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Question
In a Regional Trial Court, A is charged with frustrated murder and posts cash bail of PHP 480,000 through a private surety. On the date set for arraignment, A fails to appear. The trial court immediately orders the forfeiture of the bail and issues warrants for A’s arrest. After 75 days, A is apprehended and brought back to court. The surety files a motion for remission of the forfeiture, asserting that the non-appearance was due to a sudden medical emergency requiring hospitalization, supported by a medical certificate, and that A subsequently surrendered to authorities. The court denies the remission. In light of these facts, answer: (a) Identify the controlling doctrine governing forfeiture and the possible relief from it (exoneration/remission). (b) Distinguish between forfeiture and exoneration/remission of bail, including who may initiate relief and under what circumstances relief is granted. (c) Apply the rules to the facts: was the forfeiture proper, and could the bond be exonerated given the accused’s subsequent surrender?