Virtuoso v. Municipal Judge of Mariveles, Bataan G.R. No. L-47841 March 21, 1978
SECTION 12. The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.
Virtuoso v.
Municipal Judge of Mariveles, Bataan
G.R. No. L-47841
March 21, 1978
Fernando, J.
Facts:
Petitioner Francisco Virtouso, Jr. seventeen-year old minor, who filed an
application for the writ of habeas corpus on February 23, 1978, premised his
plea for liberty primarily on the ground that the pre examination which led to
the issuance of a warrant of arrest against him was a useless formality as
respondent Municipal Judge of Mariveles, Bataan, failed to meet the strict
standard required by the Constitution to ascertain whether there was a probable
cause. He likewise alleged that aside from the constitutional infirmity that
tainted the procedure followed in the preliminary examination, the bail imposed
was clearly excessive. It was in the amount of P16,000.00, the alleged robbery
of a TV set being imputed to petitioner. As prayed for, the Court issued a writ
of habeas corpus. Respondent Judge justified the issuance of the warrant of
arrest, alleging that there was no impropriety in the way the preliminary
examination was conducted. As to the excessive character of the bail, he
asserted that while it was fixed in accordance with the Revised Bail Bond Guide
issued by the Executive Judge of Bataan in 1977, he nevertheless reduced the
amount to P 8,000.00.
Issue:
Whether or not petitioner should be released on recognizance.
Held:
Yes. Petitioner is a seventeen-year old minor entitled to the protection and
benefits of the Child and Youth Welfare Code. A youthful offender is defined
therein as “one who is over nine years but under eighteen years of age at the
time of the commission of the offense.” As such, he could be provisionally
released on recognizance in the discretion of a court.
Obiter:
Courts should, whenever appropriate, give vitality and force to the Youth and
Welfare Code, which is an implementation of this specific constitutional
mandate: “The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building
and shall promote their physical, intellectual, and social well-being.”
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