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People vs. Luis Tampal

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, vs. LUIS TAMPAL, DOMINGO PADUMON, ARSENIO PADUMON, SAMUEL PADUMON, and HON. WILFREDO C. OCHOTORENA in his capacity as Presiding Judge of Branch XI, Regional Trial Court, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, respondents. PABLITO SUCO, DARIO SUCO, and GAVINO CADLING, (At Large).

G.R. No. 102485 | 1995-05-22

D E C I S I O N

PUNO, J.:

As significant as the right of an accused to speedy trial is the right of the State to prosecute people who violate its penal laws and who constitute a threat to the tranquility of the community. We hold that when the postponements of the trial of an accused have not reached the point of oppression, the State's right to prosecute should not be curtailed.

In an Information, 1 dated August 17, 1990, LUIS TAMPAL, DOMINGO PADUMON, SAMUEL PADUMON, PABLITO SUCO, DARIO SUCO and GAVINO CADLING were charged before the Regional Trial Court of Zamboanga del Norte (Branch XI) with the crime of "Robbery with Homicide and...