Fugitives are barred from seeking judicial relief - SC

Fugitives from justice are persons who evade criminal prosecution before the courts and those who flee after conviction to avoid the punishment imposed on them.

- By REY G. PANALIGAN

The Supreme Court (SC) said that fugitives from justice are barred from seeking judicial relief unless they voluntarily surrender.

The issue was tackled ina decision written by Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan. It set the guidelines the courts must apply before declaring a person a fugitive from justice.

In a summary of the decision issued last Friday night, Nov. 28, the SC’s Office of the Spokesperson said an accused is generally considered a fugitive from justice when they fail to appear physically before the court when required by law, the rules, or an order from the judge.

More specifically, a person who leaves the Philippines knowing that a criminal case has been filed in court and that a warrant of arrest has been issued shows a clear intent to evade arrest and prosecution, making that person a fugitive from justice and possibly disentitled to any judicial relief.