Dumaguete RTC has 96% conviction rate

CEBU, Philippines — The Regional Trial Court-Branch 30 in Dumaguete City has reported that, for the year 2017, it has promulgated 100 drugs cases, 47 for the first half and 53 for the second.

Out of the 100 cases, three were acquitted and one case was dismissed, or a conviction rate of 96 percent.

Records showed that, of the convictions, 48 accused were meted life terms, more than those who were convicted to suffer a penalty of 12 years and one day to a maximum of 14 years.

Judge Rafael Crescencio Tan Jr said the court expects a deluge of cases next year, as soon as the PNP and other law enforcement units will resume the anti-drugs campaign in January 2018.

The presiding judge said he will be coming up with a training module for police operatives on how to prepare affidavits, how to document the flow from arrest up to the submission of the complaint before the prosecutor’s office.

“This is aimed at making sure, a good catch will not be dismissed because of technicality,” Tan added. (FREEMAN)