Speedy Disposition of Criminal Cases with Detention Prisoners and with WPSB Witnesses
OCA Circular No. 56-92, issued on October 5, 1992, directs judges across various trial courts in the Philippines to expedite the resolution of criminal cases involving detention prisoners and witnesses under the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit (WPSB) Program. The circular highlights the urgent need to address the backlog of detainees in jails due to slow court processes. Judges are reminded to adhere to the provisions of the WPSB Act, specifically ensuring that cases with WPSB witnesses are processed within three months. Additionally, an inventory of pending cases is mandated to prioritize those involving detention prisoners and WPSB witnesses for quicker disposition.
Law Information
- Reference Number
- OCA Circular No. 56-92
- Date Enacted
- Category
- Supreme Court Issuances
- Subcategory
- Office of the Court Administrator Circulars
- Jurisdiction
- Philippines
- Enacting Body
- Congress of the Philippines
Full Law Text
October 5, 1992
OCA CIRCULAR NO. 56-92
| TO | : | All Judges of the Regional Trial Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts |
| SUBJECT | : | Speedy Disposition of Criminal Cases with Detention Prisoners and with Witness Protection, Security and Benefit (WPSB) Witnesses |
The attention of this Court was invited by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Committee of the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program, Department of Justice, Manila, on the alarming number of detainees/prisoners in the City and Municipal Jails nationwide, due to slow disposition of criminal cases pending in our courts.
In order to minimize the delay in resolving cases, all judges are enjoined to act promptly on cases pending in their respective salas, particularly, criminal cases involving detention prisoners, pursuant to the mandate of Administrative Circular No. 4, dated September 22, 1988. Furthermore, you are hereby directed to faithfully observe Section 9 of RA 6981, Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act (WPSB), which provides:
"Section 9. Speedy Hearing or Trial. — In any case where a Witness admitted into the Program shall testify, the judicial or quasi-judicial body or investigating authority shall assure a speedy hearing or trial and shall endeavor to finish said processing within three (3) months from the filing of the case."
On this account, inventory of court dockets is hereby directed to determine the number of pending cases with detention prisoners and wherein WPSB witnesses are presently testifying and to give said cases preferential attention.
Strict observance is enjoined.
October 5, 1992.
(SGD.) ERNANI CRUZ PAÑOCourt Administrator
Cite This Law
Speedy Disposition of Criminal Cases with Detention Prisoners and with WPSB Witnesses, OCA Circular No. 56-92, Oct 5, 1992 (Philippines)
Speedy Disposition of Criminal Cases with Detention Prisoners and with WPSB Witnesses, OCA Circular No. 56-92 (Phil. 1992)
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