41.   It was the beginning of a two-week hearing to determine whether the accused will have his case moved to adult court.

42.   Judicial Commissioner Zainon Ali in passing sentence said she had taken into consideration the fact that the accused had no previous criminal record and conviction.

43.   Legal experts say such handling of misdemeanor assault cases is common except when the accused has a criminal record.

44.   The accused also had offices, or boiler rooms, in other places in Asia and Europe, Sun said.

45.   The accused have the right to appeal to a higher military court, but so far none has said he will, the marine corps said.

46.   There, the accused have no appeal and face the death penalty for crimes that civilian courts would not consider punishable by death.

47.   Two other accused had their sentences reduced.

48.   He also said that under Philippines law, the accused has too many rights compared to the victim, who only has the right to be indemnified.

49.   In criminal cases here, the accused has to be present to face charges.

50.   A government official had announced after his arrest that the accused had mental problems.