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PEOPLE vs Mario Espinosa

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, vs. MARIO K. ESPINOSA, respondent.

G.R. Nos. 153714-20 | 2003-08-15

D E C I S I O N

PANGANIBAN, J.:

A waiver of the constitutional right against double jeopardy must be clear, categorical, knowing and intelligent. Corollary to this rule, the alleged conditions attached to an arraignment must be unmistakable, express, informed and enlightened. Otherwise, the plea should be deemed to be simple and unconditional.

The Case
Before us is a Petition for Certiorari[1] under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court, seeking to nullify the April 10, 2002 Resolution[2] of the Sandiganbayan (SBN) in Criminal Case Nos. 26422-26428. The anti-graft court dismissed the criminal cases against Respondent Mario K. Espinosa on the...