Guidelines for Decongesting Holding Jails by Enforcing the Rights of Accused Persons to Bail and to Speedy Trial
On April 15, 2014, the Office of the Court Administrator issued Circular No. 56-14 to all judges and clerks of court, providing guidelines aimed at decongesting holding jails. This initiative follows a recommendation by the Supreme Court's Committee for the Decongestion of Jails, emphasizing the enforcement of the rights of accused persons to bail and to a speedy trial. The guidelines were published on March 28, 2014, and took effect on May 1, 2014. Compliance with these guidelines is mandated to ensure the rights of the accused are upheld and to alleviate overcrowding in detention facilities.
April 15, 2014
OCA CIRCULAR NO. 56-14
| TO | : | All Judges and Clerks of Court of the First and Second Level Courts |
| SUBJECT | : | Guidelines for Decongesting Holding Jails by Enforcing the Rights of Accused Persons to Bail and to Speedy Trial |
Finding merit in the recommendation of the Supreme Court Committee for the Decongestion of Provincial, City, and Municipal Jails, the Honorable Court En Banc, in its A.M. No. 12-11-2-SC dated March 18, 2014, issued "Guidelines for Decongesting Holding Jails by Enforcing the Rights of Accused Persons to Bail and to Speedy Trial," the full text of which is appended herein as "Annex A".
The guidelines were published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer last March 28, 2014, and it shall take effect an May 1, 2014.
For your information, guidance, and strict compliance.
(SGD.) JOSE MIDAS P. MARQUEZCourt Administrator
ANNEX A
A.M. No. 12-11-2-SCMarch 18, 2014