OCA Circular No. 95-07, issued on October 3, 2007, directs all Regional Trial Court judges and clerks to strictly observe and implement Section 87, Paragraph 3, Article X of Republic Act No. 9165, known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This provision mandates that fines imposed by the courts must be remitted to the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) within 30 days of the finality of court decisions or orders. The circular emphasizes the importance of compliance to ensure adequate funding for the operations of the DDB and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). The Court Administrator, Christopher O. Lock, reinforces this directive to improve the enforcement of the law.
October 3, 2007
OCA CIRCULAR NO. 95-07
| TO | : | All Judges and Clerks of Court of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) |
| SUBJECT | : | Strict Observance and Implementation of Section 87, Paragraph 3, Article X of Republic Act No. 9165 Otherwise Known as "The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002" |
The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) of the Office of the President has called the attention of this Office regarding the various reports submitted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other authorized law enforcement units stating that despite finality of decisions or orders handed down by the Regional Trial Courts, the Board has yet to receive any amount representing fines imposed by said Courts pursuant to Paragraph 3 of Section 87, Article X of Republic Act No. 9165, quoted hereunder as follows: HCETDS
"SEC. 87. Appropriations. — . . .
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'The fines shall be remitted to the Board by the court imposing such fines within thirty (30) days from the finality of its decisions or orders. (Emphasis supplied) . . ."
Henceforth, you are hereby REMINDED and DIRECTED to strictly comply with the above-mentioned provision of the law, all for purposes of augmenting the funds necessary for the operations of the DDB and the PDEA.
For your information and guidance.
(SGD.) CHRISTOPHER O. LOCKCourt Administrator