Jojo filed a criminal complaint against Art for theft of a backpack worth P150.00 with the Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila. The crime is punishable with arresto mayor to prision correccional in its minimum period, or not to exceed 4 years and 2 months. The case was assigned to Prosecutor Tristan and he applied Sec. 8(a) of Rule 112 which reads: “(a) If filed with the prosecutor. – If the complaint is filed directly with the prosecutor involving an offense punishable by imprisonment of less than four (4) years, two (2) months and one (1) day, the procedure outlined in Sec. 3(a) of this Rule shall be observed. The Prosecutor shall act on the complaint within ten (10) days from its filing.”
On the other hand, Sec. 3(a) of Rule 112 provides: “(a) The complaint shall state the address of the respondent and shall be accompanied by affidavits of the complainant and his witnesses as well as other supporting documents to establish probable cause. x x x”
Since Sec. 8(a) authorizes the Prosecutor to decide the complaint on the basis of the affidavits and other supporting documents submitted by the complainant, Prosecutor Tristan did not notify Art nor require him to submit a counter-affidavit. He proceeded to file the Information against Art with the Metropolitan Trial Court. Art vehemently assails Sec. 8(a) of Rule 112 as unconstitutional and violative of due process and his rights as an accused under the Constitution for he was not informed of the complaint nor was he given the opportunity to raise his defenses thereto before the Information was filed. Rule on the constitutionality of Sec. 8(a) of Rule 112. Explain. (5%)
Suggested answer only. Not an official answer and not legal advice.
Section 8(a) of Rule 112 is constitutional. The right to a preliminary investigation is a statutory privilege rather than a fundamental constitutional right. Because it is created by procedural law, rules may limit or dispense with preliminary investigations
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Quick check
Is the right to a preliminary investigation a constitutional right or a statutory privilege?
The right to a preliminary investigation is a statutory privilege created by procedural rules rather than a fundamental right explicitly guaranteed by the Constitution.
Under Section 8(a) of Rule 112 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure, when may a preliminary investigation be dispensed with?
Section 8(a) of Rule 112 applies summary disposition without formal preliminary investigation for offenses punishable by imprisonment of less than four years, two months, and one day.
Why does the lack of a preliminary investigation for minor offenses not violate the constitutional guarantee of due process?
Due process is preserved because the accused can fully ventilate their defenses and present evidence during the court trial.
What is the primary purpose of a preliminary investigation in Philippine criminal procedure?
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Which body possesses the constitutional power to promulgate rules concerning pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts?
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Learn more about these topics
1. Statutory Privilege
The right to a preliminary investigation is a statutory privilege granted by law rather than a constitutional right. Because it is purely a creation of statute, procedural rules promulgated by the Supreme Court may modify, restrict, or dispense with preliminary investigations for minor offenses. Denying a preliminary investigation in cases where the law does not explicitly mandate one does not violate the Constitution.
2. Procedural Due Process
Procedural due process in criminal cases requires notice and an opportunity to be heard before an impartial tribunal. In summary proceedings or cases where preliminary investigation is dispensed with, due process is not denied because the accused is afforded a full opportunity to present evidence and raise all defenses during the trial before the court. Due process is satisfied as long as a fair trial is guaranteed.
3. Summary Procedure
Under Section 8(a) of Rule 112 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure, offenses punishable by imprisonment of less than four years, two months, and one day do not require a formal preliminary investigation prior to filing an Information. The public prosecutor acts directly on the complaint based on supporting affidavits. This summary procedure aims to expedite the disposition of minor criminal cases without sacrificing the constitutional rights of the accused.