Sec. 22. Consolidation of trials of related offenses. – Charges for offenses founded on the same facts or forming part of a series of offenses of similar character may be tried jointly at the discretion of the court.
WHEN CAN DIFFERENT OFFENSES BE TRIED JOINTLY?
When the offenses are founded on the same facts or from part of a series of offenses of similar character, the court has the discretion to consolidate and try them jointly
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CONSOLIDATION?
It is to avoid multiplicity of suits, guard against oppression or abuse, prevent delay, clear congested dockets, simplify the work of the trial court, save unnecessary costs and expenses
WHAT IS THE REMEDY IF THE MOTION FOR CONSOLIDATION IS
DENIED?
CAN THOSE RELATED TO CIVIL LIABILITY ARISING FROM A CRIME BE CONSOLIDATED?
Yes. As a general rule, every person criminally liable is also civilly liable. Any criminal action generally is consolidated with the civil action unless there is a positive action coming from the
offended party or the accused.
CAN THOSE RELATED TO CIVIL LIABILITY NOT ARISING FROM A CRIME BE CONSOLIDATED?
As a general rule, independent civil actions are not constituted with the criminal action. They proceed independently from the criminal action.
X MADE A RESERVATION TO FILE AN INDEPENDENT CIVIL ACTION BASED ON QUASI-DELICT. DURING THE TRIAL OF THE CRIMINAL ACTION, X CHANGES HIS MIND AND DECIDES TO HAVE HIS INDEPENDENT CIVIL ACTION CONSOLIDATED? IS THIS PROPER?
It will not be proper if it will cause any prejudice to either the offended party or the accused.
