Practice question
A conviction rests solely on an improvident guilty plea. Despite repeated opportunities in a fair proceeding, the prosecution presented no proof of guilt. Counsel argues that the plea alone must sustain the conviction. Is that sound?
- Yes, an improvident plea always supplies all missing proof.
- No; a conviction cannot be sustained solely on that improvident plea, and the proper appellate disposition depends on the actual record and safeguards, as Pagal illustrates.
- Yes, the accused must prove the prosecution’s case.
- Yes, absence of evidence proves guilt conclusively.
- No; every such case must automatically be retried without considering prior opportunities.
Legal references
- https://lawphil.net/courts/rules/rc_110-127_crim.html — Rule 116 sections 1(d), 5, 6 and 8: exculpatory evidence, withdrawal before finality and counsel safeguards.
- https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2020/sep2020/gr_241257_2020.html — People v. Pagal, G.R. 241257, September 29, 2020, main opinion: improvident plea, independent evidence and case-specific appellate consequences.
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