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Latogan vs. People

JOEL F. LATOGAN, PETITIONER, V. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.

G.R. No. 238298 | 2020-01-22

D E C I S I O N
 
INTING, J.:
 
The Court is fully aware that procedural rules are not to be simply disregarded as they insure an orderly and speedy administration of justice. Nonetheless, it is equally true that courts are not enslaved by technicalities. They have the prerogative to relax compliance with procedural rules of even the most mandatory character, mindful of the duty to reconcile both the need to speedily put an end to litigation and the parties' right to an opportunity to be heard. Cases should be decided only after giving all parties the chance to argue their causes and defenses. Technicality and procedural...