OCA Circular No. 46-09 Re: Mandatory Continuous Trial of Cases Involving Extra Judicial Killings of Political Ideologists and Media Members

April 20, 2009

OCA CIRCULAR NO. 46-09

TO	:	All Judges and Clerks of Court of the Regional Trial Courts

SUBJECT	:	Reiteration of OCA Circular No. 103-2007 Dated October 16, 2007 (Re: Compliance with Administrative Order No. 25-2007 Dated March 1, 2007 on Mandatory Continuous Trial of Cases Involving Extra Judicial Killings of Political Ideologists and Members of Media)

The Office of the President thru the Presidential Human Rights Committee regularly requests for updates on the status of cases involving Extra Judicial Killings of Political Ideologists and Members of Media. Pursuant to Administrative Order No. 25-2007 (A.O. No. 25-2007) dated March 1, 2007, these cases shall undergo mandatory continuous trial and shall be terminated within sixty (60) days from commencement of trial. And that judgment thereon shall be rendered within thirty (30) days from submission for decision, unless a shorter period is provided by law, or otherwise directed by this Court.

On October 16, 2007, this Office issued OCA Circular No. 103-2007 directing Judges and Clerks of Court of the Regional Trial Courts to comply with A.O. No. 25-2007 and to submit to this Office on or before the 10th day of the succeeding month a monthly report on the status of cases regarding Extra Judicial Killings of Political Ideologists and Members of Media including the reason/s why the provisions thereof could not be strictly followed. However, this Office observed that some Judges and Clerks of Court failed to comply with this issuance.

In view of the foregoing, you are hereby directed to STRICTLY COMPLY with OCA Circular No. 103-2007 dated October 16, 2007 using the attached form.

(SGD.) JOSE P. PEREZCourt Administrator