People v.

Aninon
Facts:
Aninon and Saycon were originally charged for murder, both accused pleaded not
guilty. However, on August 1965 Saycon filed a motion to discharge as accused. The
same was granted by the court on September 1965 before the defense presents its
evidence. Due this, Aninon was convicted guilty of murder. Aninon then challenges the
decision of the Court to discharge Saycon as accused and utilize said person as state
witness. He argues that the prosecution was already through of their presentation of
evidence and the defense had already commenced their presentation.
Issue:
WON the contention of Aninon is tenable.
Held:
No. The contention of Aninon is untenable.
In People v. Mendiola, discharge of an accused can be effected at any stage of the
proceedings, from the filing of the information to the time the defense starts to offer any
evidence
In this case, it is clear that the discharge of Saycon was effected before the
termination of the presentation of evidence by the prosecutor and before the defense
commences their presentation.