3/25/93 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
224. 15301 | 3/16/94 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
225. 16239 | 12/26/91 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
226. 16516 | 11/19/91 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
227. 16583-85 | 8/13/96 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
228. 16695 | 8/15/96 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
229. 16854 | 1/15/96 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
230. 16927-28 | 12/17/95 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
231. 16946 | 8/4/93 | Castaneda | Under study submitted before the reorganization | |||
232. 17001 | 9/4/97 | Not yet assigned | ||||
233. 17278 | 5/2/94 | Death of accused is unconfirmed and dismissal of the case was held in abeyance. (Ong, J.) | ||||
234. 17600 | 8/30/97 | Not yet assigned | ||||
235. 17601 | 8/30/97 | Not yet assigned | ||||
236. 17759 | 6/25/96 | Ong | Decided and set for promulgation | |||
237. 17901 | 5/28/98 | Not yet assigned | ||||
238. 18696 | 8/9/98 | Not yet assigned | ||||
239. 18857 | 10/21/98 | Not yet assigned | ||||
240. 19059-63 | 2/11/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
241. 19534-35 | 9/2/98 | Not yet assigned | ||||
242. 19708 | 8/25/98 | Not yet assigned | ||||
243. 19773-79 | 5/21/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
244. 20688 | 7/9/98 | Not yet assigned | ||||
245. 20948 | 10/9/97 | Not reported; unaccounted for by Sandiganbayan report | ||||
246. 20949 | 10/9/97 | Not reported; unaccounted for by Sandiganbayan report | ||||
247. 21020 | 7/4/95 | Ong | Set for Promulgation on November 27, 2001 | |||
248. 22145 | 7/7/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
249. 22195-96 | 6/14/96 | Castaneda | Under study, submitted before the reorganization | |||
250. 22832 | 10/21/98 | Not yet assigned | ||||
251. 23042 | 8/27/98 | Not yet assigned | ||||
252. 23146 | 11/13/00 | Not yet assigned | ||||
253. 23273 | 4/19/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
254. 23323 | 3/23/00 | Not yet assigned | ||||
255. 23324 | 8/3/97 | Not yet assigned | ||||
256. 23336 | 9/4/97 | Not yet assigned | ||||
257. 23374 | 12/17/98 | Not yet assigned | ||||
258. 23418-23 | 10/15/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
259. 23509 | 9/5/98 | Not yet assigned | ||||
260. 23511 | 4/23/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
261. 23540 | 10/15/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
262. 24042-98 | 4/28/99 | Ong | Set for Promulgation on November 27, 2001 | |||
263. 24150 | 1/31/00 | Not yet assigned | ||||
264. 24236-37 | 2/14/00 | Not yet assigned | ||||
265. 24281 | 5/9/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
266. 24319-29 | 11/4/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
267. 24319-29 | 11/4/99 | Not reported; unaccounted for by Sandiganbayan report | ||||
268. 24355 | 2/18/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
269. 24395 | 7/13/99 | Not reported; unaccounted for by Sandiganbayan report | ||||
270. 24402 | 6/17/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
271. 24433-34 | 9/6/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
272. 24531-34 | 12/16/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
273. 24631 | 8/9/99 | Not yet assigned | ||||
274. 24768 | 7/8/00 | Not yet assigned | ||||
275. 6672 | 7/11/90 | Garchitorena | Under Study, before the reorganization | |||
276. 9977 | 5/10/94 | Garchitorena | Under Study, before the reorganization | |||
277. 0112 | 1/11/92 | Not reported; unaccounted for by Sandiganbayan report | ||||
278. 0116 | 10/16/91 | Not reported; unaccounted for by Sandiganbayan report | ||||
279. 0156 | 3/14/97 | Not reported; unaccounted for by Sandiganbayan report | ||||
Summary/Tally | ||
Cases Assigned to Garchitorena, PJ. | 9 | |
Cases Assigned to Castaneda, J. | 42 | |
Cases Assigned to Ong, J. | 5 | |
Cases not yet assigned | 73 | |
Cases not accounted for or reported | 9 | |
------- | ||
Total | 138 |
Case Number | Date Submitted | Ponente Assigned | Reason for Not Deciding Case |
63. 19542 | 4/16/99 | For retaking of testimony due to incomplete TSN | |
64. 13827-32 | 8/30/00 | Victorino | For promulgation |
65. 18965 | 11/30/00 | For retaking of testimony due to incomplete TSN |
Case Number | Date Submitted | Ponente Assigned | Reason for Not Deciding Case |
47. SCA/005 | 12/18/00 | Ilarde | -- |
48. A/R 029 | 10/2/00 | Illarde | |
49. 487-491 | 4/8/98 | With pending demurrer to evidence, submitted, 01/26/01 re Submitted, 03/20/01 | |
50. 11794 | 6/10/00 | De Castro | -- |
51. 17532 | 12/11/00 | Ilarde | -- |
52. 18867-72 | 10/5/00 | Pending trial per order dated 08/17/00 | |
53. 19182 | 4/6/00 | Unloaded to the 5th Division, 10/13/97 | |
54. 19563 | 4/6/00 | No Assignment | -- |
55. 19574 | 4/6/00 | No Assignment | -- |
56. 19622-24 | 4/6/00 | Unloaded to the 5th Division, 10/13/97 | |
57. 20053-54 | 4/6/00 | Not with the 3rd Division | |
58. 20271 | 12/18/00 | Illarde | -- |
59. 22143 | 12/18/00 | De Castro | -- |
60. 23014 | 9/23/00 | De Castro | -- |
61. 23699-701 | 3/22/00 | Ilarde | -- |
62. 23802-03 | 9/10/00 | No Assignment | -- |
63. 24153 | 12/18/00 | No Assignment | -- |
64. 24697-98 | 9/10/00 | Ilarde | -- |
65. 24741 | 12/7/00 | De Castro | -- |
66. 24779-81 | 10/28/00 | No Assignment | -- |
67. 25657 | 5/5/00 | With Defense pending motion for the re-examination of the Information and the parties' affidavits, etc. Order dated 08/31/01 |
Summary/Tally | ||
Cases Assigned to Illarde, J. | 9 | |
Cases Assigned to De Castro, J. | 4 | |
Cases not yet assigned | 8 | |
Others | 18 | |
------- | ||
Total | 39 |
Case Number | Date Submitted | Ponente Assigned | Reason for Not Deciding Case |
71. 11960 | 09/21/98 | Draft of decision penned by J. Nario in view of the dissenting opinion of one Justice was referred to a Division of five (5) composed of Nario, Palattao, Ferrer, Badoy, Jr. and De Castro, JJ. | |
72. 16809 | 03/26/00 | Palattao | -- |
73. 23058-62 | 04/27/00 | Nario | -- |
74. 25389 | 09/26/00 | Nario | -- |
Case Number | Date Submitted | Ponente Assigned | Reason for Not Deciding Case |
32. 14397 | 1/4/99 | Badoy, Jr. | Inherited case/lack of personnel |
33. 16672 | 2/13/00 | Badoy, Jr. | Inherited case/lack of personnel |
34. 17030 | 2/19/98 | Badoy, Jr. | Inherited case/lack of personnel |
35. 18478 | 8/21/00 | Estrada | Inherited case/lack of personnel |
36. 18684 | 5/29/98 | Badoy, Jr. | Inherited case/lack of personnel |
37. 18880 | 12/6/00 | Badoy, Jr. | Inherited case/lack of personnel |
38. 19510-12 | 12/4/00 | Estrada | Inherited case/lack of personnel |
39. 19593 | 6/5/98 | Badoy, Jr. | Inherited case/lack of personnel |
40. 19614 | 7/31/98 | Badoy, Jr. | Inherited case/lack of personnel |
41. 20194 | 1/8/01 | Chico-Nazario | Complicated Issues |
42. 20427 | 11/3/99 | Badoy, Jr. | Inherited case/lack of personnel |
43. 20648-49 | 1/4/98 | Badoy, Jr. | Inherited case/lack of personnel |
44. 20694 | 3/11/98 | Estrada | Inherited case/lack of personnel |
45. 22926 | 11/13/00 | No report, Unaccounted for by the Sandiganbayan report | |
46. 23066 | 8/16/99 | Badoy, Jr. | Inherited case/lack of personnel |
47. 24155 | 11/30/00 | Estrada | Not yet due |
48. 24379 | 8/27/00 | Estrada | Draft decision released 7/31/01 |
Summary/Tally | ||
Cases Assigned to Badoy, J.*** | 11 | |
Cases Assigned to Estrada, J. | 7 | |
Cases Assigned to Chico-Nazario, J. | 1 | |
No report/Unaccounted For | 1 | |
------- | ||
Total | 20 |
"a. Every trial judge shall submit not later than the last week of February and the last week of August of each year a tabulation of all pending cases which shall indicate on a horizontal column the following data:Given the rationale behind the Administrative Circular, we hold that it is applicable to the Sandiganbayan with respect to cases within its original and appellate jurisdiction.
"1. Title of the case
"2. Date of Filing
"3. Date arraignment in criminal cases of Pre-trial in civil cases and
"4. Date of initial trial
"5. Date of last hearing
"6. Date submitted for Decision
"b. The tabulation shall end with a certification by the trial judge that he/she has personally undertaken an inventory of the pending cases in his/her court; that he/she has examined each case record and initialled the last page thereof. The judge shall indicate in his/her certification the date when inventory was conducted.
"c. The Tabulation and Certification shall be in the following form.
Docket Inventory for the Period
January __ to June ___, ___/July
To December ___, ___
(Indicate Period)
Court and Station ________
Presiding Judge ________
Title of Case Date Filed Pretrial/ Arraignment Initial Hearing Date of Last Hearing Date submitted for Decision
"CERTIFICATION:
"I hereby certify that on (Date/Dates___), I personally conducted a physical inventory of pending cases in the docket of this court, that I personally examined the records of each case and initialled the last page thereof, and I certify that the results of the inventory are correctly reflected in the above tabulation._____________________
Presiding Judge"
"This Court has consistently impressed upon judges (which includes justices) to decide cases promptly and expeditiously on the principle that justice delayed is justice denied. Decision making is the primordial and most important duty of the member of the bench.[60] Hence, judges are enjoined to decide cases with dispatch. Their failure to do so constitutes gross inefficiency[61] that warrants disciplinary sanction, including fine,[62] suspension[63] and even dismissal.[64] The rule particularly applies to justices of the Sandiganbayan. Delays in the disposition of cases erode the faith and confidence of our people in the judiciary, lower its standards, and bring it into disrepute.[65] Delays cannot be sanctioned or tolerated especially in the anti-graft court, the showcase of the nation's determination to succeed in its war against graft (underscoring ours)."In Yuchengco v. Republic,[66] we urged the Sandiganbayan to promptly administer justice. We stated that the Sandiganbayan has the inherent power to amend and control its processes and orders to make them conformable to law and justice. The Sandiganbayan as the nation's anti-graft court must be the first to avert opportunities for graft, uphold the right of all persons to a speedy disposition of their cases and avert the precipitate loss of their rights.
Case No. | Title of the Case | Division where case originated | Date Submitted for Decision |
1) 17015 | PP vs. Raul Zapatos | 3rd | 06/06/94 |
2) 17016 | PP vs. Raul Zapatos | 3rd | 06/06/94 |
3) 14380 | PP vs. Francisco Ramoran | 3rd | 02/14/95 |
4) 18005 | PP vs. Panfilo Bongcac | 3rd | 05/07/96 |
5) 18006 | PP vs. Panfilo Bongcac | 3rd | 05/07/96 |
6) 13593 | PP vs. Dominador Meninguito | 3rd | 05/30/96 |
7) 13594 | PP vs. Dominador Meninguito | 3rd | 05/30/96 |
8) 19567 | PP vs. Dominador Meninguito | 3rd | 05/30/96 |
9) 17140 | PP vs. Jose Café, et. al. | 3rd | 06/13/96 |
10) 17141 | PP vs. Jose Café, et. al. | 3rd | 06/13/96 |
11) 20064 | PP vs. Ben dela Pena | 3rd | 07/01/96 |
12) 21131 | PP vs. Rufino Mamanguin | 3rd | 08/05/96 |
13) 17209 | PP vs. Isidro Catapang | 3rd | 12/27/96 |
14) 13757 | PP vs. Catalino Daganzo | 3rd | 03/21/97 |
15) 18257 | PP vs. Zenaida Sazon | 1st | 09/22/97 |
Case Number | Date Submitted |
1. 10264 | 12/22/90 |
2. 13344 | 5/14/97 |
3. 16223 | 4/25/94 |
4. 16574 | 5/30/95 |
5. 16760 | 5/25/95 |
6. 16810 | 1/23/96 |
7. 17018 | 7/20/94 |
8. 17055 | 7/5/95 |
9. 17139 | 4/24/94 |
10. 17162 | 2/23/95 |
11. 17193 | 3/8/94 |
12. 17426 | 2/12/94 |
13. 17480 | 3/22/94 |
14. 17538 | 11/20/95 |
15. 17567 | 2/24/93 |
16. 17598 | 8/3/94 |
17. 17617 | 3/28/96 |
18. 17618 | 4/6/95 |
19. 17619 | 4/6/95 |
20. 17640 | 6/12/95 |
21. 17661 | 12/15/94 |
22. 17666 | 8/25/97 |
23. 17884 | 11/12/95 |
24. 17902 | 4/16/95 |
25. 18008 | 9/15/97 |
26. 18423 | 1/15/96 |
27. 18687 | 9/30/94 |
28. 18759 | 10/12/95 |
29. 18785 | 7/13/95 |
30. 18932 | 4/20/97 |
31. 18988 | 10/25/95 |
32. 18999 | 12/21/95 |
33. 19039 | 5/6/95 |
34. 19378 | 4/17/96 |
35. 19379 | 4/17/96 |
36. 19679 | 10/5/95 |
37. 19712 | 2/18/95 |
38. 19907 | 6/22/95 |
39. 20487 | 12/14/96 |
40. 20624 | 7/15/95 |
41. 23427 | 7/25/97 |
Case Number | Submitted for Decision | Date of Promulgation | Ponente |
14195 | March 31, 1997 | November 10, 2000 | Ong |
21608 | March 31, 1997 | November 15, 2000 | Ong |
20588 | February 14, 1998 | January 12, 2001 | Ong |
19651 | November 15, 1996 | January 26, 2001 | Ong |
17670 | November 25, 1994 | January 26, 2001 | Ong |
17447-48 | September 6, 1994 | February 22, 2001 | Ong |
18283 | February 21, 1995 | February 23, 2001 | Ong |
17514 | August 19, 1994 | April 24, 2001 | Ong |
Case Number | Submitted for Decision | Date of Promulgation | Ponente |
18403-18417 | December 4, 1998 | February 2, 2001 | Victorino |
18435 | August 11, 2000 | March 26, 2001 | Victorino |
18786 | November 28, 2000 | March 28, 2001 | Legaspi |
19004 | September 10, 1996 | March 16, 2001 | Victorino |
19692-19707 | August 27, 2000 | February 26, 2001 | Sandoval |
19848 | March 28, 1996 | January 29, 2001 | Victorino |
20483-20484 | July 26, 1995 | April 6, 2001 | Victorino |
20660 | December 20, 2000 | August 2, 2001 | Legaspi |
20765 | August 30, 1996 | February 23, 2001 | Victorino |
20816 | March 11, 1998 | January 25, 2001 | Victorino |
21097 | December 13, 2000 | June 15, 2001 | Victorino |
22858 | August 11, 2000 | January 31, 2001 | Victorino |
22934 | October 14, 2000 | February 15, 2001 | Sandoval |
22976 | May 4, 1999 | March 1, 2001 | Sandoval |
23111 | November 27, 2000 | March 14, 2001 | Sandoval |
23262 | October 11, 2000 | May 16, 2001 | Victorino |
23338 | December 2, 1999 | December 14, 2000 | Sandoval |
23529-23530 | October 23, 2000 | March 28, 2001 | Victorino |
24407-24408 | August 11, 2000 | January 24, 2001 | Legaspi |
24994 | August 17, 2000 | May 30, 2001 | Sandoval |
AR#035 | December 9, 2000 | August 28, 2001 | Legaspi |
Case Number | Submitted for Decision | Date of Promulgation | Ponente |
A/R 016 | November 16, 1999 | January 26, 2001 | Ilarde |
13861-13863 | April 6, 2000 | December 22, 2000 | Del Rosario |
13889 | September 30, 1999 | May 10, 2001 | Ilarde |
16756 | August 28, 1999 | December 11, 2000 | Del Rosario |
23522 | July 6, 2000 | January 12, 2001 | Del Rosario |
Case Number | Submitted for Decision | Date of Promulgation | Ponente |
17664 | August 31, 1999 | June 1, 2000 | Pallatao |
17016 | June 6, 1994 | March 27, 2001 | Ferrer |
17140-41 | June 13, 1996 | February 6, 2001 | Nario |
17209 | December 27, 1996 | April 30, 2001 | Ferrer |
17805-09; 17814 | February 15, 2000 | October 10, 2001 | Palattao |
17856 | April 2, 2000 | June 25, 2001 | Palattao |
18005-06 | May 7, 1996 | May 18, 2001 | Ferrer |
18257 | September 22, 1997 | July 26, 2001 | Ferrer |
18894-96 | November 17, 2000 | March 20, 2001 | Palattao |
18900 | October 28, 2000 | March 23, 2001 | Ferrer |
18935-37 | June 16, 2000 | January 18, 2001 | Palattao |
19567 | May 21, 1996 | January 15, 2001 | Ferrer |
20338 | May 19, 1997 | February 9, 2001 | Ferrer |
20469 | July 7, 2000 | June 25, 2001 | Palattao |
13036-37 | February 22, 1999 | February 28, 2001 | Ferrer |
13593-94 | May 21, 1996 | January 15, 2001 | Ferrer |
20470-76 | July 7, 2000 | June 25, 2001 | Palattao |
20664 | June 29, 1996 | February 20, 2001 | Ferrer |
20685 | February 18, 2000 | March 2, 2001 | Palattao |
20828 | September 13, 2000 | October 8, 2001 | Palattao |
21093 | August 7, 1999 | January 15, 2001 | Palattao |
21131 | August 4, 1996 | February 13, 2001 | Ferrer |
21778-80 | September 29, 1997 | June 21, 2001 | Ferrer |
22891-92 | March 2, 2000 | December 13, 2000 | Ferrer |
23007 | May 24, 1999 | March 14, 2000 | Ferrer |
13757 | March 21, 1997 | July 2, 2001 | Ferrer |
14380 | February 14, 1995 | April 23, 2001 | Ferrer |
17015 | June 6, 1994 | March 27, 2001 | Ferrer |
23366 | November 26, 1999 | October 29, 2001 | Ferrer |
23415 | May 25, 2000 | May 28, 2001 | Palattao |
23534 | December 15, 2000 | February 28, 2001 | Palattao |
23708 | September 27, 2000 | September 10, 2001 | Nario |
24464-65 | July 26, 2000 | June 26, 2001 | Nario |
24742 | October 10, 2000 | March 22, 2001 | Ferrer |
24841-42 | May 9, 2000 | March 7, 2001 | Ferrer |
25198 | July 12, 2000 | February 6, 2001 | Nario |
25543 | December 27, 2000 | February 26, 2001 | Palattao |
25658 | July 28, 2000 | July 20, 2001 | Palattao |
24447-48 | September 18, 2000 | December 7, 2001 | Palattao |
Case Number | Submitted for Decision | Date of Promulgation | Ponente |
17826-17827 | December 9, 2000 | March 28, 2001 | Chico-Nazario |
19668 | July 26, 1998 | February 9, 2001 | Badoy, Jr. |
21882 | August 12, 2000 | July 25, 2001 | Chico- Nazario |
22184 | December 16, 2000 | May 21, 2001 | Chico- Nazario |
22873 | December 4, 1999 | May 31, 2001 | Chico- Nazario |
23319 | September 30, 2000 | April 23, 2001 | Chico- Nazario |
23450 | September 16, 2000 | March 16, 2001 | Chico- Nazario |
23515 | January 29, 2000 | May 28, 2001 | Cortez-Estrada |
24759 | May 5, 2000 | July 10, 2001 | Cortez-Estrada |
24858 | December 28, 2000 | May 31, 2001 | Chico-Nazario |
(1) To IMPOSE on Presiding Justice Francis E. Garchitorena a fine of twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), for inefficiency and gross neglect of duty.This directive is immediately executory.
(2) Effective December 1, 2001, to RELIEVE Presiding Justice Francis E. Garchitorena of his powers, functions and duties as the Presiding Justice, Sandiganbayan, and from presiding over the trial of cases as a justice and Chairman, First Division, so that he may DEVOTE himself exclusively to DECISION WRITING, until the backlog of cases assigned to him as well as cases not assigned to any ponente, of which he shall be deemed the ponente in the First Division, are finally decided. There shall be no unloading of cases to other divisions, or to the First Division inter se.
In the interim, Associate Justice Minita V. Chico-Nazario, as the most senior associate justice, shall TAKE OVER and exercise the powers, functions, and duties of the office of the Presiding Justice, Sandiganbayan, until further orders from this Court.
(3) To DIRECT Presiding Justice Francis E. Garchitorena and the associate justices of the Sandiganbayan to decide/resolve the undecided cases submitted for decision as of this date, within three (3) months from their submission, and to resolve motions for new trial or reconsiderations and petitions for review within thirty (30) days from their submission. With respect to the backlog of cases, as hereinabove enumerated, the Sandiganbayan shall decide/resolve all pending cases including incidents therein within six (6) months from notice of this resolution.
(4) To ORDER the Sandiganbayan to comply with Supreme Court Administrative Circular 10-94, effective immediately.
(5) To DIRECT the Sandiganbayan en banc to adopt not later than December 31, 2001 internal rules to govern the allotment of cases among the divisions, the rotation of justices among them and other matters leading to the internal operation of the court, and thereafter to submit the said internal rules to the Supreme Court for its approval.[87]
Sec. 15 (1). All cases or matters filed after the effectivity of this Constitution must be decided or resolved within twenty-four months from date of submission for the Supreme Court, and, unless reduced by the Supreme Court, twelve months for all lower collegiate courts, and three months for all other lower courts.The Supreme Court in Administrative Circular No. 10-94 has not reduced the 12-month period mentioned in the above-quoted constitutional provision insofar as the Sandiganbayan, a collegiate court, is concerned. It is basic that in case of conflict between a constitutional provision on one hand and a statute or an internal rule of procedure of a court on the other, the former, being a part of the fundamental law of the land, must prevail. Also pursuant to Section 4 of Republic Act No. 8245 (approved on February 5, 1997) the Sandiganbayan has also exclusive appellate jurisdiction "over final judgments, resolutions or orders of the regional trial courts whether in the exercise of their original jurisdiction or of their appellate jurisdiction as herein provided."
(2) A case or matter shall be deemed submitted for decision or resolution upon the filing of the last pleading, brief or memorandum required by the Rules of Court or by the court itself.xxx xxx xxx
Section 1. Sandiganbayan; Composition; Qualification; Tenure; Removal and Compensation - A special court, of the same level as the Court of Appeals and possessing all the inherent powers of a court of justice, to be known as the Sandiganbayan is hereby created composed of a presiding justice and fourteen associate justices who shall be appointed by the President.Incidentally, per the Rules of Procedure of the Sandiganbayan, each division is composed of three (3) justices whose unanimous vote is required to render a decision, resolution or order. In the event there is a dissent, a special division is formed whereby two (2) justices who shall be chosen by raffle and added to the division concerned, in which event, the majority rule shall prevail. For that reason and considering also that appeals from the decisions of the Sandiganbayan are to be filed directly with the Supreme Court, the Sandiganbayan as a collegiate trial court, is significantly different from the one-man regional trial court.