BAIL Feliciano v. Pasciolan, 2 SCRA 888 (1961) (EB) Who may apply for bail? The constitutional an!

ate that all "e#sons shall $e%o#e conviction $e $aila$le e&ce" t those cha#'e! (ith ca"ital o%%enses (hen evi!ence o% 'uilt is st#on', is su$)ect to the li itation that the "e#son a""l*in' %o# $ail shoul! $e in the custo!* o% the la(, o# othe#(ise !e"#ive! o% his li$e#t*. The "u#"ose o% $ail is to secu#e one+s #elease an! it (oul! $e incon'#uous to '#ant $ail to one (ho is %#ee. (Facts, -n the instant case, the "etitione# u"on lea#nin' that an a en!e! in%o# ation cha#'in' hi an! seventeen othe#s (ith the c#i e o% .i!na""in' (ith u#!e# ha! $een %ile!, an! that a (a##ant %o# his a##est ha! $een issue!, i e!iatel* (ent into hi!in' an! until no( is at la#'e. /ithout su##en!e#in' hi sel%, he %ile! the otion in (hich he as.s that the cou#t %i& the a ount o% the $ail $on! %o# his #elease "en!in' t#ial. -t is, the#e%o#e, clea# that the "etitione# is a %#ee an an! is un!e# the )u#is"#u!ence not entitle! to a! ission to $ail.) 0illase o# v. A$a o, 1.R. 2o. 3425699, Se"te $e# 29, 1967 (EB) What is the principal factor considered in bail fixing? -n $ail %i&in', 8the "#inci"al %acto# consi!e#e!, to the !ete# ination o% (hich ost othe# %acto#s a#e !i#ecte!, is the "#o$a$ilit* o% the a""ea#ance o% the accuse!, o# o% his %li'ht to avoi! "unish ent.9 Who has discretion in question on bail and what is the limit? :isc#etion, in!ee!, is (ith the cou#t calle! u"on to #ule on the ;uestion o% $ail. <o(eve#, (he#e con!itions i "ose! u"on a !e%en!ant see.in' $ail (oul! a ount to a #e%usal the#eo% an! #en!e# nu'ato#* the constitutional #i'ht to $ail, (e (ill not hesitate to e&e#cise ou# su"e#viso#* "o(e#s to "#ovi!e the #e;ui#e! #e e!*. :e%enso#4Santia'o v. 0as;ue=, 217 SCRA 665 (1995)> What is the effect of posting a bail bond? Postin' o% $ail $on!, she hol!s he#sel% a ena$le at all ti es to the o#!e#s an! "#ocesses o% the cou#t. -t (ill $e #ecalle! that "etitione# has "oste! $ail (hich (e have !ecla#e! le'all* vali! an! co "lete !es"ite the a$sence o% "etitione# at the ti e o% %ilin' the#eo%, $* #eason o% the "eculia# ci#cu stances an! '#oun!s he#ein$e%o#e enunciate! an! (hich (a##ant a #ela&ation o% the a%o#e4cite! !oct#ine in Feliciano. Pe#%o#ce, since un!e# the o$li'ations assu e! $* "etitione# in he# $ail $on! she hol!s he#sel% a ena$le at all ti es to the o#!e#s an! "#ocesses o% the cou#t, she a* le'all* $e "#ohi$ite! %#o leavin' the count#* !u#in' the "en!enc* o% the case. -t has $een hel! that (he#e a%te# the %ilin' o% the co "laint o# in%o# ation a (a##ant %o# the a##est o% the accuse! is issue! $* the t#ial cou#t an! the accuse! eithe# volunta#il* su$ itte! hi sel% to the cou#t o# (as !ul* a##este!, the cou#t the#e$* ac;ui#es )u#is!iction ove# the "e#son o% the accuse!. The volunta#* a""ea#ance o% the accuse!, (he#e$* the cou#t ac;ui#es )u#is!iction ove# his "e#son, is acco "lishe! eithe# $* his "lea!in' to the e#its (such as $* %ilin' a otion to ;uash o# othe# "lea!in's #e;ui#in' the e&e#cise o% the cou#t+s )u#is!iction the#eove#, a""ea#in' %o# a##ai'n ent, ente#in' t#ial) o# $* %ilin' $ail. ?n the atte# o% $ail, since the sa e is inten!e! to o$tain the "#ovisional li$e#t* o% the accuse!, as a #ule the sa e cannot $e "oste! $e%o#e custo!* o% the accuse! has $een ac;ui#e! $* the )u!icial autho#ities eithe# $* his a##est o# volunta#* su##en!e#.

@i#an!a v. Tuliao, A86 SCRA 577 (2BB6) Differentiate custody of the law from !urisdiction o"er person of the accused ?

?u# "#onounce ent in Santia'o sho(s a !istinction $et(een custo!* o% the la( an! )u#is!iction ove# the "e#son. Custo!* o% the la( is #e;ui#e! $e%o#e the cou#t can act u"on the a""lication %o# $ail, $ut is not #e;ui#e! %o# the a!)u!ication o% othe# #elie%s sou'ht $* the !e%en!ant (he#e the e#e a""lication the#e%o# constitutes a (aive# o% the !e%ense o% lac. o% )u#is!iction ove# the "e#son o% the accuse!. Custo!* o% the la( is acco "lishe! eithe# $* a##est o# volunta#* su##en!e#, (hile )u#is!iction ove# the "e#son o% the accuse! is ac;ui#e! u"on his a##est o# volunta#* a""ea#ance. ?ne can $e un!e# the custo!* o% the la( $ut not *et su$)ect to the )u#is!iction o% the cou#t ove# his "e#son, such as (hen a "e#son a##este! $* vi#tue o% a (a##ant %iles a otion $e%o#e a##ai'n ent to ;uash the (a##ant. ?n the othe# han!, one can $e su$)ect to the )u#is!iction o% the cou#t ove# his "e#son, an!

*et not $e in the custo!* o% the la(, such as (hen an accuse! esca"es custo!* a%te# his t#ial has co ence!. Bein' in the custo!* o% the la( si'ni%ies #est#aint on the "e#son, (ho is the#e$* !e"#ive! o% his o(n (ill an! li$e#t*, $in!in' hi to $eco e o$e!ient to the (ill o% the la(. Custo!* o% the la( is lite#all* custo!* ove# the $o!* o% the accuse!. -t inclu!es, $ut is not li ite! to, !etention. What is the signficance of this distinction? as a 'ene#al #ule, one (ho see.s an a%%i# ative #elie% is !ee e! to have su$ itte! to the )u#is!iction o% the cou#t. As (e hel! in the a%o#ecite! case o% Santia'o, see.in' an a%%i# ative #elie% in cou#t, (hethe# in civil o# c#i inal "#ocee!in's, constitutes volunta#* a""ea#ance. Custo!* o% the la( is #e;ui#e! $e%o#e the cou#t can act u"on the a""lication %o# $ail, $ut is not #e;ui#e! %o# the a!)u!ication o% othe# #elie%s sou'ht $* the !e%en!ant (he#e the e#e a""lication the#e%o# constitutes a (aive# o% the !e%ense o% lac. o% )u#is!iction ove# the "e#son o% the accuse!. A "e#son a""l*in' %o# a! ission to $ail ust $e in the custo!* o% the la( o# othe#(ise !e"#ive! o% his li$e#t*. A "e#son (ho has not su$ itte! hi sel% to the )u#is!iction o% the cou#t has no #i'ht to invo.e the "#ocesses o% that cou#t. When is !urisdiction o"er person of the accused deemed wai"ed? To #eca"itulate (hat (e have !iscusse! so %a#, in c#i inal cases, )u#is!iction ove# the "e#son o% the accuse! is !ee e! (aive! $* the accuse! (hen he %iles an* "lea!in' see.in' an a%%i# ative #elie%, e&ce" t in cases (hen he invo.es the s"ecial )u#is!iction o% the cou#t $* i "u'nin' such )u#is!iction ove# his "e#son. The#e%o#e, in na##o( cases involvin' s"ecial a""ea#ances, an accuse! can invo.e the "#ocesses o% the cou#t even thou'h the#e is neithe# )u#is!iction ove# the "e#son no# custo!* o% the la(. <o(eve#, i% a "e#son invo.in' the s"ecial )u#is!iction o% the cou#t a""lies %o# $ail, he ust %i#st su$ it hi sel% to the custo!* o% the la(. -n cases not involvin' the so4calle! s"ecial a""ea#ance, the 'ene#al #ule a""lies, i.e., the accuse! is !ee e! to have su$ itte! hi sel% to the )u#is!iction o% the cou#t u"on see.in' a%%i# ative #elie%. 2ot(ithstan!in' this, the#e is no #e;ui#e ent %o# hi to $e in the custo!* o% the la(. Co#tes v. Cat#al, 279 SCRA 1 (1997)> What is the rationale of bail? Bail is a(a#!e! to the accuse! to hono# the "#esu "tion o% innocence until his 'uilt is "#oven $e*on! #easona$le !ou$t, an! to ena$le hi to "#e"a#e his !e%ense (ithout $ein' su$)ect to "unish ent "#io# to conviction.CBail is the secu#it* #e;ui#e! $* the cou#t an! 'iven $* the accuse! to ensu#e that the accuse! a""ea#s $e%o#e the "#o"e# cou#t at the sche!ule! ti e an! "lace to ans(e# the cha#'es $#ou'ht a'ainst hi o# he#. -t is a(a#!e! to the accuse! to hono# the "#esu "tion o% innocence until his 'uilt is "#oven $e*on! #easona$le !ou$t, an! to ena$le hi to "#e"a#e his !e%ense (ithout $ein' su$)ect to "unish ent "#io# to conviction. Who may apply for bail? 81. -n all cases, (hethe# $ail is a atte# o% #i'ht o# o% !isc#etion, noti%* the "#osecuto# o% the hea#in' o% the a""lication %o# $ail o# #e;ui#e hi to su$ it his #eco en!ation (Section 18, Rule 11A o% the Rules o% Cou#t as a en!e!)> 2. /he#e $ail is a atte# o% !isc#etion, con!uct a hea#in' o% the a""lication %o# $ail #e'a#!less o% (hethe# o# not the "#osecution #e%uses to "#esent evi!ence to sho( that the 'uilt o% the accuse! is st#on' %o# the "u#"ose o% ena$lin' the cou#t to e&e#cise its soun! !isc#etion (Sections 7 an! 8)> 5. :eci!e (hethe# the 'uilt o% the accuse! is st#on' $ase! on the su a#* o% evi!ence o% the "#osecution> A. -% the 'uilt o% the accuse! is not st#on', !ischa#'e the accuse! u"on the a""#oval o% the $ail$on! (Section 19). ?the#(ise, the "etition shoul! $e !enie!.9

Peo"le v. @anallo, ABB SCRA 129 (2BB5)> What additional purpose does a bail ser"e? A $ail a""lication !oes not onl* involve the #i'ht o% the accuse! to te "o#a#* li$e#t*, $ut li.e(ise the #i'ht o% the State to "#otect the "eo"le an! the "eace o% the co unit* %#o !an'e#ous ele ents t(o #i'hts (hich ust $e $alance! $* a a'ist#ate in the scale o% )ustice, hence, the necessit* %o# hea#in' to 'ui!e his e&e#cise o% )u#is!iction.C-n this case, the a""ellant %ile! his otion %o# $ail on @a* 8, 1992. The#e (as no s"eci%ic !ate an! ti e %o# the hea#in' o% sai! otion. An! *et, on the sa e !a* that the otion (as %ile!, the t#ial cou#t '#ante! the sai! otion an! %i&e! the $ail $on! %o# the "#ovisional li$e#t* o% the a""ellant in the a ount o% P6B,BBB.BB (ithout an* %actual $asis the#e%o# state! in the o#!e#. Even (hen the "u$lic "#osecuto# "#a*e! the cou#t on Dune 17, 1992, %o# the cancellation o% the "#o"e#t* $on! o% the a""ellant on the '#oun! that the t#ial cou#t '#ante! his otion %o# $ail (ithout even a%%o#!in' the "#osecution a chance to $e hea#! the#eon an! a!!uce its evi!ence in o""osition the#eto, the t#ial cou#t hel! in a$e*ance #esolution the#eo% an! even allo(e! the a""ellant to #e ain %#ee on his $on! in the a ount o% onl* P6B,BBB.BB. Patentl*, the "#osecution (as !e"#ive! o% its #i'ht to !ue "#ocess. -n 1o vs. Du!'e Bon'olan, et al., this Cou#t e "hasi=e! that, A $ail a""lication !oes not onl* involve the #i'ht o% the accuse! to te "o#a#* li$e#t*, $ut li.e(ise the #i'ht o% the State to "#otect the "eo"le an! the "eace o% the co unit* %#o !an'e#ous ele ents. These t(o #i'hts ust $e $alance! $* a a'ist#ate in the scale o% )ustice, hence, the necessit* %o# hea#in' to 'ui!e his e&e#cise o% )u#is!iction. The "#esi!in' )u!'e o% the t#ial cou#t thus e&"ose! his '#oss i'no#ance o% the la(. As a conse;uence, the a""ellant )u "e! $ail an! ana'e! to elu!e a##est %o# si& *ea#s, to the "#e)u!ice o% the a! inist#ation o% )ustice. Peo"le v. 2itcha, 2AB SCR What is the effect of posting a bail on questioning legality of warrest on the ground that there was no preliminary in"estigation? ?n the assu "tion that accuse!4. a""ellant+s a##est (as ille'al %o# (ant o% "#eli ina#* investi'ation, such h*"othesis (as nonetheless ne'ate! $* accuse!4 a""ellant+s act o% "ostin' a $ail $on!, a"a#t %#o the %act that he ente#e! a "lea o% not 'uilt* (hich is tanta ount to %o#e'oin' the #i'ht to ;uestion the assu e! i##e'ula#it*. Peo"le v. :onato, 198 SCRA 15B (1991)> What determines which offense is bailable? The "enalt*. What is a non#bailable offense? Those (ith ca"ital "unish ent, #eclusion "e#"etua o# li%e i "#ison ent. Is rebellion a bailable offense? Ees. Penalt* is "#ision no( "unisha$le $* #eclusion "e#"etua). a*o# (un!e# ol! la(> note that un!e# ne( la(, it is

When is bail a matter of right$ and when is it a matter of discretion? $e%o#e conviction $ail is eithe# a atte# o% #i'ht o# o% !isc#etion. -t is a atte# o% #i'ht (hen the o%%ense cha#'e! is "unisha$le $* an* "enalt* lo(e# than #eclusion "e#"etua. To that e&tent the #i'ht is a$solute. F"on the othe# han!, i% the o%%ense cha#'e! is "unisha$le $* #eclusion "e#"etua $ail $eco es a atte# o% !isc#etion. -t shall $e !enie! i% the evi!ence o% 'uilt is st#on'. The cou#t+s !isc#etion is li ite! to !ete# inin' (hethe# o# not evi!ence o% 'uilt is st#on'. But once it is !ete# ine! that the evi!ence o% 'uilt is not st#on', $ail also $eco es a atte# o% #i'ht. %ay the accused apply for bail e"en when pri"ilege of writ of habeas corpus is suspended? Ees. Sanctione! $* the 1987 Constitution. When does the prosection ha"e right to present e"idence for denial of bail? "#osecution !oes not have the #i'ht to "#esent evi!ence %o# the !enial o% $ail in the instances (he#e $ail is a atte# o% #i'ht. <o(eve#, in the cases (he#e the '#ant o% $ail is !isc#etiona#*, !ue "#ocess #e;ui#es that the "#osecution ust $e 'iven an o""o#tunit* to "#esent, (ithin a #easona$le ti e, all the evi!ence that it a* !esi#e to int#o!uce $e%o#e the cou#t shoul! #esolve the otion %o# $ail. %ay the right to bail be wai"ed? Ees. -t is a #i'ht (hich is "e#sonal to the accuse! an! (hose (aive# (oul! not $e cont#a#* to la(, "u$lic o#!e#, "u$lic "olic*, o#als, o# 'oo! custo s, o# "#e)u!icial to a thi#! "e#son (ith a #i'ht #eco'ni=e! $* la(.

When may the accused wai"e his right to bail$ as in this case? /hen he a'#ees to #e ain in le'al custo!*. 3avi!es v. Cou#t o% A""eals, 1.R. 2o. 12967B, Fe$u#a#* 1, 2BBB> When should bail be granted? -n cases (he#e it is autho#i=e!, $ail shoul! $e '#ante! $e%o#e a##ai'n ent, othe#(ise the accuse! a* $e "#eclu!e! %#o %ilin' a otion to ;uash.C-n the %i#st "lace, as the t#ial cou#t itsel% ac.no(le!'e!, in cases (he#e it is autho#i=e!, $ail shoul! $e '#ante! $e%o#e a##ai'n ent, othe#(ise the accuse! a* $e "#eclu!e! %#o %ilin' a A 285 (1996) otion to ;uash. Fo# i% the in%o# ation is ;uashe! an! the case is !is isse!, the#e (oul! then $e no nee! %o# the a##ai'n ent o% the accuse!. -n the secon! "lace, the t#ial cou#t coul! ensu#e the "#esence o% "etitione# at the a##ai'n ent "#ecisel* $* '#antin' $ail an! o#!e#in' his "#esence at an* sta'e o% the "#ocee!in's, such as a##ai'n ent. Fn!e# Rule 11A, G2($) o% the Rules on C#i inal P#oce!u#e, one o% the con!itions o% $ail is that 8the accuse! shall a""ea# $e%o#e the "#o"e# cou#t (heneve# so #e;ui#e! $* the cou#t o# these Rules,9 (hile un!e# Rule 116, G1($) the "#esence o% the accuse! at the a##ai'n ent is #e;ui#e!. Why is it not good to ma&e arraignment a pre#requisite to bail? To con!ition the '#ant o% $ail to an accuse! on his a##ai'n ent (oul! $e to "lace hi in a "osition (he#e he has to choose $et(een (1) %ilin' a otion to ;uash an! thus !ela* his #elease on $ail $ecause until his otion to ;uash can $e #esolve!, his a##ai'n ent cannot $e hel!, an! (2) %o#e'oin' the %ilin' o% a otion to ;uash so that he can $e a##ai'ne! at once an! the#ea%te# $e #elease! on $ail. These scena#ios ce#tainl* un!e# ine the accuse!+s constitutional #i'ht not to $e "ut on t#ial e&ce"t u"on vali! co "laint o# in%o# ation su%%icient to cha#'e hi (ith a c#i e an! his #i'ht to $ail. What should be a condition for bail? That non4a""ea#ance in the t#ial is a (aive# o% his #i'ht to a""ea#, an! t#ial (ill "#ocee! in a$sentia. Fo# anothe# con!ition o% $ail un!e# Rule 11A, G2(c) is that 8The %ailu#e o% the accuse! to a""ea# at the t#ial (ithout )usti%ication !es"ite !ue notice to hi o# his $on!s an shall $e !ee e! an e&"#ess (aive# o% his #i'ht to $e "#esent on the !ate s"eci%ie! in the notice. -n such case, t#ial shall "#ocee! in a$sentia.9 What is the effect of the in"alid condition on the bail$ that arraignment is required? Althou'h a con!ition %o# the '#ant o% $ail to an accuse! is invali!, it !oes not %ollo( that his a##ai'n ent an! the su$se;uent "#ocee!in's a'ainst hi a#e invali!. Se#a"io v. San!i'an$a*an, 596 SCRA AA5 (2BB5)> When should a person apply for bail? Fo# (hen $ail is a atte# o% #i'ht, an accuse! a* a""l* %o# an! $e '#ante! $ail even "#io# to a##ai'n ent. The #ulin' in 3avi!es also i "lies that an a""lication %o# $ail in a case involvin' an o%%ense "unisha$le $* #eclusion "e#"etua to !eath a* also $e hea#! even $e%o#e an accuse! is a##ai'ne!. Fu#the#, i% the cou#t %in!s in such case that the accuse! is entitle! to $ail $ecause the evi!ence a'ainst hi is not st#on', he a* $e '#ante! "#ovisional li$e#t* even "#io# to a##ai'n ent> %o# in such a situation, $ail (oul! $e 8autho#i=e!9 un!e# the ci#cu stances. The a##ai'n ent o% an accuse! is not a "#e#e;uisite to the con!uct o% hea#in's on his "etition %o# $ail. A "e#son is allo(e! to "etition %o# $ail as soon as he is !e"#ive! o% his li$e#t* $* vi#tue o% his a##est o# volunta#* su##en!e#. An accuse! nee! not (ait %o# his a##ai'n ent $e%o#e %ilin' a "etition %o# $ail. Teehan.ee v. :i#ecto# o% P#isons, 76 Phil. 766 (19A6)> Who is entitled to bail? Fn!e# the Constitution, all "e#sons, (ithout !istinction, (hethe# % o# all* cha#'e! o# not *et so cha#'e! (ith an* c#i inal o%%ense, Hshall $e%o#e conviction $e $aila$le,H the onl* e&ce"tion $ein' (hen the cha#'e is %o# a ca"ital o%%ense an! the cou#t %in!s that the evi!ence o% 'uilt is st#on'.

When is bail discretionary? What is the scope of that discretion? Ca"ital o%%enses a#e $aila$le, in the !isc#etion o% the cou#t, $e%o#e conviction. An! such !isc#etion has no othe# #e%e#ence than to the !ete# ination as to (hethe# o# not the evi!ence o% 'uilt is st#on'. What are the steps when bail is discretionary? F"on the $asis o% constitutional, le'al an! #e'le enta#* "#ovisions co $ine! (ith (ell4.no(n "#inci"les o% "#actice an! "#oce!u#e, the Peo"leIs Cou#t shoul! %ollo( these ste"s> (1) -n ca"ital cases li.e the "#esent, (hen the "#osecuto# !oes not o""ose the "etition %o# #elease on $ail, the cou#t shoul!, as a 'ene#al #ule, in the "#o"e# e&e#cise o% its !isc#etion, '#ant the #elease a%te# a""#oval o% the $ail (hich it shoul! %i& %o# the "u#"ose> (2) $ut i% the cou#t has #easons to $elieve that the s"ecial "#osecuto#Is attitu!e is not )usti%ie!, it a* as. hi ;uestions to asce#tain the st#en'th o% the stateIs evi!ence o# to )u!'e the a!e;uac* o% the a ount o% $ail> (5) (hen, ho(eve#, the s"ecial "#osecuto# #e%uses to ans(e# an*"a#ticula# ;uestion on the '#oun! that the ans(e# a* involve a !isclosu#e i "e#ilin' the success o% the "#osecution o# )eo"a#!i=in' the "u$lic inte#est, the cou#t a* not co "el hi to !o so, i% an! (hen he e&hi$its a state ent to that e%%ect o% the Solicito# 1ene#al (ho, as hea! o% the ?%%ice o% S"ecial P#osecuto#s, is veste! (ith the !i#ection an! cont#ol o% the "#osecution, an! a* not, even at the t#ial, $e o#!e#e! $* the cou#t to "#esent evi!ence (hich he !oes not (ant to int#o!uceC"#ovi!e!, o% cou#se, that such #e%usal shall not "#e)u!ice the #i'hts o% the !e%en!ant o# !etainee. What is the general effect when prosecutor declines to oppose application on bail? Release o% "e#son in custo!*. 'ow is !udicial discretion limited in granting(denying discretionary bail? (1) Constitution an! statute, (2) Rules o% "#oce!u#e, an! (5) Ri'ht an! )ustice. Peo"le v. San :ie'o, 26 SCRA 622 (1988)> 'ow is !udicial discretion limited in granting(denying discretionary bail? The cou#tIs !isc#etion to '#ant $ail in ca"ital o%%enses ust $e e&e#cise! in the li'ht o% a su a # * o % th e evi!ence "#esente! $* the "#osecution> othe#(ise, it (oul! $e uncont#olle! an! i'ht $e ca"#icious o# (hi sical. <ence, the cou#tIs o#!e# '#antin' o# #e%usin' $ail ust contain a su a#* o% the evi!ence %o# the "#osecution %ollo(e! $* its conclusion (hethe# o# not the evi!ence o% 'uilt is st#on'. ?ca "o v. Be#na$e, 77 Phil. 66 (19A6)> What is required to control discretion in discretionary bail? The !ete# ination o% (hethe# o# not the evi!ence o% 'uilt is st#on' is a atte# o% )u!icial !isc#etion. This !isc#etion, $* the ve#* natu#e o% thin's, a* #i'htl* $e e&e#cise! onl* a%te#4 the evi!ence is su$ itte! to the cou#t at the hea#in'. Since the !isc#etion is !i#ecte! to the (ei'ht o% evi!ence an! since evi!ence cannot "#o"e#l* $e !isc#etion #e;ui#es that the evi!ence o% 'uilt $e su$ itte! to the cou#t, the "etitione# havin' the #i'ht o% c#oss4 e&a ination an! to int#o!uce his o(n evi!ence in #e$uttal. @e#e a%%i!avits o# #ecital o% thei# contents a#e not su%%icient since the* a#e e#e hea#sa* evi!ence, unless the "etitione# %ails to o$)ect the#eto. Sia=on v. Du!'e, A SCRA 18A (1971)> Differentiate a hearing for purposes of petition for bail "s) trial on the merits* The hea#in' shoul! $e su a#* o# othe#(ise in the !isc#etion o% the cou#t. A su a#* hea#in' eans such $#ie% an! s"ee!* etho! o% #eceivin' an! consi!e#in' the evi!ence o% 'uilt as is "#actica$le an! consistent (ith the "u#"ose o% the hea#in' (hich is e#el* to !ete# ine the (ei'ht o% the evi!ence %o# "u#"oses o% $ail. ?n such hea#in', the cou#t !oes not sit to t#* the e#its o# to ente# into an* nice in;ui#* as to the (ei'ht that ou'ht to $e allo(e! to the evi!ence %o# o# a'ainst accuse!, no# (ill it s"eculate on the outco e o% the t#ial o# on (hat %u#the# evi!ence a* $e the#ein o%%e#e! an! a! itte!. The cou#se o% the in;ui#* a* $e le%t to the !isc#etion o% the cou#t (hich a* con%ine itsel% to #eceivin' such evi!ence as has #e%e#ence to su$stantial atte#s, avoi!in' unnecessa#* tho#ou'hness in the e&a ination an! c#oss4 e&a ination o% (itnesses an! #e!ucin' to a #easona$le ini u at the a ount o% co##o$o#ation "a#ticula#l* on !etails that a#e not essential to the

"u#"oses o% the hea#in'. @a olo v. 2a#isi a, 262 SCRA 615 (1996)> What is the basis of the !udge in determining whether e"idence is wea& or strong$ for purpose of granting bail? The "#oce!u#e o% con!uctin' a hea#in' on the a""lication %o# a! ission to $ail shoul! "#ovi!e the $asis %o# )u!'es to !ete# ine (hethe# the "#osecution+s evi!ene is (ea. o# st#on'. -n the case at $ench, (hile #es"on!ent con!ucte! a hea#in' on Bala'ot+s "etition %o# $ail such "#ocee!in' !i! not elicit evi!ence %#o the "#osecution to 'ui!e #es"on!ent in the "#o"e# !ete# ination o% the "etition. What is the duty of the !udge under such proceeding? -n a $ail hea#in' the )u!'e is un!e# le'al o$li'ation to #eceive evi!ence (ith the vie( o% !ete# inin' (hethe# evi!ence o% 'uilt is so st#on' as to (a##ant !enial o% $ail. Co#tes v. Cat#al, 279 SCRA 1 (1997)> What are the duties of trial !udge in bail applications? 1. -n all cases, (hethe# $ail is a atte# o% #i'ht o# o% !isc#etion, noti%* the "#osecuto# o% the hea#in' o% the a""lication %o# $ail o# #e;ui#e hi to su$ it his #eco en!ation (Section 18, Rule 11A o% the Rules o% Cou#t as a en!e!)> 2. /he#e $ail is a atte# o% !isc#etion, con!uct a hea#in' o% the a""lication %o# $ail #e'a#!less o% (hethe# o# not the "#osecution #e%uses to "#esent evi!ence to sho( that the 'uilt o% the accuse! is st#on' %o# the "u#"ose o% ena$lin' the cou#t to e&e#cise its soun! !isc#etion (Sections 7 an! 8)> 5. :eci!e (hethe# the 'uilt o% the accuse! is st#on' $ase! on the su a#* o% evi!ence o% the "#osecution> (ei'he! i% not !ul* e&hi$ite! o# "#o!uce! $e%o#e the cou#t, it is o$vious that a "#o"e# e&e#cise o% )u!icial A. -% the 'uilt o% the accuse! is not st#on', !ischa#'e the accuse! u"on the a""#oval o% the $ail$on! (Section 19). ?the#(ise, the "etition shoul! $e !enie!.9 Peo"le v. Tu""al, 596 SCRA 72 (2BB5)> Differentiate a hearing for purposes of petition for bail "s) trial on the merits* A""ellant also conten!s that since the t#ial cou#t ha! hel! !u#in' the $ail hea#in' that the "#osecution evi!ence (as (ea., it is esto""e! %#o #en!e#in' a cont#a#* #ulin' a%te# the t#ial. The ?%%ice o% the Solicito# 1ene#al counte#s that %in!in's o% the t#ial cou#t !u#in' the $ail hea#in' (e#e $ut a "#eli ina#* a""#aisal o% the st#en'th o% the "#osecution+s evi!ence %o# the li ite! "u#"ose o% !ete# inin' (hethe# a""ellant is entitle! to $e #elease! on $ail !u#in' the "en!enc* o% the t#ial. <ence, (e a'#ee (ith the ?S1 that sai! %in!in's shoul! not $e const#ue! as an i uta$le evaluation o% the "#osecution+s evi!ence. -t is settle! that the assess ent o% the "#osecution evi!ence "#esente! !u#in' $ail hea#in's in ca"ital o%%enses is "#eli ina#* an! inten!e! onl* %o# the "u#"ose o% '#antin' o# !en*in' a""lications %o# the "#ovisional #elease o% the accuse!. En#ile v. Pe#e=, 1.R. 2o. 1A7786 (#esolution o% the Su"#e e Cou#t En $anc !ate! @a* 6,2BB1) :ela Ca a#a v. Ena'e, A1 SCRA 1 (1971)> What is excessi"e bail? What is the purpose of its proscription? /he#e the #i'ht to $ail e&ists, it shoul! not $e #en!e#e! nu'ato#* $* #e;ui#in' a su that is e&cessive. So the Constitu4 tion co an!s. -t is un!e#stan!a$le (h*. -% the#e (e#e no such "#ohi$ition, the #i'ht to $ail $eco es eanin'less. -t (oul! have $een o#e %o#th#i'ht i% no ention o% such a 'ua#antee (e#e %oun! in the %un!a ental la(. -t is not to $e lost si'ht o% that the Fnite! States Constitution li its itsel% to a "#ohi$ition a'ainst e&cessive $ail. As const#ue! in the latest A e#ican !ecision, 8the sole "e# issi$le %unction o% one* $ail is to assu#e the accuse!+s "#esence at t#ial, an! !ecla#e! that J$ail set at a hi'he# %i'u#e than an a ount #easona$l* calculate! to %ul%ill this "u#"ose is 8e&cessive9 un!e# the Ei'hth A en! ent.+ 9 +xample of excessi"e bail*

2othin' can $e clea#e#, the#e%o#e, than that the challen'e! o#!e# o% Au'ust 1B, 197B %i&in' the a ount o% P1,196,2BB.BB as the $ail that shoul! $e "oste! $* "etitione#, the su o% P8AB,BBB.BB %o# the in%o# ation cha#'in' ulti"le u#!e#, the#e $ein' %ou#teen victi s, an! the su o% P566,2BB.BB %o# the othe# o%%ense o% ulti"le %#ust#ate! u#!e#, the#e $ein' t(elve victi s, is clea#l* violative o% this constitutional "#ovision. Fn!e# the ci#cu stances, the#e $ein' onl* t(o o%%enses cha#'e!, the a ount #e;ui#e! as $ail coul! not "ossi$l* e&cee! P6B,BBB.BB %o# the in%o# ation %o# u#!e# an! P26,BBB.BB %o# the othe# in%o# ation %o# %#ust#ate! u#!e#. 2o# shoul! it $e i'no#e! in this case that the :e"a#t ent o% Dustice !i! #eco en! the total su o% PAB,4BBB.BB %o# the t(o o%%enses. 0illase o# v. A$a o, 21 SCRA 521 (1967)> What are guidelines in fixing bail? The 'ui!elines in the %i&in' o% $ail (as the#e su a#i=e!, in the o"inion o% Dustice cha#acte# an! st#en'th o% the evi!ence> (7) "#o$a$ilit* o% the accuse! a""ea#in' in t#ial> (8) %o#%eitu#e o% othe# $on!s> (9) (hethe# the accuse! (as a %u'itive %#o )ustice (hen a##este!> an! (1B) i% the accuse! is un!e# $on! %o# a""ea#ance at t#ial in othe# cases.9 Res"on!ent Du!'e, ho(eve#, !i! i'no#e this !ecisive consi!e#ation a""ea#in' at the en! o% the a$ove o"inion, 8:isc#etion, in!ee!, is (ith the cou#t calle! u"on to #ule on the ;uestion o% $ail. /e ust st#ess, ho(eve#, that (he#e con!itions i "ose! u"on a !e%en!ant see.in' $ail (oul! a ount to a #e%usal the#eo% an! #en!e# nu'ato#* the constitutional #i'ht to $ail, (e (ill not hesi4 tate to e&e#cise ou# su"e#viso#* "o(e#s to "#ovi!e the #e;ui#e! #e e!*.9 Re, An*no ous 3ette#4co "laint a'ainst <on. Ta an', 617 SCRA A28 (2B1B) Where to file the bail bond? The $ail $on! a* $e %ile! eithe# (ith the cou#t (he#e the case is "en!in', o# (ith an* Re'ional T#ial Cou#t (RTC) o% the "lace o% a##est, o# i% no RTC Du!'e is availa$le, (ith an* @et#o"olitan T#ial Cou#t (@eTC) o# @unici"al T#ial Cou#t (@TC) o% the "lace o% a##est. CSection 17 (a), Rule 11A o% the Rules o% Cou#t 'ove#ns the a""#oval o% $ail $on!s %o# c#i inal cases "en!in' outsi!e the )u!'e+s te##ito#ial )u#is!iction, vi=, 8Section 17. Bail, (he#e %ile!.C(a) Bail in the a ount %i&e! a* $e %ile! (ith the cou#t (he#e the case is "en!in', o# in the a$sence o# unavaila$ilit* o% the )u!'e the#eo%, (ith an* #e'ional t#ial )u!'e, et#o"olitan t#ial )u!'e, unici"al t#ial )u!'e, o# unici"al ci#cuit t#ial )u!'e in the "#ovince, cit*, o# unici"alit*. -% the accuse! is a##este! in a "#ovince, cit*, o# unici"alit* othe# than (he#e the case is "en!in', $ail a* also $e %ile! (ith an* Re'ional T#ial Cou#t o% sai! "lace, o# i% no )u!'e the#eo% is availa$le, (ith an* et#o"olitan t#ial )u!'e, unici"al t#ial )u!'e, o# unici"al ci#cuit t#ial )u!'e the#ein. &&& Fn!e# the "#ovision, the $ail $on! a* $e %ile! eithe# (ith the cou#t (he#e thecase is "en!in', o# (ith an* RTC o% the "lace o% a##est, o# i% no RTC Du!'e is availa$le, (ith an* @eTC o# @TC o% the "lace o% a##est. 3eviste vs C.A., 1.R. 2o. 189122. @a#ch 17, 2B1B What is the rationale for bail? Bail, the secu#it* 'iven $* an accuse! (ho is in the custo!* o% the la( %o# his #elease to 'ua#antee his a""ea#ance $e%o#e an* cou#t as a* $e #e;ui#e!, is the ans(e# o% the c#i inal )ustice s*ste to a ve&in' ;uestion, (hat is to $e !one (ith the accuse!, (hose 'uilt has not *et $een "#oven, in the 8!u$ious inte#val,9 o%ten *ea#s lon', $et(een a##est an! %inal a!)u!icationK Bail acts as a #econcilin' echanis to acco o!ate $oth the accuse!+s inte#est in "#et#ial li$e#t* an! societ*+s inte#est in assu#in' the accuse!+s "#esence at t#ial. Is bail pending appeal after con"iction in lower court allowed? ,es) Cthe !enial o% the sa e accuse!+s a""lication %o# $ail "en!in' a""eal on the '#oun! that the evi!ence o% his 'uilt %o# the c#i e cha#'e! is st#on', (oul! unintentionall* $e su''estive o% the outco e o% the a""eale! !ecision o% the lo(e# cou#t.CThe Phili""ine Constitution itsel% e "hasi=es the #i'ht o% an accuse! to $ail (ith the sole e&ce"tion o% those cha#'e! (ith o%%enses "unisha$le $* #eclusion "e#"etua (hen evi!ence o% 'uilt is st#on'. Cases, li.e in the "#esent case, (hen an accuse! is cha#'e! (ith @u#!e# $ut (as convicte! (ith <o ici!e, ean onl* one thin', that the lo(e# cou#t %oun! the evi!ence %o# the c#i e cha#'e! not st#on', hence, the accuse!+s conviction o% a lesse# o%%ense. The#e%o#e, the !enial o% the sa e accuse!+s a""lication %o# $ail "en!in' a""eal on the '#oun! that the evi!ence o% his 'uilt %o# the c#i e cha#'e! is st#on', (oul! unintentionall* $e su''estive o% the outco e o% the a""eale! !ecision o% the lo(e# cou#t. The !isc#etion (hethe# to '#ant the a""lication %o# $ail o# not is 'iven to the CA in cases such as the "#esent one, on the #eason that the sa e a""ellate cou#t can #evie( the %actual %in!in's o% the lo(e# cou#t. <o(eve#, this (ill no lon'e# $e the case

i% a Petition %o# Ce#tio#a#i is %ile! (ith this Cou#t as it is not a t#ie# o% %acts. <ence, the e&istence o% those ;ue#ies $#ou'ht a$out $* the a)o#it* o"inion casts con%usion #athe# than an enli'hten ent on the "#esent case. CThe CA shoul! have a""lie! the "#ovisions o% Section 6, Rule 11A o% the Rules o% Cou#t, (he#ein the a""ellate cou#t is 'iven the !isc#etion to '#ant $ail to the "etitione# a%te# consi!e#in' the enu e#ate! ci#cu 4stances, the "enalt* i "ose! $* the t#ial cou#t havin' e&cee!e! si& *ea#s. Althou'h this Cou#t has hel! that the !isc#etion to e&ten! $ail !u#in' the cou#se o% the a""eal shoul! $e e&e#cise! (ith '#ave caution an! %o# st#on' #easons, consi!e#in' that the accuse! has $een in %act convicte! $* the t#ial cou#t, the set o% ci#cu stances succinctl* "#ovi!e! in Section 6, Rule 11A o% the Rules o% Cou#t shoul! $e consi!e#e!. The sai! set o% ci#cu stances has $een "#ovi!e! as a 'ui!e %o# the e&e#cise o% the a""ellate cou#t+s !isc#etion in '#antin' o# !en*in' the a""lication %o# $ail, "en!in' the a""eal o% an accuse! (ho has $een convicte! o% a c#i e (he#e the "enalt* i "ose! $* the t#ial cou#t is i "#ison ent e&cee!in' si& (6) *ea#s. ?the#(ise, i% it is inten!e! that the sai! !isc#etion $e a$solute, no such set o% ci#cu stances (oul! have $een necessa#il* inclu!e! in the Rules. Thus, i% the "#esent #ulin' o% the CA is u"hel!, an*one (ho has $een cha#'e! (ith a ca"ital o%%ense, o# an o%%ense "unisha$le $* #eclusion "e#"etua o# li%e i "#ison ent $ut convicte! $* the t#ial cou#t o% a lesse# o%%ense, (oul! no lon'e# $e a$le to a""l* %o# $ail "en!in' one+s a""eal. An! $* that "#e ise, the !isc#etion acco#!e! to the a""ellate cou#t in '#antin' o# !en*in' a""lications %o# $ail %o# those (ho have $een convicte! $* the t#ial cou#t (ith i "#ison ent e&cee!in' si& (6) *ea#s as "enalt* (oul! have to $e #en!e#e! nu'ato#* an! the "#ovisions o% Section 6, Rule 11A o% the 2BBB Revise! Rules o% C#i inal P#oce!u#e (oul! also $e #en!e#e! useless. Sanche=, as %ollo(s, 8(1) a$ilit* o% the accuse! to 'ive $ail> (2) natu#e o% the o%%ense> (5) "enalt* %o# the o%%ense cha#'e!> (A) cha#acte# an! #e"utation o% the accuse!> (6) health o% the accuse!> (