Categories: Politics & Government

Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied Case: Part 34

This is another case of unreasonable delay in the disposition of criminal case covering a period of 10 years and 8 months and 4 days from the time that the accused Richard Guinto y San Andres was arrested by the police authorities on January 20, 2004 for alleged sale of prohibited drugs “shabu” until he was finally acquitted by the Supreme Court per its decision dated September 24, 2014.

Case Of Alleged Sale Of Illegal Drugs “Shabu”

   Richard Guinto y San Andres was charged in an Information for alleged “Violation of Section 5, Art. II, of R.A. 9165” otherwise known as “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”.

When arraigned the accused has entered a plea of not guilty.

After the trial, the Regional Trial Court Pasig City Branch 164 has rendered a decision dated October 8, 2008 convicting the accused and imposing upon him the penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of 500,000.00 Philippine Pesos.

He appeal his conviction before the Court of Appeal, contending among other things, that the Regional Trial Court Pasig City Branch 164 has erred in convicting him since according to the accused the prosecution has failed to prove to establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The Court of Appeal however has sustained the judgment of conviction of the Regional Trial Court Pasig City Branch 164 in its entirety per its decision dated January 31, 2011.

Thus, they bring the ruling of the Court of Appeal before the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court on September 24, 2014 has reverse and set aside the judgment of conviction of the Regional Trial Court and acquitted the accused for the crime of “Violation of Sec. 5, Art. II, of R.A. 9165” otherwise known as “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002” and further order the release of the accused from the legal custody.

Unreasonable Delay In The Resolution Of Criminal Cases

Related Post

   It took almost 4 years and 8 months and 18 days from the time that the accused was arrested by the police authorities on January 20, 2004 until the Supreme Court has rendered its decision dated September 24, 2014.

On appeal from the decision of the Regional Trial Court Pasig City Branch 164 to the Court of Appeal, it took 2 years and 3 months and 23 days before the Court of Appeal has rendered its decision dated January 31, 2011.

From the ruling of the Court of Appeal up to the elevation of the case to the Supreme Court, it took 2 years and 7 months and 24 days before the latter court  has finally resolved the matter.

In truth this is another case of justice delayed is justice denied case under the Philippine laws and jurisprudence.

How many more accused are languishing in jail before the Supreme Court finally resolved their criminal cases?

There must be some ways and means in order to give the constitutional rights of the accused to a speedy trial a living reality.

 

Case reference:  People of the Philippines vs. Richard Guinto y San Andres G.R. No. 198314

http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2014/september2014/198314.pdf

 




  • Arnold Cruz

    Recent Posts

    Heart Attack Causes and its Solution

    What is the Main Cause of a Heart Attack? What is its Solution? A heart attack is the blockage of… Read More

    12 months ago

    Understanding the Debt Ceiling: Its Impact, Importance, and Implications

    In the vast economic arena, one term that often takes center stage, inciting extensive debates and discussions, is the "debt… Read More

    1 year ago

    De-Dollarization: The New World Order of Currency and Its Global Impact

    De-Dollarization: The Changing Face of Global Finance The financial landscape is in a state of flux, with an intriguing economic… Read More

    1 year ago

    Unstoppable Bayern Munich: The Story Behind Their 11th Consecutive Bundesliga Title

    The curtains closed on a dramatic Bundesliga season with Bayern Munich standing tall once again, clinching their 11th straight title.… Read More

    1 year ago

    Celine Dion Cancels Concert Tour Due to Deteriorating Stiff-Person Syndrome

    The Unfolding Story of Celine Dion's Health In recent news that has left fans across the globe stunned, iconic singer… Read More

    1 year ago

    Navigating the Crossroads: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the LA Lakers’ Uncertain Future

    As the echoes of the recent NBA season start to fade, the attention of enthusiasts is firmly glued to one… Read More

    2 years ago