This is another example of the unreasonable delay in the disposition of criminal cases covering a period of around 13 years and 10 months and 29 days from the time that the accused Steve Siaton y Bate was arrested for alleged sales of illegal drugs “shabu” by the police authorities on August 5, 2002 until he was finally acquitted by the Supreme Court on July 04, 2016.
Case Of Illegal Sale of “Shabu”
Steve Siaton y Bate was arrested for the alleged possession of illegal drugs “shabu” on August 5, 2002 by the police and subsequently charged in an Information for “Violation of Section 5, Article II, of Republic Act No. 9165” otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002”.
When arraigned the accused has entered a negative plea.
After the trial, the Regional Trial Court of Mandaue City Branch 28 has rendered a decision dated July 31, 2007 convicting the accused for the crime of possession of drugs and imposing upon him the penalty of imprisonment and a fine of 300,000.00 Philippine Pesos.
He appeal his conviction before the Court of Appeal contending among other things that the Regional Trial Court of Mandaue City Branch 28 has erred in convicting him since according to the accused the prosecution has failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The Court of Appeal however sustained the judgment of conviction by the Regional Trial Court of Mandaue City Branch 28 in its entirety per its decision dated July 23, 2013.
Hence, he brings the ruling of the Court of Appeal before the Supreme Court.
On July 04, 2016, the Supreme Court has reverse and set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal and acquitted the accused for the crime of “Violation of Sec. 5, Article II of R.A. 9165” otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002” and at the same time ordered his immediate release from the Bureau of Corrections.
Delay In The Disposition Of The Criminal Case
It took almost 4 years 11 months and 26 days from the time that the accused was arrested on August 5, 2002 until the Regional Trial Court of Mandaue City Branch 28 has rendered its Decision dated July 31, 2002.
On appeal from the Regional Trial Court of Mandaue City Branch 28 to the Court of Appeal it almost took 5 years and 9 months and 23 days before the Court of Appeal ruled on his appeal dated May 23, 2013.
From the ruling of the Court of Appeal up to the elevation of the case to the Supreme Court, it took the latter court almost 3 years and 1 month and 11 days before the same finally rendered a favorable judgment of acquittal to the accused.
Thus, it almost takes 13 years and 10 months and 29 days before Steve Siaton y Bate obtained justice in this instant case.
Indeed, another justice delayed justice denied case.
Case reference: People of the Philippines vs. Steve Siaton y Bate G.R. No. 208353
http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2016/july2016/208353.pdf
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