What happens if the complainant is absent during the promulgation of the judgment, and how will the accused know the verdict?

In the Philippine legal system, the promulgation of judgment is a critical stage in a criminal case. It is the formal announcement of the court's decision after the trial. The presence of the complainant, while important, is not mandatory for the promulgation to proceed. The absence of the complainant does not invalidate the promulgation or affect the outcome of the case.

If the complainant fails to attend the promulgation of judgment, the court will still proceed with announcing the verdict. The accused will be present, either personally or through their legal counsel, to hear the decision. If the accused is acquitted, they are immediately released from custody unless they are detained for another case. If found guilty, the accused will be informed of the decision, and the sentence will be imposed accordingly.

The complainant can be informed of the judgment through their legal counsel, who will typically attend the promulgation. Additionally, the complainant can obtain a copy of the decision from the court, which will detail the verdict and the reasons behind it. This document is crucial for understanding the outcome and for deciding whether to pursue further legal actions, such as an appeal.

In summary, the absence of the complainant during the promulgation does not prevent the court from delivering its judgment. The accused will be informed of the decision in their presence, and the complainant can later be informed through their lawyer or by obtaining a copy of the court’s decision.