Back

PEOPLE vs. Mario Serzo, Jr.

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee vs. MARIO SERZO, JR., accused-appellant.

G.R. No. 118435 | 1997-06-20

D E C I S I O N

PANGANIBAN, J:

The right to counsel of an accused is guaranteed by our Constitution, our laws and our Rules of Court. During custodial investigation, arraignment, trial and even on appeal, the accused is given the option to be represented by a counsel of his choice. But when he neglects or refuses to exercise this option during arraignment and trial, the court shall appoint one for him. While the right to be represented by counsel is absolute, the accused's option to hire one of his own choice is limited. Such option cannot be used to sanction reprehensible dilatory tactics, to trifle with the Rules or to prejudice the...