What is the reglementary period within which the Sandiganbayan must decide/resolve cases falling within its jurisdiction?

The law creating the Sandiganbayan, P.D. No. 1606 is clear on this issue. It provides:

Sec. 6. Maximum period for termination of cases As far as practicable, the trial of cases before the Sandiganbayan once commenced shall be continuous until terminated and the judgment shall be rendered within three (3) months from the date the case was submitted for decision.

Given the clarity of the rule that does not distinguish, we hold that the three (3) month period, not the twelve (12) month period, to decide cases applies to the Sandiganbayan. Furthermore, the Sandiganbayan presently sitting in five (5) divisions, functions as a trial court. The term trial is used in its broad sense, meaning, it allows introduction of evidence by the parties in the cases before it. The Sandiganbayan, in original cases within its jurisdiction, conducts trials, has the discretion to weigh the evidence of the parties, admit the evidence it regards as credible and reject that which they consider perjurious or fabricated. (In Re: Problem of Delays in Cases Before the Sandiganbayan, A. M. No. 00-8-05-SC, November 08, 2001)