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Cagang vs. Sandiganbayan

CESAR MATAS CAGANG, Petitioner, vs. SANDIGANBAYAN, FIFTH DIVISION, QUEZON CITY; OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN; and PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondents. x--------------------------------------------x G.R. Nos. 210141-42 CESAR MATAS CAGANG, Petitioner, vs. SANDIGANBAYAN, FIFTH DIVISION, QUEZON CITY; OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN; and PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondents. Present: CARPIO, Acting, CJ, VELASCO, JR., LEONARDO-DE CASTRO, PERALTA,* BERSAMIN, DEL CASTILLO, PERLAS-BERNABE, LEONEN, JARDELEZA,* CAGUIOA, MARTIRES, * TIJAM, REYES, JR., and GESMUNDO, JJ. *

G.R. Nos. 206438 and 206458 | 2018-07-31

EN BANC
DECISION
 
LEONEN,J.:
 
Every accused has the rights to due process and to speedy disposition of cases. Inordinate delay in the resolution and termination of a preliminary investigation will result in the dismissal of the case against the accused. Delay, however, is not determined through mere mathematical reckoning but through the examination of the facts and circumstances surrounding each case. Courts should appraise a reasonable period from the point of view of how much time a competent and independent public officer would need in relation to the complexity of a given case. Nonetheless, the accused must invoke his or her...