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Lacson vs. Executive Secretary, et al.

PANFILO M. LACSON, petitioner, vs. THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, THE SANDIGANBAYAN, OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR, THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, MYRNA ABALORA, NENITA ALAP-AP, IMELDA PANCHO MONTERO, and THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, respondents. ROMEO M. ACOP and FRANCISCO G. ZUBIA, JR., petitioners-intervenors.

G.R. No. 128096 | 1999-01-20

D E C I S I O N
 
AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ, J.:
 
The constitutionality of Sections 4 and 7 of Republic Act No. 8249 – an act which further defines the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan – is being challenged in this petition for prohibition and mandamus.  Petitioner Panfilo Lacson, joined by petitioners-intervenors Romeo Acop and Francisco Zubia, Jr., also seeks to prevent the Sandiganbayan from proceeding with the trial of Criminal Cases Nos. 23047-23057 (for multiple murder) against them on the ground of lack of jurisdiction.

The antecedents of this case, as gathered from the parties’ pleadings and documentary proofs,...