G.R. No. 213847. July 12, 2016

G.R. No. 213847. July 12, 2016 is a decisiondecision 2016 by the Supreme Court.

Case Details

 * Juan Ponce Enrile Vs. Sandiganbayan, and People of the Philippines
 * G.R. No. 213847. July 12, 2016
 * Justice Lucas Bersamin
 * http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2016/july2016/213847.pdf
 * Separate Concurring Opinion
 * http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2016/july2016/213847_brion.pdf
 * Dissenting Opinion
 * http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2016/july2016/213847_leonen.pdf

Issue
A. Before judgment of the Sandiganbayan, Enrile is bailable as a matter of right. Enrile may be deemed to fall within the exception only upon concurrence of two (2) circumstances: (i) where the offense is punishable by reclusion perpetua, and (ii) when evidence of guilt is strong.

B. The prosecution failed to show clearly and conclusively that Enrile, if ever he would be convicted, is punishable by reclusion perpetua; hence, Enrile is entitled to bail as a matter of right.

C. The prosecution failed to show clearly and conclusively that evidence of Enrile’s guilt (if ever) is strong; hence, Enrile is entitled to bail as a matter of right.

D. At any rate, Enrile may be bailable as he is not a flight risk.

Info

 * 1) Bail protects the right of the accused todue process and to be presumed innocent
 * 2) Bail may be granted as amatter of right or of discretion
 * 3) Admission to bail in offenses punishedby death, or life imprisonment, or reclusionperpetua is subject to judicial discretion
 * 4) Enrile’s poor health justifies his admission to bail

Decision

 * WHEREFORE, the Court DENIES the Motion for Reconsideration for lack of merit.

Trivia

 * If convicted persons (i.e., persons whose guilt have been proven with moral certainty) are allowed to be released on account of their old age and health, then there is no reason why a mere accused could not be released on bail based on the same grounds.
 * After his release solely on the basis of his frail health, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile immediately reported for work at the Senate.