[G.R. No. 116224-27. February 19, 2001]

PEOPLE vs. CARAIG et al.

FIRST DIVISION

Gentlemen:

Quoted hereunder, for your information, is a resolution of this Court dated FEB 19 2001.

G.R. No. 116224-27 (People of the Philippines vs. Donato Caraig y Garcia, et al.).

In the resolution of 11 August 1997, the trial court was required to (1) RETAKE the testimonies of prosecution witnesses Jose Albert Capuno and Merly Castro, and (2) submit to this Court the transcripts of the stenographic notes of their testimonies within 60 days from notice of the resolution or receipt of the original record of the case.

The retaking of the testimonies was, however, delayed because of subsequent incidents involving, among other things, the appointment of de oficio counsel for the accused for the retaking of the testimonies ; the vacancy of the position of presiding judge of the Court a quo, and the replacement of the Judge who initially scheduled the retaking of the testimony.

In his compliance dated 4 September 2000, Hon. Abednego O. Adre, the newly appointed Presiding Judge of the court a quo, informed the Court that he had set the retaking of the testimonies of the abovementioned witnesses on 4 and 13 of September 2000. However, until date, Judge Adre has not submitted the transcripts of the stenographic notes of the testimonies of said witnesses.

ACCORDINGLY, Hon. Judge Abenego O. Adre of Branch 88 of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City is hereby DIRECTED to submit to the Court within thirty (30) days from notice of this resolution the transcripts of the stenographic notes of the testimonies of Jose Albert Capuno and Merly Castro.

Very truly yours,

(Sgd.)VIRGINIA ANCHETA-SORIANO

Clerk of Court