Ludong

,
Balatong
, and
Labong
were charged with murder. After trial, the courtannounced that the case was considered submitted for
decision. Subsequently,the Clerk of Court issued the notices of promulgation of judgment which
wereduly received. On promulgation day,
Ludong
and his lawyer appeared. helawyers of
Balatong
and
Labong
appeared but without their clients and failed tosatisfactorily e!plain their absence when queried by
the court. hus, the judgeordered the Clerk of Court to proceed with the reading of the
judgmentconvicting all the accused. "ith respect to
Balatong
and
Labong
, the judgeordered that the judgment be entered in the criminal docket and copies befurnished
their lawyers. he lawyers of
Ludong
,
Balatong
, and
Labong
#ledwithin the reglementary period a $oint %otion for &econsideration. he courtfavorably
granted the motion of
Ludong
downgrading his conviction