Source: https://www.scribd.com/document/278119631/Ruby-Rose-Case
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 16:27:13+00:00

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Montero and the People filed separate motions for reconsideration.
Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure.
without their orders. Judge Docena denied the motion in his order of December 29. and Associate Justice Priscilla J. December 29. Montero has not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.According to Judge Docena.10 cralawlawlibrary The CA’s Decision On May 22. The petition sought the annulment of Judge Docena’s orders dated July 30. The principals by inducement are more guilty because. praying that Judge Docena inhibit himself from hearing the case on the ground of bias and prejudice. 2012. Judge Docena further ruled that Montero is qualified to be discharged as a state witness as he does not appear to be the most guilty although he is a principal by direct participation. Jimenez moved for the reconsideration of Judge Docena’s ruling.11 cralawla wlibrary . the crime would have remained undiscovered and unsolved had it not been for Montero’s extrajudicial confession that narrated in detail the manner of the abduction and subsequent murder of Ruby Rose. Baltazar-Padilla) rendered a decision granting Jimenez’ petition. 2010 order. through the ponencia of Associate Justice Agnes Reyes-Carpio (concurred in by Associate Justice Jose C. 2012. could give direct evidence identifying the other coconspirators. and 3) granting Manuel Jimenez III’s alternative motion to suspend the proceedings. and June 29. Jimenez filed a motion for inhibition. As the crime was committed in secret. 8 cralawla wlibrary The December 29. Jr. 2010. 2010. Jimenez responded to these adverse rulings by filing with the CA a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court. 2010 order During the pendency of the motion for reconsideration. 2011. Judge Docena issued an omnibus order: 1) denying the petitioner’s motion for reconsideration of the July 30. the CA’s then Tenth Division. such as Montero. Finally. respectively. 9 cralawla wlibrary The June 29. 2010 order. only one of the coconspirators. 2) denying the petitioner’s motion for reconsideration of the December 29. The petition also prayed for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and a writ of preliminary injunction that the CA both granted in its resolutions of December 8. as his inclusion in the Information was still pending final determination by the Office of the President. 2011 and February 6. Reyes. 2011. 2011 order On June 29. the crime would not have been committed. 2010.
17 The denials prompted both parties to file with this Court the present consolidated petitions for review on certiorari. The CA’s Amended Decision The CA held that Judge Docena did not gravely abuse his discretion in ordering Montero’s discharge to become a state witness because the prosecution had complied with the requirements of Section 17. G. Judge Docena did not commit grave abuse of discretion in largely relying on the recommendation of the prosecution to discharge Montero as a state witness. since the determination of the requirements under Section 17. the CA agreed with Judge Docena that Montero is not the most guilty among the accused because the principals by inducement are more guilty than the principals by direct participation. 209195 (The Jimenez Petition) Jimenez raises the following errors: chanRoblesvirtualLa wlibrary First. on motion for reconsideration filed by the People. it should still be raffled to another sala for trial on the merits to avoid any claim of bias and prejudice.R.However. the CA reversed its earlier ruling and issued an Amended Decision penned by Associate Justice Jose Reyes. To the CA. the CA held that while the case does not call for mandatory inhibition. Rule 119 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure is highly factual in nature. Rule 119 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure.12 cralawlawlibrary First.13 cralawlawlibrary Furthermore. No. this finding is highly factual in nature and it would not interfere with the trial court’s exercise of discretion on factual issues in the absence of showing that the court had acted with grave abuse of discretion. there is no necessity to discharge Montero as a state witness because: 1) the voluntary sworn extrajudicial confessions of Montero are all in the possession of the prosecution which they could readily present in court . Judge Docena acted in accordance with settled jurisprudence when he ruled that there was absolute necessity for the testimony of Montero as no other direct evidence other than his testimony was available.16 cralawla wlibrary Both Jimenez and the People moved for partial reconsideration of the CA’s order but these motions were all denied. Additionally. The Present Petitions I.14 cralawla wlibrary On Judge Docena’s ‘no inhibition’ order.15 cralawlawlibrary The CA likewise dismissed the motion for the issuance of a show cause order which Jimenez filed against Judge Docena.
Montero also never mentioned the presence of a packaging tape wrapped around the head and neck of the recovered cadaver. and not the prosecution. Montero appears to be the most guilty. Montero already executed a notice of withdrawal of consent and testimony which was submitted to the CA.25 cralawlawlibrary Finally. the principal by inducement cannot be made liable. the principal by direct participation can still be held liable and not vice-versa. On the contrary. this statement is belied by the other prosecution witness. 22 cralawla wlibrary Fifth.21 cralawla wlibrary Fourth.without discharging Montero. the Revised Penal Code imputes on the principal by direct participation the heavier guilt. 23 cralawla wlibrary Jimenez further argued that there is no authority supporting the ruling that the principals by inducement are more guilty than the principal by direct participation. Montero’s testimony cannot be substantially corroborated in its material points as the prosecution’s own evidence contradicts his declarations. and the dental and odontological reports of Ruby Rose and the recovered cadaver. the discharge of Montero was irregular because Judge Docena failed to conduct a prior hearing. the cases the CA cited are factually different from the present case. the judge. in Montero’s sinumpaang salaysay. he stated that Ruby Rose was killed by strangulation using a “lubid” but the death certificate stated asphyxia by suffocation and not by strangulation. Jimenez argued that these inconsistencies would require a thorough scrutiny.26 cralawla wlibrary Comment of the People . has the ultimate discretion in ensuring that the requirements under Section 17. one of whom was ordered discharged. and 2) there was unjust favoritism in the discharge of Montero because all the other conspirators are equally knowledgeable of the crime. Chua v. the immediate discharge of Montero as a state witness is suspicious.19 cralawla wlibrary Third. Even if the principal by inducement is acquitted. These inconsistencies include: Montero’s statement that a “busal” was placed inside the mouth of Ruby Rose. Rule 119 are complied with. without the latter’s execution of the crime.24 cralawlawlibrary Sixth. the identification of the cadaver as Ruby Rose is likewise questionable as there are differences in the height. contrary to the CA’s ruling. He was the architect who designed and actively participated in all phases of the alleged crime. hence.18 cralawla wlibrary Second. CA20 should not apply as it deals with two accused.
either under mandatory or voluntary inhibition. argue that the CA’s order to re-raffle the case to another sala is not supported by Section 1. G. notwithstanding the lack of actual hearing. 209215 (The People’s Petition) The People. Rule 137 of the Rules of Court. No. through the Office of the Solicitor General. 36 cralawla wlibrary To disqualify a judge from hearing a case. the material allegations of Montero on the identity of the victim and the manner of her killing were substantially corroborated by the presence of the recovered original steel casing. 2009. He attested and affirmed his statements in his affidavits dated May 18 and June 11.R. 35 cralawla wlibrary II.30 cralawlawlibrary It further maintained that the alleged contradictions between Montero’s statements and other prosecution’s evidence are better resolved during trial and are irrelevant to the issues in the present case.The People argued that Jimenez is now estopped from raising the lack of hearing as an issue since he raised this issue only after Judge Docena granted the motion to discharge and not after Judge Almeyda denied the motion – an action that was favorable to him.31 cralawla wlibrary For purposes of the present case. Judge Docena’s order granting or denying the motion for discharge is in order. the drum containing a cadaver. he narrated in his statements the murder of Ruby Rose and Jimenez’ participation. 33 cralawla wlibrary Reply of Jimenez Jimenez reiterated his allegations in the comment. 29 It added that the availability of the extrajudicial statements in the prosecution’s possession is not a ground to disqualify an accused from being a state witness. and the cadaver’s apparel.27 cralawlawlibrary It also argued that Jimenez actively participated in the proceedings for Montero’s discharge as the trial court received evidence for and against the discharge. 2011 and October 25. the place where it was found. bias and prejudice must be . 28 cralawla wlibrary The People also agreed with the CA’s amended ruling that the requirements for the discharge of an accused as a state witness were complied with. In this light. He added that Montero did not identify or authenticate his sworn statements in support of the motion for his discharge.34 cralawla wlibrary According to Jimenez. the notice of withdrawal of consent and testimony of Montero rendered his discharge as a state witness moot and academic.32 cralawla wlibrary The People observed that Montero had already testified on direct examination on June 28. 2011.
39225MN to another RTC branch for trial on the merits. Judge Docena granted the motion to discharge even though the legal requirements under Section 17.38 A judge’s non-favorable action against the defense is not also necessarily indicative of bias and prejudice. In Jimenez’ bail hearing. Judge Docena has an uncontrolled temper and unexplainable attitude. in a previous case where his fraternity brother appeared as counsel. No. and Whether or not the CA erred in ordering the re-raffle of Criminal Case No. This was improper since other prosecutors were available and other prosecution witnesses could be presented. Judge Docena granted the prosecution’s motion for cancellation of the September 29. too. Rule 119 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure were not factually and legally proven. Judge Docena immediately shouted at Jimenez’ counsel when he made a mistake. 37 cralawlawlibrary Jurisprudence establishes.R. Third. the administrative case filed against Judge Docena is not a ground to disqualify him from hearing the case. Thus. Second. Jimenez enumerated Judge Docena’s acts that allegedly constituted bias and prejudice: chanRoble svirtualLawlibrary First. in the manner being done in cases of voluntary inhibition. Fourth. He also relied on the suggestions and information of the prosecutors thereby surrendering his duty to ensure that the requirements for a discharge are duly complied with. no reason exists for him not to similarly act in the present case where Jimenez is his fraternity brother and State Prosecutor Villanueva was his classmate. 209195 . Judge Docena inhibited himself from hearing the case. that affiliation does not necessarily translate to bias.40 cralawlawlibrary Comment of Jimenez The option for voluntary inhibition does not give judges unlimited discretion to decide whether or not they will desist from hearing a case.proven. THE COURT’S RULING: G.39 cralawlawlibrary Finally.41 cralawla wlibrary The Issues 1) 2) Whether or not the CA erred in ruling that Judge Docena did not commit grave abuse of discretion in granting the motion to discharge Montero as a state witness. 2011 hearing because the state prosecutor would be attending a legal forum.
as where the power is exercised in an arbitrary and despotic manner because of passion or hostility. the abuse must be grave. Said accused has not at any time been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude. The well-settled rule is that a petition for certiorari against a court which has jurisdiction over a case will prosper only if grave abuse of discretion is clear and patent. The burden is on the part of the petitioner to prove not merely reversible error.42 cralawla wlibrary We agree with the CA that the prosecution has complied with the requisites under Section 17. and The trial court is satisfied that: a) b) c) d) e) There is absolute necessity for the testimony of the accused whose discharge is requested. Absolute necessity of the testimony of Montero . Rule 119 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure which provides that: chanRoble svirtualLawlibrary (1 ) (2 ) (3 ) (4 ) (5 ) Two or more accused are jointly charged with the commission of an offense.We agree with the CA’s ruling that Judge Docena did not gravely abuse his discretion when he granted the motion to discharge Montero as a state witness. The testimony of said accused can be substantially corroborated in its material points. (2). We shall discuss these issues separately below. The motion for discharge is filed by the prosecution before it rests its case. and. No issues have been raised with respect to conditions (1). The accused gives his consent to be a state witness. There is no other direct evidence available for the proper prosecution of the offense committed. mere abuse of discretion is not enough. but grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of the public respondent issuing the impugned order. Jurisprudence has defined “grave abuse of discretion” as the capricious and whimsical exercise of judgment so patent and gross as to amount to an evasion of a positive duty or a virtual refusal to perform a duty enjoined by law. except the testimony of said accused. The prosecution is required to present evidence and the sworn statement of each proposed state witness at a hearing in support of the discharge. Notably. Said accused does not appear to be the most guilty. (4). and 5(e). The parties dispute the compliance with conditions (3) and 5(a) to (d) as the issues before us.
He alone is available to provide direct evidence of the crime. That the prosecution could use the voluntary statements of Montero without his discharge as a state witness is not an important and relevant consideration. ruling that his testimony is absolutely necessary to prove conspiracy with his other co-accused. The record justified his discharge as a state witness considering the absolute necessity of his testimony to prove that the accused Luciano Tan had planned and financed the theft. was willing to testify on the alleged murder of Ruby Rose and their participation in her killing. there would be no other direct evidence available for the proper prosecution of the offense charged. Absolute necessity exists for the testimony of an accused sought to be discharged when he or she alone has knowledge of the crime. Hence. the exercise of which . particularly on the role of his co-accused in the preparation and completion of the falsified loan application and its supporting papers. save only when the legal requirements have not been complied with. except Montero. In more concrete terms. Court of Appeals and Tan.. certain facts necessary for the conviction of the accused would not come to light unless the accused Roncesvalles was allowed to testify for the State.44 the Court ordered the discharge of the accused Roncesvalles. Specifically. necessity is not there when the testimony would simply corroborate or otherwise strengthen the prosecution’s evidence. CA et al. In People v. is inapplicable in the present case simply because more than two accused are involved in the present case. Similarly in People v. what and whom to charge. the CA was correct in ruling that Judge Docena acted properly and in accordance with jurisprudence in ruling that there was absolute necessity for the testimony of Montero. Court of Appeals and Perez et al.45 the Court reinstated the ruling of the trial court which ordered the discharge of accused Ngo Sin from among the five accused. The requirement of absolute necessity for the testimony of a state witness depends on the circumstances of each case regardless of the number of the participating conspirators. 43 cralawlawlibrary We do not agree with Jimenez that the Court’s pronouncement in Chua v. The Court agreed with the Solicitor General that considering the circumstances of the case and that the other accused could not be compelled to testify. The prosecution’s right to prosecute gives it “a wide range of discretion — the discretion of whether. To the prosecution belongs the control of its case and this Court cannot dictate on its choice in the discharge of a state witness. unless accused Roncesvalles was allowed to testify for the government. In the present case.We see no merit in Jimenez’s allegation that no absolute necessity exists for Montero’s testimony. not one of the accused-conspirators.
the apparel worn by the victim when she was killed as well as her burned personal effects. the Rules only require that that the testimony of the accused sought to be discharged be substantially corroborated in its material points. the court is given the power to discharge a state witness only after it has already acquired jurisdiction over the crime and the accused.48 cralawla wlibrary .47 cralawla wlibrary With these as bases. Jimenez points to the discrepancies in Montero’s statements and the physical evidence. The alleged discrepancies in the physical evidence. Rule 119 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure. the drum containing the cadaver which the prosecution successfully identified (and which even the acting Judge Almeyda believed) to be Ruby Rose. particularly on the height and dental records of Ruby Rose. to inform himself with absolute certainty of everything that may develop in the course of the trial with respect to the guilty participation of the accused. his failure to mention that they used packaging tape wrapped around the head down to the neck of the victim. a trial judge cannot be expected or required. there would be little need for the formality of a trial. As the trial court properly found. such as the absence of “busal” in the mouth of the retrieved cadaver. at the start of the trial. 46 cralawlawlibrary Montero’s testimony can be substantially corroborated We also do not find merit in Jimenez’ argument that Montero’s testimony cannot be substantially corroborated in its material points and is even contradicted by the physical evidence of the crime.depends on a smorgasbord of factors which are best appreciated by prosecutors. the corroborated statements of Montero discussed above are far more material than the inconsistencies pointed out by Jimenez.” Under Section 17. If that were practicable or possible. all partly corroborate some of the material points in the sworn statements of Montero. Rule 119. the spot in the sea that Montero pointed to (where the cadaver was retrieved). the evidence consisting of the steel casing where the cadaver was found. and his declaration that the victim was killed through strangulation using a rope (lubid). are matters that should properly be dealt with during the trial proper. Rule 119 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure. at least for purposes of the motion to discharge. This rule is based on jurisprudential line that in resolving a motion to discharge under Section 17. However. not on all points. We emphasize at this point that to resolve a motion to discharge under Section 17. Judge Docena’s ruling that Montero’s testimony found substantial corroboration cannot be characterized as grave abuse of discretion.
we find it necessary to first correct the rulings of the CA that are not exactly correct. the more guilty) between the two accused. In Chua v. yet one may be considered to have lesser or the least guilt taking into account his degree of participation in the commission of the offense. Thus viewed. This led the Court to declare that the principal by inducement is the “most guilty” (or properly. While all the accused may be given the same penalty by reason of conspiracy. Instead. as a rule. a principal by inducement is not automatically the most guilty in a conspiracy.50 cralawlawlibrary Before dwelling on the parties’ substantive arguments. what are controlling are the specific acts of the accused in . the influence is the determining cause of the crime. Without the inducement. Baharan51 did not involve the resolution of a motion to discharge an accused to become a state witness. for purposes of resolving a motion to discharge an accused as a state witness. “most guilty” refers to the highest degree of culpability in terms of participation in the commission of the offense and does not necessarily mean the severity of the penalty imposed. By jurisprudence.Montero is not the most guilty We also do not agree with Jimenez that the CA erred in finding that Montero is not the most guilty. Baharan cannot be the basis of a peremptory pronouncement that a principal by inducement is more guilty than the principal by direct participation.49 cralawla wlibrary What the rule avoids is the possibility that the most guilty would be set free while his co-accused who are less guilty in terms of participation would be penalized. To place the Chua ruling in proper perspective. the crime would not have been committed. the Court considered the principal by inducement as the most guilty based on the specific acts done by the two accused and bearing in mind the elements constitutive of the crime of falsification of private documents where the element of “damage” arose through the principal by inducement’s encashment of the falsified check. Thus.52 which involved a motion to discharge an accused. the pronouncement of the Court related to the culpability of a principal by inducement whose co-inducement act was the determining cause for the commission of the crime. the Court declared that if one induces another to commit a crime. The decision of the Court in People v. it is the inducer who sets into motion the execution of the criminal act. Contrary to the CA’s findings. People.
such as the need for giving immunity to one of several accused in order that not all shall escape. We cannot also agree with Jimenez’ argument that a principal by direct participation is more guilty than the principal by inducement as the Revised Penal Code penalizes the principal by inducement only when the principal by direct participation has executed the crime.relation to the crime committed. he or she should not only “appear to be the most guilty. and in the actual killing of Ruby Rose which was executed by accused Lennard. We note that the severity of the penalty imposed is part of the substantive criminal law which should not be equated with the procedural rule on the discharge of the particeps criminis. preparation.”54 cralawla wlibrary From the evidence submitted by the prosecution in support of its motion to discharge Montero. together with his coaccused. At any rate. 55 Montero’s participation was limited to providing the steel box where the drum containing the victim’s body was placed. it appears that while Montero was part of the planning. we affirm the ruling of the CA that Judge Docena did not commit grave abuse of discretion in ruling that Montero is not the most guilty.56 cralawlawlibrary In light of these considerations. and execution stage as most of his co-accused had been. We draw attention to the requirement that a state witness does not need to be found to be the least guilty. welding the steel box to seal the cadaver inside. While Lope allegedly assigned to him the execution of the killing. the discharge of an accused to be utilized as a state witness because he does not appear to be the most guilty is highly factual in nature as it largely depends on the appreciation of who had the most participation in the commission of the crime. . we affirm the CA ruling that no grave abuse of discretion transpired when Judge Docena ruled that Montero is not the most guilty.53 cralawlawlibrary On the substantive issues of the present case. the records do not indicate that he had active participation in hatching the plan to kill Ruby Rose. dropping the steel box containing the cadaver into the sea. and. operating the skip or tug boat. The procedural remedy of the discharge of an accused is based on other considerations. and the judicial experience that the candid admission of an accused regarding his participation is a guaranty that he will testify truthfully. The appellate courts do not interfere in the discretionary judgment of the trial court on this factual issue except when grave abuse of discretion intervenes. he had no direct participation in the actual killing of Ruby Rose. which allegedly came from accused Lope and Jimenez.
the sworn statements of the accused sought to be discharged (Nonilo Arile). was favorable to Jimenez. of course. together with the prosecution’s other evidence.The discharge of Montero as a state witness was procedurally sound We agree with the People that Jimenez is estopped from raising the issue of lack of hearing prior to the discharge of Montero as a state witness. CA and Pring. Montero’s Notice of Withdrawal of Consent is not material in the resolution of the present case We find no merit in Jimenez’ argument that Montero’s submission of his notice of withdrawal of consent and testimony of Manuel dated February 26. since the Court cannot consider this document in this petition. 2013 rendered the present case moot. Contrary to Jimenez’ argument. Rule 119 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure). the lack of actual hearing is not sufficiently fatal to undermine the court's ability to determine whether the conditions prescribed for the discharge of an accused as a state witness have been satisfied. were already in the possession of the court and had been challenged by the respondent in his Opposition to Discharge Nonilo Arile and in his Petition for Bail. Jimenez did not raise this issue when Acting Judge Almeyda denied the motion to discharge. filing a reply to the People’s comment. Rule 119 of the 1985 Rules on Criminal Procedure (now Section 17. The issue in that case was the propriety of the trial court’s resolution of the motion to discharge Nonilo Arile without conducting a hearing pursuant Section 9. and filing a consolidated opposition on the People’s and Montero’s motion for reconsideration of Judge Almeyda’s order. This denial. the ruling of the Court in Pring should squarely apply. Jimenez cannot impute grave abuse of discretion on Judge Docena for not conducting a hearing prior to his grant of the motion to discharge. In Pring. .58 the Court ruled that with both litigants able to present their sides. In People v. the Pring ruling is applicable in the present case. If he found no reason to complain then. submitting his memorandum of authorities on the qualification of Montero as state witness. With Jimenez’ active participation in the proceeding for the motion to discharge as outlined above.57 cralawla wlibrary In these lights. why should we entertain his hearing-related complaint now? The People even supported its argument that Jimenez actively participated in the proceedings of the motion to discharge such as his filing of a 20-page opposition to the motion.
Interplay between the judge and prosecutor in the motion to discharge an accused to become a state witness As a last point. He must rely in large part upon the suggestions and the information furnished by the prosecuting officer in coming to his conclusions as to the "necessity for the testimony of the accused whose discharge is requested". but also revealed Jimenez’ participation in the murder. It would be a dangerous rule to reject the testimony taken before a court of justice simply because the witness who gave it later changed his/her mind. He attested and affirmed his statements in his affidavits dated May 18 and June 11. as to which of the accused is “most guilty. In the present case. If that were practicable or possible there would be little need for the formality of a trial.It must be recalled that the present case involves an appellate review of the CA’s decision which found no grave abuse of discretion on the part of Judge Docena in granting the motion to discharge. 2009. The present case is not the proper venue for the determination of the value of the notice. . the notice may partake of the nature of a recantation. With this development. which is usually taken ex parte and is considered inferior to the testimony given in open court. Under the present recourse now before this Court. This conclusion is all the more strengthened by the fact that Montero already testified on direct examination on June 28. we cannot rule on the notice of withdrawal and consider it in ruling on the absence or presence of grave abuse of discretion in the issuance of the assailed orders. we find it necessary to clarify the roles of the prosecution and the trial court judge in the resolution of a motion to discharge an accused as a state witness. 2011 and October 25. the CA cited Quarto v.59 cralawla wlibrary In sum on this point.” and the like. he not only narrated the grisly murder of Ruby Rose. the appreciation of the notice of withdrawal properly belongs to the trial court. thus: chanRoblesvirtualLa wlibrary A trial judge cannot be expected or required to inform himself with absolute certainty at the very outset of the trial as to everything which may be developed in the course of the trial in regard to the guilty participation of the accused in the commission of the crime charged in the complaint. Marcelo60 in ruling that the trial court must rely in large part upon the suggestions and the information furnished by the prosecuting officer. 2011. This need arises from what appears to us to be a haphazard use of the statement that the trial court judge must rely in large part on the prosecution’s suggestion in the resolution of a motion to discharge. as to the availability or non-availability of other direct or corroborative evidence.
63 cralawla wlibrary It is well-established that inhibition is not allowed at every instance that a schoolmate or classmate appears before the judge as counsel for one of the parties. since the principles laid down in that case similarly operate in the present case. in the manner that Jimenez now argues. No. 209215 We find the People’s petition meritorious.61 cralawlawlibrary Thus. is not expected to automatically inhibit himself from acting in a case involving a member of his fraternity. we emphasized that it is still the trial court that determines whether the prosecution’s preliminary assessment of the accused-witness’ qualifications to be a state witness satisfies the procedural norms. A judge. Pring62 that in requiring a hearing in support of the discharge. which evidence shall serve as the court’s tangible and concrete basis – independently of the fiscal's or prosecution's persuasions – in granting or denying the motion for discharge. we ruled in People v. 64 cralawlawlibrary In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to prove the charge of bias and prejudice. The inhibition must be for just and valid causes. This relationship is in reality a symbiotic one as the trial court. G. specifically. in saying this.65 cralawla wlibrary . such as Jimenez in the present case. especially when the charge is without basis.R. We emphasize. Additionally. The mere imputation of bias or partiality is likewise not enough ground for their inhibition. that actual hearing is not required provided that the parties have both presented their sides on the merits of the motion. the essential objective of the law is for the court to receive evidence for or against the discharge. by the very nature of its role in the administration of justice. on issue of the procedural processes required in the discharge of the accused as a state witness.We deem it important to place this ruling in its proper context lest we create the wrong impression that the trial court is a mere “rubber stamp” of the prosecution. In Quarto. largely exercises its prerogative based on the prosecutor’s findings and evaluation. We likewise do not agree with Jimenez that Quarto should not apply to the present case. We note at the outset that the CA did not provide factual or legal support when it ordered the inhibition of Judge Docena. we do not find Jimenez’ arguments sufficiently persuasive. The second paragraph of Section 1 of Rule 137 does not give judges the unlimited discretion to decide whether or not to desist from hearing a case. too. a judge’s ruling not to inhibit oneself should be allowed to stand.
Del Castillo. we DENY the petition in G.67 cralawla wlibrary WHEREFORE. JJ.R. . as affirmed by this Court. 209195 and affirm the CA’s amended decision in CA-G. 121167 in accordance with our ruling that Judge Docena’s denial of the motion for inhibition was proper. Allowing inhibition for these reasons would open the floodgates to abuse. We support this conclusion as the cancellation of the September 29. cralawre d Carpio..* and Leonen. (Chairperson). Unjustified assumptions and mere misgivings that the judge acted with prejudice.R. concur. On the allegation that Judge Docena’s uncontrollable temper and unexplainable attitude should be considered as a factor. SP No. Jr.R. and that his bias stems from an extra-judicial source. that Judge Docena did not gravely abuse his discretion in granting the motion to discharge. SO ORDERED. Jimenez must prove that the judge acted or conducted himself in a manner clearly indicative of arbitrariness or prejudice so as to defeat the attributes of the cold neutrality that an impartial judge must possess. we note that the allegations and perceptions of bias from the mere tenor and language of a judge is insufficient to show prejudgment. 209215 and modify the CA’s amended decision in CA-G. No.66 cralawla wlibrary In the present case. pride and pettiness in the performance of his functions cannot overcome the presumption that a judge shall decide on the merits of a case with an unclouded vision of its facts. 121167 insofar as it found no grave abuse of discretion on the part of Judge Docena in granting the People’s motion to discharge Montero as a state witness. We GRANT the petition in G. Villarama. Unless there is concrete proof that a judge has a personal interest in the proceedings. 2011 hearing is not clearly indicative of bias and prejudice. SP No. passion..R. No. the Court would uphold the presumption that a magistrate shall impartially decide the merits of a case.In attributing bias and prejudice to Judge Docena. Jimenez’ allegation of bias and prejudice is negated by the CA finding in its amended decision.

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