An information for murder was filed against Rapido. The RTC judge, after personally evaluating the prosecutor’s resolution, documents and parties’ affidavits submitted by the prosecutor, found probable cause and issued a warrant of arrest. Rapido’s lawyer examined the rollo of the case and found that it only contained the copy of the information, the submissions of the prosecutor and a copy of the warrant of arrest. Immediately, Rapido’s counsel filed a motion to quash the arrest warrant for being void, citing as grounds:
a.) The judge before issuing the warrant did not personally conduct a searching examination of the prosecution witnesses in violation of his client’s constitutionally-mandated rights;
b.) There was no prior order finding probable cause before the judge issued the arrest warrant.
May the warrant of arrest be quashed on the grounds cited by Rapido’s counsel? State your reason for each ground. (4%)
Suggested answer only. Not an official answer and not legal advice.
No, the warrant of arrest may not be quashed on either ground raised by counsel. Under Rule 112, Section 5 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure, a judge need not personally examine the complainant and witnesses to
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Quick check
What is required of a judge when determining probable cause for the issuance of a warrant of arrest?
A judge is only required to personally evaluate the prosecutor's report and supporting documents to determine probable cause.
Is a trial judge required to personally examine prosecution witnesses before issuing an arrest warrant?
Personal evaluation of the submitted prosecutor's report and affidavits satisfies the constitutional requirement.
Does the absence of a separate prior order finding probable cause render an arrest warrant void?
The issuance of the warrant of arrest itself imports the judge's determination of probable cause.
When may a trial judge personally conduct a searching examination of witnesses in determining probable cause?
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What is the proper action on a motion to quash an arrest warrant based on lack of personal witness examination by the judge?
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Learn more about these topics
1. Judicial Probable Cause
Under Section 2, Article III of the Constitution and Rule 112, Section 5 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure, a judge issuing a warrant of arrest is only required to personally evaluate the resolution of the prosecutor and its supporting documents. The judge is not mandated to personally conduct a searching examination of the complainant and witnesses. Personal examination is only discretionary when the judge finds the prosecutor's report and submitted affidavits insufficient to establish probable cause for issuing an arrest warrant.
2. Warrant Order Requirement
The absence of a separate, prior written order finding probable cause does not invalidate a warrant of arrest. The actual issuance of the warrant itself carries the legal presumption that the trial judge personally evaluated the evidence and determined the existence of probable cause. The Constitution and procedural rules do not require a formal written resolution or separate order prior to or accompanying the issuance of a warrant of arrest.
3. Motion to Quash
A motion to quash a warrant of arrest on the grounds of lack of personal examination or absence of a prior written order must be denied when the record shows judicial compliance. When the trial judge personally reviews the prosecutor's summary, information, and supporting affidavits before issuing the warrant, the constitutional mandate is fully satisfied. Allegations of procedural irregularity without proof that the judge failed to personally evaluate the records will not justify quashing the warrant.