Ador

People vs. Juliano

448 SCRA 370
People of the Philippines (appellee)
vs.
Lea Sagan Juliano (appellant)
G.R. No. 134120
January 17, 2005
FACS! he a""use# pu$"hase# %&0 sa"'s of (ille# $i"e f$o( JC Ag$o)*evelop(ent
Co$po$ation an# in pa+(ent she issue# a "he"' fo$ a value of P8&,000, 'no-ing at the
ti(e of issue that she #i# not have fun#s -ith the #$a-ee .an' fo$ pa+(ent of the sai#
"he"'. /hen p$esente# fo$ en"ash(ent, it -as #ishono$e# .+ the .an' fo$ $eason of
insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s. 0n the follo-ing (onth the a""use# issue# anothe$ "he"' that -as
again #ishono$e# .+ the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the sa(e $eason, to the #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e of
JC Ag$o)*evelop(ent Co$po$ation.
he t$ial "ou$t foun# he$ guilt+ of violation of Batas Pambansa2ilang 33 (the 2oun"ing
Che"'s La-) an# 4stafa. Appellant appeale# he$ "onvi"tion fo$ estafa to the Cou$t of
Appeals, .ut still foun# he$ guilt+, -ith intent to #ef$au# an# .+ (eans of false p$etense,
-illfull+, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+, "o((itte# the offenses.
5SS64! /hethe$ the p$ose"ution a.le to p$ove .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t to "onvi"t the
appellant fo$ estafa7
R6L589! he Cou$t set asi#e the #e"ision of the Regional $ial Cou$t an# a":uitte# Lea
Sagan Juliano fo$ the "$i(e of estafa. he a""use# "oul# not .e foun# guilt+ of estafa in
the a.sen"e of p$oof .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t that the a""use# e(plo+e# #e"eit
"onstituting false p$etenses o$ an+ f$au#ulent a"t. 8eve$theless, appellant;s "ivil lia.ilit+
to JC $e(ains, in the a(ount of P8&,000, -hi"h is the value of the sa"' of $i"e she
pu$"hase#.
Pablo vs. People
443 SCRA %48
9.R. 8o. L)43&34
<4 P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584 5SLA8*S, plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
A8S4L=0 =0RAL4S (alias ARS4850 PA2L0), #efen#ant)appellant.
Anatolio 9. Al"o.a fo$ appellant.
0ffi"e of the Soli"ito$)9ene$al <ila#o fo$ appellee.
A.a# Santos (Jose), J.!
FACS!
Appellant -as "ha$ge# -ith the "$i(e of estafa "o((itte#, a""o$#ing to the info$(ation,
as follo-s!
hat on o$ a.out the 8th #a+ of 0"to.e$, %&33, in the (uni"ipalit+ of =a$i:uina, P$ovin"e
of Ri>al, Philippine 5slan#s, the sai# a""use#, Ansel(o =o$ales (alias A$senio Pa.lo),
th$ough false $ep$esentations, that is, posing hi(self as a ph+si"ian, #iagnose# the
ail(ent of one Re(e#ios Sua$e> an# in#u"e#, "onvin"e#, $e"eive# an# too' f$o( the
latte$ the a(ount of P3 fo$ -hi"h he p$eten#e# to pu$"hase the ne"essa$+ #$ug fo$ the sai#
Re(e#ios Sua$e>, .ut the sai# a""use#, on"e in possession of the sai# a(ount, fa$ f$o(
"o(pl+ing -ith his o.ligation to pu$"hase an# #elive$ to the offen#e# pa$t+ he$ein the
(e#i"ine -hi"h he p$o(ise# to .u+, -ith intent to #ef$au#, #i# then an# the$e -illfull+
an# feloniousl+, app$op$iate the sai# su( to his o-n pe$sonal use an# .enefit, to the
#a(age an# p$e1u#i"e of the sai# Re(e#ios Sua$e> in the afo$esai# a(ount of P3.
hat the he$ein a""use# is a ha.itual #elin:uent un#e$ the p$ovisions of a$ti"le ?3 of the
Revise# Penal Co#e, pa$ag$aph @ ("), in that he has .een five ti(es "onvi"te# of the
"$i(e of estafa .+ vi$tue of final 1u#g(ents han#e# #o-n .+ "o(petent "ou$ts, the last
one he$ein "o(plaine# of having .een "o((itte# -ithin the pe$io# of %0 +ea$s f$o( the
#ate of his last "onvi"tion.
6pon a$$aign(ent he plea#e# guilt+ of the "$i(e thus "ha$ge#, an# -as senten"e# to t-o
(onths an# one #a+ of a$$esto (a+o$, to in#e(nif+ the offen#e# pa$t+ in the su( of P3,
an# to pa+ the "osts. <e -as fu$the$ senten"e# to an a##itional penalt+ of ten +ea$s of
p$ision (a+o$ fo$ ha.itual #elin:uen"+.
5SS64S!
0n this appeal the onl+ :uestion $aise# $elates to the a##itional penalt+ i(pose# fo$
ha.itual #elin:uen"+, "ounsel #e ofi"io fo$ the appellant "onten#ing that appellantAs plea
of guilt+ #i# not a(ount to an a#(ission that he -as a ha.itual #elin:uent.
/hile it is -ell settle# that a plea of guilt a#(its all the (ate$ial allegations in the
info$(ation, in"lu#ing that of ha.itual #elin:uen"+, in the "ase .efo$e us the info$(ation
faile# to allege the #ate of appellantAs last "onvi"tion o$ $elease. 5t si(pl+ ave$$e# that the
"$i(e he$ein "o(plaine# of -as B"o((itte# -ithin the pe$io# of %0 +ea$s f$o( the #ate
of his last "onvi"tionB. Apa$t f$o( the fa"t that su"h ave$(ent is a (e$e "on"lusion of
fa"t, the la- spe"ifi"all+ p$ovi#es that a pe$son shall .e #ee(e# a ha.itual #elin:uent if
-ithin a pe$io# of ten +ea$s f$o( the #ate of his $elease o$ last "onvi"tion, he is foun#
guilt+ of the "$i(e of estafa a thi$# ti(e o$ oftene$. 5t is thus "lea$ that -hat is (ate$ial is
not the #ate of "o((ission of the su.se:uent offense, .ut that of his "onvi"tion the$eof,
in $elation to the #ate of his $elease o$ last "onvi"tion. As state# .+ this "ou$t in People vs.
Sio1o (9.R. 8o. 3?83@, @7 Phil. %00@), Bit is t$ue that the$e is an a#(ission that the
appellant ha# p$eviousl+ .een "onvi"te# fou$ ti(es of the "$i(e of theft, .ut the$e is no
sho-ing that the 1u#g(ent appeale# f$o( -as $en#e$e# -ithin the pe$io# of ten +ea$s
f$o( appellantAs last "onvi"tion o$ f$o( his last $elease.B =o$eove$, the $e"o$# sho-s that
the five p$evious "onvi"tions of the appellant too' pla"e on the sa(e #a+. 6pon the
autho$it+ of People vs. Ca- Liong an# Du Siong (@7 Phil. 83&)E People vs. Santiago (@@
Phil. 3??)E People vs. *e la C$u> (9.R. 8o. 3378?, p$o(ulgate# Fe.$ua$+ 7, %&3%, not
$epo$te#), an# People vs. Fentu$a (@? Phil. %), an# othe$s the sai# five "onvi"tions shoul#
.e "onsi#e$e# as onl+ one "onvi"tion. 5t follo-s that the appellant "an not .e #ee(e# a
ha.itual #elin:uent, .ut onl+ a $e"i#ivist.
R6L589!
he offense "o((itte# falls -ithin the pu$vie- of a$ti"le 3%@, su.se"tion 3 (a), of the
Revise# Penal Co#e. he penalt+ p$es"$i.e# is a$$esto (a+o$ in its (e#iu( an#
(aGi(u( pe$io#s. 5nas(u"h as the agg$avating "i$"u(stan"e of $e"i#ivis( is offset .+
the (itigating "i$"u(stan"e of plea of guilt+, the p$es"$i.e# penalt+ shoul# .e i(pose# in
its (e#iu( #eg$ee, that is, f$o( th$ee (onths an# eleven #a+s to fou$ (onths an# t-ent+
#a+s of a$$esto (a+o$. Appellant is the$efo$e senten"e# to th$ee (onths an# eleven #a+s
of a$$esto (a+o$, an# to in#e(nif+ the offen#e# pa$t+ in the su( of P3, -ith su.si#ia$+
i(p$ison(ent in "ase of insolven"+ DPe0toC&.
=o#ifie# as a.ove in#i"ate#, the 1u#g(ent appeale# f$o( is affi$(e# -ith "osts #e ofi"io
in this instan"e. So o$#e$e#.
People vs. Dimalanta
440 SCRA @@
FACS! Josefina *i(alanta -ho -as thene(plo+e# at the Caloo"an Cit+ 4nginee$As
0ffi"e, "alle#up "o(plainant 4lvi$a *. A.a$"a on the telephone toeGp$ess he$ #esi$e to
pu$"hase 1e-el$+. Co(plainant-ent to *i(alanta;s house -he$e the latte$
pu$"hase#t-elve pai$s of 1e-el$+. 5n pa+(ent the$eof, appellantissue# t-elve post#ate#
"he"'s -ith the $ep$esentationthat the sa(e -ill .e suffi"ientl+ fun#e# on thei$$espe"tive
(atu$it+ #ates.he fi$st "he"' issue# .+ *i(alanta -ashono$e# an# pai# .+ the #$a-ee
.an'. <o-eve$, the$e(aining eleven "he"'s -e$e all $etu$ne# unpai# sin"ethe a""ount
-as "lose#. 0n #e(an# *i(alanta faile# to(a'e goo# on the "he"'s. he t$ial "ou$t
"onvi"te#*i(alanta of 4stafa.
<4L*! *a(age an# #e"eit a$e essentialele(ents of the offense an# (ust .e esta.lishe#
-ithsatisfa"to$+ p$oof to -a$$ant "onvi"tion. he falsep$etense o$ f$au#ulent a"t (ust .e
"o((itte# p$io$ too$ si(ultaneousl+ -ith the issuan"e of the .a# "he"'.5n the "ase at .a$,
the p$ose"ution faile# to esta.lish.e+on# a sha#o- of a #ou.t that appellant
e(plo+e##e"eit. 5ts evi#en"e -as ove$"o(e .+ the #efenseAsp$oof that the pie"es of
1e-el$+ -e$e not pu$"hase# .+appellant fo$ he$ o-n useE $athe$ the sa(e -e$e(e$el+
given to he$ fo$ $esale./e fin# that appellant a"te# in goo#
faith#u$ing the t$ansa"tion. Afte$ the fi$st "he"' -as#ishono$e#, she eGe$te# .est effo$ts
to (a'e goo# thevalue of the "he"', al.eit onl+ to the eGtent ofP3@,000.00.
9oo# faith is a #efense to a "ha$ge of4stafa .+ post#ating a "he"'. his (a+ .e
(anifeste#.+ appellantAs a"t of offe$ing to (a'e a$$ange(ents-ith "o(plainant as to the
(anne$ of pa+(ent.
Salazar vs. People
437 SCRA 4%
FACS! S'iva 5nte$national, 5n". is a 8e- Do$').ase# "o$po$ation -hi"h i(po$ts "lothes
f$o( the Philippines th$ough its .u+ing agent, 0livie$ (Philippines) 5n". Au$o$a
=anufa"tu$ing H *evelop(ent Co$po$ation(IAu$o$aJ) an# 6ni)9$oup 5n". (I6ni)
9$oupJ) a$e #o(esti" "o$po$ations -hi"h suppl+ finishe# "lothes to S'iva. =$. /e$ne$
Lett(a+$ is the P$esi#ent of .oth Au$o$a an# 6ni)9$oup -hile the petitione$, Jo$ge
Sala>a$, is the Fi"e)P$esi#ent an# $easu$e$ of 6ni)9$oup an# a "onsultant of Au$o$a. 5n
*e"e(.e$ %&8@, S'iva info$(e# 0livie$ that it nee#s la#ies 1eans to .e #elive$e#
so(eti(e in Janua$+ %&8?. 0livie$, in tu$n, "onta"te# Au$o$a an# 6ni)9$oup to suppl+
the 1eans. hus, a Pu$"hase Cont$a"t -as issue# .+ 0livie$ to 6ni)9$oup -he$ein 6ni)
9$oup -as to suppl+ 700 #o>ens of La#ies Jeans pa+a.le .+ (eans of a lette$ of "$e#it at
sight. 0n Janua$+ 7, %&8?, the pa$ties ag$ee# that S'iva-ill a#van"e to Au$o$aK6ni)9$oup
the a(ount of6SL4%,300.00 (then e:uivalent to P8@0,370.00 at the eG"hange $ate of
P30.@& to 6SL%.00) as Au$o$aK6ni)9$oup#i# not have suffi"ient fun#s to se"u$e $a-
(ate$ials to (anufa"tu$e the 1eans. 5t -as also ag$ee# that the a(ount a#van"e# .+ S'iva
$ep$esents a#van"e pa+(ent of its o$#e$ of 700 #o>ens of la#ies 1eans. S'iva $e(itte# the
fun#s .+ -a+ of teleg$aphi" t$ansfe$ f$o( its .an' in 8e- Do$', the 5s$ael *is"ount
2an', to the 1oint a""ount of =$. an# =$s. Jo$ge Sala>a$ an# =$. an# =$s. /e$ne$
Lett(a+$ at Citi.an' 8.A. =$. Jo$ge Sala>a$ -ith#$e- (one+ f$o( the #olla$ a""ount
"onve$te# it into pesos an# pu$"hase# "loth fo$ the (anufa"tu$e of 300 #o>ens of la#ies
1eans. he .alan"e -as allege#l+ $etu$ne# .+ hi(. <o-eve$, the .alan"e -as late$ foun#
(issing. Resultantl+ Au$o$aK6ni)9$oup faile# to p$o#u"e the 700 #o>ens of la#ies 1eans
$esulting in a suit against the(. Sala>a$ -as "ha$ge# an# "onvi"te#. <is "onvi"tion -as
uphel# even .+ the Sup$e(e Cou$t. <o-eve$ in this =otion fo$ Re"onsi#e$ation, the SC
$eve$se# an# hel# he -as inno"ent.
<4L*! /e fin# (e$it in the ne- (otion. he ele(ents of estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@, pa$.
%(.) of the Revise# Penal Co#e a$e the follo-ing! (a) that (one+, goo#s o$ othe$ pe$sonal
p$ope$t+ is $e"eive# .+ the offen#e$ in t$ust o$ on "o((ission, o$ fo$ a#(inist$ation, o$
un#e$ an+ othe$ o.ligation involving the #ut+ to (a'e #elive$+ of o$ to $etu$n the sa(eE
(.) that the$e .e (isapp$op$iation o$ "onve$sion of su"h (one+ o$ p$ope$t+ .+ the
offen#e$, o$ #enial on his pa$t of su"h $e"eiptE (")that su"h (isapp$op$iation o$ "onve$sion
o$ #enial is to the p$e1u#i"e of anothe$E an# (#) the$e is #e(an# .+ the offen#e# pa$t+ to
the offen#e$. /e $eite$ate that the "ont$a"t .et-een S'iva an# Au$o$a -as one of sale.
Afte$ the pe$fe"tion of the "ont$a"tof sale, =$. /e$ne$ Lett(a+$, $ep$esenting
Au$o$aK6ni)9$oup, $e:ueste# S'iva fo$ a#van"e pa+(ent in o$#e$ top$o"u$e the $a-
(ate$ials nee#e# fo$ the 700)#o>en la#ies; 1eans. 5t -as also =$.Lett(a+$ -ho suggeste#
that the a#van"e pa+(ent .e (a#e to the 1oint a""ount of hi(self an# his -ife, togethe$
-ith petitione$ an# his -ife. As $e:ueste#, L4%,300.00 -as t$ans(itte# .+ S'iva as
a#van"e pa+(ent. *espite the pa+(ent, the$e -as #ela+ in the pe$fo$(an"e of "ont$a"t
on the pa$t of Au$o$aK6ni)9$oup. Petitione$ an# the 0S9 "onten# that un#e$ these fa"ts,
S'iva has no "ause to "o(plain that petitione$ "o((itte# estafa. /e ag$ee. 5n A.eto vs.
People, -e hel# that Ian a#van"e pa+(ent is su.1e"t to the #isposal of the ven#ee. 5f the
t$ansa"tion fails, the o.ligation to $etu$n the a#van"e pa+(ent ensues .ut this o.ligation
is "ivil an# not of "$i(inal natu$e.
I5n fine, the $e(e#+ of S'iva against Au$o$aK6ni)9$oup fo$ .$ea"hing its "ont$a"t is a
"ivil, not a "$i(inal suit.J
Jose v. People
43? SCRA 3&4
Fa"ts!
A""use# -as a$$este# in a #$ug .u+).ust ope$ation "on#u"te# .+ the poli"eE a""use# -as
a passenge$ in the "a$ of Ma$$aga, -ho( allege#l+ (a#e the #eal -ith the un#e$"ove$ in
the sai# ope$ation. he+ "lai(e# that the+ -e$e 'i#nappe# .+ the poli"e an# as'e#
$anso( fo$ thei$ $elease f$o( one of the a""use# -ife. he t$ial "ou$t foun# the( guilt+,
an# "$e#ite# in thei$ favou$ the p$eventive i(p$ison(ent the+ ha# un#e$gone. CA $e#u"e#
the penalt+ on petitione$ sin"e he -as %3 +ea$s ol# at the ti(e of the "o((ission of the
offense.
5ssue!
/hethe$ o$ not petitione$ a"te# -ith #is"e$n(ent an# that p$ose"ution faile# to allege in
the info$(ation that he a"te# -ith #is"e$n(ent7
*e"ision!
80. Fo$ a (ino$ at su"h an age to .e "$i(inall+ lia.le, the p$ose"ution is .u$#ene# to
p$ove .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t, .+ #i$e"t o$ "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e, that he a"te# -ith
#is"e$n(ent, (eaning that he 'ne- -hat he -as #oing an# that it -as -$ong. Su"h
"i$"u(stantial evi#en"e (a+ in"lu#e the utte$an"es of the (ino$E his ove$t a"ts .efo$e,
#u$ing an# afte$ the "o((ission of the "$i(e $elative the$etoE the natu$e of the -eapon
use# in the "o((ission of the "$i(eE his atte(pt to silen"e a -itnessE his #isposal of
evi#en"e o$ his hi#ing the "o$pus #eli"ti. he onl+ evi#en"e of the p$ose"ution against the
petitione$ is that he -as in a "a$ -ith his "ousin, "o)a""use#, -hen the latte$ in:ui$e#
f$o( the poseu$).u+e$, if he "oul# affo$# to .u+ sha.u.
he$e is no evi#en"e that the petitione$ 'ne- -hat -as insi#e the plasti" an#soft -hite
pape$ .efo$e an# at the ti(e he han#e# ove$ the sa(e to his "ousin.5n#ee#, the poseu$)
.u+e$ #i# not .othe$ to as' the petitione$ his age .e"ause he'ne- that pushe$s use#
+oung .o+s in thei$ t$ansa"tions fo$ illegal #$ugs.Conspi$a"+ is #efine# as an ag$ee(ent
.et-een t-o o$ (o$e pe$sons to"o((it a "$i(e an# #e"i#e to "o((it it.
Conspi$a"+ p$esupposes "apa"it+ of thepa$ties to su"h "onspi$a"+ to #is"e$n -hat is $ight
f$o( -hat is -$ong. Sin"e thep$ose"ution faile# to p$ove that the petitione$ a"te# -ith
#is"e$n(ent, it "annotthe$e.+ .e "on"lu#e# that he "onspi$e# -ith his "o)a""use#..
People vs. Ojeda
430 SCRA 438
FACS! Co$a A.ella 01e#a use# to .u+ fa.$i"s(telas) f$o( "o(plainant Ru.+ Chua. Fo$
the th$ee +ea$s app$oGi(atel+ she t$ansa"te# .usiness -ith Chua, appellant use#
post#ate# "he"'s to pa+ fo$ the fa.$i"s she .ought. 0n 8ove(.e$ @, %&83, appellant
pu$"hase# f$o( Chua va$ious fa.$i"s an# teGtile (ate$ials -o$thP338,30? fo$ -hi"h she
issue# 33 post#ate# "he"'s .ea$ing #iffe$ent #ates an# a(ounts. he 33 "he"'s -e$e all
#ishono$e#. *e(an#s -e$e allege#l+ (a#e to (a'e goo# the #ishonou$e# "he"'s, to no
avail. 4stafa an# 2P 33 "ha$ges -e$e the$eafte$ file# against 01e#a. he t$ial "ou$t
"onvi"te# appellant of the "$i(e of estafa as #efine# an# penali>e# un#e$ pa$ag$aph 3(#)
of A$ti"le 3%@ of the Revise# Penal Co#e (RPC), an# senten"e# he$ to $e"lusion pe$petua.
he t$ial "ou$t also "onvi"te# appellant of violation of 2P 33 fo$ issuing .oun"ing "he"'s.
<o-eve$, the "ou$t a :uo hel# he$ guilt+ of onl+ %4 "ounts out of the 33 .oun"ing "he"'s
issue#.
<4L*! 6n#e$ pa$ag$aph 3(#) of A$ti"le 3%@ of the RPC, as a(en#e# .+ RA 488@, 30 the
ele(ents of estafa a$e! (%) a "he"' is post#ate# o$ issue# in pa+(ent of an o.ligation
"ont$a"te# at the ti(e it is issue#E (3) la"' o$ insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s to "ove$ the "he"'E
(3) #a(age to the pa+ee the$eof. *e"eit an##a(age a$e essential ele(ents of the offense
an# (ust.e esta.lishe# .+ satisfa"to$+ p$oof to -a$$ant"onvi"tion. hus, the #$a-e$ of
the #ishono$e# "he"' isgiven th$ee #a+s f$o( $e"eipt of the noti"e of #ishonou$ to "ove$
the a(ount of the "he"'. 0the$-ise a p$i(afa"ie p$esu(ption of #e"eit a$ises.
he p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove #e"eit in this"ase. he p$i(a fa"ie p$esu(ption of #e"eit
-assu""essfull+ $e.utte# .+ appellantAs evi#en"e of goo#faith, a #efense in estafa .+
post#ating a "he"'. 9oo#faith (a+ .e #e(onst$ate#, fo$ instan"e, .+ a #e.to$Asoffe$ to
a$$ange a pa+(ent s"he(e -ith his "$e#ito$. 5nthis "ase, the #e.to$ not onl+ (a#e
a$$ange(ents fo$pa+(entE as "o(plainant he$self "atego$i"all+ state#,the #e.to$)
appellant full+ pai# the enti$e a(ount ofthe #ishono$e# "he"'s.
5t (ust .e note# that ou$ Revise# Penal Co#e-as ena"te# to penali>e unla-ful a"ts
a""o(panie# .+evil intent #eno(inate# as "$i(es (ala in se. hep$in"ipal "onsi#e$ation
is the eGisten"e of (ali"iousintent. he$e is a "on"u$$en"e of f$ee#o(, intelligen"ean#
intent -hi"h togethe$ (a'e up the B"$i(inal (in#B.ehin# the B"$i(inal a"t.B hus, to
"onstitute a "$i(e,the a"t (ust, gene$all+ an# in (ost "ases, .ea""o(panie# .+ a "$i(inal
intent. A"tus non fa"it$eu(, nisi (ens sit $ea. 8o "$i(e is "o((itte# if the(in# of the
pe$son pe$fo$(ing the a"t "o(plaine# of isinno"ent. As -e hel# in a.uena vs.
San#igan.a+an!NNN
he $ule -as $eite$ate# in People v. Pa"ana,although this "ase involve# falsifi"ation of
pu.li"#o"u(ents an# estafa!
B0$#ina$il+, evil intent (ust unite -ith anunla-ful a"t fo$ the$e to .e a "$i(e. A"tus non
fa"it$eu(, nisi (ens sit $ea. he$e "an .e no "$i(e -henthe "$i(inal (in# is -anting.B
A(e$i"an 1u$isp$u#en"e e"hoes the sa(ep$in"iple. 5t a#he$es to the vie- that "$i(inal
intent ine(.e>>le(ent is not .ase# on te"hni"al (ista'es as tothe legal effe"t of a
t$ansa"tion honestl+ ente$e# into,an# the$e "an .e no e(.e>>le(ent if the (in# of
thepe$son #oing the a"t is inno"ent o$ if the$e is no-$ongful pu$pose.
he a""use# (a+ thus p$ove that he a"te# ingoo# faith an# that he ha# no intention to
"onve$t the(one+ o$ goo#s fo$ his pe$sonal .enefit. /e a$e"onvin"e# that appellant -as
a.le to p$ove the a.sen"eof "$i(inal intent in he$ t$ansa"tions -ith Chua. <a#he$
intention .een tainte# -ith (ali"e an# #e"eit,appellant -oul# not have eGe$te#
eGt$ao$#ina$+ effo$tto pa+ the "o(plainant, given he$ o-n .usiness an#finan"ial $eve$ses.
Sim vs. CA
438 SCRA 4@&
Fa"ts!
P$ivate "o(plainant Ja+ 2+$on 5lagan is a ti$e supplie$. <e ha# .een #ealing -ith a""use#
4lisonFillaflo$ fo$ t-ent+ +ea$s, as the latte$ is engage# in the sa(e .usiness of selling
ti$es an# $i(s. 5n =a$"h %&&8, p$ivate "o(plainant tal'e# to 4lison an# eGp$esse# his
inte$est in .u+ing a vehi"le. 4lison tol# hi( that he 'ne- so(eone -ho sells vehi"les at a
"heap p$i"e, an# that he ha# .ought a o+ota a(a$a- FN at lo-e$ than the (a$'et p$i"e.
P$ivate "o(plainant then as'e# 4lison to as' if the$e -as an 5su>u pi"')up fo$ sale. A
(onth late$, 4lison "alle# p$ivate "o(plainant to info$( hi( that he -as a.le to fin# a
%&&7 8issan Pathfin#e$. he+ ag$ee# to inspe"t the vehi"le togethe$. 0n Ap$il 30, %&&8,
onl+ 4lison -ent to *agupan Cit+ to get the 8issan Pathfin#e$ f$o( his f$ien#, petitione$
Augusto Si(, J$. Petitione$ tol# 4lison that the 8issan Pathfin#e$ -as given to hi( .+ a
"usto(e$ in pa+(ent of a #e.t an# ha# .een use# onl+ fo$ a +ea$. 4lison .$ought the %&&7
8issan Pathfin#e$ to San Pa.lo Cit+. P$ivate "o(plainant at fi$st #i# not li'e the vehi"le
sin"e it -as not the .$an# he -as loo'ing fo$. 4lison sai# that his 'u(pa#$e -oul# loo' at
the vehi"le as the latte$ -as also inte$este# in it. P$ivate "o(plainant #e"i#e# to .u+ the
%&&7 8issan Pathfin#e$ at the ag$ee# p$i"e of P480,000.00. he a(ount -as pai# in five
"he"'s issue# .+ Fe5lagan. 0ne "he"' -as #ate# =a+ ?, %&&8 in the su( of P3@0,000.00,
an# fou$ "he"'s in the su( of P33,@00.00 ea"h -as #ate# June ?, Jul+ ?, August ? an#
Septe(.e$ ?, all in %&&8.4lison gave p$ivate "o(plainant photo"opies of the Ce$tifi"ate
of Regist$ation (C.R.) an# 0ffi"ial Re"eipt (0.R.) issue# .+ the Lan# $anspo$tation
0ffi"e (L0) sho-ing the na(e of the o-ne$ as one <en$+ Aust$ia. Afte$ a -ee', 4lison
.$ought the #ee# of sale -hi"h p$ivate "o(plainant signe# -ithout the signatu$e of the
o-ne$, <en$+ Aust$ia. Afte$ p$ivate "o(plainant signe# the #ee# of sale, he gave it .a"'
to 4lison to .e .$ought .a"' to *agupan Cit+ fo$ signing .+ the o-ne$Kven#o$ an#
t$ansfe$ of $egist$ation in the na(e of p$ivate "o(plainant. 0n June 7, %&&8, 4lison
$etu$ne# an# #elive$e# to p$ivate "o(plainant the #ee# of sale signe# .+ the
o-ne$Kven#o$, togethe$ -ith the ne- C.R. an# 0.R. issue# .+ the L0 of Linga+en,
Pangasinan in the na(e of p$ivate "o(plainant. he "he"'s given .+ p$ivate "o(plainant
in pa+(ent of the vehi"le -e$e #eposite# .+ petitione$ in his na(e at Soli#.an')*agupan
2$an"h. All five "he"'s -e$e #e.ite# in favo$ of petitione$. Afte$ $e"eiving the
$egist$ation pape$s f$o( 4lison, p$ivate "o(plainant -as eventuall+ a.le to use the
8issan Pathfin#e$. 0n 0"to.e$ 38, %&&8, p$ivate "o(plainants vehi"le -as app$ehen#e#
.+ Anti)Ca$napping ope$atives of the Philippine 8ational Poli"e (A8CAR
8CR=0).he vehi"le an# its $egist$ation pape$s -e$e inspe"te# an# the$eafte$ .$ought
to Ca(p C$a(e. 5t tu$ne# out that the vehi"le -as a Bhot "a$.B he$eafte$, 4lison an#
petitione$ -e$e "ha$ge# an# "onvi"te# -ith estafa. Fu$the$ the "ou$t also $ule# that
"onspi$a"+ is p$esent. /ith this, the a""use# appeale#.
5ssue!
/hethe$ the$e -as "onspi$a"+ .et-een petitione$ an# 4lisonFillaflo$ in#ef$au#ing
p$ivate "o(plainant
Ja+ 2+$on 5lagan7
*e"ision!
4ven in the a.sen"e of #i$e"t evi#en"e of p$io$ ag$ee(ent to "o((it the "$i(e,
"onspi$a"+ (a+ .e #e#u"e# f$o( the a"ts of the pe$pet$ato$s .efo$e, #u$ing an# afte$ the
"o((ission of the "$i(e, -hi"h a$e in#i"ative of a "o((on #esign, "on"e$te# a"tion an#
"on"u$$en"e of senti(ents. Conspi$a"+ is #ee(e# i(plie# -hen the (alefa"to$s have a
"o((on pu$pose an# -e$e unite# in its eGe"ution. Spontaneous ag$ee(ent o$ a"tive
"oope$ation .+ all pe$pet$ato$s atthe (o(ent of the "o((ission of the "$i(e is suffi"ient
to "$eate 1oint "$i(inal $esponsi.ilit+.
5n 4$:uiaga v. Cou$t of Appeals, -e $ule# that "onspi$a"+, as a $ule, has to .e esta.lishe#
-ith the sa(e :uantu( of p$oof as the "$i(e itself an# sho-n as "lea$l+ as the
"o((ission of the "$i(e. <o-eve$, "onspi$a"+ nee# not .e sho-n .+ #i$e"t evi#en"e, .ut
(a+ ta'e the fo$( of "i$"u(stan"es -hi"h, if ta'en togethe$, -oul# "on"lusivel+ sho-
that the a""use# "a(e to an ag$ee(ent to "o((it a "$i(e an# #e"i#e# to "a$$+ it out -ith
thei$ full "oope$ation an# pa$ti"ipation. As "o$$e"tl+ pointe# out .+ the appellate "ou$t,
petitione$s a"tions in $elation to the f$au#ulent sale of the 8issan Pathfin#e$ to p$ivate
"o(plainant "lea$l+ esta.lishe# "onspi$a"+ as allege# in the info$(ation, -hi"h a"ts
t$ans"en# (e$e 'no-le#ge o$ f$ien#ship -ith "o)a""use# 4lison. 8ot-ithstan#ing the
fa"t that it -as onl+ 4lison -ho #ealt -ith o$ pe$sonall+ t$ansa"te# -ith p$ivate
"o(plainant until the ti(e the sale -as "onsu((ate#, .+ his o-n testi(on+ petitione$
a#(itte# all the a"ts .+ -hi"h he a"tivel+ "oope$ate# an# not (e$el+ a":uies"e# in
pe$pet$ating the f$au# upon p$ivate "o(plainant. hat petitione$ isa "onspi$ato$ having
1oint "$i(inal #esign -ith 4lison is evi#ent f$o( the fa"t that as .et-een the(, .oth 'ne-
that petitione$ -as the pe$son selling the vehi"le un#e$ the false p$etense that a "e$tain
<en$+ Aust$ia -as the $egiste$e# o-ne$. Petitione$, togethe$ -ith 4lison, "lea$l+ #e"eive#
p$ivate "o(plainant in o$#e$ to #ef$au# hi( in the a(ount of P480,000.00, to the latte$;s
#a(age an# p$e1u#i"e. 5n a##ition, the a"ts of petitione$ in #eli.e$atel+
(is$ep$esentinghi(self to p$ivate "o(plainant as having the ne"essa$+ autho$it+ to
possess an#sell to the latte$ the vehi"le so that he "oul# "olle"t f$o( hi( P480,000.00
onl+ to$enege on that p$o(ise an# fo$ failu$e to $ei(.u$se the sai# a(ount he
"olle"te#f$o( p$ivate "o(plainant, #espite #e(an#, a(ount to estafa punisha.le un#e$
A$t. 3%@, pa$. 3 (a).
People vs. Cuyugan
3&3 SCRA %40
FACS!
Ri"a 9. Cu+ugan issue# to 8o$(a A.agat seve$al "he"'s in pa+(ent of supplies she
-ante# to .u+ fo$ the Philippine A$(e# Fo$"es. /hen the "he"'s -e$e p$esente# fo$
pa+(ent, the+ -e$e all #ishono$e# eithe$ on a""ount of *A5F (#$a-n against insuffi"ient
fun#s) o$ fo$ $eason of ACC068 CL0S4*. *espite $epeate# #e(an#s, appellant faile#
to (a'e goo# the "he"'s, -hi"h "onst$aine# the A.agat spouses to file a "o(plaint fo$
estafa against Cu+ugan. Cu+ugan"lai(e# that the A.agat spousesan# she -e$e pa$tne$sin
o.taining "onst$u"tion p$o1e"ts -ith the PhilippineA$(+. She issue# post#ate# "he"'s as
p$oof that theA.agat spouses ha# investe# thei$ (one+ -ith he$. She"lai(e# that she -as
the in#ust$ial pa$tne$ as she #i#all the leg-o$' in getting the p$o1e"ts. he+ thensha$e# in
the p$ofits afte$ #e#u"ting all the(is"ellaneous eGpenses.
he t$ial "ou$t foun# appellant guilt+ .e+on#$easona.le #ou.t of estafa "o((itte# .+
(eans offalse p$etenses o$ f$au#ulent a"ts eGe"ute# p$io$ to o$si(ultaneousl+ -ith the
"o((ission of the f$au#, thatis .+ post#ating a "he"' o$ issuing a "he"' in pa+(entof an
o.ligation -hen the offen#e$ ha# no fun#s in the.an', o$ his fun#s #eposite# the$ein -e$e
not suffi"ientto "ove$ the a(ount of the "he"'.
<4L*!
/e fin# the appeal (e$ito$ious. het$ansa"tion .et-een appellant an# the A.agat
spouses,in ou$ vie-, -as one fo$ a loan of (one+ to .e use# .+appellant in he$ .usiness
an# she issue# "he"'s togua$antee the pa+(ent of the loan. As su"h, she hasthe o.ligation
to (a'e goo# the pa+(ent of the (one+.o$$o-e# .+ he$. 2ut su"h o.ligation is "ivil
in"ha$a"te$ an# in the a.sen"e of f$au#, no "$i(inallia.ilit+ un#e$ the Revise# Penal Co#e
a$ises f$o( the(e$e issuan"e of post#ate# "he"'s as a gua$antee of$epa+(ent.
People vs. Dinglasan
(38& SCRA 7%)
FACS!
AleGan#e$ *inglasan -as the o-ne$ an# ope$ato$ of AleGan#e$ $anspo$t, -hile p$ivate
"o(plainant Cha$les O. Sia is the o-ne$ of S"hani'a 4nte$p$ises engage# in $etailing
n+lon ti$es. *inglasan issue# th$ee "he"'s as pa+(ent fo$ ti$e pu$"hases. /hen the
"he"'s fell #ue, Sia #eposite# the(, .ut the #$a-ee .an', 2an"o #e 0$o, #ishono$e# these
fo$ insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s. <e then t$ie# to "all *inglasan seve$al ti(es, .ut his "alls -e$e
unans-e$e#. Sia, -ith the assistan"e of a la-+e$, then sent appellant a #e(an# lette$. All
he got -e$e p$o(ises that appellant -oul# pa+ the a(ounts #ue, %3 finall+ p$o(pting
hi( to hale appellant to "ou$t. *inglasan vigo$ousl+ #enie# an+ intent to #e"eive o$
#ef$au# Sia. <e vehe(entl+insiste# that his $efusal to pa+ Sia -as p$i(a$il+ #ue tothe
poo$ :ualit+ of the ti$es sol# hi( .+ the latte$. het$ial "ou$t "onvi"te# *inglasan.
<4L*!
*inglasan -as "ha$ge# an# "onvi"te#of estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@ (3) (#) of the Revise#
PenalCo#e. 33 he ele(ents of the offense a$e! (%)post#ating o$ issuing a "he"' in
pa+(ent of ano.ligation "ont$a"te# at the ti(e the "he"' -as issue#E(3) la"' of suffi"ient
fun#s to "ove$ the "he"'E (3)'no-le#ge on the pa$t of the offen#e$ of su"h"i$"u(stan"esE
an# (4) #a(age to the "o(plainant.he fi$st ele(ent of the offense $e:ui$es that
the#ishono$e# "he"' (ust have .een post#ate# o$ issue#at the ti(e the o.ligation -as
"ont$a"te#. 5n othe$-o$#s, the #ate the o.ligation -as ente$e# into, .eingthe ve$+ #ate the
"he"' -as issue# o$ post#ate#, is a(ate$ial ing$e#ient of the offense. <en"e, not
onl+(ust sai# #ate .e spe"ifi"all+ an# pa$ti"ula$l+ allege#in the info$(ation, it (ust .e
p$ove# as allege#.
5n the p$esent "ase, the p$ose"utionAsevi#en"e "lea$l+ an# "atego$i"all+ sho-s that the$e
-asno t$ansa"tion .et-een the pa$ties on Jul+ 30, %&&4,fo$ -hi"h Che"' 8o. 03&0%4 -as
issue#. 5n othe$ -o$#s,no o.ligation -as "ont$a"te# on Jul+ 30, %&&4, fo$-hi"h Che"'
8o. 03&0%4 -as allege#l+ post#ate# .+appellant. he situation o.tains si(ila$l+
$ega$#ingChe"' 8o. 03&030. Again, the$e -as no o.ligation"ont$a"te# .+ the pa$ties on
Jul+ 34, %&&4 fo$ -hi"happellant allege#l+ post#ate# anothe$ "he"'.4vi#entl+, the fi$st
ele(ent of the offense -as neithe$"o$$e"tl+ allege# no$ p$oven .+ the p$ose"ution.<en"e,
appellant "annot .e "ha$ge# (u"h less foun#guilt+ of estafa -ith $espe"t to Che"'s 8os.
03&0%4 an#03&030.
People vs. Nagrampa
38? SCRA 4%3
FACS!
8ag$a(pa issue# 3 "he"'s (Php7@,000 ea"h) to Fe#"o$ $a#ing Co$p $ep$esente# .+
Fe#e$i"o Santan#e$ on August 3%, %&8& an# Septe(.e$ 30, %&8& #$a-n against the
Se"u$it+ 2an' . /hen sai# "he"'s -e$e p$esente# to the .an' fo$ pa+(ent, the sa(e -e$e
#ishono$e# fo$ the $eason that the #$a-e$ #i# not have an+ fun#s the$ein. *espite noti"e
of #ishonou$ the$eof, 8ag$a(pa faile# an# $efuse# to $e#ee( o$ (a'e goo# sai# "he"'s,
3 "ases -e$e file# against hi(. he t$ial "ou$t foun# 8ag$a(pa guilt+ of t-o "ounts of
violation of the 2oun"ing Che"'s La- an# senten"ing hi( to suffe$ i(p$ison(ent fo$
t-o +ea$s an# pa+ F4*C0R P%@0,000.
Petitione$ appeale# the #e"ision to the Cou$t of Appeals. he appeal -as #o"'ete# as CA)
9.R. CR.8o. %8083. 6pon noti"ing that the 30 Septe(.e$ %&&3*e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t
#i# not $esolve the issue of petitione$As lia.ilit+ fo$ estafa, the Cou$t of Appeals issue# on
%& =a+ %&&8 a $esolution %8 o$#e$ing the $etu$n of the enti$e $e"o$#s of the "ase to the
t$ial "ou$t fo$ the latte$ to #e"i#e the estafa "ase against petitione$.
<4L*!
/e l sustain the "onvi"tion fo$ the "$i(e of estafa. Settle# is the $ule that, to "onstitute
estafa, the a"t of post#ating o$ issuing a "he"' inpa+(ent of an o.ligation (ust .e the
effi"ient "ause of#ef$au#ation an#, as su"h, it shoul# .e eithe$ p$io$ to,o$ si(ultaneous
-ith, the a"t of f$au#. he offen#e$(ust .e a.le to o.tain (one+ o$ p$ope$t+ f$o(
theoffen#e# pa$t+ .e"ause of the issuan"e of the "he"', o$the pe$son to -ho( the "he"'
-as #elive$e# -oul# nothave pa$te# -ith his (one+ o$ p$ope$t+ ha# the$e .eenno "he"'
issue# to hi(. State# othe$-ise, the "he"'shoul# have .een issue# as an in#u"e(ent fo$
thesu$$en#e$ .+ the pa$t+ #e"eive# of his (one+ o$p$ope$t+, an# not in pa+(ent of a p$e)
eGistingo.ligation.
Ang
GLO!A OCA"PO#PA$L%& petitioner.
vs.
'ONOA(L% CO$) O* APP%ALS and P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S&
respondents.
G.. No. +,-./0. *ebruary ,& 0110
FACS!
9lo$ia 0"a(po)Paule,he$ein petitione$, $e"eive# f$o( the "o(plainant Feli"itas =.
Calilung seve$al pie"es of 1e-el$+. he+ ag$ee# that Paule -oul# sell the 1e-el$ies an#
tu$nove$ the p$o"ee#s of sales, if the$e;s an+, o$ $etu$n the unsol# pie"es -ithin t-o
(onths. Sin"e the+ a$e $elatives, Calilung no longe$ $e:ui$e# the petitione$ to issue a
$e"eipt a"'no-le#g(ent.
*espite of the #e(an# lette$ sent .+ the "o(plainant, the petitione$ still faile# to
tu$n ove$ the p$o"ee#s of the sale o$ to $etu$n the unsol# pie"es of 1e-el$+. Conse:uentl+,
the "o(plainant -as "onst$aine# to $efe$ the (atte$ to the .a$anga+ "aptain of Sta.
=oni"a, Lu.ao, Pa(panga. *u$ing the .a$anga+ "on"iliation, petitione$ a"'no-le#ge#
an# eGe"ute# ICasun#uansa2a+a$anJ -hi"h state# that she -ill pa+ Php. 3000 (onthl+
to ans-e$ fo$ the pie"es of 1e-el$+. he "o(plainant file# a "$i(inal "ha$ge of estafa
against the petitione$ -hen the latte$ faile# to "o(pl+ -ith he$ o.ligations. he lo-e$
"ou$t $en#e$e# a #e"ision fin#ing petitione$ guilt+ of estafa an# then appeale# -ith the
Cou$t of Appeals, -hi"h -as #is(isse# fo$ la"' of (e$it. <en"e, this appeal.
5SS64! /hethe$ o$ not the petitione$ is guilt+ of estafa
<4L*!
Des. Petitione$ is guilt+ of estafa. All the ele(ents of estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@,
pa$ag$aph %(.) a$e p$esent in this "ase. Fi$st, a""use# $e"eive# the 1e-el$+ fo$ the
pu$pose of selling the sa(e un#e$ an eGp$ess o.ligation to $e(it to "o(plainant the
p$o"ee#s the$eof o$ to $etu$n those she is una.le to sell the$e.+ "$eating a fi#u"ia$+
$elationship .et-een the(. Se"on#, a""use# (isapp$op$iate# the 1e-el$+ as sho-n .+ the
fa"t that she faile# to $etu$n the sa(e o$ the p$o"ee#s the$eof #espite #e(an# an# thi$#,
the (isapp$op$iation p$e1u#i"e# the p$ivate "o(plainant.
he $ule is that fa"tual fin#ings of the Cou$t of Appeals a$e "on"lusive on the pa$ties
on an# this Cou$t, an# "a$$+ even (o$e -eight -hen the appellate "ou$t affi$(s the
fa"tual fin#ings of the t$ial "ou$t. he Cou$t fin#s no $eason to #epa$t f$o( the fo$egoing
$ule, "onsi#e$ing that the evi#en"e on $e"o$# suppo$ts the "on"lusion of .oth the t$ial an#
the appellate "ou$ts that petitione$ is lia.le fo$ estafa -ith a.use of "onfi#en"e un#e$
A$ti"le 3%@, pa$ag$aph %(.) of the Revise# Penal Co#e.
People o2 t3e P3ilippines& plainti22#appellee.
vs.
"ary Gra4e Carol *lores& a44used#appellant.
FACS!
Co(plainant #el Rosa$io sol# to a""use#)appellant Flo$es a @)'a$at #ia(on# $ing
-o$th Php. ??3,000.00. he Flo$es issue# to he$ PC52 "he"' as pa+(ent. Co(plainant
then #eposite# the "he"' to he$ .an' .ut -as notifie# late$ on that it ha# .een #ishono$e#
sin"e the "he"'ing a""ount -as al$ea#+ "lose#. *espite the $epeate# #e(an#s (a#e .+
#el Rosa$io, the a""use#)appellant faile# to (a'e a pa+(ent. he "o(plainant file# a
"ase of estafa an# of violation of 2P 33 against Flo$es.
As he$ #efense, a""use#)appellant sai# that the "he"' -as not fo$ the pa+(ent fo$
the $ing .ut the "o(plainant investe# in he$ #$ape$+ .usiness. She also state# that she
onl+ $e"eive Php. @0,000 as a loan pa+a.le in one +ea$.
he t$ial "ou$t foun# the a""use#)appellant guilt+ of the "$i(e "a$ge# against he$
an# -as affi$(e# .+ the Cou$t of Appeals. <en"e, this appeal.
5SS64! /hethe$ o$ not the a""use#)appellant is guilt+ of estafa
<4L*!
Des. he ele(ents of estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@, pa$ag$aph 3(#) of the Revise#
Penal Co#e, as a(en#e#, a$e the follo-ing! (%) post#ating o$ issuing "he"'s in pa+(ent
of an o.ligation "ont$a"te# at the ti(e the "he"'s -e$e issue#E (3) la"' o$ insuffi"ien"+ of
fun#s to "ove$ sai# "he"'sE (3) 'no-le#ge on the pa$t of the #$a-e$ of "he"'s of su"h
la"' o$ insuffi"ien"+ of fun#sE an# (4) #a(age "apa.le of pe"unia$+ esti(ation to the
pa+ee the$eof.
All the ele(ents a$e p$esent in this "ase. he a""use#)appellant a#(itte# issuing
the "he"' as se"u$it+ fo$ a loan .ut "ont$a#i"te# he$ state(ent #u$ing the "$oss)
eGa(ination.
he f$au#ulent intent of the a""use#)appellant ha# .een p$oven to eGist at the ti(e
of the issuan"e of the "he"'. She (is$ep$esente# to "o(plainant that she -as finan"iall+
sta.le an# that he$ .usiness -as flou$ishing. he failu$e of the #$a-e$ to #eposit the
a(ount ne"essa$+ to "ove$ his "he"' -ithin th$ee (3) #a+s noti"e f$o( $e"eipt of .an'
noti"e is the p$i(a evi#en"e of #e"eit "onstituting false p$etenses o$ f$au#ulent a"t. <e$
$efusal to (a'e goo# he$ o.ligation is in#i"ative not onl+ of he$ ina.ilit+ to pa+ .ut also
that she e(plo+e# false p$etenses in"u$$ing he$ o.ligation 5n the fi$st pla"e.
P!O )!"(AL& petitioner.
vs.
'ON. CO$) O* APP%ALS and P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S& respondents.
G.. No. +56,./ De4ember +,& 011+
FACS!
So(eti(e in Fe.$ua$+ %&&4, the "o(plainant Ju#+ 2igo$nia #elive$e# hog (eat to
the spouses i(.al at thei$ stall lo"ate# at the Fa$(e$As =a$'et, Cu.ao, Oue>on Cit+. 5n
pa+(ent, =a$itessi(.al issue# in favo$ of 2igo$nia Capitol 2an' Che"' 8o. 0&?700 in
the a(ount of P80,7%?.00. Petitione$, Pioi(.al, -as p$esent -hen the "he"' -as issue#
an# han#e# ove$ .+ his -ife =a$itess to 2igo$nia. /hen the latte$ p$esente# the "he"' to
the .an' fo$ en"ash(ent, it -as #ishono$e# .e"ause the a""ount -as al$ea#+ "lose#.
5n his #efense, petitione$ "onten#e# that he ha# no a"tive pa$ti"ipation in the
.usiness of his -ife an# "lai(e# that -hen the "he"' -as issue# .+ his -ife he -as
(anning his o-n $estau$ant lo"ate# at Fai$vie-, Oue>on Cit+, an# he ha# not hea$# f$o(
he$. Afte$ t$ial, the Regional $ial Cou$t of Oue>on Cit+ $en#e$e# 1u#g(ent "onvi"ting
petitione$ of the "$i(e "ha$ge#. <e appeale# to the Cou$t of Appeals .ut affi$(e# in toto
the 1u#g(ent of the t$ial "ou$t.he appellate "ou$t $e1e"te# petitione$As #efense of #enial
an# ali.i an# $ule# that fo$ this #efense to p$ospe$, it (ust .e sho-n that the a""use#
"oul# not have .een ph+si"all+ p$esent at the "$i(e s"ene at the ti(e of the in"i#ent. 5t
ag$ee# -ith the t$ial "ou$t that the$e -as "onspi$a"+ .et-een petitione$ an# his -ife to
#ef$au# 2igo$nia.
<en"e, the instant petition.
5SS64! /hethe$ o$ not the petitione$ is guilt+ of estafa
<4L*!
8o. he #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t, as -ell as that of the appellate "ou$t, -oul#
$eveal that the (ain .asis use# in "onvi"ting petitione$ -as the fa"t of his p$esen"e at the
ti(e of the issuan"e of the "he"' .+ his -ife. 8othing else -as sho-n no$ $efle"te# in the
appeale# #e"ision that "oul# in#i"ate an+ ove$t a"t on the pa$t of petitione$ that -oul#
even $e(otel+ suggest that he ha# a han# in #ealing -ith 2igo$nia. AppellantAs (e$e
p$esen"e at the s"ene of a "$i(e -oul# not .+ itself esta.lish "onspi$a"+, a.sent an+
evi#en"e that he, .+ an a"t o$ se$ies of a"ts, pa$ti"ipate# in the "o((ission of f$au# to the
#a(age of the "o(plainant.
/hile "onspi$a"+ nee# not .e esta.lishe# .+ #i$e"t evi#en"e, it is, nonetheless,
$e:ui$e# that it .e p$ove# .+ "lea$ an# "onvin"ing evi#en"e .+ sho-ing a se$ies of a"ts
#one .+ ea"h of the a""use# in "on"e$t an# in pu$suan"e of the "o((on unla-ful
pu$pose. he #eg$ee of p$oof $e:ui$e# to esta.lish "onspi$a"+, li'e the "$i(e itself, is
nothing less than p$oof .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t. Ce$tainl+, the$e is no "onspi$a"+ in 1ust
.eing (a$$ie# to an e$$ing spouse.
JO'N "ANG!O& petitioner.
vs.
CO$) O* APP%ALS AND )'% P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S& respondents.
G.. No. +57.,7. De4ember -& 011+
FACS!
Petitione$ =angio an# "o(plainant Au$ea*illena use# to .e .usiness pa$tne$s.
he spouses *illena app$oa"he# the petitione$ to .o$$o- (one+ #ue to the losses in thei$
.usiness. =angio int$o#u"e# the( to Agnes Salva#o$so the+ "oul# .o$$o- (one+ f$o(
he$ -ith the petitione$ as gua$anto$. Salva#o$ as'e# the *illenas to issue a "he"' fo$
P@0,000.00as evi#en"e of the loan .ut tol# Salva#o$ that thei$ "he"'ing a""ount -as
al$ea#+ "lose#. /hen the loan fell #ue, the "ouple faile# to #o pa+ the loan, an# as'e#
=angio to .$ing P%0,@00.00 to Salva#o$. Petitione$ info$(e# the "ouple that Salva#o$
$efuse# to a""ept the "ash an# instea#, inst$u"te# hi( to get the "oupleAs o+ota 1eep as
pa+(ent fo$ the loan. =$. *illena signe# the ag$ee(ent an# a##e# at the .otto( of the
#o"u(ent that he signe# it -ith the un#e$stan#ing that Salva#o$ -oul# give .a"' to hi(
an# his -ife the "he"' the+ issue# as evi#en"e of thei$ loan. =angio signe# it as a -itness
an# an# the latte$ too' the 1eep.
So(eti(e the$eafte$, Au$ea -as su$p$ise# to lea$n that Salva#o$ sue# he$ fo$
violation of 2. P. 2lg. 33 .e"ause thei$ "he"' -as #ishono$e#. /hen she as'e# Salva#o$
a.out the pa+(ent an# the 1eep, the latte$ tol# he$ that she #i# not $e"eive an+thing.
Au$ea -as "onvi"te# fo$ violation of 2.P. 2lg. 33. he *illenas #e(an#e# that the
petitione$ $etu$n the 1eep o$ the pu$"hase p$i"e .ut the petitione$ #i# not #o so. he+
lea$ne# that =a$"elino Ro#$igue> ha# .ought the 1eep. =anuel, =angio;s son -as
p$esente# an# testifie# that he -as not a-a$e of the a"tuations of his fathe$. he t$ial "ou$t
"onvi"te# hi( -hi"h -as affi$(e# .+ the Cou$t of Appeals. <en"e, this petition.
5SS64!/hethe$ o$ not the petitione$ is guilt+ of estafa
<4L*!
Des. he "ou$t hol#s that petitione$ =angio has not a#e:uatel+ sho-n evi#en"e to
suppo$t his "lai( that the *illenas autho$i>e# hi( to sell the su.1e"t 1eep, espe"iall+ in
light of the spousesA #enial of su"h g$ant of autho$it+ an# the #o"u(ent entitle#
B*apat=ala(anngLahatB -hi"h states that the 1eep -as suppose# to .e #elive$e# to
Salva#o$ an# not sol# to an+ othe$ pe$son. 5n the "ou$se of the t$ial of the 2.P. 2lg. 33
"ase file# .+ Salva#o$ against Au$ea, the latte$ lea$ne# that Salva#o$ #i# not $e"eive the
su.1e"t 1eep. Au$ea thus $epeate#l+ #e(an#e# f$o( petitione$ that he $etu$n the 1eep to
the *illenas o$ at least tu$n ove$ to the( the p$o"ee#s of its sale.P30Q As petitione$ faile#
to $etu$n the 1eep o$ give the p$o"ee#s of the sale to the(, Au$ea an# he$ hus.an# file#
the instant "ase.
o B"onve$tB an# B(isapp$op$iateB "onnote a"ts of using o$ #isposing of anothe$As
p$ope$t+ as if it -e$e oneAs o-n o$ #evoting it to a pu$pose o$ use #iffe$ent f$o( that
ag$ee# upon. =isapp$op$iation fo$ oneAs o-n use in"lu#es, not onl+ "onve$sion to oneAs
pe$sonal a#vantage, .ut also eve$+ atte(pt to #ispose of the p$ope$t+ of anothe$ -ithout
$ight,P33Q as in the "ase at .a$ -hen petitione$ sol# the *illenasA 1eep to Ro#$igue>
-ithout the autho$it+ of the *illena spouses.
O(%)O %8$!AGA& and GL%NN OOSCO& petitioners
vs.
'ON. CO$) O* APP%ALS& respondent
9G.. No. +0,-+5. O4tober +/& 011+:
FACS!
<onesta2al is a .usiness-o(an -ho o-ne# a .oo'sto$e. So(eti(e in =a+ %&8&,
she -as "onta"te# .+ =anuel *a+an#ante -ho offe$e# to .u+ he$ lan# in Pili, Ca(a$ines
Su$ an# also tol# he$ that the "o(pan+ he $ep$esente# -asinte$este# in pu$"hasing he$
p$ope$t+. he+ sai# the+ -o$'e#as fiel# pu$"hasing $ep$esentative an# fiel#
pu$"hasinghea#, $espe"tivel+, of the ai-anese =a$ine P$o#u"ts.he+ pe$sua#e# <onesta
to pu$"hase "ans of a (a$inep$ese$vative -hi"h, "oul# .e .ought fo$ P%,@00 ea"hf$o( a
"e$tain pe##le$. 5n tu$n, the+ -oul# .u+ these"ans f$o( he$ at P3,000 ea"h. Seve$al
t$ansa"tions -e$e fulfille#. She -as onl+ a.le to (eetRo.e$to 4$:uiaga a.'.a.B=$.
9ue$$e$$oJ #u$ingthe late$ t$ansa"tions -he$ein he -ill as"e$tain-hethe$ the "ans of
(a$ine p$ese$vative -e$e genuineo$ not.
2e"ause of the la$ge a(ount of pu$"hase, 2al -as p$o(pte# to .o$$o- the (one+
f$o( a Jose 2i"ha$aat on the a#vi"e of 4$:uiaga-hop$o(ise# to shoul#e$ the %0R
inte$est of he$ loan. Soonafte$ the pa+(ent, La-as, *a+an#ante, 4$:uiaga, An#o$os"o
vanishe#. Reali>ing that she -as "onne#,<onesta $epo$te# the in"i#ent to the 8ational
2u$eau of 5nvestigation (825) -hi"h, upon eGa(ination of the"ontents of the "ans,
#is"ove$e# that these -e$enothing (o$e than sta$"h.Cons:uentl+, she file# the "ase of
estafaagainst Ro.e$to 4$:uiaga, 9lenn0$os"o, Pasto$ La-as an# =anuel *a+an#ante.
he t$ial "ou$t foun# the a""use# guilt+ of estafa an# -as affi$(e# .+ the Cou$t of
Appeals. <en"e, this petition.
5SS64!/hethe$ "onspi$a"+ to "o((it estafa an# estafa itself ha# .een a#e:uatel+
esta.lishe#
<4L*!
Conspi$a"+, as a $ule, has to .e esta.lishe# -ith the sa(e :uantu( of p$oof as the
"$i(e itself. 5t has to .e sho-n as "lea$l+ as the "o((ission of the offense. 5t nee# not .e
.+ #i$e"t evi#en"e, .ut (a+ ta'e the fo$( of "i$"u(stan"es -hi"h, if ta'en togethe$,
-oul# "on"lusivel+ sho- that the a""use# "a(e to an ag$ee(ent to "o((it a "$i(e an#
#e"i#e# to "a$$+ it out -ith thei$ full "oope$ation an# pa$ti"ipation. 5t (a+ .e #e#u"e#
f$o( the a"ts of the pe$pet$ato$s .efo$e, #u$ing an# afte$ the "o((ission of the "$i(e,
-hi"h a$e in#i"ative of a "o((on #esign, "on"e$te# a"tion an# "on"u$$en"e of
senti(ents.
Patentl+, ea"h petitione$ pla+e# a 'e+ $ole in thei$ #evious s"he(e to sell a useless
p$o#u"t, allege# to .e a (a$ine p$ese$vative, fo$ -hi"h the+ got a su.stantial a(ount
f$o( <onesta2al. Petitione$s appa$entl+ (isappl+ the #o"t$ineof caveat emptor. A .asi"
p$e(ise of the #o"t$ine of ILet the .u+e$ .e-a$eJ is that the$e .e no false $ep$esentation
.+ the selle$. As #is"usse# ea$lie$, petitione$s; s"he(e involves a -ell)planne# s"ena$io
to enti"e the .u+e$ to pa+ fo$ the .ogus (a$ine p$ese$vative. he an"ient #efense of
"aveat e(pto$ .elongs to a .+)gone age, an# has no pla"e in "onte(po$a$+ .usiness
ethi"s.
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S& plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
"%C; LOGAN y CALD%ON& a""use#)appellant.
9.R. 8os. %3@030)33 Jul+ 30, 300%
FACS!
=e$"+ Logan + Cal#e$on, -as "ha$ge# -ith th$ee (3) "ounts of the "$i(e of
estafa, as #efine# an# penali>e# un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@ of the Revise# Penal Co#e, in th$ee (3)
sepa$ate info$(ations. he sai# a""use#, .+ (eans of false (anifestation an# f$au#ulent
$ep$esentations -hi"h she (a#e to the "o(plainants to the effe"t that she ha# the po-e$
an# "apa"it+ to $e"$uit an# e(plo+ fa"to$+ an# "onst$u"tion -o$'e$ fo$ Japan an# "oul#
fa"ilitate the p$o"essing of the pe$tinent pape$s if given the ne"essa$+ a(ount to (eet the
$e:ui$e(ents the$eof, an# .+ (eans of othe$ si(ila$ #e"eits, in#u"e# an# su""ee#e# in
in#u"ing sai# "o(plainants an# to give an# #elive$, as in fa"t gave an# #elive$e# to sai#
a""use# the a(ount of P?@,000.00 on the st$ength of sai# (anifestations an#
$ep$esentations, sai# a""use# -ell 'no-ing that the sa(e -e$e false an# f$au#ulent an#
-e$e (a#e solel+ to o.tain, as in fa"t she #i# o.tain the a(ount of P?@,000.00 -hi"h
a(ount on"e in possession.
Appellant =e$"+ Logan #enie# that she neithe$ s-in#le# the p$ivate "o(plainants
of thei$ (one+ no$ p$o(ise# the( an+ ove$seas e(plo+(ent. She also "lai(e# that the
p$ivate "o(plainants (e$el+ vente# thei$ ange$ on he$ afte$ 9lo$ia #e Leon -hose
se$vi"es -e$e ea$lie$ engage# .+ the(, a.s"on#e# -ithout fulfilling he$ un#e$ta'ing to
p$ovi#e the( ove$seas e(plo+(ent fo$ a fee.
5SS64!/hethe$ o$ not the petitione$ is guilt+ of estafa
<4L*!
Des. he a""use# is guilt+ of estafa. 5t is -ell)settle# that a pe$son -ho has
"o((itte# illegal $e"$uit(ent (a+ .e "ha$ge# an# "onvi"te# sepa$atel+ of the "$i(e of
illegal $e"$uit(ent un#e$ the La.o$ Co#e an# estafa un#e$ pa$ag$aph 3(a) of A$ti"le 3%@
of the Revise# Penal Co#e. he $eason fo$ the $ule is that the "$i(e of illegal $e"$uit(ent
is (alu(p$ohi.itu( -he$e the "$i(inal intent of the a""use# is not ne"essa$+ fo$
"onvi"tion, -hile the "$i(e of estafa is (alu( in se -he$e the "$i(inal intent of the
a""use# is ne"essa$+ fo$ "onvi"tion. 5n othe$ -o$#s, a pe$son "onvi"te# un#e$ the La.o$
Co#e (a+ also .e "onvi"te# of offenses punisha.le .+ othe$ la-s.
he a"ts of the appellant of #eli.e$atel+ (is$ep$esenting he$self to the p$ivate
"o(plainants as having the ne"essa$+ autho$it+ o$ li"ense to $e"$uit appli"ants fo$
ove$seas e(plo+(ent so that she "oul# as she #i# "olle"t (one+ f$o( the( allege#l+ fo$
p$o"essing fees an# t$avel #o"u(ents onl+ to $enege on he$ p$o(ise to get the( ove$seas
e(plo+(ent an# fo$ failu$e to $etu$n the (one+ she "olle"te# f$o( the p$ivate
"o(plainants, #espite seve$al #e(an#s, "lea$l+ a(ount to estafa punisha.le un#e$ A$ti"le
3%@, pa$ag$aph 3(a), of the Revise# Penal Co#e.
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S& plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
L$< GON<AL%S#*LO%S& a""use#)appellant.
G.. No. +5.-5-#5. April +7& 011+
FACS!
he a""use#)appellant -as "ha$ge of estafa afte$ "olle"ting seve$al a(ount f$o( va$ious
people -ith a p$o(ise of e(plo+(ent a.$oa#. Co(plainants -ent to the Philippine
0ve$seas 4(plo+(ent A#(inist$ation (P04A) an# #is"ove$e# that a""use#)appellant an#
he$ "o(panions #i# not have an+ li"ense o$ autho$it+ to engage in an+ $e"$uit(ent
a"tivit+. he+ as'e# the "ou$t to o$#e$ a""use#)appellant to pa+ the( .a"' the $espe"tive
a(ount the+ gave.
A""use#)appellant #enie# having p$o(ise# "o(plainants ove$seas e(plo+(ent an#
having "olle"te# (one+ f$o( the(. A""use#)appellant also file# a "o(plaint fo$ illegal
$e"$uit(ent an# estafa against*o(ingo, 2alo$an, an# =en#o>a .ut -as #is(isse# fo$
la"' of (e$it.
he t$ial "ou$t "onvi"te# Flo$es of sai# "$i(es. <en"e, this appeal.
5SS64!/hethe$ o$ not the a""use#)appellant is guilt+ of estafa
<4L*!
Des. 2oth ele(ents of the "$i(e -e$e esta.lishe# in these "ases, na(el+, (a)
a""use#)appellant #ef$au#e# "o(plainant .+ a.use of "onfi#en"e o$ .+ (eans of #e"eit
an# (.) "o(plainant suffe$e# #a(age o$ p$e1u#i"e "apa.le of pe"unia$+ esti(ation as a
$esult. Co(plainants pa$te# -ith thei$ (one+ upon the p$o##ing an# enti"e(ent of
a""use#)appellant on the false p$etense that she ha# the "apa"it+ to #eplo+ the( fo$
e(plo+(ent a.$oa#. 5n the en#, "o(plainants -e$e neithe$ a.le to leave fo$ -o$'
ove$seas no$ #i# the+ get thei$ (one+ .a"', thus "ausing the( #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e.
he issues that (isapp$op$iation on the pa$t of a""use#)appellant of the (one+ pai# .+
"o(plainants an# thei$ #e(an# fo$ the sa(e -e$e not suffi"ientl+ esta.lishe# a$e
i((ate$ial an# i$$elevant, "onve$sion an# #e(an# not .eing ele(ents of estafa un#e$ A$t.
3%@ (3) (a) of the Revise# Penal Co#e
5n a""o$#an"e -ith the $uling in People v. =e$"a#o, the fa"t that no $e"eipts -e$e
p$esente# to p$ove the a(ounts pai# .+ "o(plainants to a""use#)appellant #oes not
p$event an a-a$# of a"tual #a(ages in vie- of the fa"t that "o(plainants -e$e a.le to
p$ove .+ thei$ $espe"tive testi(onies an# affi#avits that a""use#)appellant -as involve#
in the $e"$uit(ent p$o"ess an# su""ee#e# in inveigling the( to give thei$ (one+ to he$.
he a-a$# of (o$al #a(ages shoul# li'e-ise .e uphel# as it -as sho-n to have fa"tual
.asis.
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S, plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
DAN!LO G$L!ON& a""use#)appellant
G.. No. +,++.5 January +.& 011+
FACS!
he a""use#)appellant -as "ha$ge# th$ee (3) "ounts of estafa fo$ -ilfull+,
unla-full+ an# feloniousl+ #$a-ing an# issuing seve$al "he"'s -hi"h #o not have
suffi"ient fun#s in eG"hange of "ash in favo$ of Roselie$ =olina. 5nspite of noti"e of
#ishono$ an# $epeate# #e(an#s (a#e, the sai# a""use# faile# to (a'e the ne"essa$+
#eposit to "ove$ the a(ount of the "he"' o$ to pa+ the sa(e, to the #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e
of the sai# Roselie$ =olina.
5n his #efense, a""use#)appellant "onten#e# that he $e(e(.e$s signing th$ee
F42C "he"'s in .lan' so(eti(e -hen on his -a+ to 2ana+.ana+, *avao 0$iental an#
-as in a hu$$+ to leave his offi"e. he t$ial "ou$t -as not pe$sua#e# .+ a""use#)
appellantAs eGplanation an# foun# that, on the fa"e of the :uestione# "he"'s, a""use#)
appellant -as the #$a-e$ an# a""use#)at)la$ge a gene$al in#o$se$. 5t foun# the eGisten"e
of an i(plie# "onspi$a"+ .et-een a""use#)appellant an# a""use#)at)la$ge, as (anifeste#
in a""use#)appellantAs uni:ue (o#us ope$an#us of #$a-ing "he"'s f$o( his "o)
"onspi$ato$As "he"'ing a""ount to "onfuse the pa+ee an# eva#e lia.ilit+.he Cou$t of
Appeals uphel# the t$ial "ou$tAs fin#ing of "onspi$a"+. <en"e, this instant petition.
5SS64!/hethe$ o$ not the a""use#)appellant is guilt+ of estafa
<4L*!
8o. he p$ose"ution faile# to sho- .+ the "on#u"t of a""use#)appellant .efo$e,
#u$ing an# afte$ the "o((ission of the "$i(e that he -as a pa$ti"ipant to the #ef$au#ation
of =olina. 5t "e$tainl+ "annot .e "on"lusivel+ infe$$e# f$o( p$oof of his f$ien#ship -ith
a""use#)at)la$ge, o$ f$o( his a#a(ant $efusal to pa+ =olina, o$ to even $e"ogni>e the
eGisten"e of the #e.t.
5n the p$esent "ase -he$e the$e is no #i$e"t p$oof of "onspi$a"+ .et-een the
a""use#, an# -he$e an i(plie# "onspi$a"+ is sought to .e p$ove# .+ an evaluation of the
"on#u"t of a""use#)appellant .efo$e, #u$ing, an# afte$ the "o((ission of the "$i(e,
a""use#)appellantAs a"ts of filing estafa "ha$ges against his suppose# "o)"onspi$ato$, an#
his a"tivel+ see'ing he$ a$$est an# pa$ti"ipating in the ope$ations that le# to he$ a$$est,
"ast #ou.t on the p$ose"utionAs theo$+ of i(plie# "onspi$a"+.
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S& Plainti22#Appellee.
vs.
JOS%P'!N% *AJADO& A44used#Appellant.
9G.. No. +0.-.5. November 00& 0111:
FACS!
Co(plainants -ent to L.A. /o$l#-i#e =anpo-e$ an# =anage(ent Se$vi"es, a
$e"$uit(ent agen"+ at 38%4 Fioleta Cou$t, F. 2. <a$$ison, Pasa+ Cit+, to appl+ fo$ -o$'
a.$oa#. he agen"+ -as supe$vise# .+ siste$s Josephine Fa1a$#o an# Fi$gie Lan"hita -ho
$e"$uite# -o$'e$s fo$ Japan. he siste$s tol# the( the $e:ui$e(ents fo$ appl+ing fo$ -o$'
a.$oa#, a(ong the(, the P@,000.00 p$o"essing fee an# P?0,000.00 pla"e(ent fee. he
"o(plainants pai# the fees. A""use#)Appellant, Fa1a$#o, an# he$ siste$ tol# the (en to
-ait fo$ thei$ pape$s to .e p$o"esse# so that the+ "oul# leave fo$ a.$oa#. 2ut (onths
passe# an# the (en -e$e neve$ #eplo+e#. 4a"h (an then #e(an#e# f$o( the siste$s the
$efun# of the (one+ pai# .ut the+ neve$ #i#. 6pon ve$ifi"ation, the "o(plainants
#is"ove$e# that eithe$ of the siste$s -as li"ense# to $e"$uit -o$'e$s. hei$ na(es -e$e not
even in"lu#e# in the list of pe$sonnel su.(itte# to the P04A .+ L.A. /o$l#-i#e
=anpo-e$ an# =anage(ent Se$vi"es, a #ul+ autho$i>e# agen"+. Fa1a$#o "onten#e# that
she -as (e$el+ a"ting un#e$ the autho$it+ of he$ e(plo+e$, =$. 5sh-a$Pa(ani, the
0ve$seas =a$'eting *i$e"to$ of L.A. /o$l#-i#e =anpo-e$ an# =anage$ Se$vi"e, a #ul+
li"ense# ove$seas $e"$uit(ent agen"+ an# o-ne$ of the Satellite $avel Agen"+, -he$e
she -as e(plo+e#. She allege#l+ $e"eive# the p$o"essing an# pla"e(ent fees f$o(
p$ivate "o(plainants in .ehalf of =$. Pa(ani.
5SS64! /hethe$ o$ not the a""use#)appellant is guilt+ of estafa
<4L*!
Des. Fa1a$#o is guilt+ of estafa.4stafa is a "$i(e "o((itte# .+ a pe$son -ho
#ef$au#s anothe$, "ausing hi( to suffe$ #a(ages .+ (eans of unfaithfulness o$ a.use of
"onfi#en"e, o$ of false p$etenses o$ of f$au#ulent a"ts.%8 A pe$son (a+ .e "onvi"te# of
the "$i(e of estafa if the follo-ing ele(ents a$e p$esent, to -it! (%) that the a""use#
#ef$au#e# anothe$ .+ a.use of "onfi#en"e o$ .+ (eans of #e"eitE (3) that #a(age o$
p$e1u#i"e "apa.le of pe"unia$+ esti(ation is "ause# to the offen#e# pa$t+ o$ thi$# pe$son.
2oth ele(ents have .een p$oven in this "ase. Appellant, th$ough he$ $ep$esentations,
(isle# p$ivate "o(plainants that she "an p$ovi#e -o$' a.$oa#, an# .+ $eason of su"h
assu$an"e, p$ivate "o(plainants pa$te# -ith thei$ ha$#)ea$ne# (one+. As all these
$ep$esentations p$ove# false, appellant is guilt+ of estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@ of the Revise#
Penal Co#e. he fa"t that appellant allege#l+ #i# not .enefit f$o( the (one+ "olle"te#
f$o( the p$ivate "o(plainants -ill not $elieve he$ of "$i(inal $esponsi.ilit+.
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S& plainti22#appellee.
vs.
=!C%N)% "%N!L& J.& a44used#appellant.
9G.. No. ++-1-,#66. September +0& 0111:
FACS!
P$op$ieto$s Fi"ente =enil, J$. an# his -ife, A#$iana 2. =enil att$a"te# seve$al
investo$s -hi"h "ause# the ope$ationof thei$ .usiness to sta$t. he+ $egiste$e# it un#e$ the
na(e A2= *evelop(ent Cente$, 5n". -ith the Se"u$ities an# 4G"hange Co((ission. As
$egiste$e# un#e$ S.4.C, the A2= *evelop(ent Cente$, 5n". -as a non)sto"' "o$po$ation
-ith t-elve (%3) in"o$po$ato$s an# t$ustees.
4ventuall+, pa+(ents of the $etu$ns to the investo$s .e"a(e #ela+e#. Late$ on, the
"o$po$ation stoppe# $eleasing pa+(ents. *espite the assu$an"e (a#e ove$ the $a#io an#
television .+ the a""use#)appellant an# his -ife an# also $epeate# #e(an#s (a#e .+ the
investo$s, a""use#)appellant $elease# no fu$the$ pa+(ents an# neithe$ #i# he $efun# an+
invest(ent $e(itte# to hi(. A""use#)appellant an# his -ife -ent into hi#ing in *avao
Cit+ .ut eventuall+ the+ -e$e a$$este# .+ poli"e autho$ities le# .+ a "e$tain Colonel
Pan"hito.
As his #efense, the a""use#)appellant state# that a "e$tain Sgt. Patino $ansa"'e#
his .elongings, (one+, an# othe$ p$ope$ties -hi"h "ause# hi( to no longe$ pa+ off all his
finan"ial o.ligations as he ha# no (o$e (one+ an# .e"ause he -as #etaine# at the
Su$igao Cit+ 1ail.Conse:uentl+, a "ase fo$ la$ge s"ale s-in#ling an# t-ent+ "ases fo$
estafa -e$e file# against a""use#)appellant an# his -ife. he t$ial "ou$t $en#e$e# a 1oint
#e"ision fin#ing a""use#)appellant guilt+ of one "ount of la$ge s"ale s-in#ling an#
thi$teen (%3) "ounts of estafa.
5SS64!/hethe$ o$ not the a""use#)appellant is guilt+ of estafa
<4L*!
Des. 6n#e$ A$ti"le 3%@, pa$. 3 (a) of the Revise# Penal Co#e, s-in#ling o$ estafa
.+ false p$etenses o$ f$au#ulent a"ts eGe"ute# p$io$ to o$ si(ultaneousl+ -ith the
"o((ission of the f$au# is "o((itte# .+ Iusing fi"titious na(e, o$ falsel+ p$eten#ing to
possess po-e$, influen"e, :ualifi"ations, p$ope$t+, "$e#it, agen"+, .usiness, o$ i(agina$+
t$ansa"tions, o$ .+ othe$ si(ila$ #e"eits.J 5n the "ase at .en"h, it is not #ispute# that the
a""use#)appellant faile# to pa+ the eGpe"te# $etu$ns of the invest(ents an#Ko$
soli"itations of the p$ivate "o(plainants.
he testi(onial an# #o"u(enta$+ evi#en"e p$esente# .+ the p$ose"ution, as -ell
as the a#(issions (a#e .+ a""use#)appellant, suffi"ientl+ p$ove that a""use#)appellant
e(plo+e# f$au# an# #e"eit upon gulli.le people to in#u"e the( to invest in his
I.usiness.B Lu$e# .+ the false p$o(ise of :ui"' finan"ial gains on thei$ invest(ents, the
unsuspe"ting people of Su$igao#el 8o$te $ea#il+ tu$ne# ove$ thei$ ha$#)ea$ne# (one+ to
the "offe$s of A2=. 5t has .een hel# that -he$e one states that the futu$e p$ofits o$
in"o(e of an ente$p$ise shall .e a "e$tain su(, .ut he a"tuall+ 'no-s that the$e -ill .e
none, o$ that the+ -ill .e su.stantiall+ less than he $ep$esents, the state(ents "onstitute
an a"tiona.le f$au# -he$e the hea$e$ .elieves hi( an# $elies on the state(ent to his
in1u$+. 5n the "ase at .en"h, it is a.un#antl+ "lea$ that ulti(atel+, the p$ofits -hi"h
a""use#)appellant p$o(ise# to his investo$s -oul# not .e $eali>e#.
*%D%S"!NDA DA;A>ON& 4omplainant&
vs.
J$DG% "A?!"!NO A. (AD!LLA& ")C& Pili& Camarines Sur& respondent.
9A.". No.")J#11#+517. September 6& 0111:
FACS!
=s. F$e#es(in#a*a+a-on "ha$ge# Ju#ge =aGi(ino A. 2a#illa of the =uni"ipal
$ial Cou$t of Pili, Ca(a$ines Su$, -ith I9$oss 5gno$an"e of the La- an# 5n"o(peten"eJ
$elative to C$i(inal Case fo$ estafa.
Co(plainant ave$$e# that $espon#ent Ju#ge a":uitte# the a""use# an# #e"la$e#
he$ to onl+ .e lia.le "ivill+, #espite Ala(os; a#(ittan"e in open "ou$t that she ha#
$e"eive# the su.1e"t goo#s f$o( "o(plainant to .e sol# on "o((ission .asis -ith the
o.ligation to $e(it the p$o"ee#s of the sale o$ to $etu$n the ite(s, if unsol#, .ut ha# faile#
to "o(pl+ seasona.l+ the$e-ith #espite #e(an#. Co(plainant st$esse# that these
a#(issions, togethe$ -ith the fin#ing that the a""use# ha# a"te# in .a# faith, -e$e "lea$l+
suffi"ient to "onvi"t the a""use# of the "$i(e of estafa.
5SS64!/hethe$ o$ not the a""use# Ala(o is guilt+ of estafa
<4L*!
he "ontention of $espon#ent 1u#ge that "$i(inal intent (intent to #ef$au#) (ust
fi$st .e esta.lishe# in a "$i(e of estafa is not al-a+s t$ue. hat ele(ent is not a ne"essa$+
ing$e#ient of e(.e>>le(ent un#e$ su.#ivision 5, pa$ag$aph (.), of A$ti"le 3%@ of the
Revise# Penal Co#e. 5t is the .$ea"h of "onfi#en"e o$ infi#elit+ in the "onve$sion o$
#ive$sion of t$ust fun#s that ta'es the pla"e of the usual ele(ent, in othe$ fo$(s of estafa,
of f$au# o$ #e"eit. Co(pa$ativel+ fe- (en (isapp$op$iate t$ust fun#s -ith the intent of
#ef$au#ing the o-ne$E in (ost instan"es, the offen#e$ hopes to .e a.le to $esto$e the fun#s
.efo$e the #efal"ation is #is"ove$e#.P3Q he p$ose"ution (ust onl+ esta.lish the
"on"u$$en"e of the follo-ing ele(ents in this 'in# of estafa, to -it! (%) that (one+,
goo#s, o$ othe$ pe$sonal p$ope$t+ .e $e"eive# .+ the offen#e$ in t$ust, o$ on "o((ission,
o$ fo$ a#(inist$ation, o$ un#e$ an+ othe$ o.ligation involving the #ut+ to (a'e #elive$+
of, o$ to $etu$n the sa(eE (3) that the$e .e (isapp$op$iation o$ "onve$sion of su"h (one+
o$ p$ope$t+ .+ the offen#e$, o$ #enial on his pa$t of su"h $e"eiptE (3) that su"h
(isapp$op$iation o$ "onve$sion o$ #enial is to the p$e1u#i"e of anothe$E an# (4) that the$e
is a #e(an# (a#e .+ the offen#e# pa$t+ to the offen#e$.
Co(plainant *a+a-on an# the a""use# have ag$ee# that the goo#s, #elive$e# to
the latte$ to .e sol# on "o((ission, a$e to .e #ispose# of -ithin a pe$io# of one (onth o$,
if unsol#, to .e $etu$ne# to the "o(plainant. he failu$e of the a""use# to a""ount, upon
#e(an#, fo$ the fun#s o$ the p$ope$t+ hel# .+ he$ in t$ust is evi#en"e of the "onve$sion of
the p$ope$t+.
A@onuevo
TANZO vs. DRILON, G.R. 106671
*AC)SA Petitione$ an>o alleges that #ue to the pe$suasion of p$ivate $espon#ents
=anuel an# =a$io Sala>a$, he ag$ee# to invest the a(ount of L34,000.00 to the latte$;s
fo$-a$#ing .usiness, -ith the un#e$stan#ing that he is to $e"eive his invest(ent plus %0R
inte$est afte$ one (onth. he a(ount -as ent$uste# .+ petitione$ to his aunt Li-a+-a+
*ee an>o -ho -as $esi#ing in the 6.S., as he issue# seve$al pe$sonal "he"'s eithe$ to
Li-a+-a+ an>o o$ to ICalfe#J. P$ivate Respon#ents -e$e a.le to $e"eive the p$o"ee#s
of all .ut one of the "he"'s, -hi"h =a$io hi(self en"ashe#. =ean-hile, =a$io
en"ounte$e# se$ious li:ui#it+ p$o.le(s -hi"h p$o(pte# hi( to o petition the 6.S.
2an'$upt"+ Cou$t fo$ a $elease f$o( his #e.ts. 6pon the lapse of 30 #a+s, p$ivate
$espon#ents faile# to $etu$n the invest(ent, $easoning that thei$ ship(ents en"ounte$e#
so(e p$o.le(s -ith the 2u$eau of Custo(s. hus, =anuel eGe"ute# a lette$ autho$i>ing
the petitione$ to -ith#$a- #o"u(ents to assist in the $elease of thei$ ship(ents f$o( the
2u$eau of Custo(s. <o-eve$, -hen petitione$ atte(pte# to se"u$e the $elease of the
B.ali'.a+anAB .oGes f$o( the 2u$eau of Custo(s, he #is"ove$e# that the sa(e ha#
a"tuall+ "ontaine# s(uggle# goo#s an# -e$e a""o$#ingl+ sei>e# an# fo$feite# in favo$ of
the gove$n(ent.
!SS$%A *oes the "$i(e of estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@, pa$. %(.) an# alte$nativel+ pa$. 3(a) of
the sa(e a$ti"le eGist in the "i$"u(stan"es p$esente# .+ petitione$7
'%LDA he "ou$t $ule# that estafa -as neithe$ "o((itte# un#e$ the t-o (o#es as
allege# .+ petitione$. 5n o$#e$ that a pe$son "an .e "onvi"te# of estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@,
pa$. %(.) of the Revise# Penal Co#e, it (ust .e p$oven that he has the o.ligation to
#elive$ o$ $etu$n the same (one+, goo#s o$ pe$sonal p$ope$t+ that he has $e"eive#. he
o.ligation to #elive$ eGa"tl+ the sa(e (one+, that is, .ills o$ "oins, is non)eGistent in a
si(ple loan of (one+ .e"ause in the latte$, the .o$$o-e$ a":ui$es o-ne$ship of the
(one+ .o$$o-e#. 5n the "ase at .a$, the "ou$t eGplaine# that -hat the petitione$ an#
p$ivate $espon#ent have in un#e$stan#ing -as a (e$e si(ple loan as oppose# to a t$ust
ag$ee(ent. P$ivate Respon#ents, the$efo$e .eing the o-ne$, "an #ispose of the thing
.o$$o-e# an# his a"t -ill not .e "onsi#e$e# (isapp$op$iation the$eof. 6n#e$ the se"on#
(o#e, (a) 2+ using a fi"titious na(e, o$ falsel+ p$eten#ing to possess po-e$ influen"e,
:ualifi"ations, p$ope$t+, "$e#it, agen"+, .usiness o$ i(agina$+ t$ansa"tionsE o$ .+ (eans
of othe$ si(ila$ #e"eits, petitione$ "lai(s that p$ivate $espon#ents use# his (one+ fo$
s(uggling. he fa"t, ho-eve$, that seve$al ship(ents f$o( =.J.S. 5nte$national F$eight
Se$vi"es to =ansal Fo$-a$#e$s -e$e sei>e# an# fo$feite# .+ the 2u$eau of Custo(s fo$
"ontaining s(uggle# ite(s #oes not p$ove that petitione$As (one+ -as in#ee# use# .+
p$ivate $espon#ents in the sai# illegal a"tivit+. he$e -as the$efo$e, no "o((ission of
estafa as the p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove the ele(ent of #e"eit in the a"ts of p$ivate
$espon#ents. Consi#e$ing all the fo$egoing a$gu(ents, the Cou$t also #is(isse# the
petition.
PEOPLE vs. MENIL, G.R. No. 115054-66
*AC)SA A""use#)appellants Fi$gilio =enil an# -ife A#$ian, soli"ite# invest(ents f$o(
the gene$al pu.li" -ith the initial "lai( that thei$ (one+ -oul# +iel# tenfol# the o$iginal
a(ount afte$ fifteen "alen#a$ #a+s. 2e"ause the s"he(e sta$te# -ith fe- investo$s,
a""use#)appellant -e$e a.le to pa+ the a(ounts investe# as the+ fell #ue. Afte$-a$#s, to
"loth thei$ .usiness -ith legiti(a"+, a""use#)appellant in"o$po$ate# a non)sto"'
"o$po$ation, A2= *evelop(ent Cente$. As the invest(ents -e$e stea#il+ pou$ing in,
a""use#)appellant $e#u"e# the +iel# $ate to %!7 -hi"h investo$s -ill $e"eive afte$ fifteen
(%@) -o$'ing #a+s, eG"lu#ing -ee'en#s an# holi#a+s. As su"h, if a pe$son gave P%00.00,
his invest(ent -ill (atu$e onl+ afte$ fifteen (%@) -o$'ing #a+s an# he -ill $e"eive onl+
P700.00. =ean-hile, the $e(ittan"es al$ea#+ $ea"h the (illionth level an# the pa+(ents
of the $etu$ns f$e:uentl+ #ela+e#. Fo$ instan"e, $etu$ns #ue fo$ August 38, %&8& -e$e pai#
onl+ on Septe(.e$ %8, %&8&, #ue to the allege# #iffi"ult+ in the "ounting of (one+.
<o-eve$, "o(e Septe(.e$ %&, %&8&, the "o$po$ation stoppe# $eleasing pa+(ents.
5nvesto$s then -ent to the offi"es the "o$po$ation to ai$ thei$ in:ui$ies .ut the$e -as no
one a$oun# to a##$ess thei$ "o(plaints. 0n 0"to.e$ %0, %&8&, a""use#)appellant an# his
-ife (a#e an announ"e(ent ove$ the $a#io that pa+(ents -e$e fo$th"o(ing an# that the
investo$s shoul# have no "ause fo$ ala$(. he+ also $epeate# thei$ announ"e(ent on
television. *espite these assu$an"es an# #espite $epeate# #e(an#s (a#e .+ the investo$s,
a""use#)appellant $elease# no fu$the$ pa+(ents an# neithe$ #i# he $efun# an+ invest(ent
$e(itte# to hi(. A""use#)appellant an# his -ife -ent into hi#ing in *avao Cit+ .ut
eventuall+ the+ -e$e a$$este# .+ poli"e autho$ities le# .+ a "e$tain Colonel Pan"hito.
!SS$%A /hethe$ the ele(ent of #ef$au#ation .+ (eans of #e"eit has .een esta.lishe# .+
the p$ose"ution .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t fo$ the a"t of a""use#)appellant to "onstitute (a)
la$ge "ase s-in#ling an# (.) %3 "ounts of estafa.
'%LDA A""use# "onten#s that his lia.ilit+ is onl+ pu$el+ "ivil an# as su"h, he is not
lia.le fo$ an+ "$i(e. 5n #isputing this a$gu(ent, the "ou$t #efine# -hat f$au# an# #e"eit is
an# ho- it -as e(plo+e# .+ a""use#)appellant in the s"he(e he #evise#. *e"eit, as -as
settle# in People vs. Castillo, 7? Phil. 73, is the false $ep$esentation of a (atte$ of fa"t,
-hethe$ .+ -o$#s o$ "on#u"t, .+ false o$ (islea#ing allegations, o$ .+ "on"eal(ent of
that -hi"h shoul# have .een #is"lose# -hi"h #e"eives o$ is inten#e# to #e"eive anothe$
so that he shall a"t upon it to his legal in1u$+. /ith this in (in#, the Cou$t hel# that the
testi(onial an# #o"u(enta$+ evi#en"e p$esente# .+ the p$ose"ution, as -ell as the
a#(issions (a#e .+ a""use#)appellant, suffi"ientl+ p$ove that a""use#)appellant
e(plo+e# f$au# an# #e"eit upon gulli.le people to in#u"e the( to invest in his
I.usiness.B he in#u"e(ent "onsiste# of a""use#)appellant;s assu$an"e that (one+
investe# in his I.usinessJ -oul# have $etu$ns of %000R, late$ $e#u"e# to 700R, afte$ %@
#a+s. he "ou$t fu$the$ $easone# that the fa"t that a""use#)appellant "oul# not p$esent an+
spe"ifi" .usiness plan o$ "ite an+ #onations o$ .e:uests -hi"h he $e"eive# to finan"e his
(one+)(a'ing s"he(e "lea$l+ sho-s that the invest(ent s"he(e -hi"h he i(pose# on
the unsuspe"ting pu.li" -as f$au#ulent. 5t #i# not foun# (e$it in a""use#)appellant;s
#efense that the ea$lie$ invest(ents -e$e pai# -ith thei$ "o$$espon#ing $etu$ns, that the$e
-as hen"e, no intent to #ef$au# the investo$s, an# as su"h, his lia.ilit+ shoul# .e
"onsi#e$e# as (e$el+ "ivil. 0n the "ont$a$+, the "ou$t foun# the p$a"ti"e as an integ$al
pa$t of the illegal Pon>i s"he(e instigate# .+ a""use#)appellant to (a'e 'no-n to the
gene$al pu.li" that his plo+ is no 1o'e. 5t thus in#u"e# (o$e people to put thei$ ha$#)
ea$ne# (one+ into the illegal s"he(e. he p$ose"ution having p$ove# the t-o ele(ents of
#a(age an# #e"eit in all the "ases file# against a""use#)appellant, the Cou$t affi$(e# the
#e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t "onvi"ting a""use#)appellant fo$ (a) one "ount of la$ge s"ale
s-in#ling an# (.) thi$teen "ounts of estafa.
BARRAMEDA vs. COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. No. 64!"
FACS!
5n %&84, a""use#)petitione$ /il(a 2a$$a(e#a an# P$ivate Co(plainant Lolita Paguinto
/atana.e -e$e -o$'e$s an# $esi#ents of Japan. 0n 8ove(.e$ 3?, %&84, #u$ing a visit to
he$ a""use#)petitione$, P$ivate Co(plainant lea$ne# of a""use#)petitione$;s plan to leave
fo$ the Philippines. hen an# the$e, she #e"i#e# to sen# (one+ to he$ (othe$ th$ough
a""use#)petitione$. P$ivate Co(plainant even $e"eive# a phone "all f$o( he$ (othe$ that
#a+ an# info$(e# the latte$ that she is sen#ing he$ (one+ an# that the $e(ittan"e is to .e
"lai(e# f$o( A""use#)Petitione$.
he follo-ing #a+, Lolita /atana.e;s (othe$, Papiniana 2a$$a(e#a Paguinto fet"he#
a""use#)petitione$ at the =anila 5nte$national Ai$po$t. Afte$ the "usto(a$+ g$eetings,
A""use#)Petitione$ tol# Papiniana Paguinto that the$e is (one+ sent .+ P$ivate
Co(plainant .ut that it -as (ispla"e# an# "oul# have .een in the .aggage. hen the+
p$o"ee#e# to Papiniana;s .$othe$ at Ca.$e$a, Pasa+ Cit+, to sea$"h fo$ it. 6pon a$$iving
the$e, the+ -e$e not, ho-eve$, a.le to "on#u"t the sea$"h as the$e -e$e (an+ people in
the house, it .eing a .ee$)house. Papiniana then "alle# Lolita in Japan to info$( he$ that
she ha# not +et $e"eive# the (one+, as the sa(e is still (issing.
Late$, a""use#)petitione$ suggeste# that the+ open he$ .aggage at he$ o-n ho(e at Pa"ita
Co(pleG, San Pe#$o Laguna. Papiniana #i# not go the$e an+(o$e .e"ause San Pe#$o is
"onsi#e$a.l+ fa$ an# fo$ fea$ of -hat (ight happen on he$ -a+ ho(e, "onsi#e$ing that
she -oul# then .e "a$$+ing ho(e a su.stantial a(ount of (one+. 8eve$theless, a""use#)
petitione$ p$o(ise# to #elive$ the (one+ the follo-ing (o$ning. A""use#)petitione$
faile# to #elive$ the sa(e the neGt #a+. his p$o(pte# Papiniana togethe$ -ith he$
hus.an# to go to A""use#)Petitione$;s ho(e an# #e(an# the (one+. he$e the+ -e$e
info$(e# that the (one+ has not +et .een foun#. A""use#)petitione$ assu$e# Paguinto
that she -oul# "ontinue loo'ing fo$ it. <o-eve$, #espite $epeate# #e(an#s, she neve$
gave the (one+ to Papiniana Paguinto.
5SS64! /hethe$ an+ of the ele(ents of the "$i(e of 4stafa o""u$$e# -ithin the te$$ito$ial
"onfines of the lo-e$ "ou$t, to -a$$ant an# vest the sa(e "ou$t -ith 1u$is#i"tion to ta'e
"ogni>an"e of the "ase7
<4L*! 5n all "$i(inal p$ose"utions, the a"tion shall .e institute# an# t$ie# in the "ou$t of
the (uni"ipalit+ o$ te$$ito$+ -he$ein the offense -as "o((itte# o$ -he$e an+ one of the
essential ing$e#ients the$eof too' pla"e. 5n this "onne"tion, the Cou$t uphel# the $uling of
the Appellate Cou$t in fin#ing the a"t of the (othe$ of p$ivate "o(plainant of fet"hing
a""use#)petitione$ at the 8ino+ A:uino 5nte$national Ai$po$t as a #e(an# p$ope$l+ (a#e
-ithin the 1u$is#i"tion of the lo-e$ "ou$t. <en"e, "onsi#e$ing that the ele(ent of #e(an#
too' pla"e -ithin its te$$ito$ial 1u$is#i"tion, the lo-e$ "ou$t #i# not e$$e# in ta'ing
"ogni>an"e of the "$i(e "ha$ge# against a""use#)petitione$.
DA#A$ON vs. BADILLA, A.M. No. MT%-00-1&0
*AC)SA 5n a #e"ision $en#e$e# .+ Respon#ent Ju#ge =aGi(ino A. 2a#illa on C$i(inal
Case 8o. @434, the$ein a""use# *elia Ala(o -as a":uitte# fo$ the "$i(e of estafa, the
$eason .eing that she #i# not -ilfull+, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+, (isapp$op$iate,
(isappl+ an# "onve$t to he$ o-n pe$sonal use an# .enefits the p$o"ee#s of the sales. 5n
sai# "ase, "o(plainant F$e#es(in#a *a+a-on an# the a""use# have ag$ee# that 1e-el$+,
#elive$e# to the latte$ to .e sol# on "o((ission, a$e to .e #ispose# of -ithin a pe$io# of
one (onth o$, if unsol#, to .e $etu$ne# to the "o(plainant. Conse:uentl+, Co(plainant
file# a "$i(inal "ha$ge fo$ 4stafa against a""use# upon failu$e of the latte$ to p$o(ptl+
$e(it the p$o"ee#s o$ to $etu$n the unsol# goo#s #espite #e(an#.
!SS$%A /hethe$ $espon#ent 1u#ge eGhi.ite# g$oss igno$an"e of the la- an#Ko$
ineffi"ien"+ in a":uitting a""use# *elia Ala(o fo$ the "$i(e of estafa an# #e"la$ing he$
to onl+ .e "ivill+ lia.le.
'%LDA Respon#ent Ju#ge -as hel# guilt+ fo$ g$oss igno$an"e of the la- an#Ko$
ineffi"ien"+. <is "ontention that "$i(inal intent (ust fi$st .e esta.lishe# in the "$i(e of
estafa, .eing in the natu$e of a "$i(e Imaa !n se", is not a#ays appli"a.le. he ele(ent
of "$i(inal intent is not a ne"essa$+ ing$e#ient of e(.e>>le(ent un#e$ su.#ivision 5,
pa$ag$aph (.), of A$ti"le 3%@. =o$eove$, in othe$ fo$(s of estafa, as in the "ase p$esent, it
is .$ea"h of "onfi#en"e o$ infi#elit+ in the "onve$sion o$ #ive$sion of t$ust fun#s that
su.stitutes to the usual ele(ent of f$au# o$ #e"eit. he "ou$t then foun# upon $evie- of
the pe$tinent fa"ts that all the ele(ents of estafa un#e$ su.#ivision 5, pa$ag$aph (.), of
A$ti"le 3%@ a$e p$esent. he failu$e of the a""use# to a""ount, upon #e(an#, fo$ the
fun#s o$ the p$ope$t+ hel# .+ he$ in t$ust is evi#en"e of the "onve$sion of the p$ope$t+.
he Cou$t foun# it "lea$l+ evi#ent that the a""use# has "o((itte# estafa th$ough a.use of
"onfi#en"e an# the$efo$e, the Respon#ent Ju#ge;s #e"ision fla-e#.
PAC'ECO vs. COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. No, 1!6670
*AC)SA Petitione$s o.taine# a loan totalling the a(ount of P 8@,000.00 f$o(
Co(plainants, su"h loan "ont$a"te# f$o( =a+ to Jul+ %&8&. <o-eve$, instea# of the
usual note of in#e.te#ness, "o(plainants $e:ui$e# Petitione$s to p$ovi#e the( un#ate#
"he"'s fo$ eve$+ loan the+ eGten#, as evi#en"e of thei$ "$e#it. Petitione$s #i# not fail at
eve$+ o""asion to info$( "o(plainants that thei$ .an' a""ount is ineGistent as the sa(e
-as al$ea#+ "lose#. 2ut .e"ause of the insisten"e of "o(plainant an# petitione$s; o-n
#espe$ate nee#, the+ -e$e fo$"e# to ente$ this a$$ange(ent. hus, Petitione$ issue# a total
of seven (7) un#ate# "he"'s. 0f these, onl+ siG (?) $e(aine# "onsi#e$ing that the fi$st
"he"' a(ounting to P%0,000.00 -as pai# -hen sai# a(ount -as #e#u"te# f$o( the
p$o"ee#s of the se"on# loan. Petitione$s -e$e a.le to settle an# pa+ in "ash P?0,000.00 in
Jul+, %&8&. hen, #espite $epeate# #e(an#s, petitione$s faile# to pa+ the $e(aining
P%@,000.00 -hen the+ .e"a(e #ue. /ith this, "o(plainant #e(an#e# that petitione$
pla"e the #ate IAugust %@, %&&3J on the "he"'s the+ issue#, even though the fo$(e$
al$ea#+ ha# 'no-le#ge that sai# .an' a""ount is ineGistent. his $esulte# to a #e(an#
lette$ #ate# August 3&, %&&3 f$o( "o(plainant;s hus.an# info$(ing the( that the "he"'s
-hen p$esente# fo$ pa+(ent on August 3@, %&&3 -e$e #ishono$e# #ue to IA""ount
Close#J. -o "o(plaints fo$ estafa then ensue# follo-ing the #ishonou$ing of sai#
"he"'s.
!SS$%A /hethe$ the "$i(e of estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@, pa$ag$aph 3(#) of the RPC is
atten#ant in the "i$"u(stan"es stan#ing .et-een petitione$ an# "o(plainant.
'%LDA 5t has .een $ule# that a #$a-e$ -ho issues a "he"' as se"u$it+ o$ evi#en"e of
invest(ent is not lia.le fo$ estafa. 5n the "ase p$esent, su"h is the a$$ange(ent pe$fe"te#
.et-een Petitione$ an# Co(plainant. he "he"'s issue# .+ Petitione$ -e$e not p$i(a$il+
inten#e# as pa+(ent .ut as (e$e evi#en"e of "$e#it. Co(plainant "annot a$gue that
petitione$ has a"te# on #e"eit in issuing the #ishono$e# "he"'s, as she -as p$o(ptl+
info$(e# that the$e -e$e no fun#s in petitione$;s .an' a""ount. Co(plainant "annot
fu$the$ sustain this a$gu(ent in that she ag$ee# -ith the o.ligee at the ti(e of the
issuan"e an# post#ating of the "he"'s that the sa(e shall not .e en"ashe# o$ p$esente# to
the .an's. his .eing the "ase, the ele(ents of estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@, pa$ag$aph 3(#) of
the RPC, pa$ti"ula$l+ the fi$st an# thi$#, -hi"h $espe"tivel+ $efe$s to the "he"' as (eans
of pa+(ent an# #e"eit, -e$e foun# -anting. /ith this, the Cou$t $eve$ses the #e"ision
p$o(ulgate# .+ the Cou$t of Appeals an# the$e.+ a":uits petitione$.
PEOPLE vs. DIZON, G.R. No. 1&074!
*AC)SA A""use#)appellant Ani"eta A:uino togethe$ -ith P$i(itiva *i>on an# Li.e$t+
=a$tine>, -e$e "ha$ge# -ith the "$i(e of estafa fo$ allege#l+ "onspi$ing togethe$ an#
(utuall+ ai#ing one anothe$ in #e"eiving an# #ef$au#ing "o(plainant =a$ie Antoinette
*a"u(a -hen the+ issue# fou$ (4) "he"'s totalling P 300,000.00, an# su.se:uentl+, sai#
"he"'s -e$e #ishono$e# #ue to insuffi"ient fun#s. he "he"'s -e$e issue# in pa+(ent fo$
fou$ hun#$e# (400) sa"'s of $i"e. hese goo#s -e$e $e"eive# .+ Li.e$t+ =a$tine>.
P$i(itiva *i>on then issue# the fou$ "he"'s, si(ultaneousl+ -ith the #elive$+ of the $i"e.
<o-eve$, it -as a""use#)appellant A:uino -ho han#e# the "he"'s to "o(plainant as
pa+(ent. /hen the "he"'s -e$e p$esente# to #$a-ee .an', the+ -e$e #ishono$e# an#
$etu$ne# unpai# togethe$ -ith the noti"e of #ishono$. he "o(plainant notifie# the
a""use# of the #ishono$ of the "he"'s an# (a#e #e(an#s upon the( to (a'e goo# the
"he"'s o$ pa+ the $i"e, .ut the+ faile# to $e#ee( the "he"'s o$ pa+ the $i"e, the$e.+
"ausing #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e to the "o(plainant. P$i(itiva *i>on $e(ains at la$ge -hile
the$e -as an unve$ifie# $epo$t that "o)a""use# Li.e$t+ =a$tine> -as shot to #eath.
!SS$%A /hethe$ the lo-e$ "ou$t -as "o$$e"t in fin#ing A""use#)appellant A:uino guilt+
as "o)p$in"ipal fo$ the "$i(e of estafa as #efine# an# penali>e# un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@,
pa$ag$aph 3 (#) of the RPC.
'%LDA he sa(e #eg$ee of p$oof is $e:ui$e# to esta.lish the "$i(e is ne"essa$+ to
suppo$t a fin#ing of the p$esen"e of "onspi$a"+, that is, it (ust .e sho-n to eGist as
"lea$l+ an# "onvin"ingl+ as the "o((ission of the offense itself. 5n this $ega$#, the Cou$t
-as not "onvin"e# that a""use#)appellant a"te# as "o)p$in"ipal in the offense. he$e is no
evi#en"e on $e"o$# to sho- that a""use#)appellant ha# an ag$ee(ent o$ un#e$stan#ing
-ith "o)a""use# *i>on an# =a$tine> to #ef$au# "o(plainant *a"u(a. 8eithe$ -as the
p$ose"ution a.le to p$ove that a""use#)appellant ha# 'no-le#ge that the a""ount use# to
"ove$ the "he"'s -as un#e$fun#e#. As the a""use#)appellant -as not the issue$ of sai#
"he"'s, the p$esu(ption of 'no-le#ge of the non)eGisten"e o$ insuffi"ien"+ of the fun#s
"annot .e app$e"iate# against he$, as su"h legal p$esu(ption applies onl+ to the #$a-e$ o$
issue$ of the "he"'. 5n su(, the a"ts of a""use#)appellant #i# not (a'e he$ a "o)autho$ in
the "$i(e of estafa. he "ou$t $eve$ses the #e"ision of the appellate "ou$t an# a":uits the
a""use#)appellant.
PEOPLE vs. PANGANIBAN, G.R. No. 1&&0!"
*AC)SA A""use#)appellant o$#e$e# @,000 .ags of suga$ f$o( "o(plainant La Pe$la
Suga$ 4Gpo$t Co$po$ation, 5n". 5n eG"hange, "o(plainant $e"eive# a "he"' in the a(ount
of P 3,43@,000.00. <o-eve$, -hen "o(plainant #eposite# the sai# "he"', the sa(e -as
#ishono$e# .+ #$a-ee .an' as the$e -as an o$#e$ "o((uni"ate# to stop its pa+(ent.
hen, #espite the #ishono$e# "he"', a""use#)appellant -as still a.le to -ith#$a- @,000
.ags of suga$ f$o( the suga$ #eposit of "o(plainant. Afte$ $epeate# #e(an#s, a""use#)
appellant -as onl+ a.le to (a'e goo# on his o.ligation afo$esai# "he"' to the a(ount of
P3?7,0?4.%4.
!SS$%A /he$e the ele(ents of estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@, pa$ag$aph 3(#) of the
RPC, #ul+ p$oven .+ the p$ose"ution to $esult in the "onvi"tion of a""use#)appellant7
'%LDA he fi$st ele(ent of this fo$( of estafa is that post#ating o$ issuan"e of a "he"'
in pa+(ent of an o.ligation "ont$a"te# at the ti(e the "he"' -as issue#. he t$ansa"tion
.et-een "o(plainant an# a""use#)petitione$ "lea$l+ "onve+s an o.ligation vali#l+
"ont$a"te#. Co(plainant -oul# not have pa$te# -ith its goo#s ha# it not .een fo$ the
"on"u$$ent #elive$+ of the post#ate# "he"' issue# .+ a""usse#)appellant. =oving on to
the se"on# ele(ent, -hi"h pe$tains to the insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s to "ove$ the "he"', it is
evi#ent f$o( the .an' $e"o$#s that a""use#)appellant onl+ (aintaine# the a(ount of
P&,433.%& at the ti(e of the issuan"e of the "he"' (Janua$+ %@) an# at the #ate on the
"he"' itself (Janua$+ %8). 2+ the ti(e sai# "he"' -as sent fo$ "lea$ing (Janua$+ 3%), the
a""ount still ha# insuffi"ient fun#s to "ove$ the "he"', as it onl+ (aintaine# the .alan"e
of P3,34%,&@7.43. Finall+, the Cou$t "onsi#e$e# the seve$al a"ts of a""use#)appellant as
"onstituting #e"eit, the thi$# ele(ent of this offense. A""use#)appellant -as appa$entl+
in#e.te# to so(e othe$ "$e#ito$s -ho -e$e issue# "he"'s (atu$ing on the sa(e #ate as
that #elive$e# to "o(plainant. hese "he"'s then $e#u"e# the .alan"e of his a""ount to
P3,34%,&@7.43. Cno-ing that this .alan"e "annot "ove$ the "he"', a""use#)appellant
i((e#iatel+ o$#e$e# the #$a-ee .an' to stop its pa+(ent, "ausing in1u$+ to the
"o(plainant. he$efo$e, "onsi#e$ing all these "i$"u(stan"es, all ele(ents of estafa have
.een satisfa"to$il+ esta.lishe# an# the Cou$t affi$(s the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t.
PEOPLE vs. 'OLZER, G.R. No. 1&!&!&
*AC)SA Fo$ a g$ant of loan a(ounting to P%00,000.00, Co(plainant 2e$na$# Fo$ste$
a""epte# a "he"' f$o( A""use#)appellant 4$nst <ol>e$. he sai# a(ount -as to .e use#
.+ a""use#)appellant to se"u$e the $elease of e:uip(ent i(po$te# a.$oa# an# "onfine# at
the 2u$eau of Custo(s. <o-eve$, #espite a""use#)appellant;s $epeate# $e:uests to not
p$esent the "he"' to #$a-ee .an', "o(plainant still p$o"ee#e# to #eposit the sai# "he"'
on August &, %&&@. As eGpe"te#, the "he"' -as #ishono$e# fo$ having .een #$a-n against
insuffi"ient fun#s. Co(plainant su.se:uentl+ file# a "o(plaint of estafa against a""use#)
appellant the sa(e #a+.
!SS$%A /hethe$ the ele(ents of estafa un#e$ A$t. 3%@(3)(#), as a(en#e# .+ R.A. 8o.
488@, -e$e a#e:uatel+ esta.lishe# .+ the p$ose"ution to $esult in the "onvi"tion of
a""use#)appellant.
'%LDA 5n vie- of the a(en#(ent of A$t. 3%@(3)(#) .+ R.A. 8o. 488@, the follo-ing a$e
no longe$ ele(ents of estafa! (%) 'no-le#ge of the #$a-e$ that he has no fun#s in the
.an' o$ that the fun#s #eposite# .+ hi( a$e not suffi"ientE an# (3) failu$e to info$( the
pa+ee of su"h "i$"u(stan"e. he #$a-e$ of the #ishono$e# "he"' is given th$ee #a+s f$o(
$e"eipt of the noti"e of #ishono$ to #eposit the a(ount ne"essa$+ to "ove$ the "he"'.
0the$-ise, a p$i(a fa"ie p$esu(ption of #e"eit -ill a$ise -hi"h (ust then .e ove$"o(e
.+ the a""use#. 5n this "onne"tion, the "ou$t note# that the p$ose"ution faile# to p$esent
evi#en"e sho-ing that a noti"e of #ishono$ ha# .een sent to a""use#)appellants. hough
"o(plainant testifie# that he #e(an#e# pa+(ent f$o( a""use#)appellant <ol>e$ an#
-aite# fo$ seve$al #a+s afte$ the "he"' ha# .een #ishono$e#, his affi#avit, #ate# August &,
%&&@, sho#e$ that he %!e$ h!s compa!nt on the same $ay the chec& #as $!shonore$.
An#, as su"h -as the "ase, a""use#)appellant -as hen"e, #ep$ive# of the th$ee #a+ g$a"e
pe$io# to fo$(all+ a""ept an# atten# to the noti"e of #ishono$. he$e is then no p$i(a
fa"ie p$esu(ption of #e"eit. 8o$ is the$e evi#en"e sho-ing that, as a (atte$ of fa"t,
a""use#)appellant <ol>e$ "o((itte# #e"eit. 5t is this thi$# ele(ent of estafa, the ele(ent
of #e"eit, -hi"h is -anting in the "i$"u(stan"es. he Cou$t $eve$ses the *e"ision of the
lo-e$ "ou$t an# a":uits a""use#)appellant f$o( the "$i(e of estafa.
C'UA-BURCE vs. COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. No. 1055
FACS! Petitione$ is the "ash "usto#ian fo$ =et$opolitan 2an' an# $ust (=et$o.an').
Afte$ seve$al "ash "ounts "on#u"te# .+ the assistant "ashie$ #u$ing August %? S %7, %&8@,
a sho$tage of P %@0,000.00 #eno(inate# in P %00.00 .un#les -as #is"ove$e#. =et$o.an'
then initiate# a total of fou$ investigations, .oth inte$nal an# eGte$nal. All these
investigations +iel#e# the sa(e $esult, that the$e is an eGisting sho$tage in the a(ount of
P %@0,000.00 an# that the pe$son p$i(a$il+ lia.le is the Cashie$. he .an' then te$(inate#
the se$vi"e of the "ashie$ on 8ove(.e$ 4, %&8@, the latte$ .eing una.le to satisfa"to$il+
eGplain the sho$tage #is"ove$e#.
5SS64! /hethe$ the ele(ents of the "$i(e of 4stafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@ (%) (.) of the
Revise# Penal Co#e have .een full+ esta.lishe# to $esult in the "onvi"tion of Petitione$
Chua)2u$"e7
<4L*! he Sup$e(e Cou$t $eve$se# the #e"ision of the Appellate Cou$t "onvi"ting
Petitione$ fo$ the "$i(e of estafa. 6pon $evie- of the sai# #e"ision, the "ou$t $easone#
out that the fi$st ele(ent of estafa th$ough "onve$sion o$ (isapp$op$iation un#e$ A$t. 3%@
(%) of the Revise# Penal Co#e is not eGistent. he fi$st ele(ent of estafa th$ough
"onve$sion o$ (isapp$op$iation, to -it!
'1( )hat persona property !s rece!ve$ !n trust, on comm!ss!on, %or a$m!n!strat!on
or un$er any other c!rcumstance !nvov!n* the $uty to ma&e $e!very o% or to
return the same, even thou*h the ob!*at!on !s *uarantee$ by a bon$+
he Cou$t .ase# its $uling on the "ase of Gu,man vs -.., -he$ein the+ ha# the "han"e to
eGplain the #istin"tion .et-een the possession .+ a $e"eiving telle$ of fun#s $e"eive#
f$o( thi$# pe$sons pai# to the .an', an# an agent -ho $e"eives the p$o"ee#s of sales of
(e$"han#ise #elive$e# to hi( in agen"+ .+ his p$in"ipal, in -hi"h the Cou$t note# that
the #istin"tion .et-een the fo$(e$ an# the latte$ is the Jur!$!ca Possess!on ove$ the thing
su.1e"t of "usto#+. 5n the fo$(e$, the telle$ a":ui$es no in#epen#ent $ight o$ title ove$
pa+(ents .+ thi$# pe$son to the .an'. Ju$i#i"al possession (eans a possession -hi"h
gives the t$ansfe$ee a $ight ove$ the thing -hi"h the t$ansfe$ee (a+ set up even against
the o-ne$. Sin"e the "ash "usto#ian has no 1u$i#i"al possession of the "ash .elonging to
the .an', the Cou$t li'ene# he$ possession to that of a (e$e .an' telle$. Conse:uentl+, the
ele(ent of 1u$i#i"al possession .eing a.sent, estafa -as not "o((itte# an# the Cou$t
the$e.+ a":uitte# Petitione$.
PEOPLE vs. TAN, G.R. 1!067!
*AC)SA A""use#)appellant =a$io =+$no an is a $egula$ "usto(e$ of Co(plainant
8e- *u$a-oo# Co(pan+, 5n". $ep$esente# he$ein .+ /ilson =. 9a-. As a he
(ate$ials -oul# then .e #elive$e# late$ eithe$ to appellant;s -a$ehouse in Caloo"an
Cit+ o$ the "onst$u"tion site. 5t -as appellant;s "a$eta'e$ -ho $e"eive# the (ate$ials
an# signe# the #elive$+ $e"eipts. So(eti(e in Jul+ o$ August %&&0, appellant "a(e to
his sto$e to p$o"u$e "onst$u"tion supplies. 9a- a""epte# appellant;s Se"u$it+ 2an'
an# $ust Co(pan+ (S2C) Che"' 8o. 3&3333 post)#ate# 0"to.e$ %, %&&0, in the
a(ount of P3@4,037.00 "o$$espon#ing to the a(ount of (ate$ials that appellant
o$#e$e#. he$eafte$, #elive$ies -e$e (a#e as evi#en"e# .+ the sales invoi"es issue#
.+ p$ivate "o(plainant. he S2C "he"' pai# .+ appellant -as #eposite# .+ p$ivate
"o(plainant at the Ri>al Co((e$"ial an# 2an'ing Co$po$ation. 2ut the "he"' -as
#ishono$e# as it -as #$a-n against insuffi"ient fun#s.
!SS$%A /hethe$ a""use#)appellant $e"eive# "onsi#e$ation fo$ the issuan"e of S2C
"he"' 8o. 3&3333, in "onne"tion -ith the 3
$#
ele(ent of estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@ (3)
(#) of the RPC, -hi"h pe$tains to #a(age to the pa+ee the$eof.
'%LDA he t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in fin#ing that appellant;s "he"' -as issue# fo$
"onsi#e$ation. 5n esta.lishing a""use#)appellants a$gu(ent that he -as not a.le to
$e"eive the (e$"han#ise o$#e$e#, the Cou$t "ite# the a#(ission of "o(plainant that
the "onst$u"tion (ate$ials -e$e $e"eive# .+ pe$sons -ho -e$e not autho$i>e#
$ep$esentatives of the a""use#)appellant. 8eithe$ #i# these pe$sons tu$ne# ove$ the
:uestione# (e$"han#ise to the appellant. he Cou$t also noti"e# that the #elive$+ of
the (e$"han#ise although a##$esse# to a""use#)appellant;s -a$ehouse, -as #i$e"te#
at a "e$tain 4$nie Con-i;s apa$t(ent, -hi"h #oes not o.se$ve the stan#ing
a$$ange(ent .et-een the pa$ties. As a (atte$ of p$a"ti"e, the (e$"han#ise shoul#
have .een sent to appellant;s -a$ehouse o$ the "onst$u"tion site #esignate# .+
appellant. his fa"t len#s "$e#en"e to appellant;s asse$tion that he #i# not $e"eive the
(ate$ials he o$#e$e#. Finall+, the Cou$t o.se$ve# the "onfli"ting #etails .et-een the
info$(ation allege# in the "o(plaint an# the evi#en"e a##u"e# .+ appellant. 5t
$e"alle# that the "ha$ge of estafa -as fo$ o.taining (e$"han#ise f$o( the offen#e#
pa$t+ .+ (eans of the S2C Che"' 8o. 3&3333 -hi"h a""use#)appellant issue#.
<o-eve$, upon eGa(ining the invoi"e fo$ the (e$"han#ise, it sho-e# that the
(ate$ials -e$e pai# .+ "he"'s sta(pe# as I=2J. Consi#e$ing all these, the "ou$t
$ule# that the 3
$#
ele(ent of estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@ (3)(#) is a.sent in the
"i$"u(stan"es fo$ "o(plainant #i# not sustaine# an+ #a(age .+ $eason of the
.oun"ing "he"' -hi"h a""use#)appellant issue#. A""use#)appellant -as the$efo$e
a":uitte# .+ the Cou$t an# o$#e$e# $elease# f$o( i(p$ison(ent.

DIONGZON vs. COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. 114"!&
*AC)SA A""use# 8ilo 2. *iong>on -as the sales supe$viso$ of F5L5PR0, 5n".,
autho$i>e# -ith the -ith#$a-al of F5L5PR0 p$o#u"ts f$o( its -a$ehouse fo$ #elive$+ to
its #eale$s, to $e"eive pa+(ent the$efo$ an# $e(it the sa(e to Filip$o th$ough its
#eposito$+ .an' at 2a"olo# Cit+. So(eti(e in August %&8%, the$e -e$e th$ee "he"'s in
the na(e of A""use#, -hi"h upon p$esent(ent fo$ pa+(ent -e$e all #ishono$e#. he fi$st
t-o "he"'s -e$e #ishono$e# .e"ause of the appa$ent #iffe$en"e .et-een the #$a-e$;s
signatu$es the$eon an# those in the .an';s files. he thi$# "he"' -as #ishono$e# fo$
insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s. All th$ee "he"'s -e$e issue# fo$ the pa+(ent of the allege# o$#e$s
of F5L5PR0 P$o#u"ts suppose#l+ pla"e# .+ "e$tain #eale$s na(el+ Oueenslan#,
Oueen#ies, an# Co'ins -ho all #enie# having $e"eive# the goo#s liste# in the #elive$+
o$#e$s signe# .+ the a""use#. A""use# then a#(itte# issuing the "he"'s as an eGe$"ise of
"$e#it $i#ing, a p$a"ti"e unoffi"iall+ allo-e# .+ the "o(pan+. <e fu$the$ eGplaine# that
so(e of the goo#s pulle# out -e$e (is#elive$e# to anothe$ #eale$E that he issue# his
"he"'s fo$ the pa+(ent of a""ounts of the #eale$s, to -ho( the goo#s -e$e #elive$e#
-ith the un#e$stan#ing that he -oul# hol# on to those "he"'s -hile -aiting fo$ thei$
pa+(entsE an# that he #i# this to a""o((o#ate the #eale$s.
!SS$%A /hethe$ the a""use# -as $ightfull+ "onvi"te# fo$ the "$i(e of violation of 2atas
Pa(.ansa 2lg. 33 o$ the Anti)2oun"ing Che"'s La-.
'%LDA he issuan"e of -o$thless "he"'s is the (ost essential fa"to$ of the offense of
2.P. 2lg. 33. he a#(ission of the a""use# in issuing "he"'s -hi"h, -hen p$esente#
-e$e #ishonou$e# -e$e nea$l+ tanta(ount to a#(ission of his guilt. Fu$the$(o$e, even if
a""use# p$o(ise# to pa+ the value of the "he"' -hen it -as #ishono$e#, it still "annot .e
#ispute# that at the ti(e the sai# "he"' -as p$esente# to #$a-ee .an', the$e -e$e no
suffi"ient fun#s to "ove$ its pa+(ent. Petitione$, as the #$a-e$ of the "he"', is p$esu(e#
to have 'no-le#ge of the insuffi"ient fun#s, an# his failu$e to pa+ the value of the "he"'
-ithin five .an'ing #a+s f$o( noti"e of #ishono$ #i# not #ispute this p$esu(ption. he
Appellate Cou$t the$efo$, #i# not go -$ong in affi$(ing the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t
fin#ing a""use# guilt+ fo$ violation of 2.P. 2lg. 33.
Gamurot
L!" vs.
CO$) O* APP%ALS AND P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S
9.R. 8o. %03784
<4R=0S5S5=A, JR., J./
*a4tsA his is a =otion fo$ Re"onsi#e$ation file# .+ the petitione$ Rosa Li( -ho p$a+s
fo$ he$ a":uittal ove$ the "ha$ges file# against he$. he petitione$ is "ha$ge# an#
"onvi"te# -ith the "$i(e of estafa. he "ase -as appeale# to the Cou$t of Appeals
-he$ein it affi$(e# the "onvi"tion hel# .+ the t$ial "ou$t. he petitione$ see'ing the
$eve$sal of he$ "onvi"tion file# .efo$e the Sup$e(e Cou$t a petition fo$ $evie- -he$efo$e
the Cou$t al$ea#+ sustaine# the #e"ision hel# .+ the Cou$t Appeals in "onvi"ting the
petitione$ thus lea#ing to the (otion fo$ $e"onsi#e$ation see'ing the $eve$sal of the latte$
#e"ision hel# .+ the Sup$e(e Cou$t. he t-o issues the petitione$ $aise# on he$ (otion
fo$ $e"onsi#e$ation a$e the follo-ing. Fi$st, the "ou$t a :uo faile# to "onsi#e$ the evi#en"e
of he$ ag$ee(ent .et-een the pa$ties -hi"h -as a sale on "$e#it. he se"on# -as that she
alleges that the $ing -as $etu$ne# to the "o(plainant an# .+ vi$tue of the filing of
"$i(inal "ase against Au$elia 8a#e$a fo$ issuing a .oun"ing "he"'.
he pe$tinent fa"ts of the "ase a$e the follo-ingE 8a#e$a int$o#u"e# the petitione$ Li( to
the "o(plainant Sua$e>. Li( ha# an ag$ee(ent of selling a 1e-el$+ an# .$a"elet o-ne#
.+ Sua$e>. <o-eve$, Li( ha# "hange# he$ (in# a.out the #eal an# info$(e# Sua$e> of
he$ #esistan"e to pu$sue the ag$ee(ent. he "o(plainant tol# Li( to $etu$n the .$a"elet
an# 1e-el$+ to 8a#e$a -hi"h the latte$ "o(plie# -ith. <o-eve$, 8a#e$a allege#l+ sol#
the 1e-el$+ .ut the "he"' that -as issue# fo$ the pa+(ent of the sai# $ing .oun"e#. hus,
the "o(plainant file# a "ase of estafa fo$ the (isapp$op$iation an# unla-ful #isposition
of the $ing.
!ssueA /hethe$ o$ not the petitione$ is guilt+ of estafa.
'eldA he Sup$e(e Cou$t hel# in favo$ of the petitione$ stating that IRosa Li(As sole
pu$pose in #elive$ing the pie"es of 1e-el$+ to Au$elia 8a#e$a, -as fo$ 8a#e$a to effe"t
thei$ $etu$n to Fi"to$ia Sua$e>. 2+ no st$et"h of the i(agination "an the a"t of $etu$ning
sai# ite(s to its $ightful o-ne$, although th$ough the (e#iation of a thi$# pa$t+, .e
"onsi#e$e# as "onve$sion o$ (isapp$op$iation.J he Cou$t fu$the$ e(phasi>e#
I=o$eove$, she #elive$e# the sai# pie"es of 1e-el$+ to one -ho is not a total st$ange$, .ut
to a pe$son 'no-n to .oth he$ an# Sua$e> an# -ho, f$o( all in#i"ations, en1o+ thei$
(utual t$ust an# "onfi#en"e. o $eite$ate, this $aises $easona.le #ou.t as to the p$esen"e
of an+ "$i(inal intent as"$i.e# to he$ .+ the p$ose"ution.J
<en"efo$th, the Cou$t $eve$se# the #e"ision $en#e$ing the petitione$ to .e onl+
"ivill+ lia.le a":uitting he$ of an+ "$i(inall+ lia.ilit+ .ut o$#e$ing he$ to pa+ the su( of
P%?&,000.00 as a"tual #a(ages, plus legal inte$est, -ithout su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent in
"ase of insolven"+.
%=ANG%L!S)A vs.
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S
337 SCRA %44
*a4tsA he "o(plainant Fi$gilio =e$"a#o -as int$o#u"e# to petitione$ Jeng 4vangelista
.+ the latte$;s "o)-o$'e$, 2en =agalong. *u$ing the sai# (eeting, the "o(plainant an#
=agalong tal'e# a.out the "asino an# petitione$ tol# the( that he has a f$ien# -ho
f$e:uents the "asino. he$eafte$, "o(plainant as'e# petitione$ to int$o#u"e hi( to his
f$ien# an# the latte$ ag$ee#. 5n one point in ti(e, "o(plainant (et the petitione$ -ho tol#
hi( to a""o(pan+ hi( to the "asino at the Phil. Fillage <otel an# the+ .oa$#e# a taGi
-ith Raff+ Juta. 2efo$e p$o"ee#ing to the "asino, petitione$ suggeste# that the+ go to his
f$ien#, Chito A$eola;s house fi$st as the+ -oul# tea"h hi( ho- to ga(.le an# -in in the
"asino. Petitione$, togethe$ -ith Re+ Santos an# A$eola taught "o(plainant the
$u#i(ents of the ga(es of .la"'1a"' an# .a""a$at as -ell as ho- to "heat .+ using "e$tain
t$i"'s an# signals.
he$eafte$, the petitione$ an# his f$ien#s info$(e# the "o(plainant that
.efo$e p$o"ee#ing to the "asino, he;ll pla+ against a $i"h (an f$o( 2a"olo# na(e#
=inong -ith A$eola a"ting as the #eale$ an# $e:ueste# the "o(plainant to #eposit his
(one+ to the(. <e #eposite# %0,000php an# 6.S. L3@0 o$ a total of
%7,000php -e$ e $ epl a"e# -i t h pl as t i " "hi ps t o pet i t i one$ an# hi s
f $ i en#s on t hei $ assu$an"es that he -ill -in in the "a$# ga(e .+ using the
p$e)a$$ange# signals an# t$i"'s taught to hi(. Fi$st, "o(plainant -as -inning as
petitione$ an# his f$ien#s -e$e e(plo+ing the t$i"'s an# signals the+ taught hi(.
<o-eve$, he sta$te# losing -hen petitione$ et. al stoppe# giving hi( the p$e)
a$$ange# signals. /ith a fe- $e(aining "hips left f$o( his -innings
-o$th P30,000.00, "o(plainant #e"i#e# to stop pla+ing fo$ fea$ of losing his "apital
.ut petitione$ an# his f$ien#s $efuse# an# instea#, sta$e# (ena"ingl+ at hi(. Afte$ the
ga(e, "o(plainant as'e# the( to $etu$n his (one+ -hi"h he ha# ea$lie$
#eposite# .ut the+ tol# hi( he ha# lost all his (one+ in the "a$# ga(e. As
soon as "o(plainant $eali>e# that he -as .eing "heate#, he as'e# pe$(ission
to leave -ith Raff+ Juta an# -as allo-e# afte$ he ha# eGe"ute# a lette$, the
"ontent of -hi"h he "an;t $e(e(.e$ sin"e it -as onl+ #i"tate# to hi( .+ Santos.
Petitione$ -as a$$este# at the Phil. 2an'ing Co$p. .+ poli"e(en -ho a""o(panie#
"o(plainant. Co$po$al Rogelio Castillo testifie# #u$ing the t$ial that -hen he investigate#
petitione$, the latte$ ve$.all+ a#(itte# his guilt to hi(.
Petitione$ #enie# pa$ti"ipating in the allege# #e"eitful an# f$au#ulent "a$# ga(e an#
(aintaine# that he sa- the( pla+ B2la"' Ja"'B -hile he onl+ -at"he# the ga(e
an# that -hen he lost, =$. =e$"a#o still -ante# to pla+, .ut ha# no (o$e (one+, so, the+
set anothe$ #ate fo$ the( to pla+. 5nfa"t, =$. =e$"a#o p$epa$e# a lette$ to his
pla+(ates as'ing the( to pla+ again. RC "onvi"te# hi( fo$ estafa. he appellate
"ou$t affi$(e# the t$ial "ou$t;s #e"ision. Petitione$ no- "onten#s that he shoul# .e
a":uitte# on the g$oun# that his guilt -as not p$oven .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
!ssueA /hethe$ o$ not .+ "onsenting to petitione$As f$au#ulent s"he(e of "heating
"o(plainant -as a -illing pa$t+ an# "onspi$ato$ in the "a$# ga(e he pla+e#
-ith an# thus "o(plainantAs testi(on+ shoul# not .e given "$e#en"e .+ the Cou$t.
'eldA 80, 6n#e$ A$t. 3%@, pa$. 3(.) of the Revise# Penal Co#e, estafa is "o((itte# .+
an+ pe$son -ho shall #ef$au# anothe$ .+ $eso$ting to so(e p$a"ti"e to ensu$e su""ess in a
ga(.ling ga(e. 4vi#en"e fo$ p$ose"ution p$ove# that "o(plainant -as #e"eive# into
pa$ting -ith his (one+ on petitione$As assu$an"e that he -oul# -in in the "a$# ga(e .+
using the p$e)a$$ange# signals an# t$i"'s taught to hi(. /hile it is t$ue
that "o(plainant "onsente# to petitione$A s s"he(e to #ef$au# =inong, fa"t
$e(ains that it -as "o(plainant -ho en#e# up .eing "heate# .+ petitione$ an# his f$ien#s
sin"e the latte$ helpe# one anothe$ to vi"ti(i>e "o(plainant an# to #ivest hi( of all his
(one+.
All the essential ele(ents of estafa a$e p$esent in instant "ase. hus, a pa$t+ $esponsi.le
fo$ su"h f$au# o$ #a(age "annot es"ape "$i(inal $esponsi.ilit+ even though the
offen#e# pa$t+ "onsente# to pa$ti"ipate in the illegal o$ a(o$al t$ansa"tion. Fa"t that
"o(plainant -as lu$e# .+ petitione$ in a f$au#ulent "a$# ga(e "an;t se$ve as a g$oun# fo$
#is"$e#iting "o(plainantAs testi(on+, $athe$ his inveigle(ent to pa$ti"ipate in
the f$au#ulent "a$# ga(e -as pa$t of the s"he(e to #ef$au# hi(. Petition fo$
$evie- on "e$tio$a$i is #enie# fo$ la"' of (e$it.
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S vs.
'%"OG%N%S "A!ANO
9.R. 8o. L)40@37
=6T0M PAL=A, J/.
*a4tsA his is a petition fo$ "e$tio$a$i -hi"h postulates a $uling on the :uestion of
-hethe$ o$ not "ivil "ou$ts an# (ilita$+ "o((issions "an eGe$"ise "on"u$$ent 1u$is#i"tion
ove$ the offense of estafa of goo#s value# at not (o$e than siG thousan# pesos an#
allege#l+ "o((itte# .+ a "ivilian. he P$ovin"ial Fis"al of 2ula"an file# an info$(ation
against the $espon#ent alleging the latte$ of "o((itting estafa #u$ing the ti(e the
$espon#ent pa$ta'es the pe$sonalit+ of an Liaison 0ffi"e$ -o$'ing un#e$ the =uni"ipal
=a+o$. he o.ligation ent$uste# to the $espon#ent -as to $e"eive an# .e $e"eipte# fo$ 6S
eG"ess p$ope$t+ of 6SA5*K84C fo$ the use an# .enefit of the sai# (uni"ipalit+.
<o-eve$, the info$(ation alleges that the $espon#ent -ilfull+, unla-full+ an#
feloniousl+, -ith g$ave a.use of "onfi#en"e an# -ith #e"eit, (isapp$op$iate, (isappl+
an# "onve$t to his o-n pe$sonal use.
he $espon#ent ans-e$e# .+ filing a (otion to :uash the info$(ation stating the
follo-ing fa"tsE Fi$st, that the "ou$t t$+ing the "ause has no 1u$is#i"tion of the offense
"ha$ge# o$ of the pe$son of the #efen#ant. Se"on#, that the "$i(inal a"tion o$ lia.ilit+ has
.een eGtinguishe#. Lastl+, that it "ontains ave$(ents -hi"h, if t$ue, -oul# "onstitute a
legal eG"use o$ 1ustifi"ation. 5t -as also state# that the su.1e"t (atte$ of the "ase file#
against hi( -e$e also the sa(e ite(s that the =uni"ipal =a+o$ -as in#i"te# -ith .efo$e
a =ilita$+ Co((ission un#e$ the "ha$ge of (alve$sation of pu.li" p$ope$t+ on -hi"h the
latte$ -as foun# guilt+. he "ou$t g$ante# the (otion to :uash stating fo$ the $eason that
the =ilita$+ Co((ission al$ea#+ too' "ogni>an"e of the "ase, the t$ial "ou$t the$efo$e
have no 1u$is#i"tion to hea$ the "u$$ent "ase involving the sa(e su.1e"t (atte$ hen"e the
$eason fo$ this petition fo$ "e$tio$a$i.
!ssueA /hethe$ o$ not the "ontention of the $espon#ent that the "ou$t ha# lost 1u$is#i"tion
ove$ the "ase is tena.le.
'eldA he Sup$e(e Cou$t $ule# that the "ou$t g$avel+ e$$e# -hen it $ule# that it ha# lost
1u$is#i"tion to t$+ an# hea$ the "ase of estafa. 5t fu$the$ state# that Iestafa an#
(alve$sation a$e t-o sepa$ate an# #istin"t offenses an# in the "ase no- .efo$e us the
a""use# in one is #iffe$ent f$o( the a""use# in the othe$. 2ut (o$e fun#a(ental is the fa"t
that -e #o not have he$e a situation involving t-o t$i.unals veste# -ith "on"u$$ent
1u$is#i"tion ove$ a pa$ti"ula$ "$i(e so as to appl+ the $ule that the "ou$t o$ t$i.unal -hi"h
fi$st ta'es "ogni>an"e of the "ase a":ui$es 1u$is#i"tion the$eof eG"lusive of the othe$.J 5t
-as $en#e$e# that the =ilita$+ Co((ission have no "on"u$$ent 1u$is#i"tion .et-een it
an# the "ou$t. <en"e, the 1u#ge is o$#e$e# to p$o"ee# to hea$ an# t$+ the "ase of estafa.
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S vs.
D!CB ONG
304 SCRA &43
*a4tsA he a""use# *i"' 0ng, one of the #eposito$s of the <o(e Savings
2an' an# $ust Co(pan+ (<S2C) opene# a savings a""ount -ith <S2C -ith
an initial #eposit of P33.%4 in "ash an# P%0,000.00 in "he"'. 0ng -as allo-e# to
-ith#$a- f$o( his savings a""ount -ith the 2an' the su( of P@,000.00 -ithout his "he"'
un#e$going the usual an# $egle(enta$+ "lea$an"e. he -ith#$a-al slip -as
signe# an# app$ove# .+ Lino =o$fe, then the 2$an"h =anage$, an#
a""use# Lu"ila ala.is, the 2$an"h Cashie$. Su.se:uentl+, 0ng #eposite# eleven "he"'s
in his savings a""ount -ith the 2an' an# against -hi"h he (a#e -ith#$a-als against its
a(ount. Again, the -ith#$a-al of the a(ount .+ 0ng -as (a#e .efo$e sai# "he"'s -e$e
"lea$e# an# the 2an' ha# "olle"te# thei$ a(ounts an# -ith the app$oval of ala.is.
<o-eve$, -hen the 2an' p$esente# the eleven "he"'s issue#, #eposite# an# against
-hi"h 0ng (a#e -ith#$a-als against its a(ounts, to thei$ $espe"tive #$a-ee .an's fo$
pa+(ent, the+ -e$e all #ishono$e# fo$ la"' o$ insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s. 2e"ause of this,
the 2an' file# a "$i(inal a"tion fo$ 4stafa against 0ng, an# the 2an';s
offi"e$ in "ha$ge Filla$an an# ala.is. ala.is testifie# that the app$oval of the
-ith#$a-als of 0ng against his un"lea$e# "he"'s -as in a""o$#an"e -ith the
inst$u"tion of thei$ then .an' (anage$ an# that it is a 'in# of a""o((o#ation given to
0ng an# also a "o((on p$a"ti"e of the 2an'. RC $ule# 0ng as guilt+ fo$ the "$i(e of
estafa .ut a":uitte# Filla$in an# ala.is as thei$ guilt -e$e not p$oven .e+on# $easona.le
#ou.t. 6pon appeal, the Cou$t of Appeals affi$(e# the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t.
!ssueA /hethe$ o$ not 0ng is guilt+ of the "$i(e estafa.
'eldA he ele(ents of this 'in# of estafa a$e the follo-ing! (%) post#ating o$
issuan"e of a "he"' in pa+(ent of an o.ligation "ont$a"te# at the ti(e the "he"'
-as issue#E (3) la"' o$ insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s to "ove$ the "he"'E an# (3) #a(age to
the pa+ee the$eof. 5n this "ase, the fa"t -as esta.lishe# that 0ng eithe$ issue# o$ in#o$se#
the su.1e"t "he"'s. <o-eve$, it (ust .e $e(e(.e$e# that the $eason fo$ the "onvi"tion of
an a""use# of the "$i(e of estafa is his guilt+ 'no-le#ge of the fa"t that he ha# no fun#s
in the .an' -hen he negotiate# the spu$ious "he"'. 5n the p$esent "ase, ho-eve$, the
p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove that 0ng ha# 'no-le#ge -ith $espe"t to the "he"' in#o$se#.
=o$eove$, it has also .een p$oven that it -as the 2an' -hi"h g$ante# hi( a #$a-n
against un"olle"te# #eposit (*A6*) p$ivilege -ithout nee# of an+ p$etensions on his
pa$t.
he p$ivilege -as not onl+ fo$ the su.1e"t "he"'s, .ut fo$ othe$ past t$ansa"tions. 5f eve$,
he in#ee# a"te# f$au#ulentl+, he "oul# not have #one so -ithout the a"tive "oope$ation of
the 2an's e(plo+ees. Sin"e ala.is an# Filla$an -e$e #e"la$e# inno"ent of the "$i(es
"ha$ge# against the(, the sa(e shoul# .e sai# fo$ the 0ng. hus, 0ng "annot .e hel#
"$i(inall+ lia.le against the 2an'. <e "an onl+ .e hel# "ivill+ lia.le as the
2an' in"u$$e# #a(ages
SOL%"N!DAD ($A;A vs.
)'% 'ONOA(L% >%NC%SLAO POLO
9.R. 8o. L)7@07&
PARAS, J./
*a4tsA his is a petition fo$ "e$tio$a$i -he$ein the petitione$ see's to annul an# set asi#e
the o$#e$ of the $espon#ent 1u#ge. he petitione$ -as an insu$an"e agent of the p$ivate
$espon#ent -ho -as given the autho$it+ to t$ansa"t an# un#e$-$ite insu$an"e .usiness
an# "olle"t the "o$$espon#ing p$e(iu(s fo$ an# in .ehalf of the p$ivate $espon#ent.
6n#e$ the te$(s of the agen"+, petitione$ is $e:ui$e# to (a'e a pe$io#i" $epo$t an#
a""ounting of he$ t$ansa"tions an# $e(it p$e(iu( "olle"tions to the p$in"ipal offi"e of
p$ivate $espon#ent lo"ate# in the Cit+ of =anila. he$e -as an au#it "on#u"te# upon the
petitione$s a""ount an# th$ough -hi"h i#entifie# so(e i$$egula$it+ upon the $e"o$#s.
2e"ause of su"h #is"$epan"+, the petitione$ -as then "ha$ge# -ith estafa un#e$ the "ou$t
of the $espon#ent 1u#ge. he petitione$ file# a (otion to #is(iss -ith the $espon#ent
1u#ge -hi"h the latte$ #enie#. 6pon #enial of the (otion to #is(iss, the petitione$ file# a
(otion fo$ $e"onsi#e$ation -hi"h then -as also #enie#. he #enial of .oth (otions le# to
this petition fo$ "e$tio$a$i. he petitione$ .esi#es the fa"t that the allegation of "$i(e -as
"o((itte# in Ce.u, also "onten#s that the su.1e"t (atte$ of this "ase is pu$el+ "ivil in
natu$e .e"ause the fa"t that p$ivate $espon#ent sepa$atel+ file# anothe$ "ase involving the
sa(e allege# (isapp$op$iate# a(ount is an a""eptan"e that the su.1e"t t$ansa"tion
"o(plaine# of is not p$ope$ fo$ a "$i(inal a"tion.
!ssueA /hethe$ o$ not the Regional $ial Cou$t have 1u$is#i"tion ove$ the "ase of estafa.
'eldA he Sup$e(e Cou$t $ule# that "$i(e of estafa is a "ontinuing o$ t$ansito$+ offense
-hi"h (a+ .e p$ose"ute# at the pla"e -he$e an+ of the essential ele(ents of the "$i(e
too' pla"e. 5t is un#ispute# that one of the ele(ents of the "o((ission of estafa is that
the$e -as p$e1u#i"e o$ #a(age to the offen#e# pa$t+. he Cou$t fu$the$ state# that the
p$in"ipal pla"e of .usiness an# offi"e of the p$ivate $espon#ent is in =anila the$efo$e the
a$gu(ent of the petitione$ is untena.le. he failu$e of the petitione$ to $e(it the insu$an"e
p$e(iu(s she "olle"te# allege#l+ "ause# #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e to the p$ivate $espon#ent
in =anila. <o-eve$, -ith $ega$#s to the othe$ "ontention of p$ivate $espon#ent $ega$#ing
that the su.1e"t (atte$ of the "ase is "ivil in natu$e is +et to .e #ete$(ine#. hus, the
petition is #is(isse# fo$ la"' of (e$it an# the "ase is $e(an#e# to the Regional $ial
Cou$t of =anila fo$ fu$the$ p$o"ee#ings.
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S vs.
NA)'AN!%L ". GOSP%
9.R. 8o. L)740@3)@4
=4L48C50)<4RR4RA, J.!
*a4tsA his is a spe"ial a"tion fo$ "e$tio$a$i p$a+ing to set asi#e the #e"ision of the
$espon#ent 1u#ge fo$ .eing .e$eft of 1u$is#i"tion to pass 1u#g(ent on the a""use# on the
.asis of the (e$its of the "ase.
5n 2ula"an, the $espon#ent)a""use# =anuel Pa$ulan is an autho$i>e# -holesale #eale$ of
petitione$ San =iguel Co$po$ation. he $espon#ent -as "ha$ge# -ith violating the
2oun"ing Che"'s La- fo$ having issue# a "he"' in favo$ of S=C .ut -hi"h -as
#ishono$e# fo$ having .een #$a-n against insuffi"ient fun#s an#, in spite of $epeate#
#e(an#s, fo$ having faile# an# $efuse# to (a'e goo# sai# "he"' to the #a(age an#
p$e1u#i"e of S=C. 5n the sa(e "ou$t, he -as also "ha$ge# -ith the "$i(e of estafa. 2oth
the "ases -he$e #is(isse# .+ the t$ial "ou$t fo$ la"' of 1u$is#i"tion. he intention of this
petition is to "hallenge the #is(issal of the t-o "ases -he$ein the #e"ision $en#e$e# -e$e
issue# -ith g$ave a.use of #is"$etion a(ounting to la"' of 1u$is#i"tion. he $espon#ent
a$gues that the #e"ision $en#e$e# .+ t$ial "ou$t a(ounts to an a":uittal -he$ein if pu$sue#
then it -ill .e tanta(ount to #ou.le 1eopa$#+.
!ssueA /hethe$ o$ not the "ou$t have 1u$is#i"tion to t$+ an# hea$ .oth "ases.
'eldA he Sup$e(e Cou$t uphel# the petition stating that the "$i(e of estafa is a
t$ansito$+ offense -he$ein an a"tion "an .e file# in an+ pla"e as long as the "o((ission
of su"h #e"eit an# #a(age -as pa$tl+ "o((itte#. his p$in"iple also applies -ith the
"o((ission of the "$i(e of issuing .oun"ing "he"'s -hi"h is also a "ontinuing offense.
5n the issue $ega$#ing #ou.le 1eopa$#+, the Cou$t hel# that the #is(issal .eing null an#
voi# the p$o"ee#ings .efo$e the $ial Cou$t (a+ not .e sai# to have .een la-full+
te$(inate#. he$e is the$efo$e, no se"on# p$o"ee#ing -hi"h -oul# su.1e"t the a""use# to
#ou.le 1eopa$#+. <en"efo$th the Cou$t set asi#e the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t an#
$en#e$e# to assu(e 1u$is#i"tion to .oth the "ases.
JA!"% G$!N'A>A vs.
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S
9.R. 8o. %?3833
CALL4J0, SR., J.!
*a4tsA he "ase at .a$ #eals -ith a petition fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i on his "onvi"tion fo$
the "$i(e of 0the$ *e"eits -hi"h the t$ial "ou$t an# appellate "ou$t affi$(e# his
"onvi"tion. he fa"ts of the "ase "i$"ulates on a pu$"hase of a pa$ti"ula$ van -he$ein the
.u+e$s spouses Silo -e$e (a#e to .elieve that the+ a$e pu$"hasing a .$an# ne- van
-he$ein in fa"t the van ha# #efe"ts in its state. he a""use# un#ou.te#l+ (a#e false
p$etenses an# (is$ep$esentations -ith $ega$#s to the selling of the van. he a""use# -as
-ell 'no-n that he is engage# in selling .$an# ne- vans thus his a"t of "on"eal(ent
$ega$#ing the van;s t$ue "on#ition is tanta(ount to #e"eit. he$efo$e, -ith the infe$io$
"ou$ts affi$(ing his "onvi"tion of the sai# "$i(e, the a""use# file# this pa$ti"ula$ petition
asse$ting that he is not lia.le fo$ the "$i(e .e"ause the $ep$esentation -as (a#e .+ his
gene$al (anage$.
!ssueA /hethe$ o$ not the a""use# is guilt+ fo$ the "$i(e of 0the$ *e"eits.
'eldA he Sup$e(e Cou$t #enie# the petition stating that the petitione$ ha# eve$+
oppo$tunit+ to $eveal to the p$ivate "o(plainant that the van -as #efe"tive. he+ $esolve#
to (aintain thei$ silen"e, to the p$e1u#i"e of the p$ivate "o(plainant, -ho -as a ga$(ent
(e$"hant an# -ho ha# no spe"ial 'no-le#ge of pa$ts of (oto$ vehi"les. 2ase# on the
su$$oun#ing "i$"u(stan"es, she $elie# on he$ .elief that the van -as .$an# ne-. 5n fine,
she -as the inno"ent vi"ti( of the petitione$;s f$au#ulent non#is"losu$e o$ "on"eal(ent.
he petitione$ "annot pin "$i(inal lia.ilit+ fo$ his f$au#ulent o(ission on his gene$al
(anage$, A>otea. he t-o a$e e:uall+ lia.le fo$ thei$ "olle"tive f$au#ulent silen"e. Case
la- has it that -he$eve$ the #oing of a
"e$tain a"t o$ the t$ansa"tion of a given affai$, o$ the pe$fo$(an"e of "e$tain .usiness is
"onfi#e# to an agent, the autho$it+ to so a"t -ill, in a""o$#an"e -ith a gene$al $ule often
$efe$$e# to, "a$$+ -ith it .+ i(pli"ation the autho$it+ to #o all of the "ollate$al a"ts -hi"h
a$e the natu$al an# o$#ina$+ in"i#ents of the (ain a"t o$ .usiness autho$i>e#. he$efo$e
the petitione$ is he$e.+ senten"e# to suffe$ a st$aight penalt+ of siG (?) (onths
i(p$ison(ent. he petitione$ shall suffe$ su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent in "ase of insolven"+.
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S vs.
*%D!NAND ). (AL$N)ONG
9.R. 8o. %830?%
CARP50 =0RAL4S, J./
*a4tsA he appellant 2aluntong appeals f$o( the #e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals to
affi$( the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t "onvi"ting the appellant of *ou.le =u$#e$ -ith
F$ust$ate# =u$#e$. 5n the "ase at .a$, 2aluntong -ith (ali"e afo$ethought an# -ith
#eli.e$ate intent to 'ill, set on fi$e, the house of Cele$ina Solangon, "ausing the "o(plete
#est$u"tion of the sai# house an# the #eath of Cele$ina Solangon an# Alvin Sava$e>, an#
infli"ting se$ious ph+si"al in1u$ies on Josua Sava$e>, the$e.+ pe$fo$(ing all the a"ts of
eGe"ution -hi"h -oul# p$o#u"e the "$i(e of (u$#e$ as a "onse:uan"e .ut -hi"h,
neve$theless #o not p$o#u"e it .+ $eason of "auses in#epen#ent of the -ill of the
pe$pet$ato$. he appellant eGp$esse# on his .$ief that he is having #ou.ts -ith $ega$#s to
the testi(on+ given .+ the -itnesses of the p$ose"ution an# that his guilt have not .een
p$oven .e+on# all $easona.le #ou.t.
!ssueA /hethe$ o$ not the appellant is guilt+ of the "o(pleG "$i(e of *ou.le =u$#e$
-ith F$ust$ate# =u$#e$.
'eldA he Cou$t hel# that the$e is no sho-ing that appellant;s (ain o.1e"tive -as to 'ill
Cele$ina an# he$ house(ates an# that the fi$e -as $eso$te# to as the (eans to a""o(plish
the goal. 5t -as state# in the $e"o$#s of the fa"ts that Cele$ina -ante# appellant -ho is
$enting a house nea$ he$ to (ove out. A.sent an+ "on"$ete .asis then to hol# that the
house -as set on fi$e to 'ill the o""upants, appellant "annot .e hel# lia.le fo$ #ou.le
(u$#e$ -ith f$ust$ate# (u$#e$. his is espe"iall+ t$ue -ith $espe"t to the #eath of
Cele$ina, fo$ even assu(ing a$guen#o that appellant -ante# to 'ill he$ to get even -ith
he$ in light of he$ allege# #esi$e to #$ive hi( out of the neigh.o$ing house, Cele$ina -as
outsi#e the house at the ti(e it -as set on fi$e. She (e$el+ ente$e# the .u$ning house to
save he$ g$an#sons. 5t -as not sho-n that the (ain (otive -as to 'ill the o""upants of
the house, the "$i(e -oul# onl+ .e a$son, the ho(i"i#e .eing a (e$e "onse:uen"e
the$eof, hen"e, a.so$.e# .+ a$son. he$efo$e the Sup$e(e Cou$t set asi#e the #e"ision of
the appellate "ou$t $en#e$ing a ne- #e"ision that the appellant is guilt+ .e+on#
$easona.le #ou.t of the "$i(e of si(ple a$son an# is senten"e# to suffe$ the penalt+
of $e"lusion pe$petua -ith no eligi.ilit+ fo$ pa$ole.
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S vs.
J%SS!% =!LL%GAS "$C!A
9.R. 8o. %834?0
P4R4M, J./
*a4tsA he p$e(ise of the petition at han# is the #e"ision $en#e$e# .+ the Cou$t of
Appeals affi$(ing -ith (o#ifi"ation the *e"ision of the Regional $ial Cou$t, -hi"h
foun# appellant Jessie Fillegas =u$"ia guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of the "$i(es of
a$son an# f$ust$ate# ho(i"i#e. he a.ove)na(e# a""use#, (otivate# .+ so(e evil
(otive, #i# then an# the$e -illfull+, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+ set fi$e an# .u$n a
$esi#ential house 'no-ing the sa(e to .e inha.ite# .+ one Feli"i#a# =. Ouilates .u$ning
an# 'illing sai# Feli"i#a# =. Ouilates as -ell as .u$ning an# #a(aging nine othe$
neigh.o$ing houses in the p$o"ess -he$ein the "ha$ge is :ualifie# .+ the $esulting #eath
of Feli"i#a# =. Ouilates. 6pon a$$aign(ent, appellant plea#e# not guilt+ to .oth "ha$ges.
<o-eve$ as the "ase p$o"ee#e#, appellant a#(itte# to the "$i(e of f$ust$ate# ho(i"i#e,
hen"e the $evie- is li(ite# to the "$i(e of a$son .ut appellant (aintains his inno"en"e of
the "ha$ge of a$son an# "hallenges the "$e#i.ilit+ of the -itnesses -ho testifie# against
hi(.
!ssueA /hethe$ o$ not appellant is guilt+ of the "$i(e of a$son.
'eldA he Sup$e(e Cou$t affi$(e# the #e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals fu$the$ stating
that the testi(on+ of the -itnesses having -ithstoo# the s"$utin+ of the lo-e$ "ou$ts is
#ee(e# "$e#i.le. he lo-e$ "ou$ts foun# appellant lia.le un#e$ A$ti"le 330(%) of the
Revise# Penal Co#e, as a(en#e# .+ Se"tion %0 of Repu.li" A"t 8o. 7?@&. 5t (a+ not .e
a(iss to point out that the$e a$e a"tuall+ t-o "atego$ies of a$son, na(el+! *est$u"tive
A$son un#e$ A$ti"le 330 of the Revise# Penal Co#e an# Si(ple A$son un#e$ P$esi#ential
*e"$ee 8o. %3%?. Sai# "lassifi"ation is .ase# on the 'in#, "ha$a"te$ an# lo"ation of the
p$ope$t+ .u$ne#, $ega$#less of the value of the #a(age "ause#. A$ti"le 330 "onte(plates
the (ali"ious .u$ning of st$u"tu$es, .oth pu.li" an# p$ivate, hotels, .uil#ings, e#ifi"es,
t$ains, vessels, ai$"$aft, fa"to$ies an# othe$ (ilita$+, gove$n(ent o$ "o((e$"ial
esta.lish(ents .+ an+ pe$son o$ g$oup of pe$sons. 0n the othe$ han#, P$esi#ential *e"$ee
8o. %3%? "ove$s houses, #-ellings, gove$n(ent .uil#ings, fa$(s, (ills, plantations,
$ail-a+s, .us stations, ai$po$ts, -ha$ves an# othe$ in#ust$ial esta.lish(ents.
A "lose eGa(ination of the $e"o$#s, as -ell as #es"$iption of the "$i(e as state# in the
info$(ation, $eveals that the "$i(e "o((itte# is in fa"t si(ple a$son .e"ause the .u$ne#
p$ope$ties a$e $esi#ential houses. At an+ $ate, the penalt+ fo$ si(ple a$son $esulting to
#eath, un#e$ Se"tion @ of P$esi#ential *e"$ee 8o. %?%3, is $e"lusion pe$petua to #eath.
/ith the $epeal of the #eath penalt+ la- th$ough Repu.li" A"t 8o. &34?, the appellate
"ou$t "o$$e"tl+ i(pose# the penalt+ of $e"lusion pe$petua.

Argana
DIONGZON vs. COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. 114"!&
*AC)SA A""use# 8ilo 2. *iong>on -as the sales supe$viso$ of F5L5PR0, 5n".,
autho$i>e# -ith the -ith#$a-al of F5L5PR0 p$o#u"ts f$o( its -a$ehouse fo$ #elive$+ to
its #eale$s, to $e"eive pa+(ent the$efo$ an# $e(it the sa(e to Filip$o th$ough its
#eposito$+ .an' at 2a"olo# Cit+. So(eti(e in August %&8%, the$e -e$e th$ee "he"'s in
the na(e of A""use#, -hi"h upon p$esent(ent fo$ pa+(ent -e$e all #ishono$e#. he fi$st
t-o "he"'s -e$e #ishono$e# .e"ause of the appa$ent #iffe$en"e .et-een the #$a-e$;s
signatu$es the$eon an# those in the .an';s files. he thi$# "he"' -as #ishono$e# fo$
insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s. All th$ee "he"'s -e$e issue# fo$ the pa+(ent of the allege# o$#e$s
of F5L5PR0 P$o#u"ts suppose#l+ pla"e# .+ "e$tain #eale$s na(el+ Oueenslan#,
Oueen#ies, an# Co'ins -ho all #enie# having $e"eive# the goo#s liste# in the #elive$+
o$#e$s signe# .+ the a""use#. A""use# then a#(itte# issuing the "he"'s as an eGe$"ise of
"$e#it $i#ing, a p$a"ti"e unoffi"iall+ allo-e# .+ the "o(pan+. <e fu$the$ eGplaine# that
so(e of the goo#s pulle# out -e$e (is#elive$e# to anothe$ #eale$E that he issue# his
"he"'s fo$ the pa+(ent of a""ounts of the #eale$s, to -ho( the goo#s -e$e #elive$e#
-ith the un#e$stan#ing that he -oul# hol# on to those "he"'s -hile -aiting fo$ thei$
pa+(entsE an# that he #i# this to a""o((o#ate the #eale$s.
!SS$%A /hethe$ the a""use# -as $ightfull+ "onvi"te# fo$ the "$i(e of violation of 2atas
Pa(.ansa 2lg. 33 o$ the Anti)2oun"ing Che"'s La-.
'%LDA he issuan"e of -o$thless "he"'s is the (ost essential fa"to$ of the offense of
2.P. 2lg. 33. he a#(ission of the a""use# in issuing "he"'s -hi"h, -hen p$esente#
-e$e #ishonou$e# -e$e nea$l+ tanta(ount to a#(ission of his guilt. Fu$the$(o$e, even if
a""use# p$o(ise# to pa+ the value of the "he"' -hen it -as #ishono$e#, it still "annot .e
#ispute# that at the ti(e the sai# "he"' -as p$esente# to #$a-ee .an', the$e -e$e no
suffi"ient fun#s to "ove$ its pa+(ent. Petitione$, as the #$a-e$ of the "he"', is p$esu(e#
to have 'no-le#ge of the insuffi"ient fun#s, an# his failu$e to pa+ the value of the "he"'
-ithin five .an'ing #a+s f$o( noti"e of #ishono$ #i# not #ispute this p$esu(ption. he
Appellate Cou$t the$efo$, #i# not go -$ong in affi$(ing the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t
fin#ing a""use# guilt+ fo$ violation of 2.P. 2lg. 33.
=a+na$#As 2elt$an, petitione$,
Fs.
People of the Philippines, $espon#ent.
FACS!
Petitione$ an# -ife Cha$(aine FeliG -e$e (a$$ie# on June %?, %&73. 0n Fe.$ua$+ 7,
%&&7, afte$ t-ent+)fou$ +ea$s of (a$$iage, petitione$ file# fo$ nullif+ of (a$$iage on the
g$oun# of ps+"hologi"al in"apa"it+. 5n the ans-e$ of Cha$(aine, he allege# that
petitione$ a.an#one# the "on1ugal ho(e an# live# -ith a "e$tain -o(an. She file# a
"$i(inal "o(plaint fo$ "on"u.inage.
Petitione$ a$gue# that the pen#en"+ of the "ivil "ase fo$ #e"la$ation of nullit+ of his
(a$$iage pose# a p$e1u#i"ial :uestion to the #ete$(ination of the "$i(inal "ase. o
fo$estall the issuan"e of -a$$ant of a$$est, he file# a =otion to *efe$ P$o"ee#ings
5n"lu#ing the 5ssuan"e of /a$$ant of A$$est in "$i(inal "ase.
he RC #enie# his (otion as -ell as his (otion fo$ $e"onsi#e$ation. hus, the petitione$
file# an instant petition fo$ $evie-.
5SS64!
/hethe$ o$ not the pen#en"+ of the petition fo$ the #e"la$ation of nullit+ of (a$$iage
.ase# on ps+"hologi"al in"apa"it+ un#e$ A$ti"le 3? of the Civil Co#e is a p$e1u#i"ial
:uestion that shoul# (e$it the suspension of "$i(inal "ase fo$ "on"u.inage.
<4L*!
he pen#e"+ of the "ase fo$ #e"la$ation of nullif+ of petitione$As (a$$iage is not a
p$e1u#i"ial :uestion to the "on"u.inage "ase. Fo$ a "ivil "ase to .e "onsi#e$e# p$e1u#i"ial
to a "$i(inal a"tion, it (ust appea$ not onl+ that the sai# "ivil "ase involves the sa(e
fa"ts upon -hi"h the "$i(inal p$ose"ution -oul# .e .ase#, .ut also that in the $esolution
of the issue $aise# in the afo$esai# "ivil a"tion, the guilt o$ inno"en"e of the a""use#
-oul# ne"essa$il+ .e #ete$(ine#.
he su.se:uent p$onoun"e(ent that his (a$$iage is voi# #oes not a":uit hi( f$o( the
"$i(e of "on"u.inage.
<e -ho "oha.its -ith a -o(an othe$ than his -ife .efo$e the 1u#i"ial #e"la$ation of
nullit+ of (a$$iage assu(es the $is' of .eing p$ose"ute# fo$ "on"u.inage.
85CA80R *6LLA, petitione$,
vs.
C06R 0F APP4ALS an# A8*R4A 0R49A, $ep$esente# .+ 5L6=58A*A
24LRA8, $espon#ents.
FACS!
0n Fe.$ua$+ 3, %&&3, An#$ea, -ho -as then th$ee +ea$s ol#, "a(e ho(e "$+ing, -ith
.$uises on he$ $ight thigh. She tol# he$ gua$#ian, 5lu(ina#a 2elt$an, that he$ un"le, he$ein
petitione$, tou"he# he$ p$ivate pa$t. 5n he$ o-n -o$#s, she sai#, B5naano a'o ng un"le 'o,B
-hile #oing a pu(ping (otion -ith the lo-e$ pa$t of he$ .o#+ to #e(onst$ate -hat ha#
.een #one to he$. She also sai# that petitione$ sho-e# his penis to he$.
he info$(ation -as file# against hi( fo$ the "$i(e of $ape. he t$ial "ou$t "onvi"te# hi(
instea# of the "$i(e of a"ts of las"iviousness.
he petitione$ "onten#e# that he "oul# not .e guilt+ of the "$i(e of las"iviousness on the
the .asis of the "$e#en"e of the testi(on+ of the +oung vi"ti( an# that his guilt -as not
p$ove# .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
5SS64!
/hethe$ o$ not petitione$ is guilt+ of the "$i(e of a"ts of las"iviousness.
<4L*!
he "ontention has no (e$it. As a gene$al $ule, all pe$sons -ho "an pe$"eive, an#
pe$"eiving, "an (a'e 'no-n thei$ pe$"eption to othe$s, (a+ .e -itnesses. 6n#e$ the
Rules of Cou$t, onl+ "hil#$en -ho, on a""ount of i((atu$it+, a$e in"apa.le of pe$"eiving
the fa"ts $espe"ting -hi"h the+ a$e eGa(ine# an# of $elating the( t$uthfull+ a$e
#is:ualifie# f$o( .eing -itnesses. 5n People v. =en#o>a, the Cou$t hel#!
5t is thus "lea$ that an+ "hil#, $ega$#less of age, "an .e a "o(petent -itness if he "an
pe$"eive, an# pe$"eiving, "an (a'e 'no-n his pe$"eption to othe$s an# of $elating
t$uthfull+ fa"ts $espe"ting -hi"h he is eGa(ine#.
he $e:ui$e(ents then of a "hil#As "o(peten"+ as a -itness a$e the! (a) "apa"it+ of
o.se$vation, (.) "apa"it+ of $e"olle"tion, an# (") "apa"it+ of "o((uni"ation. An# in
as"e$taining -hethe$ a "hil# is of suffi"ient intelligen"e the t$ial "ou$t is "alle# upon to
(a'e su"h #ete$(ination.
5n the "ase at .a$, An#$ea -as th$ee +ea$s an# %0 (onths ol# at the ti(e she testifie#.
*espite he$ +oung age, ho-eve$, she -as a.le to $espon# to the :uestions put to he$. She
ans-e$e# B+esB an# BnoB to :uestions an#, -hen una.le to a$ti"ulate -hat -as #one to
he$ .+ petitione$, An#$ea #e(onst$ate# -hat she (eant. *u$ing he$ inte$$ogation, she
sho-e# an un#e$stan#ing of -hat -as .eing as'e#. She -as "onsistent in he$ ans-e$s to
the :uestions as'e# .+ the p$ose"uto$, the #efense "ounsel, an# even .+ the 1u#ge.
2+ fon#ling An#$eaAs vagina, eGhi.iting his penis, an# #oing the pu(ping (otion, the$e
is no #ou.t that petitione$ ha# le-# #esigns on the "hil#.
8onetheless, -e thin' the t$ial "ou$t "o$$e"tl+ "onvi"te# petitione$ of a"ts of
las"iviousness. An#$ea tol# the "ou$t that petitione$As penis -as neve$ inse$te# in he$
vagina, no$ -as the$e even a tou"hing of he$ eGte$nal o$gan .+ petitione$As penis. he$e
"oul#, the$efo$e, .e no $ape.
he le-# #esign of petitione$ is evi#ent an#, although the info$(ation file# -as fo$ the
"$i(e of $ape, he "an .e "onvi"te# of a"ts of las"iviousness .e"ause the latte$ is
ne"essa$il+ in"lu#e# in $ape.
People of the Philippines, plaintiff)appellee,
Fs.
Raul A"osta, a""use#)appellant.
FACS!
Appellant A"osta is a goo# f$ien# of =ontes"la$os, the g$an#son of p$ivate "o(plainant,
Filo(ena. =ontes"la$os, in the .elief that appellant an# his -ife hi#ing his live)in pa$tne$
f$o( hi(, sto$(e# the house of appellant an# .u$ne# thei$ "lothes an# fu$nitu$es. 5n vie-
of that appellant -as ve$+ $age an# .u$ne# the .e# insi#e the house of "o(plainant .ut
the -ife of appellant stoppe# the fi$e. 0n the othe$ #a+, at a.out one oA"lo"' in the
(o$ning, again appellant .u$ne# the house. he fi$e $a>e# the enti$e house. An
info$(ation -as file# against the appellant. he t$ial "ou$t fin# appellant guilt+ of the
"$i(e of a$son un#e$ A$ti"le 330 pa$. % of the Revise# Penal Co#e. 5n appeal, appellant
"onten#e# that the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in fin#ing that he is guilt+ .ase# (e$el+ on
"i$"u(stantial evi#en"e.
5SS64!
/hethe$ o$ not appellant is guilt+ of a$son .ase# on "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e an# the
insuffi"ien"+ of it.
<4L*!
he SC sustaine# the fin#ings of t$ial "ou$t -hi"h "o$$e"tl+ hel# that the "i$"u(stan"es
ta'en togethe$ "onstitute an un.$o'en "hain of events pointing to one fai$ an# logi"al
"on"lusion, that a""use# sta$te# the fi$e -hi"h gutte# the house of p$ivate "o(plainant,
although the$e is no #i$e"t evi#en"e lin'ing appellant to the a$son.
Fi$st, appellant ha# the (otive to "o((it the a$son. he appellant ha# eve$+ $eason to
feel agg$ieve# an# $etaliate -hen =ontes"la$os sto$(e# his house an# .u$ne# so(e of his
things.
Se"on#, appellantAs intent to "o((it a$son -as esta.lishe# .+ his p$evious atte(pt toset
on fi$e a insi#e the house of "o(plainant, -hi"h -as .u$ne# late$ in the night.
hi$#, appellant -as not onl+ p$esent at the lo"us "$i(inals .efo$e the in"i#ent, he -as
seen insi#e the +a$# of the .u$ning house #u$ing the height of the fi$e.
Fou$th, appellantAs a"tion su.se:uent to the in"i#ent fu$the$ point his "ulpa.ilit+. he
"o(plainant as'e# the appellant -h+ he .u$ne# he$ house, the appellant ans-e$e#, Bso
-hat if 5 .u$ne# +ou$ house7B.
All the fo$egoing "i$"u(stan"es -e$e #ul+ esta.lishe# .+ the evi#en"e in $e"o$#.
5nsepe$a.l+ lin'e# to one anothe$, the+ point to no othe$ "on"lusion than appellantAs guilt
.e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
5n p$ose"ution of a$son, p$oof of the "$i(e "ha$ge# is "o(plete -he$e the evi#en"e
esta.lishes (%) the "o$pus #eli"to, that is, a fi$e .e"ause of "$i(inal agen"+E an# (3) the
i#entit+ of the #efen#ants as one $esponsi.le fo$ the "$i(e. Co$pus #eli"to (eans the
su.stan"e of the "$i(e, it is the fa"t that the "$i(e has a"tuall+ .een "o((itte#.
9.R. 8os. %3@??7)70% =a$"h %, 300%
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
J4SS54 F486RA C0LLA*0, a""use#)appellant.
FACS!
=esseah is the #aughte$ of Jose 8oli *u(aoal, a sea(an. <is househol# -as "o(pose#
of his -ife Julie, an# thei$ th$ee (3) "hil#$en, Reggie, =esseah an# =etheo$. he a""use#
Jessie Fentu$a Colla#o, son of Jose 8oliAs "ousin 2en1a(in, -as living -ith the( sin"e
%&8&. /hile -aiting fo$ an oppo$tunit+ to .e"o(e a sea(an hi(self li'e his un"le Jose,
Jessie se$ve# as the fa(il+ #$ive$. Asi#e f$o( #$iving Julie, Jessie -oul# also #$ive the
s"hool se$vi"e vehi"le ope$ate# .+ the *u(aoal spouses. Sin"e Jose -as al(ost al-a+s at
sea an# having no househelp, thei$ "hil#$en -e$e oftenti(es left in the "a$e of Jessie. 2ut,
instea# of ta'ing "a$e of the( as thei$ su$$ogate fathe$, he too' a#vantage of =esseah .+
seGuall+ (olesting he$ at ho(e, an# -o$se, even in the p$esen"e of he$ +ounge$ .$othe$.
he fi$st of the fou$ (olestation happene# in f$ont of the +ounge$ .$othe$ of the vi"ti(.
he a""use# st$angle# st$angle# the vi"ti( on the .e#. At so(e point, he also pun"he#
=esseah on he$ $ight "hee'. Jessie then pa$te# he$ legs an# tie# the( apa$t, pulling #o-n
he$ ga$te$i>e# sho$ts an# panties until he$ an'les. <e t$ie# fo$"ing his penis into he$
vagina, .ut -hen he faile# in his atte(pt, he inse$te# it into he$ anus instea#.
he othe$ th$ee (olestations happene# on on #iffe$ent o""asions. Also, in these last
(olestations the a""use# neve$ penet$ate# the seGual o$gan of the vi"ti(. <e fo$"e# an#
th$eatene# the vi"ti( to pull #o-n he$ pants an# $u..e# his penis into the vagina until he
"o(plete# his #esi$e. A##itionall+, the +ounge$ .$othe$ of the vi"ti( testifie# that he sa-
the a""use inse$ting the finge$ into the vagina of the vi"ti(.
he t$ial "ou$t $en#e$e# 1u#ge(ent 1u#ge(ent senten"ing the a""use# guilt+ of statuto$+
$ape an# th$ee "ounts of a"ts of las"ivious ness.
5n his appeal, the a""use# Jessie Fentu$a Colla#o, asi#e f$o( atta"'ing the "$e#i.ilit+ of
the vi"ti( an# ge$ .$othe$, insiste# that =esseah "lea$l+ testifie# that the$e -as no
penet$ation -hatsoeve$ in he$ vagina. hat he (ust .e guilt+ of a"ts of las"iviousness
onl+.
5SS64!
/hethe$ o$ not a""use#)appellant is guilt+ of a"ts of las"iviousness an# not of $ape.
<4L*!
he t$ial "ou$t -as "o$$e"t in fin#ing a""use#)appellant guilt+ of th$ee (3) "ounts of a"ts
of las"iviousness. /e ta'e eG"eption ho-eve$ to its fin#ing that statuto$+ $ape -as
"o((itte# .+ hi(. A tho$ough evaluation of the $e"o$#s -ill sho- that a""use#)appellant
Jessie Fentu$a Colla#o shoul# onl+ .e "onvi"te# fo$ a"ts of las"iviousness an# not fo$
"onsu((ate# $ape.
5t is "lea$ f$o( =esseahAs testi(on+ that -hen Jessie "a$$ie# out his le"he$ous intent he
#i# not "o((it $ape, "onsu((ate# no$ atte(pte#, #espite the vi"ti(As testi(on+ that he
su""ee#e# in tou"hing he$ genitalia -ith his p$ivate pa$ts.
8o-he$e "an -e fin# f$o( the fo$egoing an+ in#i"ation that a""use#)appellant
su""essfull+ penet$ate# at least the la.ia of the vi"ti(E neithe$ "an -e glean the$ein an+
g$ain of intent on his pa$t to inva#e =esseahAs p$ivities.
/e $e"all that #u$ing the fi$st in"i#ent, a""use#)appellant t$ie# fo$"ing his penis into he$
vagina, .ut -hen he faile# in his fi$st atte(pt, he inse$te# it into he$ anus instea#. his
"oul# have .een atte(pte# $ape, o$ even "onsu((ate# $ape .ut the Co(plaint file# -as
onl+ fo$ a"ts of las"iviousness. hus, a""use#)appellant "annot .e "onvi"te# of atte(pte#
o$ "onsu((ate# $ape. 8ote-o$th+ is that the vi"ti( -as al$ea#+ in a sp$ea#)eagle
position +et he -as unsu""essful in his atte(pt to #efile he$. 2+ then he (ust have
$eali>e# that it -as #iffi"ult to penet$ate his vi"ti(As seG o$gan su"h that #u$ing the se"on#
in"i#ent, he (e$el+ B$u..e# his penis .et-een he$ thighsB although in the p$o"ess
Btou"he# he$ vagina.B
5n a""o$#ing signifi"an"e in the -o$# Btou"he#B, the$e (ust .e suffi"ient an# "onvin"ing
p$oof that the penis in#ee# tou"he# the la.ias o$ sli# into the fe(ale o$gan, an# not
(e$el+ st$o'e# the eGte$nal su$fa"e the$eof fo$ the a""use# to .e "onvi"te# of
"onsu((ate# $ape.
A.sent an+ sho-ing of the slightest penet$ation of the fe(ale o$gan, i.e. tou"hing of
eithe$ the la.ia of the pu#en#u( .+ the penis, the$e "an .e no "onsu((ate# $apeE at
(ost, it "an onl+ .e atte(pte# $ape, if not a"ts of las"iviousness.
5n othe$ -o$#s, Btou"hingB of the fe(ale o$gan -ill $esult in "onsu((ate# $ape if the
penis sli# into o$ tou"he# eithe$ la.ia of the pu#en#u(. An+thing sho$t of that -ill onl+
$esult in eithe$ atte(pte# $ape o$ a"ts of las"iviousness.
he #iffe$en"e lies in the intent of the pe$pet$ato$ #e#u"i.le f$o( his eGte$nal a"ts. hus
-hen the Btou"hingB of the vagina .+ the penis is "ouple# -ith the intent to penet$ate,
atte(pte# $ape is "o((itte#. 0the$-ise, it is (e$el+ a"ts of las"iviousness.
5nas(u"h as the tou"hing of the vi"ti(As o$gan .+ the penis of a""use#)appellant -as .ut
a (e$e in"i#ent of the B$u..ing against o$ .et-een the vi"ti(As thighsB -hi"h in no -a+
(anifests an a"t p$eli(ina$+ to seGual inte$"ou$se, a""use#)appellant shoul# onl+ .e
"onvi"te# of a"ts of las"iviousness instea# of "onsu((ate# $ape.
People of the Philippines , plaintiff)appellee,
Fs.
Jesus 9ianan + =olina, a""use#)appellant.
FACS!
5n 8ove(.e$ %&&@, an# so(e o""asions p$io$ an#K o$ su.se:uent the$eto, the a.ove)
na(e# a""use#, -ith le-# #esigns, ta'ing a#vantage of his supe$io$ st$ength ove$ the
pe$son of his o-n %3 +ea$ ol# #aughte$, an# .+ (eans of fo$"e, violen"e an# inti(i#ation,
#i#, then an# the$e, -illfull+, unla-full+ an# felonious la+, have $epeate# "a$nal
'no-le#ge of =+$a =. gianan, against he$ -ill an# "onsent, to he$ #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e.
An info$(ation -as file# against he$ein a""use# fo$ (ultiple $ape.
he a""use# "lai(e# that the filing of the "ase against hi( -as #ue to his .eing st$i"t
#is"iplina$ian an# that =+$a $esente# he$ not .eing allo-e# to atten# pa$ties an# go out
-ith he$ f$ien#s.
he t$ial "ou$t senten"e# a""use# fo$ (ultiple $ape.
he a""use# "onten#e# that the info$(ation against hi( -as voi# .e"ause 5t #i# not
allege -ith "e$taint+ the #ates of the "o((ission of the $ape,, he -as allege#l+ #ep$ive#
of the oppo$tunit+ of #efen#ing hi(self.
5SS64!
/hethe$ o$ not a""use#)appellant is guilt+ of (ultiple $ape an# that the info$(ation
against hi( is voi#.
<4L*!
5t is settle# that the ti(e of the "o((ission of $ape is not an ele(ent the$eof, as th "$i(e
is #efine in A$ti"le 33@ of the Revise# Penal C0#e. he fa$ a(en of the "$i(e is the fa"t
of "a$nal 'no-le#ge un#e$ an+ "i$"u(stan"es, i.e., (%) .+ using fo$"e an# inti(i#ationE
(3) -hen the -o(an is #ep$ive# of the $eason o$ othe$-ise un"ons"iousE an# (3) -hen
the -o(an is un#e$ t-elve +ea$s of age o$ is #e(ente#. 5n a""o$#an"e -ith Rule %%0, as
long as it allege that the offense -as "o((itte# at an+ ti(e as nea$ to the a"tual #ate at
-hi"h the offense is "o((itte#, an info$(ation is suffi"ient. 5n an+ event event, even if
the info$(ation faile# to allege -ith "e$taint+ the ti(e of the "o((ission of the $apes, the
#efe"t, if an+, -as "u$e# .+ the evi#en"e p$esente# #u$ing the t$ial, an# an+ o.1e"tion
.ase# on this g$oun# (ust .e #ee(e# -aive# as a $esult of a""use#)appellantAs failu$e to
o.1e"t .efo$e a$$aign(ent.
=+$a -as un-ave$ing n he$ "lai( that he$ fathe$ "o((itte# a"ts of las"iviousness
against he$ on"e in *e"e(.e$ %&&3, $ape# he$ t-i"e in *e"e(.e$ %&&3, t-i"e in %&&3,
spe"ifi"all+ in the (onths of =a$"h an# Ap$il, an# on"e in 8ove(.e$ %&&@. he
p$ose"ution esta.lishe# .e+on# #ou.t that a""use# is guilt+ of five "ounts of $ape.
Fu$the$(o$e, =+$aAs "lai( of (ultiple $ape -as "o$$o.o$ate# .+ the (e#i"al eGa(ination
-hi"h sho-s that she ha# seve$al seGual inte$"ou$se seve$al ti(es.
he $ial "ou$t "onvi"te# a""usse# of (ultiple $ape -ith out stating the nu(.e$ of "ounts.
<o-eve$, -ith $ega$# to in"i#ent in *e"e(.e$ %&&3 #u$ing -hi"h a""use# 'isse#
"o(plainant in va$ious pa$ts of he$ .o#+ in the .ath$oo(, the "$i(e "o((itte# -as a"ts
of las"iviousness. he ele(ents of the "$i(e a$e! (%) that the offen#e$ "o((its an+ a"ts
of las"iviousness o$ le-#nessE (3) that it is #one using fo$"e o$ inti(i#ation o$ -hen the
offen#e# pa$t+ is #ep$ive# of $eason o$ othe$-ise un"ons"ious, o$ -hen the offen#e#
pa$t+ is un#e$ %3 +ea$s of age an# that is anothe$ pe$son of eithe$ seG.
5n so(e othe$ in"i#ents, the a""use# is guilt+ of five "ounts of si(ple $ape.
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
A=A*0 SA8*R5AS JAF54R, a""use#)appellant.
FACS!
hat in o$ a.out 0"to.e$ 30, %&&4, at (o$e o$ less % oA"lo"' in the afte$noon, the a.ove)
na(e# a""use#, as fathe$ of he$ein "o(plainant, .+ (eans of fo$"e, violen"e, an#
inti(i#ation, an# -hen sai# a""use# an# he$ein agg$ieve# pa$t+ -e$e alone in thei$ sai#
#-elling house as the un#e$signe# agg$ieve#)pa$t+)"o(plainantAs (othe$ -as out #oing
laun#$+ -o$' as a laun#$+ -o(an, hel# an# pulle# un#e$signe# "o(plainant to a""use#As
.e#$oo( in sai# #-elling house an# as the un#e$signe# $efuse#, -$estle# an# shoute# fo$
help, a""use# .oGe# an# hit un#e$signe#As sto(a"h to un"ons"iousness an# #i# then an#
the$e, against "o(plainantAs -ill an# "onsent, -ilfull+, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+ have
"a$nal 'no-le#ge of the un#e$signe# -ho noti"e# upon $egaining "ons"iousness that she
-as al$ea#+ st$ippe# of he$ pai$s of pant+ an# pants an# feeling eGt$e(e pain of he$
p$ivate pa$ts, an# then an# the$e a""use# th$eatene# the un#e$signe# of #eath if
un#e$signe# "o(plainant -oul# $eveal the in"i#ent to un#e$signe#As (othe$ o$ to
an+.o#+ else, thus, $esulting to un#e$signe#As p$egnan"+ as eGa(ine# an# foun# out .+
the #o"to$, all against the -ill an# "onsent of the un#e$signe#, to he$ g$eat #a(age an#
p$e1u#i"e.
Co(plainant fu$the$ #e"la$e# that appl+ing p$a"ti"all+ the sa(e fo$"e an# inti(i#ation
an# a.out the sa(e ti(e (%!00 P.=.) an# again -hile "o(plainantAs (othe$ -as out #oing
so(e laun#$+ fo$ neigh.o$s, a""use# $epeate# the seGual assault on he$ on 8ove(.e$ %8,
%&&4 an# *e"e(.e$ %&, %&&4.
he info$(ation -as "ha$ge# against the a""use# fo$ th$ee "ounts of $ape.
A""use#)appellant vehe(entl+ #ispute# the "ha$ges against hi(, alleging that the sa(e
-e$e enginee$e# .+ his (othe$)in)la- -ho #espises hi( fo$ .eing a #$un'a$#. <e fu$the$
#e"la$e# that Julia is an e$$ant #aughte$, -ho afte$ $ea"hing the age of %4, sta$te#
atten#ing #an"es an# a":ui$e# seve$al s-eethea$ts .ut onl+ one of the( pai# visits at
thei$ house. hus, he .eat he$, espe"iall+ -hen he #is"ove$e# he$ to .e p$egnant.
he t$ial "ou$t $en#e$e# 1u#ge(ent "onvi"ting a""use# of the "$i(e of $ape an# t-o
"ounts of :ualifie# se#u"tion.
5SS64!
/hethe$ o$ not a""use# is guilt+ of the "$i(e $en#e$e# .+ the t$ial "ou$t.
<4L*!
<e vainl+ t$ies to po$t$a+ a pi"tu$e of "o(plainant as an un"haste an# i(pu$e -o(an
-ho -as i(p$egnate# .+ he$ s-eethea$t at the ten#e$ age of %?. <o-eve$, this Cou$t
.elieves that vilif+ing aspe$sion nee# not ne"essa$il+ "ast #ou.t on "o(plainantAs
"$e#i.ilit+ no$ -oul# it negate "on"lusivel+ the eGisten"e of $ape. 5t shoul# .e pointe# out
that the (o$al "ha$a"te$ of the vi"ti( is i((ate$ial in the p$ose"ution an# "onvi"tion of
the a""use#. he Cou$t has $ule# that even a p$ostitute "an .e the vi"ti( of $ape.
Li'e-ise, a""use#)appellantAs "ontention that the filing of the "ase -as instigate# .+
"o(plainantAs g$an#(othe$ fails to s-a+ the Cou$t f$o( len#ing full "$e#en"e to the
testi(on+ of "o(plainant -ho $e(aine# stea#fast th$oughout he$ #i$e"t an# "$oss)
eGa(ination.
A""use#)appellant also "lai(s that "o(plainant -as (e$el+ i(pelle# .+ $evenge in filing
the "ase as he use# to s"ol# an# .eat he$ fo$ he$ #iso.e#ien"e, espe"iall+ afte$ "o(ing to
'no- of he$ p$egnan"+. 5t is highl+ in"on"eiva.le that "o(plainant -oul# i(pute a "$i(e
so se$ious as $ape against he$ o-n fathe$, if this -e$e not the plain t$uth.
Co(plainant "annot .e faulte# fo$ he$ #ela+ in $epo$ting the th$ee instan"es of $ape.
*ela+ in $epo$ting $ape #oes not un#e$(ine the "ha$ge -he$e it is g$oun#e# on the
a""use#As #eath th$eats.
he t$ial "ou$t "o$$e"tl+ "onvi"te# a""use#)appellant of the "$i(e of $ape in C$i(inal
Case 8o. &@)%3?. <o-eve$, -e "annot ag$ee -ith its 1u#g(ent insofa$ as C$i(inal Cases
8o. &@)%47 an# &@)%48 a$e "on"e$ne#.
A "a$eful pe$usal of the $e"o$# -oul# #is"lose that a""use#)appellant e(plo+e#
p$a"ti"all+ the sa(e fo$"e an# inti(i#ation in "o((itting the "$i(e on 0"to.e$ 30, %&&4,
8ove(.e$ %8, %&&4 an# *e"e(.e$ %&, %&&4. he "o((ission of $ape -ith fo$"e an#
inti(i#ation un#e$ A$ti"le 33@ (pa$. 3) of the Revise# Penal Co#e is "lea$l+ esta.lishe# .+
the testi(on+ of "o(plainant he$self.
5n $ape "o((itte# .+ a fathe$ against his o-n #aughte$, the fo$(e$As (o$al as"en#an"+
an# influen"e ove$ the latte$ (a+ su.stitute fo$ a"tual ph+si"al violen"e an# inti(i#ation.
his Cou$t has also $ule# that Bif $esistan"e -oul# neve$theless .e futile .e"ause of a
"ontinuing inti(i#ation, then offe$ing none at all -oul# not (ean "onsent to the assault
as to (a'e the vi"ti(As pa$ti"ipation in the seGual a"t volunta$+B
5t is onl+ -hen the "o(plaint fo$ $ape "ontains allegations fo$ :ualifie# se#u"tion that the
a""use# (a+ .e "onvi"te# of the latte$ in "ase the p$ose"ution fails to p$ove the use of
fo$"e .+ the a""use# (People vs. Anti#o, 378 SCRA 43@ P%&&7Q). o #o othe$-ise -oul#
.e violating the "onstitutional $ights of the a""use# to #ue p$o"ess an# to .e info$(e# of
the a""usation against hi(.
/hat the t$ial "ou$t shoul# have #one -as to #is(iss the "ha$ges fo$ $ape in C$i(inal
Cases 8o. &@)%47 an# &@)%48, if in#ee#, in its opinion, the p$ose"ution faile# to
suffi"ientl+ esta.lish the eGisten"e of fo$"e an# inti(i#ation, an# o$#e$ instea# the filing
of the app$op$iate info$(ation. 2e that as it (a+, this Cou$t .elieves othe$-ise an# is
full+ "onvin"e# that a""use#)appellant is guilt+ as -ell of these t-o othe$ "ounts of $ape.
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
=AR5A850 =084R08 D PA80RAS, a""use#)appellant.
FACS!
0n =a$"h 7, %&&?, at %3!%0 p.(., fifteen +ea$)ol# =a$+ Ann =a$tene> -as -al'ing ho(e
f$o( /angan 8ational Ag$i"ultu$al S"hool, *avao Cit+. /hile she -as -al'ing on a
se"lu#e# po$tion of the $oa#, =a$+ Ann -as hit on the hea# .+ a slingshot. She tu$ne# to
see -he$e the stone "a(e f$o(, she -as hit again on the (outh. She fell #o-n
un"ons"ious.
/hen =a$+ Ann "a(e to, she foun# he$self l+ing on the g$ass na'e#. A""use#)appellant
-as l+ing on top of he$, also na'e#. She st$uggle# .ut a""use#)appellant, -ho -as
st$onge$, $est$aine# he$. <e pla"e# his penis on top of he$ vagina, -hi"h "ause# he$ to feel
pain. She f$anti"all+ g$a..e# his e$e"t penis an# pushe# it a-a+ f$o( he$. his "ause#
a""use#)appellant to stan# up in pain. =a$+ Ann $an to-a$#s the $oa# -hile putting on
he$ "lothes.
A""use# appellant -as fo$(all+ "ha$ge# .efo$e the t$ial "ou$t. <e #enie# having a.use#
an# $ape# the vi"ti(.
he lo-e$ "ou$t fin#s the a""use# guilt+ of $ape.
5SS64!
/hethe$ o$ not a""use# is guilt+ of "onsu((ate# $ape.
<4L*!
i(e)teste# is the $ule that .et-een the positive asse$tions of p$ose"ution -itnesses an#
the negative ave$(ents of the a""use#, the fo$(e$ un#ispute#l+ #ese$ves (o$e "$e#en"e
an# entitle# to g$eate$ evi#entia$+ -eight. =o$eove$, positive i#entifi"ation of the
a""use# .+ p$ose"ution -itnesses as to his pa$ti"ipation in the "$i(e "annot .e ove$"o(e
.+ his #enial of pa$ti"ipation.
5n the "ase at .a$, =a$+ Ann =a$tene> positivel+ i#entifie# a""use#)appellant as he$
(oleste$. =a$+ Ann;s testi(on+ pointing to a""use#)appellant as the autho$ of th "$i(e is
"o$$o.o$ate# .+ he$ "ousin A$nel A$at.
5t is aGio(ati" that negative asse$tions "annot p$evail ove$ the positive testi(onies of
"$e#i.le -itnesses. hus, the a""use#)appellant;s #enial, not .eing su.stantiate# .+ "lea$
an# "onvin"ing evi#en"e, is negative an# self)se$ving evi#en"e .ea$ing no -eight in la-.
=o$eove$, the #efense of #enial is inhe$entl+ -ea' an# has al-a+s .een vie-e# -ith
#isfavo$ .+ the "ou$ts #ue to the fa"ilit+ -ith -hi"h the+ "an .e "on"o"te#.
/hile a""use#)appellant is guilt+ of $ape, the sa(e -as "o((itte# onl+ in its atte(pte#
stage. =a$+ Ann "lea$l+ testifie# that a""use#)appellant onl+ pla"e# his penis on top of
he$ vagina. 5n fa"t, she -as a.le to g$a. it an# push it a-a+ f$o( he$, "ausing a""use#)
appellant to stan# up. he pain she felt (a+ have .een "ause# .+ a""use#)appellant;s
atte(pts to inse$t his o$gan into he$s. <o-eve$, the fa"t $e(ains, .ase# on =a$+ Ann;s
o-n na$$ative, that a""use#)appellant;s penis -as (e$el+ on top of he$ vagina an# has not
a"tuall+ ente$e# the sa(e. A""use#)appellant has "o((en"e# the "o((ission of the $ape
#i$e"tl+ .+ ove$t a"ts, i.e., that of un#$essing hi(self an# the vi"ti( an# l+ing on top of
he$, .ut he #i# not pe$fo$( all the a"ts of eGe"ution -hi"h shoul# p$o#u"e the felon+ .+
$eason of so(e "ause o$ a""i#ent othe$ than his o-n spontaneous #esistan"e. 5n the "ase
at .a$, it -as =a$+ Ann;s violent $esistan"e -hi"h p$evente# the inse$tion of a""use#)
appellant;s penis in he$ vagina.
he fo$egoing "on"lusion is suppo$te# .+ the (e#i"al fin#ings of *$. *anilo P. Le#es(a
that =a$+ Ann;s h+(en -as inta"t an# ha# no la"e$ation.
People of the Philippines, plaintiff)appellee,
Fs.
Fe$igel 0liva, a""use#)appellant.
FACS!
0n August 33, %&&3, at a$oun# eleven oA"lo"' in the evening, Avelino an# his fa(il+ -e$e
sleeping in thei$ house. Avelino -ent out to u$inate. <e sa- the a""use#)appellant set
$oof of thei$ house on fi$e -ith a lighte# (at"h.
0ne of the neigh.o$s, 2en1a(in, -ent to the nea$.+ $ive$ an# fet"he# -ate$ -ith a pail.
As 2en1a(in -as helping put out the fi$e, he -as shot .+ the a""use#. he gunshot
-oun# "ause# 2en1a(inAs #eath.
An info$(ation fo$ a$son an# fo$ (u$#e$ -e$e file# sepa$atel+ against the a""use# an# the
othe$ th$ee "o)a""use#.
he t$ial "ou$t a":uitte# the othe$ th$ee an# "onvi"te# a""use#)appellant of the "$i(e of
a$son un#e$ pa$. 3, se". 3 pf P* %?%3 an# (u$#e$ un#e$ A$ti"le 348 of the Revise# Penal
Co#e.
he "ounsel fo$ the a""use# a$gue# that the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# -hen it igno$e#
in"onsisten"ies in the testi(onies of the p$ose"ution -itnessesE it too' to a""ount the
:ualif+ing "i$"u(stan"e of t$ea"he$+ in (u$#e$ an# the fa"t that the house -as inha.ite#
-hen it -as .u$ne#
5SS64!
/hethe$ o$ not the$e a$e in"onsisten"ies in the testi(onies of p$ose"ution as to -hethe$
o$ not the vi"ti( -as shot -hile he -as on the st$eet o$ -hen he -as in the a"t of pou$ing
-ate$ on the .u$ning $oof
/hethe$ o$ not the a"tual 'no-le#ge that the house .u$ne# is inha.ite# ne"essa$+.
/heth-$e$ o$ not the$e is t$ea"he$+.
<4L*!
/hethe$ o$ not the vi"ti( -as shot -hile he -as on the st$eet o$ -hen he -as pou$ing
-ate$ on the .u$ning $oof is i$$elevant to the "$i(e. he t-o -itnesses on that aspe"t is
not ne"essa$il+ in"onsistent. he Cou$t ag$ee -ith the soli"ito$ gene$al that 2en1a(in
"oul# have .een on the st$eet -hile pou$ing -ate$ on the .u$ning $oof.
6n#e$ pa$. 3 se". 3 of P* %?%3, it is the fa"t that the house .u$ne# is inha.ite# that
:ualifies the "$i(e. he$e is no nee# to p$ove that the a""use# ha# a"tual 'no-le#ge that
the -as .u$ne# is inha.ite#.
he$e -as t$ea"he$+ -he$e the vi"ti(, -hile he -as (e$el+ a"ting as goo# neigh.o$,
inno"entl+ helping out the fi$e, -hen shot, una-a$e of the fatal atta"' on hi(.
Asun4ion
P%OPL% vs. A(LAN%DA
G.. No. +5+7+,& April 51& 011+.
;NA%S#SAN)!AGO& %.A
*AC)SA
=o$e o$ less 7!00 o;"lo"' in the (o$ning of Fe.$ua$+ %8, %&&3, at Ca(a(.ugan,
*aet, Ca(a$ines 8o$te, a siG)+ea$ ol# vi"ti()=ag#alena Salas, 9$a#e 5 pupil of
2al#ovino 4le(enta$+ S"hool, -hile along he$ -a+ going he$ s"hool, -hen, a""use#)
appellant Jai(e A.lane#a, also 'no-n as Joe+ Capist$ano, app$oa"he# he$ an# as'e# to
sha$e -ith he$ u(.$ella as it -as $aining. Su##enl+, a""use#)appellant .oa$#e# a t$i)
(o.ile -ith =ag#alena an# .$ought he$ to a s(all hut. /hile insi#e, a""use#)appellant
$e(ove# his un#e$-ea$ an# the "hil#;s panties. <e applie# "oo'ing oil, -hi"h he ha#
.ought ea$lie$, on his o$gan an# on =ag#alena;s. hen, he p$o"ee#e# to have seGual
inte$"ou$se -ith the little gi$l. =ag#alena felt pain .ut -as too te$$ifie# to spea' o$ "$+
out. Afte$ satisf+ing his lust, a""use#)appellant o$#e$e# =ag#alena to go ho(e. 0n"e at
ho(e, Ailene Fillaflo$es, he$ un"le;s siste$)in)la-, noti"e# he$ pale an# -ea' appea$an"e,
an# foun# t$a"es of .loo# on he$ #$ess. /hen as'e#, she $ea#il+ $eplie# that she -as 1ust
(e$el+ pushe# .+ he$ "lass(ate. 6n"onvin"e#, Ailene .$ought he$ to a :ua"' #o"to$ -ho
(a#e an o.se$vation that =ag#alena ha# .een $ape#. Ailene then .$ought he$ to Poli"e
Station an#, late$, to <ospital to have he$ (e#i"all+ eGa(ine#. /hen Ailene sa-
=ag#alena;s .loo#ie# panties, she again as'e# he$ -hat happene#. his ti(e,
=ag#alena "onfesse# that she -as $ape# .+ a (an -ho ha# a s"a$ on the sto(a"h.
=e#i"al eGa(ination #is"lose# that the =ag#alena;s h+(en -as "o(pletel+ la"e$ate#,
thus "onfi$(ing that she ha# in#ee# .een $ape#. he$eafte$, =ag#alena an# Ailene -e$e
su((one# .+ the poli"e .e"ause a (an ha# .een app$ehen#e#. At the p$e"in"t,
=ag#alena positivel+ i#entifie# a""use#)appellant as he$ $apist. Conse:uentl+, a""use#)
appellant -as "ha$ge# .efo$e the RC -ith the "o(pleG "$i(e of Fo$"i.le A.#u"tion
-ith Rape. $ial ensue#, a""use# inte$pose# a #efense it -as Ailene -ho inse$te# he$
finge$ to the vi"ti(;s p$ivate pa$ts, ho-eve$, RC foun# a""use#)appellant 965LD of
the "$i(e "ha$ge#. <en"e, a""use#)appellant appeale#.
!SS$%A
/hethe$ o$ not a""use#)appellant;s "onvi"tion on the "o(pleG "$i(e of Fo$"i.le
A.#u"tion -ith Rape .e sustaine#.
'%LDA
D4S, it (ust .e sustaine#. he ele(ents of the "$i(e of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion an# $ape
as $espe"tivel+ #efine# in A$ti"le 343 an# A$t. 3??)A, RPC, a$e all p$esent an# p$oven,
su"h as! (%) that the pe$son a.#u"te# is an+ -o(an, $ega$#less of he$ age, "ivil status, o$
$eputationE (3) that she is ta'en against he$ -illE an# (3) that the a.#u"tion is -ith le-#
#esigns. 0n the othe$ han#, $ape is "o((itte# .+ having "a$nal 'no-le#ge of a -o(an
.+ fo$"e o$ inti(i#ation, o$ -hen the -o(an is #ep$ive# of $eason o$ is un"ons"ious, o$
-hen she is un#e$ t-elve +ea$s of age. he vi"ti(, -ho is a -o(an, -as ta'en against
he$ -ill, as sho-n .+ the fa"t that she -as intentionall+ #i$e"te# .+ a""use#)appellant to
a va"ant hut. At he$ ten#e$ age, =ag#alena "oul# not .e eGpe"te# to ph+si"all+ $esist
"onsi#e$ing that the le-# #esigns of a""use#)appellant "oul# not have .een appa$ent to
he$ at that ti(e. Ph+si"al $esistan"e nee# not .e #e(onst$ate# to sho- that the ta'ing
-as against he$ -ill. he e(plo+(ent of #e"eption suffi"es to "onstitute the fo$"i.le
ta'ing, espe"iall+ sin"e the vi"ti( is an unsuspe"ting +oung gi$l. Consi#e$ing that it -as
$aining, going to the hut -as not unusual to =ag#alena, as p$o.a.l+ the pu$pose -as to
see' shelte$. 2a$$io gi$ls a$e pa$ti"ula$l+ p$one to #e"eption. 5t is the ta'ing a#vantage of
thei$ inno"en"e that (a'es the( eas+ ta$gets of #e"eiving (in#s. Finall+, the evi#en"e
sho-s that the ta'ing of the +oung vi"ti( against he$ -ill -as effe"te# in fu$the$an"e of
le-# an# un"haste #esigns. Su"h le-# #esign in fo$"i.le a.#u"tion is esta.lishe# .+ the
a"tual $ape of the vi"ti(. =ag#alena testifie# in open "ou$t that a""use#)appellant
inse$te# his penis into he$ p$ivate pa$ts. he fa"t of seGual inte$"ou$se is "o$$o.o$ate# .+
the (e#i"al fin#ings -he$ein it -as foun# that the vi"ti( suffe$e# f$o( "o(plete
h+(enal la"e$ation. /hethe$ o$ not she "onsente# to the seGual "onta"t is i((ate$ial
"onsi#e$ing that at the ti(e the$eof, she -as .elo- t-elve +ea$s of age. SeG -ith a gi$l
.elo- t-elve +ea$s, $ega$#less of -hethe$ she "onsente# the$eto o$ not, "onstitutes
statuto$+ $ape. <en"e, a""use#)appellant is guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of the
"o(pleG "$i(e of Fo$"i.le A.#u"tion -ith Rape.
P40PL4 vs. ALFAR4M
9.R. 8o. L)34?44, Janua$+ %7, %&74.
F4R8A8*0, J./
FACS!
0n o$ a.out June ?, %&?&, in the Cit+ of 8aga, one Lo$eta . #ela Con"ep"ion
("o(plainant), a vi$gin %3 +ea$s of age, -as $ape# .+ 8i"ano$ Alva$e> (a""use#). Pe$
"o(plainant;s a""ount, a""use# is he$ .$othe$)in)la- as he is the hus.an# of he$ siste$.
She live in the a""use#;s house to ta'e "a$e of the latte$;s son. She a#(itte# that the son,
then al(ost one +ea$ ol#, an# he$ siste$ -e$e in the house.

At a.out &!00 o;"lo"' in the
evening -hen the a""use# a$$ive#, she -as $ape# .+ the latte$ in the sala -he$e she slept.
She "lai(e# that he$ siste$ -as also the$e siG (ete$s a-a+ sleeping -ith the "hil#. She
"lai(e# to have offe$e# $esistan"e .ut the a""use# -as st$onge$ than he$ an# she -as
al$ea#+ -ea'. She a#(itte# also that she #i# not .een a.le to shout she -as -ea' an#
ti$e#. As to ho- the a"t -as pe$pet$ate#, she state# that she felt a""use#;s .o#+ -as ove$
he$ .o#+. She (aintaine# that she -as asleep at the outset, .ut afte$ -a'ing up, she
$esiste#, .ut he, on the othe$ han#, Bsta+e# the$e an# "ontinue# #oing it.B She a##e# that
#u$ing that ti(e, he th$eatene# to 'ill he$ if she eve$ $eveale# to an+.o#+ -hat -as #one.
he Cou$t then too' ove$ the eGa(ination, an# -hen $e(in#e# that afte$ .eing $ape#, she
sai# she -as a.le to shout, the$e -as a :ue$+ as to -ho( it -as a##$esse#, an# she
ans-e$e#! Bo the -ife of the a""use#, (+ siste$.B She -as, ho-eve$, Bnot a.le to -a'e
up.B She #i# allege that she $epo$te# to he$ siste$ the follo-ing (o$ning, su$p$isingl+, the
siste$ B#i# not sa+ an+ -o$#.B 8o$ she noti"e -hethe$ she got ang$+ o$ not -ith he$
hus.an#. She a#(itte# that -hile she #i# st$uggle, no pa$t of he$ #$ess -as to$n. She #i#
not, ho-eve$, $epo$t to he$ (othe$ o$ fathe$ B.e"ause she -as af$ai# an# that she (ight .e
punishe#J. She 'ept the in"i#ent a se"$et fo$ a pe$io# seve$al (onths .e"ause he -as
af$ai# the a""use# (ight get (a# an# $ape he$ again until its #is"ove$+ -as inevita.le #ue
to he$ p$egnan"+. <en"e, the a""use# -as "ha$ge# of $ape. $ial ensue#, a""use# -as hel#
guilt+ as "ha$ge#. <en"e, he appeale#.
!SS$%A
/hethe$ o$ not a""use#)appellant;s "onvi"tion fo$ $ape .e sustaine#.
'%LDA
80, it "annot .e sustaine#. P$ose"ution;s evi#en"e faile# sho$t to pie$"e the
p$esu(ptive -all of inno"en"e en1o+e# .+ the a""use#. 4vi#en"e to .e .elieve# (ust not
onl+ p$o"ee# f$o( the (outh of a "$e#i.le -itness .ut it (ust .e "$e#i.le in itself, in
"onfo$(it+ -ith the "o((on eGpe$ien"e an# o.se$vation of (an'in#, of (o$e $elevan"e
than in "ases of this "ha$a"te$. Co(plainant;s "lai( that she -as $ape# .efo$e the ve$+
e+es of he$ siste$, (-ife of a""use#)appellant), -ithout the latte$ $aising a finge$,
"hallenges hu(an "$e#ulit+. Fie-e# f$o( hu(an o.se$vation an# eGpe$ien"e not even a
"onfi$(e# seG (ania" -oul# #a$e #o his thing .efo$e the e+es of st$ange$s, ho- (u"h
(o$e fo$ a health+ hus.an# .efo$e the e+es of his ve$+ -ife7 hen, again, testi(on+ that
he$ siste$ .efo$e -hose ve$+ e+es the allege# $aping in"i#ent too' pla"e #i# not lift a
finge$ to he$, (o"'s at hu(an sensi.ilit+. 5n the natu$al "ou$se of things, this pie"e of
evi#en"e is $epugnant to "o((on eGpe$ien"e an# o.se$vation in that the natu$al $ea"tion
-ife -oul# .e that of $ighteous in#ignation $athe$ than passive a":uies"en"e an# the
natu$al $esponse of a siste$ -oul# .e to p$ote"t the vi$tue of a +ounge$ siste$ f$o( a.use
of he$ hus.an#.
<o-eve$, it #oes not follo- that appellantAs eG"ulpation f$o( the offense of $ape
(eans that his $esponsi.ilit+ is (e$el+ (o$al an# not penal in "ha$a"te$. 5f that -e$e so, it
(a+ .e, "onsi#e$ing the fa"ts of this "ase, "ause fo$ $ight)thin'ing (en an# -o(en to
#is"e$n a gap o$ fissu$e in the legal o$#e$, one that "$ies (o$eove$ to .e .$i#ge#. 0u$
"$i(inal la- is not sus"epti.le to su"h a $ep$oa"h, it .eing "lea$ f$o( the info$(ation that
the ele(ents of the "$i(e of :ualifie# se#u"tion -e$e in"lu#e# in the fa"ts allege#. <e
"annot .e hea$# to "o(plain the$eafte$ that he is entitle# to "o(plete a":uittal. As a
(atte$ of fa"t, in his #efense, $ightfull+ given "$e#en"e .+ us, he #i# a#(it his having
ta'en a#vantage of an ineGpe$ien"e# a#oles"ent, the +ounge$ siste$ of his -ife, to -ho(
he ought to have .een .oun# .+ the "losest ties of affinit+, "onsi#e$ing also, as testifie# to
.+ hi(, ho- "lose she felt to-a$#s hi(. Sin"e he -as the (aste$ of the house an# the
offen#e# pa$t+ -as not a (e$e se$vant. She -as t$eate# as one of the fa(il+ .e"ause she
-as the siste$ of appellantAs -ife. <en"e, in his "apa"it+ as hea# of the fa(il+ an# (aste$
of the house, appellant -as, fo$ all intents an# pu$poses, the "usto#ian of the "o(plainant.
2ut even though he -e$e not "lea$l+ o$ fo$(all+ ent$uste# -ith the "usto#+ of the
offen#e# pa$t+, it is .e+on# #ou.t that, as the latte$ -as se$ving in his house o$ -as
the$ein as a #o(esti" U a te$( e(.$a"ing Ape$sons usuall+ living un#e$ the sa(e $oof,
pe$taining to the sa(e house, an# "onstituting, in this sense, a pa$t the$eofA ... U the
appellant upon ta'ing a#vantage of his autho$it+ an# a.using the "onfi#en"e an# t$ust
$epose# on hi( as (aste$ of the house, violate# the p$ovisions of pa$ag$aph % of A$ti"le
337 of the RPC. hus, 1u#g(ent of the t$ial "ou$t fin#ing the a""use# guilt+ .e+on#
$easona.le #ou.t of the "$i(e of $ape, is $eve$se# an# set asi#e, an# anothe$ #e"ision
ente$e# in its pla"e, fin#ing hi( guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of the "$i(e of :ualifie#
se#u"tion.
P%OPL% vs. %GAN
G.. No. +5755.& "ay 0.& 0110.
(%LLOS!LLO& %.A
*AC)SA
0n o$ a.out 3!00 oA"lo"' in the afte$noon of Janua$+ ?, %&&7, at Sitio Sala+sa+,
=a$ilog, *avao Cit+, vi"ti() Lenie . Ca(a#, %3 +ea$s ol# an# he$ "ousin Jessi"a Silona
-e$e fet"hing -ate$ at a #eep -ell seve$al (ete$s f$o( Lenie;s house in sai# pla"e, -hen,
the a""use#)Lito 4gan alias A'iao, an e$st-hile .ut spu$ne# suito$ of the vi"ti(, appea$e#
f$o( no-he$e an# fo$"i.l+ #$agge# an# pushe# Lenie to-a$#s Sitio *alag, A$a'an,
Cota.ato. <e th$eatene# to 'ill he$ if she $esiste#. 2efo$e leaving the site of the #eep
-ell, he li'e-ise te$$o$i>e# Jessi"a .+ .$an#ishing his hunting 'nife -hi"h fo$"e# the gi$l
to s"a(pe$ fo$ safet+. A.out @!00 oA"lo"' that sa(e afte$noon, Jessi"a -as a.le to $epo$t
to Lenie;s fathe$, Pal(ones Ca(a#, the a.#u"tion of his #aughte$. Pal(ones s"ou$e# the
a$ea to $es"ue his #aughte$ .ut to no avail. he follo-ing #a+, Janua$+ 7, %&&7, a""use#
fo$"e# vi"ti( to es"o$t hi( to his siste$;s $esi#en"e at Sitio *alag, A$a'an, Cota.ato. 5t
-as in that pla"e -he$e un#e$ the "ove$ of #a$'ness an# #esolation he allege#l+ $ape#
Lenie. (She -oul# ho-eve$ "hange he$ $e"olle"tion of the allege# $ape -hen she late$
testifie# that the "$i(e ha# happene# on ? Janua$+ %&&7 at the house -he$e the+ lo#ge#
in Sitio *alag an# that no othe$ in"i#ents of $ape su.se:uentl+ too' pla"e). Pal(ones
then sought the help of $atus -ho in tu$n atte(pte# a "usto(a$+ settle(ent of the
a.#u"tion in a""o$#an"e -ith 0anobo t$a#itions .ut the sa(e ha# faile#, hen"e, the
a""use# fo$"i.l+ $elo"ate# Lenie to Ca.alantian, Cataotao, 2u'i#non, -he$e she -as
eventuall+ $es"ue# on %@ =a+ %&&7. Lenie $epo$te# the "$i(e at the poli"e an# o.taine# a
(e#i"o)legal eGa(ination an# she eGe"ute# the ne"essa$+ affi#avit)"o(plaint against
a""use# Lito 4gan. Conse:uentl+, info$(ation fo$ fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape -as file#
.efo$e the RC against the a""use# -ho plea#e# not guilt+ to the "$i(e "ha$ge#. $ial
ensue#E a""use# inte$pose# a #efense of s-eet hea$t theo$+, ho-eve$, RC "onvi"te# hi(
of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape, hen"e, he appeale#.
!SS$%A
/hethe$ o$ not a""use#)appellant;s "onvi"tion on the "o(pleG "$i(e of Fo$"i.le
A.#u"tion -ith Rape .e sustaine#.
'%LDA
80, it "annot .e sustaine#. he p$ose"ution has onl+ p$ove# the ele(ents of Fo$"i.le
A.#u"tion .ut faile# to p$ove that of Rape. <en"e, a""use#)appellant;s "onvi"tion fo$ the
"$i(e "ha$ge# "annot .e sustaine#. he ele(ents of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion a$e (a) that the
pe$son a.#u"te# is a -o(an, $ega$#less of he$ age, "ivil status, o$ $eputationE (.) that the
a.#u"tion is against he$ -illE an#, (") that the a.#u"tion is -ith le-# #esigns. All the
ele(ents of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -e$e ho-eve$ p$ove# in this "ase. he vi"ti(, -ho is a
+oung gi$l, -as ta'en against he$ -ill as sho-n .+ the fa"t that at 'nife)point she -as
#$agge# an# ta'en .+ a""use#)appellant to a pla"e fa$ f$o( he$ a.o#e. At he$ ten#e$ age,
Lenie "oul# not .e eGpe"te# to ph+si"all+ $esist "onsi#e$ing the fa"t that even he$
"o(panion, Jessi"a Silona, ha# to $un ho(e to es"ape a""use#)appellantAs -$ath as he
.$an#ishe# a hunting 'nife. 4vi#en"e li'e-ise sho-s that the ta'ing of the +oung vi"ti(
against he$ -ill -as #one #!th e#$ #esigns. Su"h le-# #esigns -e$e esta.lishe# .+ the
p$u$ient an# lustful a"ts -hi"h a""use#)appellant #ispla+e# to-a$#s the vi"ti( afte$ she
-as a.#u"te#. his ele(ent (a+ also .e infe$$e# f$o( the fa"t that -hile Lenie -as then
a naive t-elve (%3))+ea$ ol#, a""use#)appellant -as thi$t+)siG (3?) +ea$s ol# an# although
un(a$$ie# -as (u"h -ise$ in the -a+s of the -o$l# than she.
he ele(ents of $ape pe$tinent to this "ase a$e! (a) that the offen#e$ ha# "a$nal
'no-le#ge of a -o(anE an#, (.) that su"h a"t is a""o(plishe# .+ using fo$"e o$
inti(i#ation. Sa#l+, p$ose"ution;s evi#en"e fo$ Rape is ina#e:uate to esta.lish "a$nal
'no-le#ge. Fi"ti( "oul# onl+ gua$antee thatJthe a""use# ha# his penis pla"e# .et-een
he$ legs,B a state(ent -hi"h is a(.iguous to p$ove $ape fo$ seGual a.use "annot .e
e:uate# -ith $ape. 5n this "ase, the$e is no evi#en"e of ent$an"e o$ int$o#u"tion of the
(ale o$gan into the la.ia of the pu#en#u(. LenieAs testi(on+ #i# not esta.lish that the$e
-as penet$ation .+ the seG o$gan of the a""use# o$ that he t$ie# to penet$ate
he$. =o$eove$, even if -e have to assu(e that Lenie;s state(ent,Jthe a""use#)appellant
ha# his penis pla"e# .et-een he$ legs,B (eant that the penis -asJpla"e# in he$ p$ivate
pa$tB as the p$ose"ution inapp$op$iatel+ sought to int$o#u"e, the state(ent -oul# still .e
spe"ulative as to -hethe$ the penis of a""use#)appellant in $ealit+ ente$e# the la.ial
th$eshol# of the fe(ale o$gan to a""u$atel+ "on"lu#e that $ape -as "o((itte#. 5n Peope
v. 1ranc!sco, vi"ti(;s testi(on+ that sa+s! B'h(!n$! po sa butas pero sa a&!n* pepe an*B,
-as hel# to .e in"on"lusive as it -as Bsh$ou#e# in a(.iguit+,B Also in Peope v.
)oent!no, v!ct!m2s testi(on+ that sa+s!, Bb!nun$u3bun$o an* &anyan* ar!,B #i# not
"on"lusivel+ p$ove that $ape -as "o((itte# to the eG"lusion of othe$ offenses an# fu$the$
hel# that Bthis testi(on+ is su.1e"t to #iffe$ent inte$p$etations an# -ill not lea# to the
"on"lusion that the a""use#As intent -as to have "a$nal 'no-le#ge of he$.B 8o
"onsu((ate# $ape too' pla"e in Peope v. .rce, #here vi"ti( "lai(e# that the
a""use# (e$el+ Batte(pte# to tou"h he$ vagina -ith his penis o$ I!$!n!$!&!t yun* ar!
n!ya.B 5n these "ases -he$e the vi"ti( he$self, as Lenie in this "ase, faile# to state fo$ the
$e"o$# that the$e -as inse$tion of the penis into he$ vagina, hen"e, $ape -as #ee(e# not
to have .een "o((itte#. hus, the "$i(inal lia.ilit+ of a""use#)appellant is onl+ fo$
fo$"i.le a.#u"tion un#e$ A$t. 343 of the RPC. he seGual a.use -hi"h a""use#)
appellant fo$"e# upon Lenie "onstitutes the le-# #esign inhe$ent in fo$"i.le a.#u"tion
an# is thus a.so$.e# the$ein.
P%OPL% vs. GAC!A& () *+
G.. No. +,++0-& *ebruary 0.& 0110.
PER CURIAMA
*AC)SA
he vi"ti(, Cleopat$a Changlapon, -as nineteen +ea$s ol# an# a sopho(o$e stu#ent
of 2.S. Ph+si"al he$ap+ at 2aguio Cent$al 6nive$sit+. 0n Jul+ %4, %&&8, she left s"hool
at ?!30 p.(. to go ho(e to C(. 3, La $ini#a#, 2enguet. As she -as
"$ossing 2onifa"io St$eet, 2aguio Cit+, she sa- a -hite van app$oa"hing so she stoppe#
to let it pass. Su##enl+, the van stoppe# in f$ont of he$. he $ea$ #oo$ sli# open an#
Cleopat$a -as pulle# .+ the a$(s into the van. She st$uggle# as the #oo$ "lose# an# the
van spe# a-a+. So(ething -as sp$a+e# on he$ fa"e -hi"h (a#e he$ e+es sting an# feel
#i>>+. She shoute#, then she felt a fist .lo- on he$ sto(a"h an# she fell un"ons"ious.
/hen got "ons"ious, she -as insi#e a $oo( totall+ un#$esse# l+ing flat on he$ .a"' on a
.e#. 5n the $oo( -ith he$ -e$e fou$ (en -ho "onspi$e# .+ helping one anothe$ to have
"a$nal 'no-le#ge of he$ against he$ -ill. 0ne of the( is the (an -ith long hai$, -ho(
she late$ i#entifie# as a""use#)appellant Jeff$e+ 9a$"ia. Afte$ "onsu((ating the .estial
a"ts against Cleopat$a, one of the( sp$a+e# at Cleopat$a;s fa"e $en#e$ing the latte$ to lose
"ons"iousness. /hen she $egaine# "ons"iousness, she -as l+ing .+ the $oa#si#e
so(e-he$e .et-een a()a-an an# Longlong. 5t -as still #a$'. She al$ea#+ ha# he$
"lothes on. She felt pain all ove$ he$ .o#+ an# -as una.le to (ove. A taGi passe# .+ an#
pi"'e# he$ up an# .$ought he$ to he$ house. She $epo$te# the (atte$ to the poli"e an#
su.1e"te# he$self fo$ (e#i"al eGa(ination. A""use#)appellant -as a$$este# an# she
positivel+ i#entifie# hi( at poli"e station as one of he$ $apists. Fo$(al "ha$ge of fo$"i.le
a.#u"tion -ith $ape -as file# against a""use#)appellant an# th$ee John *oes. $ial
ensue# as against hi(, -hile the othe$ th$ee uni#entifie# a""use# $e(aine# at la$ge.
A""use#)appellant hinge# (ainl+ his #efense on ali.i. 2ut t$ial "ou$t $e1e"te# his #efense
an# "onvi"te# hi( fo$ one "ount of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape an# th$ee "ounts of $ape.
<en"e, a""use# appeale#.
!SS$%A
/hethe$ o$ not a""use#)appellant;s "onvi"tion fo$ one "ount of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion
-ith $ape an# th$ee "ounts of $ape .e sustaine#.
<4L*!
D4S, a""use#)appellant;s "onvi"tion fo$ one "ount of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape
an# th$ee "ounts of $ape (ust .e sustaine#. he t$ial "ou$t, the$efo$e, #i# not e$$ in
"onvi"ting a""use#)appellant of the "o(pleG "$i(e of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape. he
t-o ele(ents of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion, as #efine# in A$ti"le 343 of the Revise# Penal Co#e,
a$e! (%) the ta'ing of a -o(an against he$ -ill an# (3) -ith le-# #esigns. he "$i(e of
fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape is a "o(pleG "$i(e that o""u$s -hen the$e is "a$nal
'no-le#ge -ith the a.#u"te# -o(an un#e$ the follo-ing "i$"u(stan"es! (%) .+ using
fo$"e o$ inti(i#ationE (3) -hen the -o(an is #ep$ive# of $eason o$ othe$-ise
un"ons"iousE an# (3) -hen the -o(an is un#e$ t-elve +ea$s of age o$ is #e(ente#.
5n the "ase at .a$, the info$(ation suffi"ientl+ allege# the ele(ents of fo$"i.le
a.#u"tion, !.e., the ta'ing of "o(plainant against he$ against he$ -ill an# -ith le-#
#esign. 5t -as li'e-ise allege# that a""use#)appellant an# his th$ee "o)a""use# "onspi$e#,
"onfe#e$ate# an# (utuall+ ai#e# one anothe$ in having "a$nal 'no-le#ge of "o(plainant
.+ (eans of fo$"e an# inti(i#ation an# against he$ -ill.
Asi#e f$o( alleging the ne"essa$+ ele(ents of the "$i(es, the p$ose"ution
"onvin"ingl+ esta.lishe# that the "a$nal 'no-le#ge -as "o((itte# th$ough fo$"e an#
inti(i#ation. =o$eove$, the p$ose"ution suffi"ientl+ p$ove# .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t that
a""use#)appellant su""ee#e# in fo$"i.l+ a.#u"ting the "o(plainant -ith le-# #esigns,
esta.lishe# .+ the a"tual $ape.
<o-eve$, as "o$$e"tl+ hel# .+ the t$ial "ou$t, the$e "an onl+ .e one "o(pleG "$i(e
of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape. he "$i(e of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -as onl+ ne"essa$+ fo$
the fi$st $ape. hus, the su.se:uent a"ts of $ape "an no longe$ .e "onsi#e$e# as sepa$ate
"o(pleG "$i(es of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape. he+ shoul# .e #eta"he# f$o( an#
"onsi#e$e# in#epen#entl+ of the fo$"i.le a.#u"tion. he$efo$e, a""use#)appellant shoul#
.e "onvi"te# of one "o(pleG "$i(e of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape an# th$ee sepa$ate a"ts
of $ape.
P40PL4 vs. L58589, et a
9.R. 8o. %3840%. Jul+ %%, 3003.
CAP68A8, J.!
*AC)SA
hat on o$ a.out %!00 o;"lo"' (o$ning of 0"to.e$ @, %&&7, in sitio 2uho, 2a$anga+
=a.uslot, Pina(ala+an, 0$$. =in#o$o, 9e$$+ Lining (appellant) an# Lian Salva"ion (at
la$ge) fo$"i.l+ a.#u"t one 4(elina 0$nos, a %@)+ea$)ol# gi$l, -hile the latte$ -as on he$
-a+ to he$ aunt;s house afte$ "o(ing f$o( a #an"e pa$t+. Lining a""oste# 4(elina an#
po'e# a 'it"hen 'nife at he$ .$east an# the t-o hel# he$ han#s. 4(elina -as fo$"i.l+
"a$$ie# to an uno""upie# house o-ne# .+ =ila Salva"ion. 5nsi#e the house, Lining
$e(ove# 4(elina;s t)shi$t, pants an# un#e$ga$(ents pushe# he$ to the floo$ -hile
Salva"ion -as hol#ing he$ han#s an# 'issing he$, Lining inse$te# his penis insi#e he$
vagina. 4(elina shoute# an# t$ie# to -a$# off he$ atta"'e$s, .ut to no avail. Afte$ Lining
ha# satisfie# his lust, he hel# 4(elina;s han#s an# 'isse# he$ -hile Salva"ion in tu$n
inse$te# his penis insi#e he$ vagina. he$eafte$, the t-o #i$e"te# 4(elina to put on he$
"lothes. he a""use# then loo'e# fo$ a vehi"le to t$anspo$t 4(elina to 2a$anga+
=aning"ol. 4(elina sa- an oppo$tunit+ to es"ape, an# she $etu$ne# to he$ aunt;s house.
<o-eve$, #ue to fea$, as the a""use# th$eatene# he$ that she -oul# .e 'ille# if she -oul#
$eveal -hat the+ #i# to he$, she #i# not tell he$ aunt -hat t$anspi$e#.

She neGt -ent to the
house of he$ f$ien# 4vel+n Sagui# -he$e 9e$$+ Sel#a, a f$ien# of he$ fathe$, sa- he$
"$+ing. She tol# hi( a.out the $ape in"i#ent an# Sel#a a""o(panie# he$ to the .a$anga+
"aptain .ut the latte$ -as a.sent. Sel#a .$ought he$ to the poli"e station -he$e he$
state(ents -e$e ta'en an# she -as su.1e"te# to a (e#i"al eGa(ination -hi"h $eveale#
heale# h+(enal la"e$ations. Appellant -as a$$este# .ut Salva"ion -as a.le to es"ape.
<en"e, appellant -as "ha$ge .efo$e the "ou$t of the "$i(e of Fo$"i.le A.#u"tion -ith
Rape. $ial ensue#, appellant .a$el+ inte$pose# an ali.i #efense, .ut the "ou$t "onvi"te#
hi( of the "$i(e of Fo$"i.le A.#u"tion -ith Rape an# anothe$ "ount of Rape.
!SS$%A
/hethe$ o$ not appellant;s "onvi"tion fo$ Fo$"i.le A.#u"tion -ith Rape an# fo$
anothe$ "ount of Rape .e sustaine#.
'%LDA
80, it "annot .e sustaine#. Appellant "oul# onl+ .e "onvi"te# fo$ the "$i(e of $ape,
instea# of the "o(pleG "$i(e of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape. 5n#ee#, it -oul# appea$
f$o( the $e"o$#s that the (ain o.1e"tive of the a""use# -hen the vi"ti( -as ta'en to the
house of =ila Salva"ion -as to $ape he$. <en"e, fo$"i.le a.#u"tion is a.so$.e# in the
"$i(e of $ape. Signifi"antl+, it shoul# .e st$esse# that one -ho "lea$l+ "on"u$$e# -ith the
"$i(inal #esign of anothe$ an# pe$fo$(e# ove$t a"ts -hi"h le# to the (ultiple $ape
"o((itte# is a "o)"onspi$ato$. Fo$ this $eason, appellant is #ee(e# a "o)"onspi$ato$ fo$
the a"t of $ape "o((itte# .+ his "o)a""use# Lian Salva"ion an# shoul# a""o$#ingl+ .e
penali>e# the$efo$. hus, appellant is foun# guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of t-o (3)
"ounts of $ape.
As to the appellant;s atta"' on the 4(elina;s (e#i"al fin#ing that she -as al$ea#+ a
non)vi$gin an# the fa"t that she ha# seGual $elations .efo$e, -oul# not (atte$. 4ven a
-o(an of loose (o$als "oul# still .e a vi"ti( of $ape, fo$ the essen"e of $ape is the "a$nal
'no-le#ge of a -o(an against he$ -ill an# -ithout he$ "onsent. 8eithe$ the a.sen"e of
ph+si"al in1u$ies negates the fa"t of $ape sin"e p$oof of ph+si"al in1u$+ is not an ele(ent
of $ape. 5n the sa(e -a+, the a.sen"e of spe$(ato>oa #oes not (ean that the $ape #i# not
ta'e pla"e. he a.sen"e of spe$(ato>oa in the genitalia of the vi"ti( #oes not #est$o+ the
fin#ing of $ape sin"e e1a"ulation is neve$ an ele(ent the$eof.
P%OPL% vs. "ANANSALA
G.. Nos. ++17/,#.+& June +/& +77/.
"%NDO<A& %.A
*AC)SA
A""use#)appellant *ante =anansala + Lu(i.ao, is the fathe$ of he$ein "o(plainant
Jennife$ =anansala. <e -as a ItahoJ ven#o$. <e live# in the ItahoJ fa"to$+ lo"ate# at
on#o, =anila, afte$ sepa$ating f$o( Jennife$;s (othe$ -ith -ho( he ha# live# in
"o((on la- $elation. Co(plainant Jennife$, lo#ge a "o(plaint .efo$e the RC =anila
fo$ seve$al "ounts of $ape against he$ fathe$ f$o( 8ove(.e$ %)8, %&&%.
Pe$ "o(plainant;s #i$e"t testi(on+, she ave$$e# that he$ fathe$ "alle# fo$ he$ th$ough
a nie"e na(e# Josephine. /hen she "a(e, she -as ta'en .+ he$ fathe$ to the ItahoJ
fa"to$+ in on#o, -he$e she -as o$#e$e# to p$o"ee# to a $oo( on the uppe$ floo$ of the
fa"to$+. A""use#)appellant un#$esse# hi(self, spat at he$ vagina, too' out his penis an#
put it insi#e he$ p$ivate pa$t an# then p$o"ee#e# to #o the seGual a"t. As Jennife$
#es"$i.e# the in"i#ent, I*inu$aan po ni+a ang ha$ap 'o at pinilit ni+a pong ipaso' ang
'an+a sa a'in. =inu(u$a ni+a a'o.J She sa- a -hite sti"'+ su.stan"e "o(ing out of he$
fathe$;s seGual o$gan as the latte$ pulle# it f$o( he$ vagina. Afte$ he$ o$#eal, she sai# she
-as sent ho(e. on 8ove(.e$ 3, 3, 4 ?, 7 an# 8 she -as su((one# again .+ he$ fathe$
an# -as also $epeate#l+ su.1e"te# to the sa(e seGual to$tu$e on sai# #ates, .$ought he$ to
sai# ItahoJ fa"to$+. She $epo$te# the in"i#ent to he$ (othe$ seve$al ti(es .ut -as tol#
that she -as ta'ing ti(e .efo$e ta'ing a"tion against hi(.
<o-eve$, on he$ "$oss eGa(ination, Jennife$ "hange# he$ state(ent as to the pla"e of
the allege# $ape, onl+ the 8ove(.e$ % t$anspi$e# at Itaho fa"to$+ in on#oJ an# the $est
in a$la". She $easone# that su"h "hange -as #ue to 1u$is#i"tional issue. She -as 1ust
af$ai# he$ "o(plaints (ight .e #is(isse# fo$ i(p$ope$ venue. She fu$the$ (entione# that
he$ fathe$ gave he$ (one+ eve$+ ti(e the+ ha# seGual inte$"ou$se. =e#i"o)legal offi"e$
also testifie# that Jennife$ -as no longe$ a vi$gin at the ti(e of the eGa(ination an# that it
-as possi.le fo$ he$ to have .een $ape#.. A""use#)appellant #enie# the a""usations
against hi(. <e inte$pose# that the "o(plaint -as (e$el+ o$"hest$ate# .+ his -ife #ue to
an ulte$io$ (otive against hi(. <o-eve$, t$ial "ou$t foun# hi( guilt+ of having $ape# his
#aughte$ in the ItahoJ fa"to$+ in on#oJ on 8ove(.e$ %, %&&%. he $est of the $apes
allege#l+ "o((itte# in a$la" -e$e all #is(isse# .+ the "ou$t fo$ la"' of 1u$is#i"tion.
!SS$%A
/hethe$ o$ not a""use#)appellant;s "onvi"tion fo$ $ape .e sustaine#.
'%LDA
8o, a""use#)appellant;s "onvi"tion fo$ $ape "annot .e sustaine#.he p$ose"ution
(ust stan# o$ fall on its o-n evi#en"eE it "annot #$a- st$ength f$o( the -ea'ness of the
evi#en"e fo$ the #efense. P$ose"ution;s evi#en"e is not onl+ shot th$ough -ith
in"onsisten"ies an# "ont$a#i"tions, it is also i(p$o.a.le. 5f "o(plainant ha# .een $ape#
on 8ove(.e$ %, %&&%, the Cou$t "annot un#e$stan# -h+ she -ent -ith he$ fathe$ to
a$la" on 8ove(.e$ 3 an# sta+e# the$e -ith hi( until 8ove(.e$ %4, %&&%. She -as
suppose# to have gone th$ough a ha$$o-ing eGpe$ien"e at the han#s of he$ fathe$ .ut the
follo-ing #a+ an# fo$ thi$teen (o$e #a+s afte$ that she sta+e# -ith hi(. 5t is t$ue the
(e#i"o)legal eGa(ination "on#u"te# on 8ove(.e$ %7, %&&% sho-e# that she -as no
longe$ a vi$gin an# that she ha# ha# $e"ent seGual inte$"ou$se. 2ut the fa"t that she ha#
volunta$il+ gone -ith he$ fathe$ to a$la" suggests that the "$i(e -as not $ape .ut, :uite
possi.l+ :ualifie# se#u"tion, "onsi#e$ing the age of "o(plainant (%4 at the ti(e of the
"$i(e). his is espe"iall+ t$ue .e"ause she sai# she ha# .een given (one+ .+ he$ fathe$
eve$+ ti(e the+ ha# an inte$"ou$se. 2ut, "onsi#e$ing the allegations in the "o(plaint that
the $ape in this "ase -as "o((itte# I.+ (eans of fo$"e, violen"e an# inti(i#ation,J
a""use#)appellant "annot possi.l+ .e "onvi"te# of :ualifie# se#u"tion -ithout offen#ing
his "onstitutional $ights to #ue p$o"ess to .e info$(e# of the a""usation against hi(. hat
"ha$ge #oes not in"lu#e :ualifie# se#u"tion. 8eithe$ "an :ualifie# se#u"tion in"lu#e
$ape. <en"e a""use#)appellant;s ACO65AL on the g$oun# of $easona.le #ou.t is in
o$#e$.
P%OPL% vs. NAP$D& () *+
G.. No. +051-.. September 06& 011+
8$!S$"(!NG& %.A
*AC)SA
At a$oun# %!00 A.=. on Septe(.e$ 3%, %&&4, appellant -ith his "o)a""use#, o(as
A(.u$go an# Ro(el 2$illo, -ent to the house of the spouses 4s(a+lita an# 4$nesto
2ene#i"to at 2a$anga+ Ji.olo, Janiua+, 5loilo. A(.u$go "alle# alou# fo$ the( to "o(e
outsi#e the house. he 2ene#i"tos #i# not $espon# sensing it -oul# .e
#ange$ous. 6na.le to eli"it an+ $esponse f$o( the 2ene#i"tos, the t$io then app$oa"he#
the house of 4s(a+lita;s pa$ents, the spouses 4vel+n an# =anuel Cantille$, 1ust a fe-
(ete$s a-a+. Again, the+ "alle# fo$ the $esi#ents of the house to "o(e #o-n. 2ut the
Cantille$s $e(aine# silent. =inutes late$, A(.u$go fo$"i.l+ pushe# the #oo$ of the
Cantille$s; house open. =ean-hile, appellant .$o'e into the "hi"'en "oop .eneath the
2ene#i"tos; house, "aught ten (%0) "hi"'ens, an# han#e# the( to 2$illo, then, he .a$ge#
into the Cantille$s; house. <e as'e# =anuel if he ha# a #aughte$ in the house. he latte$
sai# he #i#n;t. Appellant then tol# the @& +ea$)ol# 4vel+n Cantille$ to step out of the
house. <e le# he$ to the .a"' of the house an# tol# he$ to un#$ess. /hen she $efuse#,
appellant th$eatene# he$ -ith a 'nife. 0ut of fea$, 4vel+n $e(ove# he$ s'i$t, appellant
then $ape# he$. Afte$ a fe- (inutes of "oitus, appellant as'e# 4vel+n to assu(e the
-o(an)on)top position. /a$ning he$ that she an# he$ hus.an# -oul# .e 'ille# shoul# she
atte(pt to flee, appellant then ha# 4vel+n (ount hi(. he $ape -as en#e# -hen
A(.u$go sa- the( an# as'e# appellant to stop, $e(in#ing the latte$ that 4vel+n -as an
ol# -o(an.
h$ough A(.u$go;s th$eat to .u$n the house, the 2ene#i"tos left no "hoi"e .ut to
step out thei$ house. 0n"e outsi#e, 4s(a+lita eGplaine# that he$ hus.an#, 4$nesto, ha# a
sto(a"h ail(ent. 4$nesto then as'e# pe$(ission to ans-e$ a "all of natu$e. A(.u$go
a""e#e# to his $e:uest .ut -a$ne# hi( not to flee o$ $epo$t to the autho$ities. /hen
4$nesto faile# to $etu$n, A(.u$go then g$a..e# 4s(a+lita an# .$ought he$ to a .anana
plantation %)%K3 'ilo(ete$s a-a+ f$o( he$ house. Still -iel#ing his 'nife, A(.u$go
"o((an#e# he$ to lie #o-n. <e $e(ove# he$ lo-e$ ga$(ents, la+ on top of he$, an# ha#
seGual inte$"ou$se -ith he$. Afte$ A(.u$go;s lust -as spent, he .$ought he$ ove$ to
appellant, -ho ha# .een -at"hing the -hole affai$ f$o( a sho$t #istan"e. Appellant
fo$"i.l+ st$ippe# he$ na'e#. <e then tol# he$ to lie #o-n. /hen 4s(a+lita $efuse#,
appellant po'e# a 'nife at he$ an# (a#e signs that he -oul# 'ill he$. Fa"e# -ith
i((inent #eath, 4s(a+lita o.e+e#. Appellant ha# inte$"ou$se -ith he$. he$eafte$,
appellant (a#e he$ stan# up, fo$"e# he$ legs apa$t, an# again inse$te# his penis insi#e he$
vagina. Afte$ satisf+ing his lust, appellant $elease# 4s(a+lita an# allo-e# he$ to go
ho(e. Appellant an# A(.u$go -as a$$este# an# -e$e positivel+ i#entifie# .+ the
"o(plainants an# "ha$ge# .efo$e the "ou$t -ith (%) Ro..e$+ -ith Rape, (3) Rape an# (3)
Fo$"i.le A.#u"tion -ith Rape. 2$illo $e(aine# at la$ge. Appellant inte$pose# #enial an#
ali.i #efense. <o-eve$, t$ial "ou$t "onvi"te# the(! (%) Appellant 8AP6* -as hel# guilt+
of the "o(pleG "$i(e of Ro..e$+ -ith Rape -hile his "o)a""use# A=26R90 9uilt+
-as hel# guilt+ of the "$i(e of Ro..e$+ in an inha.ite# house. (3) 2oth -e$e hel# guilt+
of the "$i(e of Rape. (3) $ial "ou$t foun# that the "$i(e of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion is
a.so$.e# .+ $ape -hen the (ain o.1e"tive of the a""use# is to $ape the vi"ti(.
!SS$%A
/hethe$ o$ not "onvi"tions of appellant (fo$ Ro..e$+ -ith Rape an# Rape) an# his
"o)a""use# A(.u$go (fo$ Ro..e$+ in an inha.ite# house an# Rape) .e sustaine#.
'%LDA
D4S, it (ust .e sustaine#. he info$(ation "ha$ge# appellant an# his "o)a""use#
-ith Ro..e$+ -ith Rape. P$ose"ution #ul+ esta.lishe# that appellant "o((itte# .oth
Ro..e$+ an# Rape. /hen appellant fo$"i.l+ ente$e# the Cantille$s; "hi"'en "oop an#
too' thei$ "hi"'ens, -hile his "onfe#e$ate A(.u$go -as th$eatening the Cantille$
spouses, he "o((itte# the "$i(e of $o..e$+. he ele(ents of the offense )v!,! (a)
pe$sonal p$ope$t+ .elonging to anothe$E (.) unla-ful ta'ingE (") intent to gainE an# (#)
violen"e o$ inti(i#ation ) -e$e all p$esent. A##itionall+, un#e$ A$ti"le 33@ of the RPC,
the g$ava(en of the "$i(e of Rape is "a$nal 'no-le#ge of a -o(an .+ fo$"e o$
inti(i#ation an# against he$ -ill o$ -ithout he$ "onsent. Su"h g$ava(en -as li'e-ise
p$esent -hen appellant satisfie# his lust -ith 4vel+n, an ol# -o(an. hough Ro..e$+
appea$s to have p$e"e#e# the Rape of 4vel+n, it is enough that Ro..e$+ shall have .een
a""o(panie# .+ Rape to .e punishe# un#e$ the RPC fo$ the Co#e #oes not #iffe$entiate
-hethe$ the Rape -as "o((itte# .efo$e, #u$ing, o$ afte$ the Ro..e$+.
Li'e-ise, the t$ial "ou$t "o$$e"tl+ hel# that the Fo$"i.le A.#u"tion -ith Rape -as
a.so$.e# .+ the Rape "ha$ge#. he evi#en"e fo$ the p$ose"ution sho-s that 4s(a+lita
-as .$ought .+ A(.u$go an# appellant to a .anana plantation so(e %)%K3 'ilo(ete$s
a-a+ f$o( he$ house fo$ the pu$pose of $aping he$. 2oth (en then su""essivel+ ha#
"a$nal 'no-le#ge of he$ at sai# pla"e. /he$e "o(plainant -as fo$"i.l+ ta'en a-a+ fo$
the pu$pose of seGuall+ assaulting he$, then the $ape so "o((itte# (a+ a.so$. the
fo$"i.le a.#u"tion. hus, the t$ial "ou$t "o$$e"tl+ hel# that the Rape "ha$ge# an# p$ove#
al$ea#+ a.so$.e# the Fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith Rape.

P%OPL% vs. PASC$A
G.. Nos. +0.+-7#60& July +,& 0115.
COONA& %.A
*AC)SA
P$ivate "o(plainants Li>a an# Anna, .oth su$na(e# Pa$agas, a$e t-ins .o$n on Jul+
%3, %&83. Appellant -as thei$ neigh.o$ in Calvo, =angata$e(, Pangasinan. Li>a an#
Anna "onsi#e$e# appellant as thei$ g$an#fathe$ although he -as not $elate# to the(.
0n August ?, %&&@, p$ivate "o(plainants -e$e pla+ing nea$ the house of the
appellant -hen the latte$ "alle# Li>a an# inst$u"te# he$ to .u+ 1ui"e at the sto$e. Li>a
o.e+e#. Afte$ she $etu$ne# f$o( the sto$e, the appellant o$#e$e# Li>a to go insi#e his
house an# lie #o-n on the floo$. Appellant then $e(ove# Li>a;s pants an# un#e$-ea$,
-ent on top of he$, inse$te# his penis into he$ vagina an# (a#e push an# pull (ove(ents.
Li>a t$ie# to s"$ea( .ut appellant th$eatene# to 'ill he$. Afte$ the seGual inte$"ou$se, the
appellant gave Li>a P%0 an# -a$ne# he$ not to $eveal the in"i#ent to he$ (othe$. Li>a
then -ent ho(e .ut #i# not tell he$ (othe$ -hat happene# fo$ fea$ that he$ (othe$ -oul#
punish he$. he sa(e thing happene# on Janua$+ 37, %&&? -hen Li>a -as "alle# .+ the
appellant as she -as passing .+ his house. Afte$ he$ o$#eal, the appellant gave Li>a P@
an# $e(in#e# he$ not to tell he$ (othe$ -hat happene#. So Li>a -ent ho(e -ithout
telling he$ (othe$ that she -as seGuall+ a.use# .+ the appellant. Li>a;s t-in siste$, Anna,
suffe$e# also the sa(e fate at the han#s of the appellant in t-o o""asions. P$ivate
"o(plainants; (othe$, upon lea$ning -hat the appellant ha# #one to he$ #aughte$s,
-aste# no ti(e in $epo$ting the (atte$ to the poli"e .efo$e -ho( she file# "$i(inal
"o(plaints against the appellant. he$eafte$, the+ p$o"ee#e# to hospital -he$e the vi"ti(s
-e$e eGa(ine# .+ ph+si"ian. he (e#i"o)legal eGa(ination "on#u"te# on .oth vi"ti(s
#is"lose# that the+ suffe$e# h+(enal la"e$ations -hi"h "oul# .e "ause# .+ the inse$tion
of a ha$# o.1e"t su"h as an e$e"t penis.
Fou$ (4) "ounts of Rape -e$e file# against appellant. $ial ensue#E appellant
inte$pose# a #efense that he is not guilt+ of $ape .e"ause p$ivate "o(plainants volunta$il+
su.(itte# to his seGual #esi$es. he appellant even postulates that, if the$e shoul# at all
.e an+ lia.ilit+ on his pa$t, it shoul# onl+ .e fo$ si(ple se#u"tion. <o-eve$, t$ial "ou$t
"onvi"te# hi( of the "$i(e "ha$ge#. <en"e, he appeale#.
!SS$%A
/hethe$ o$ not a""use#)appellant;s guilt fo$ fou$ "ounts of $ape .e sustaine#.
'%LDA
D4S, a""use#)appellant guilt (ust .e sustaine#. Appellant;s #efense that the vi"ti(s
"onsente# to his las"ivious #esi$es is si(pl+ too p$eposte$ous to #ese$ve se$ious
"onsi#e$ation. he sa(e is not onl+ $evolting .ut goes against esta.lishe# no$(s. 8o
+oung "hil# in he$ $ight (in# -ill "onsent to have seGual inte$"ou$se -ith a ?@)+ea$)ol#
(an, espe"iall+ one -ho( she "onsi#e$s he$ g$an#fathe$. he appellant #espe$atel+ t$ies
to po$t$a+ p$ivate "o(plainants as seG)sta$ve# (ania"s -ho, at the ten#e$ age of %3,
pe$sistentl+ #e(an#e# seG -ith hi(. Fu$the$, his sto$+ that p$ivate "o(plainants -oul#
even go na'e# on top of hi( -as nothing .ut a +a$n that offen#s sensi.ilities an# Filipino
values. 5n#ee#, afte$ a#(itting that he ha# "a$nal 'no-le#ge of p$ivate "o(plainants on
seve$al o""asions, the appellant assu(e# the .u$#en of p$oving his #efense .+ su.stantial
evi#en"e. he $e"o$# sho-s that, othe$ than his self)se$ving asse$tions, the appellant ha#
nothing to suppo$t his "lai( that p$ivate "o(plainants -e$e teenage$s of loose (o$als an#
that the $epeate# a"ts of seGual inte$"ou$se -e$e "onsensual. 0n the issue of fo$"e, as an
ele(ent of $ape, 1u$isp$u#en"e hol#s that even though a (an la+s no han# on a -o(an,
+et, if .+ an a$$a+ of ph+si"al fo$"es, he so ove$po-e$s he$ (in# that she #oes not $esist
o$ she "eases $esistan"e th$ough fea$ of g$eate$ ha$(, the "onsu((ation of unla-ful
inte$"ou$se .+ the (an is $ape. /ithout :uestion, the p$ose"ution -as a.le to p$ove that
fo$"e o$ inti(i#ation -as a"tuall+ e(plo+e# .+ the appellant on the t-o vi"ti(s to satisf+
his lust.
4:uall+ untena.le is appellant;s a$gu(ent that, if he is at all lia.le fo$ an+thing, it
shoul# onl+ .e fo$ si(ple se#u"tion. 6n#e$ A$ti"le 338 of the RPC, to "onstitute
se#u"tion, the$e (ust in all "ases .e so(e #e"eitful p$o(ise o$ in#u"e(ent. he -o(an
shoul# have +iel#e# .e"ause of this p$o(ise o$ in#u"e(ent. 5n this "ase, the appellant
"lai(s that the a"ts of seGual inte$"ou$se -ith the p$ivate "o(plainants -e$e in eG"hange
fo$ (one+. <e #e"la$e# that, p$io$ to eve$+ seGual inte$"ou$se -ith Li>a an# Anna, he
-oul# p$o(ise the( P30. <o-eve$, asi#e f$o( his .a$e testi(on+, the appellant
p$esente# no p$oof that p$ivate "o(plainants; "onsent -as se"u$e# .+ (eans of su"h
p$o(ise. As aptl+ opine# .+ the t$ial "ou$t, the (one+ given .+ the appellant to p$ivate
"o(plainants -as not inten#e# to lu$e the( to have seG -ith hi(. Rathe$, it -as fo$ the
pu$pose of .u+ing thei$ silen"e to ensu$e that no.o#+ #is"ove$e# his #asta$#l+ a"ts. hus,
appellant is guilt+ of the fou$ "ounts of Rape an# not of Si(ple Se#u"tion.
P%OPL% vs. S$(!NGS$(!NG
G.. Nos. +1,7,0#,5& November 0-& +775.
PAD!LLA& %.,
*AC)SA
Co(plainant =a$+ Jane 4spilan, %? +ea$s ol#, -as living -ith he$ g$an#(othe$.
She -as then a high s"hool stu#ent -hile the a""use#, 8apoleon Su.ingsu.ing, is he$
un"le, the .$othe$ of he$ (othe$ an# the son of he$ g$an#(othe$. Sai# a""use# -as then
living also -ith he$ g$an#(othe$, hen"e, he an# he$ -e$e then living un#e$ the sa(e $oof.
0n 8ov. 3@, %&8&, at %!00 P.=., =a$+ Jane an# 8apoleon -e$e alone in the house,
the g$an#(othe$ having gone to the fiel#s. /hen =a$+ Jane -as a.out to go to s"hool,
8apoleon fo$"i.l+ pulle# he$ to the .e#$oo( of the g$an#(othe$, pointe# his 9a$an# $ifle
at he$, then pun"he# he$ in the sto(a"h $en#e$ing he$ un"ons"ious. Afte$ $egaining
senses, she noti"e# he$ vagina -as .loo#+. She felt pain in he$ p$ivate pa$ts an# is :uite
"e$tain she -as $ape#. he a""use# -ho -as then stan#ing outsi#e the $oo( -a$ne# he$
not to tell an+.o#+ -hat happene# o$ else he -ill 'ill he$. <en"e =a$+ Jane #i# not $epo$t
the in"i#ent to an+.o#+.
0n 8ove(.e$ 38, %&8&, at %0!30 oA "lo"' A.=., =a$+ Jane a$$ive# f$o( s"hool
an# 8apoleon -as alone in the house. <e again levele# his 9a$an# Rifle at he$ an#
pushe# he$ into he$ .e#$oo(. She t$ie# to get out of the house .ut the a""use# hel# unto
he$. 5nsi#e the $oo(, a""use# pulle# #o-n he$ s'i$t, pushe# he$ #o-n on the floo$,
st$ippe# off he$ pant+ an# lai# #o-n on top of he$ -ith the >ippe$ of his pants open.
Fo$"ing he$ legs apa$t, hen"e, the a""use# a.use# he$ the se"on# ti(e a$oun#.
5((e#iatel+ the$eafte$, "o(plainant -ent to thei$ o-n fa(il+ house. She -ante# to get
a-a+ f$o( he$ un"leE hen"e she sta+e# ho(e until 8ove(.e$ 30, %&8& in the (o$ning,
ho-eve$, a""use# follo-e# he$. She -as then "leaning the "eiling of thei$ house -hen
8apoleon snea'e# up .ehin# he$, an# -hen the she t$ie# to s"$ea(, the a""use# pla"e# a
pie"e of "loth -ith so(e so$t of "he(i"al ove$ he$ nose "ausing he$ to faint. /hen
a-a'e, she foun# he$self l+ing on the floo$ sta$' na'e#. She felt that she ha# again .een
seGuall+ (oleste#. A""use# -ho -as outsi#e the house (ena"ingl+ o$#e$e# he$ to go
.a"' ho(e -ith hi(. She -ent -ith hi(. She #i# not $eveal to an+.o#+ he$ ha$$o-ing
eGpe$ien"e fo$ fea$ that the a""use# (ight (a'e goo# of his th$eats. =onths late$, she
finall+ #ivulge# eve$+thing to he$ (othe$. he+ $epo$te# the in"i#ents to the poli"e an#,
the$eafte$, she ha# he$self ph+si"all+ eGa(ine# .+ a gove$n(ent ph+si"ian an# -as foun#
p$egnant. Conse:uentl+, th$ee (3) "ounts of Rape -e$e then file# .efo$e the RC against
the a""use#. $ial ensue#, a""use# a#(itte# one inte$"ou$se .ut the sa(e -as "onsensual
an# #enie# the t-o othe$ $apes, ho-eve$, the "ou$t foun# a""use# guilt+ fo$ t-o (3)
"ounts of Rape, those "o((itte# on 8ove(.e$ 3@ an# 38 onl+. <en"e, a""use# appeale#
the #e"ision.
!SS$%A
/hethe$ o$ not a""use#;s guilt fo$ t-o "ounts of Rape .e sustaine#.
'%LDA
80, a""use#;s guilt "annot .e sustaine#. Co(plainant;s testi(on+ #is"loses
"ont$a#i"tions an# in"onsisten"ies on vital #etails -hi"h lea# one to se$iousl+ #ou.t the
ve$a"it+ of he$ sto$+. he theo$+ of fo$"e an# inti(i#ation (anifeste# in he$ s-o$n
state(ent an# he$ testi(on+ on 0@ =a$"h %&&%, an# -hi"h $en#e$e# he$ Bun"ons"ious,B is
.elie# .+ he$ o-n testi(on+ on 03 Ap$il %&&%. /hile "o(plaint spea's of $esistan"e,
inti(i#ation, an# loss of "ons"iousness att$i.ute# to a""use#As violen"e an# th$eats,
ho-eve$, "o(plainant;s testi(on+ on 03 Ap$il %&&% gave a #etaile# #es"$iption of -hat
t$anspi$e# #u$ing those in"i#ents. <o- "oul# she $e"olle"t those #etails if she in#ee#
un"ons"ious as she "lai(e# to .e7 <en"e, he$ testi(on+ as to the allege# $ape is se$iousl+
fla-e#. 8onetheless, a""use# a#(itte# that he ha# seGual inte$"ou$se -ith the
"o(plainant on 3@ 8ove(.e$ %&8&, set up the #efense that the latte$ "onsente# to su"h
a"t. he -o (3) su""ee#ing in"i#ents -e$e ho-eve$ #enie# .+ the a""use#. /hile #enial
is t$eate# as a -ea' #efense, ho-eve$, it is ti(e)hono$e# p$in"iple that p$ose"ution (ust
$el+ on the st$ength of its evi#en"e $athe$ than on the -ea'ness of the #efense. Sin"e the
.u$#en of p$oof -as not #is"ha$ge# .+ the p$ose"ution, it follo-s a""use#;s eG"ulpation
f$o( $apeE ho-eve$, it #oes not (ean that his $esponsi.ilit+ is eGtinguishe#. 2+ his
a#(ission that of having seGual inte$"ou$se -ith "o(plainant -hen the latte$ -as onl+ %?
+ea$s of age, living -ith hi( in the sa(e house an# his nie"e, Oualifie# Se#u"tion -as
un#ou.te#l+ "o((itte# .+ hi(. 5t is the a"t of having "a$nal 'no-le#ge of a vi$gin ove$
%3 +ea$s to %8 +ea$s of age an# "o((itte# .+ an+ pe$son in pu.li" autho$it+, p$iest,
ho(e)se$vant, #o(esti", gua$#ian, tea"he$, o$ an+ pe$son -ho, in an+ "apa"it+, shall .e
ent$uste# -ith the e#u"ation an# "usto#+ of the -o(an se#u"e#. A.use of "onfi#en"e is
the :ualif+ing "i$"u(stan"e in the offense. 8ota.l+, a(ong the pe$sons -ho "an "o((it
:ualifie# se#u"tion is a B#o(esti"B. 5t pe$tains to Ipe$sons usuall+ living un#e$ the sa(e
$oof, pe$taining to the sa(e house, an# "onstituting, in the sense, a pa$t the$eof,
#istinguishing it f$o( the te$( se$vant -he$e.+ a pe$son se$ving anothe$ on a sala$+ is
#esignate#J. <en"e, "onvi"tion fo$ Oualifie# Se#u"tion is p$ope$ sin"e "o(plainant
esta.lishe# that the a""use#, he$ un"le,

-ho -as living -ith he$ in the sa(e house, ha#
seGual inte$"ou$se -ith he$, too' a#vantage of his (o$al as"en#an"+ if not #o(inan"e
ove$ he$, p$esu(a.l+, she -as a vi$gin an# the a""use# -as a #o(esti" in $elation to he$
-ithin the (eaning of A$t. 337 of the RPC. <en"e, a""use# is "onvi"te# of the "$i(e of
O6AL5F54* S4*6C508 instea# of RAP4.

P%OPL% vs.)%ODOS!O
G.. No. 7/,76& June 5& +77+.
GANCA;CO& %.,
*AC)SA
hat on o$ a.out *e"e(.e$ %&, %&8@, in the Cit+ of =anila, "o(plainant 4laine
Cesa$, (o$e than %3 +ea$s of age, -hile insi#e the $oo( at the Cha(pion Lo#ge 5nn,
lo"ate# at Sta. C$u>, =anila, -as (a#e to #$in' the #$ugge# soft #$in' upon pe$suasion of
a""use#)appellant Fe$na#o eo#osio, -hi"h $en#e$e# he$ #i>>+ an# un"ons"ious. /hile
un"ons"ious, a""use#)appellant ha# "a$nal 'no-le#ge of he$. 6pon gaining
"ons"iousness 4laine foun# .loo# on he$ p$ivate pa$t o$ vagina an# she felt pain in he$
.o#+E -hen she as'e# the a""use# -hat happene#, the a""use# lie# .+ sa+ing that
nothing happene#, she felt pain on he$ p$ivate. She $elates to he$ (othe$ su"h in"i#ent in
the (otel. 5$'e# .+ it, he$ (othe$ -aste# no ti(e in .$inging he$ poli"e station to lo#ge a
"o(plaint an# the$eafte$, she -as su.1e"te# to (e#i"al eGa(ination -hi"h $eveale# f$esh
h+(enal la"e$ations. <en"e, a""use#)appellant -as "ha$ge# of the "$i(e of $ape .efo$e
the RC. <e inte$pose# a s-eethea$t #efense an# that he an# "o(plainant -as love$s an#
that thei$ going to the hotel -as "onsensual a"t. 8onetheless, the "ou$t still "onvi"te# hi(
of the "$i(e "ha$ge#.
!SS$%A
/hethe$ o$ not a""use#)appellant;s guilt fo$ the "$i(e of $ape .e sustaine#.
<4L*!
80, it "annot .e sustaine#. he fo"al :uestion is -hethe$ the a""ount of 4laine in
that she -as onl+ fo$"e# to go to the (otel an# that she -as (a#e to #$in' the soft #$in'
so that she lost "ons"iousness is t$ue an# suppo$te# .+ the evi#en"e. 4laine a#(itte# that
she 'ne- appellant so(e th$ee (onths .efo$e the allege# in"i#ent too' pla"e .e"ause
the+ -e$e neigh.o$s. Appa$entl+, the+ fell in love -ith ea"h othe$ fo$ 4laine gave
appellant he$ photog$aph -ith he$ han#-$itten #e#i"ation. 2e"ause of this (e(ento, he
'isse# he$ out of 1o+. he+ -ent out th$ee ti(es to see a (ovie. he+ -e$e togethe$
al-a+s, going f$o( one pla"e to the othe$, until the+ slept togethe$ in the lo#ging house.
he$e -as no fo$"e o$ "o(pulsion involve#. 5t -as a #a+ of 1o+ fo$ the t-o +oung love$s.
Appellant #i# not #$ug 4laine to la+ -ith he$. She -as in love -ith hi( an# #i# not
hesitate to su$$en#e$ he$ vi$ginit+ to he$ s-eethea$t upon a p$o(ise of (a$$iage.
/hat is (o$e, 4laine;s testi(onies a$e fla-e#. Fi$stl+, -hile she "lai(e# she -as
#$agge# to the hotel, he$ (e#i"al eGa(ination #i# not $eveal an+ "ontusions on he$ .o#+
sho-ing use of an+ fo$"e on he$. Se"on#l+, if she -as $eall+ #$ugge# she shoul# have
.een given at least a .loo# an# u$ine test to #ete$(ine if the$e -e$e an+ $e(aining
"he(i"als in he$ s+ste(. his -as not #one. hi$#l+, afte$ the in"i#ent, 4laine -as
"o(pose# an# -as not #istu$.e# at all. She #i# not sho- an+ sign of having ha# a
t$au(ati" eGpe$ien"e. 5t -as onl+ -hen he$ (othe$ s"ol#e# he$ that she "ont$ive# he$
sto$+. Fe$il+, the fo$egoing "i$"u(stan"es effe"tivel+ #isp$ove the theo$+ of fo$"e an#
involunta$iness in the seGual inte$lu#e of the t-o. /hat is o.vious an# "lea$ is that these
t-o +oung love$s, "a$$ie# .+ thei$ (utual #esi$e fo$ ea"h othe$, in a (o(ent of
$e"'lessness, slept togethe$ an# thus "onsu((ate# the f$uition of thei$ .$ief love affai$.
Appellant "annot .e hel# lia.le fo$ $ape as the$e -as none "o((itte#. 5t -as a "onsensual
affai$. <o-eve$, appellant;s a"t falls to 4!mpe se$uct!on. he se#u"tion of a -o(an -ho
is single o$ a -i#o- of goo# $eputation, ove$ t-elve .ut un#e$ eighteen +ea$s of age,
"o((itte# .+ (eans of #e"eit. All ele(ents a$e p$esent he$e. 4laine -as ove$ %3 an#
un#e$ %8 +ea$s of age. She is single an# of goo# $eputation. he offen#e$ ha# seGual
inte$"ou$se -ith he$. 5t -as "o((itte# .+ #e"eit as appellant sai# he p$o(ise# to (a$$+
4laine, hen"e, he su""essfull+ pe$sua#e# he$ to give up he$ vi$ginit+. his is the #e"eit
"onte(plate# .+ la- that atten#e# the "o((ission of the offense.
6nfo$tunatel+, the essential ing$e#ients of si(ple se#u"tion a$e not allege# no$
ne"essa$il+ in"lu#e# in the offense "ha$ge# in the info$(ation. he onl+ ele(ents of the
offense allege# in the s-o$n "o(plaint of the offen#e# pa$t+ a$e that she is ove$ %3 +ea$s
of age -hen appellant ha# "a$nal 'no-le#ge of he$. hus, appellant "annot .e "onvi"te#
even fo$ si(ple se#u"tion eithe$. hus, a""use#)appellant is ACO654* f$o( the $ape
"ha$ge.
(almedilla
"ayor (ayani Alonte vs Judge "aCimo Savellano& N(! D People o2 t3e P3ilippines
*a4tsA
Alonte -as a""use# of $aping JuvieL+n Punong.a+an -ith a""o(pli"e 2uenaventu$a
Con"ep"ion. 5t -as allege# that Con"ep"ion .ef$ien#e# Juvie an# ha# late$ lu$e# he$ into
Alonete;s house -ho -as then the (a+o$ of 2iVan, Laguna. he "ase -as .$ought .efo$e
RC 2iVan. he "ounsel an# the p$ose"uto$ late$ (ove# fo$ a "hange of venue #ue to
allege# inti(i#ation. /hile the "hange of venue -as pen#ing, Juvie eGe"ute# an affi#avit
of #esistan"e. he p$ose"uto$ "ontinue# on -ith the "ase an# the "hange of venue -as
#one not-ithstan#ing opposition f$o( Alonte. he "ase -as $affle# to the =anila RC
un#e$ J Savellano. Savellano late$ foun# p$o.a.le "ause an# ha# o$#e$e# the a$$est of
Alonte an# Con"ep"ion. he$eafte$, the p$ose"ution p$esente# Juvie an# ha# atteste# the
volunta$iness of he$ #esistan"e the sa(e .eing #ue to (e#ia p$essu$e an# that the+ -oul#
$athe$ esta.lish ne- life else-he$e. Case -as then su.(itte# fo$ #e"ision an# Savellano
senten"e# .oth a""use# to $e"lusion pe$petua. Savellano "o((ente# that Alonte -aive#
his $ight to #ue p$o"ess -hen he #i# not "$oss eGa(ine Juvie -hen "la$ifi"ato$+ :uestions
-e$e $aise# a.out the #etails of the $ape an# on the volunta$iness of he$ #esistan"e.
!SS$%A /hethe$ o$ not Alonte has .een #enie# "$i(inal #ue p$o"ess.
'%LDA he SC $ule# that Savellano shoul# inhi.it hi(self f$o( fu$the$ #e"i#ing on the
"ase #ue to ani(osit+ .et-een hi( an# the pa$ties. he$e is no sho-ing that Alonte
-aive# his $ight. he stan#a$# of -aive$ $e:ui$es that it Inot onl+ (ust .e volunta$+, .ut
(ust .e 'no-ing, intelligent, an# #one -ith suffi"ient a-a$eness of the $elevant
"i$"u(stan"es an# li'el+ "onse:uen"es.J =e$e silen"e of the hol#e$ of the $ight shoul#
not .e so "onst$ue# as a -aive$ of $ight, an# the "ou$ts (ust in#ulge eve$+ $easona.le
p$esu(ption against -aive$. Savellano has not sho-n i(pa$tialit+ .+ $epeate#l+ not
a"ting on nu(e$ous petitions file# .+ Alonte. he "ase is $e(an#e# to the lo-e$ "ou$t fo$
$et$ial an# the #e"ision ea$lie$ p$o(ulgate# is nullifie#.
AO;O& J. v. CO$) O* APP%ALS G.. No. 76610& +7 November +77+& 015
SCA /-1

*a4tsA
A "$i(inal "o(plaint fo$ a#ulte$+ -as file# .+ the hus.an# against his -ife an#
petitione$. Afte$ t$ial, the Regional $ial Cou$t "onvi"te# the petitione$ an# the -ife,
.ase#, a(ong othe$s on the -ifeAs a#(ission to he$ hus.an#, of he$ infi#elit+. his
#e"ision -as affi$(e# .+ the Cou$t of Appeals. he -ife late$ file# a (otion fo$
$e"onsi#e$ation o$ ne- t$ial "onten#ing that a pa$#on ha# .een eGten#e# .+ he$ hus.an#.
he hus.an# file# a (anifestation p$a+ing fo$ the #is(issal of the "ase as he ha# Bta"itl+
"onsente#B to his -ifeAs infi#elit+.
!ssue!
/hethe$ the a#(ission of a#ulte$ous "on#u"t .+ the -ife to he$ hus.an# is a#(issi.le in
evi#en"e.
uling!
he hus.an#As testi(on+ $elating the a#(ission of a#ulte$ous "on#u"t (a#e .+ the -ife
to he$ hus.an# is a#(issi.le in evi#en"e. he hus.an# -as neithe$ a pea"e offi"e$ no$
an investigating offi"e$ "on#u"ting a "usto#ial investigationE hen"e, petitione$ "annot no-
"lai( that the -ifeAs a#(ission
shoul# have .een $e1e"te#.
(eltran vs. People
*a4tsA
Afte$ 34 +ea$s of (a$$iage an# fou$ "hil#$en, =e+na$#o 2elt$an file# a petition fo$ nullit+
of (a$$iage #ue to ps+"hologi"al in"apa"it+. 5n ans-e$ to the sai# petition, petitione$;s
-ife Cha$(aine FeliG "o(plaine# of "on"u.inage an# su.se:uentl+ file# a "$i(inal "ase
against the hus.an#. Petitione$ no- a$gues that pen#en"+ of the #e"la$ation of nullit+ of
his (a$$iage pose# a p$e1u#i"ial :uestion.

!SS$%A /hethe$ o$ not the #e"la$ation of nullit+ of the petitione$;s (a$$iage is a
p$e1u#i"ial :uestion.

'%LDA he "ou$t ave$$e# that petitione$;s "ontentions a$e untena.le. he $ationale
.ehin# the p$in"iple of p$e1u#i"ial :uestion is to avoi# t-o "onfli"ting #e"isions. he
pen#en"+ of the "ase fo$ #e"la$ation of nullit+ of petitione$;s of (a$$iage is not a
p$e1u#i"ial :uestion to the "on"u.inage "ase .e"ause the fa"ts in the latte$ "ase a$e not
.ase# on the fo$(e$ fo$ the guilt of the petitione$)a""use# is #ete$(ine#.
Case Digest on P%OPL% v. "AN$%L P%%< y "AGPAN)A;
G.. No. ++506-. "ar43 -& 011+.
*a4ts!
A""use# -as foun# guilt+ of $aping a %3)+$ ol#, an# senten"e# to suffe$ the penalt+ of
$e"lusion pe$petua. Appellant is the "o((on)la- hus.an# of the vi"ti(;s (othe$.
!ssue!
/hethe$ a""use# is guilt+ of $ape.
'%LD!
<aving eGa(ine# the enti$e $e"o$#, the SC foun# that the totalit+ of the evi#en"e
p$esente# .+ the p$ose"ution p$ove# .e+on# #ou.t all the ele(ents of $ape. P$ivate
"o(plainant testifie# as to ho- appellant ha# "a$nal 'no-le#ge of he$. he "a$nal
'no-le#ge too' pla"e un#e$ "i$"u(stan"es of violen"e an# inti(i#ation. <e$ testi(on+ is
suppo$te# .+ the $esults of the (e#i"o)legal eGa(ination "on#u"te# upon he$ at the
poli"e "$i(e la.o$ato$+. =o$eove$, she positivel+ pointe# to appellant in open "ou$t as the
pe$son $esponsi.le fo$ he$ #efile(ent. Against sai# positive i#entifi"ation, appellant;s
pue$ile #efense of #enial -ill not hol# -ate$, fo$ he #oes not even #en+ that he -as -ith
the offen#e# pa$t+ at the ti(e of the "o((ission of the "$i(e. =o$eove$, his atte(pts to
"ast ill (otive on p$ivate "o(plainant o$ he$ fa(il+ fo$ fa.$i"ating the "ha$ge of $ape
against hi( have no evi#entia$+ -eight. 5t -oul# .e (ost unnatu$al fo$ a +oung an#
i((atu$e gi$l to fa.$i"ate a sto$+ of $ape .+ he$ (othe$;s "o((on)la- spouseE allo- a
(e#i"al eGa(ination of he$ genitaliaE an# su.1e"t he$self to a pu.li" t$ial an# possi.le
$i#i"ule, all .e"ause he$ (ate$nal $elatives -ant he$ (othe$ to sepa$ate f$o( he$
"o((on)la- spouse. Pe$fo$"e, appellant;s "onvi"tion (ust stan#.
As to the penalt+ i(pose#, the SC hel# that the t$ial "ou$t "o$$e"tl+ senten"e# appellant to
$e"lusion pe$petua. 8ote that the $ape "o(plaine# of in this "ase too' pla"e on =a+ 3%,
%&&0 o$ -a+ .efo$e the $esto$ation of the #eath penalt+ fo$ "ases of :ualifie# $ape .+
vi$tue of R.A. 8o. 7?@&. he #eath penalt+ la- too' effe"t onl+ on *e"e(.e$ 3%, %&&3,
as pe$ the Cou$t;s hol#ing in People v. Si(on, 334 SCRA @@@, @?& (%&&4).
9G.. No. +0../1. O4tober 0/& +777:
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S& P+*-.)-//-A00(++((, vs. OLANDO %SP!!)$ y
P%%<& A112s(3-A00(++*.).
*a4ts!
A""use# Rolan#o 4spi$itu #enie# the allegations that he fo$"i.l+ a.#u"te# an# $ape#
Aha$an. <e "lai(e# that Aha$an -as his gi$lf$ien#. A""o$#ing to hi(, on 0"to.e$ @,
%&&3, his f$ien# 8o$(an Alva$e> int$o#u"e# Aha$an to hi(. F$o( that ti(e on, he an#
Aha$an #ate# five ti(es, on 0"to.e$ ?, 8, &, 33, an# 3@, %&&3, the #ate of the suppose#
a.#u"tion an# $ape.
he (e#i"al $epo$t in#i"ates f$esh la"e$ations an# the p$esen"e of spe$(ato>oa in the
vi"ti(s vagina. She ha# s-ollen li#s "ause# .+ t$au(a. his is in "ont$ast to the a""use#
testi(on+ that he #i# not have seGual inte$"ou$se -ith Aha$an
!ssue!
/hethe$ the a""use# is guilt+ of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape.
'eld!
Fo$"i.le a.#u"tion, as #efine# an# penali>e# un#e$ A$ti"le 343 of the Revise# Penal
Co#e, is the ta'ing of a -o(an against he$ -ill an# -ith le-# #esigns, o$ of a gi$l .elo-
%3 +ea$s of age. /hen the a""use# fo$"i.l+ too' a-a+ the vi"ti(, fo$ the pu$pose of
$aping he$, as in fa"t he #i# $ape he$, le-# an# un"haste #esigns eGiste# sin"e the
"o((en"e(ent of the "$i(e. Conse:uentl+, -hen a""use# $ape# Aha$an, he "o((itte#
the "o(pleG "$i(e of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape. he t$ial "ou$t "o$$e"tl+ i(pose# the
penalt+ of recus!on perpetua, fo$ the "$i(e of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape, in $elation to
A$ti"le 48 of the Revise# Penal Co#e.
9G.. No. .1577#,1,. November +5& +77/:
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S& 0+*-.)-//-*00(++((, vs. P%"ON%))% JO;
*O)!C' and $D; GA!D&*112s(3-*00(++*.)s.
*a4ts!
A""use#)appellants Pe$(onette Jo+ Fo$ti"h an# Ru#+ 9ai# -e$e ea"h "ha$ge# -ith t-o
"ounts of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape one "ount of $o..e$+ -ith f$ust$ate# ho(i"i#e an#
one "ount of $o..e$+.
Ihat on o$ a.out =a$"h 3%, %&83 in the evening, in the Cit+ of Caga+an #e 0$o,
Philippines, the a.ove)na(e# a""use#, -ith violen"e an# inti(i#ation, an# -ith the use
of an unli"ense# fi$ea$(, "onspi$ing, "onfe#e$ating togethe$ -ith one Ru#+ 9ai# alias
2o+ 9ai#, -ho is p$esentl+ at la$ge, an# (utuall+ helping one anothe$, #i# then an# the$e
-ilfull+, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+ a.#u"t the he$ein "o(plainant, =a$ilou 8o.le>a .+
then an# the$e ta'ing an# "a$$+ing he$ a-a+ -ith he$ siste$, =a$itess 8o.le>a, an#
loa#ing sai# "o(plainant on .oa$# a stolen pi"')up, against he$ -ill an# "onsent an# -ith
le-# #esigns, an# .$ought he$ f$o( Alta ie$$a, Ca$(en <ill, this "it+, to =alasag, this
"it+, an# -hile at =alasag, #i# then an# the$e -ilfull+, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+ have
"a$nal 'no-le#ge (.+ a""use# Pe$(onette Jo+ Fo$ti"h) of the he$ein "o(plainant, against
he$ -ill an# "onsent, to he$ g$eat #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e.
!ssueA
/hethe$ a""use# a$e guilt+ of fo$"i.le a.#u"tion -ith $ape.
'%LDA
Appellants Pe$(onette Jo+ Fo$ti"h an# Ru#+ 9ai# a$e "onvi"te# of the "$i(e of fo$"i.le
a.#u"tion -ith $ape an#, li'e-ise, of th$ee "ounts of $ape as #efine# an# penali>e# in
A$ti"le 343, in $elation to A$ti"le 33@, of the Revise# Penal Co#e. A""o$#ingl+,
appellants shall ea"h suffe$ fou$ te$(s of recus!on perpetua. 5n line -ith $e"ent
1u$isp$u#en"e,
P3?Q
appellants a$e fu$the$ o$#e$e# to in#e(nif+ =a$ilou 8o.le>a in the
a(ount of P300,000.00 ea"h as (o$al #a(ages.
5n C$i(inal Cases 8o. 3&77 an# 4%?3! Ro..e$+
Appellants Pe$(onette Jo+ Fo$ti"h an# Ru#+ 9ai# a$e he$e.+ "onvi"te# of the "$i(e of
si(ple $o..e$+ as #efine# an# penali>e# un#e$ A$ti"le 3&4, pa$ag$aph @ of the Revise#
Penal Co#e. Appl+ing the 5n#ete$(inate Senten"e La-, appellants shall ea"h suffe$ t-i"e
the penalt+ of fou$ (4) +ea$s an# t-o (3) (onths of pr!s!on correcc!ona, as (ini(u(, to
siG (?) +ea$s, one (%) (onth an# ten (%0) #a+s, of pr!s!on mayor an# shall soli#a$il+
in#e(nif+ Luis S. u(ang in the a(ount of (%) P%,03@.43 fo$ the "ash an# a$ti"les stolenE
(3) the agg$egate a(ount of P33,?03.8@ fo$ the plane fa$e an# (e#i"al eGpensesE (3) an#
the fu$the$ su( of P%0,000.00 as (o$al #a(ages. Appellants shall li'e-ise pa+ Roll+
5(pe$io the a(ount of P3?@.00 fo$ the "ash an# a$ti"les stolen an# P%0,000.00 as (o$al
#a(ages.
he .33 "ali.e$ $evolve$ an# a((unitions a$e F0RF454* in favo$ of the
9ove$n(ent. Costs against appellants.
G.. No. +5+,/0 "ar43 0.& 0111
)'% P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S& plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
O"%O )!PA; ; N$!)%& a""use#)appellant.
*a4ts!
hat so(eti(e Fe.$ua$+ o$ =a$"h of %&&@ at 2g+. 5nan#a-, Raga+, Ca(a$ines Su$,
Philippines, the a.ove)na(e# a""use#, -ho is the step)fathe$ of the p$ivate offen#e#
pa$t+, .+ (eans of fo$"e an# inti(i#ation, #i# then an# the$e -ilfull+, unla-full+ an#
feloniousl+ have seGual inte$"ou$se fo$ seve$al ti(es -ith one Susan Pelae> + *e:uiWo,
%@ +ea$s of age, against the latte$As -ill, to he$ #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e.
!ssue!
/hethe$ the a""use# is guilt+ of $ape.
'eld!
he Cou$t has lai# #o-n "e$tain gui#ing p$in"iples in $evie-ing $ape "ases, to -it! (a) an
a""usation of $ape "an .e (a#e -ith fa"ilit+ an# -hile the a""usation is #iffi"ult to p$ove,
it is even (o$e #iffi"ult fo$ the pe$son a""use#, although inno"ent, to #isp$ove the "ha$geE
(.) "onsi#e$ing the int$insi" natu$e of the "$i(e, onl+ t-o pe$sons a$e usuall+ involve# in
the "$i(e of $ape, the testi(on+ of the "o(plainant shoul# .e s"$utini>e# -ith g$eat
"aution, an# (") the evi#en"e fo$ the p$ose"ution (ust stan# o$ fall on its o-n (e$it, an#
"annot .e allo-e# to #$a- st$ength f$o( the -ea'ness of the evi#en"e fo$ the #efense.
he Cou$t is (o$all+ "onvin"e# that the a""use# R0=40 5PAD + 8654, is 965LD
.e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of the "$i(e of RAP4, as #efine# an# penali>e# un#e$ A$ti"le
33@(3)(3) of the Revise# Penal Co#e as a(en#e# .+ R.A. 7?@&, an# he is he$e.+
senten"e# to suffe$ the (aGi(u( penalt+ of *4A<. <e is #i$e"te# to in#e(nif+ the
offen#e# pa$t+ the a(ount of Fift+ housan# Pesos (P@0,000.00) as (o$al #a(ages an#
Fift+ housan# Pesos (P@0,000.00) as eGe(pla$+ #a(ages, an# to a"'no-le#ge his
offsp$ing =a$issa, -ith the offen#e# pa$t+.
Pilapil vs !bay#Somera EG.. No. .1++6F
*a4tsA
5(el#a =. Pilapil, a Filipino "iti>en, -as (a$$ie# -ith p$ivate $espon#ent, 4$i"h
4''eha$# 9eiling, a 9e$(an national .efo$e the Regist$a$ of 2i$ths, =a$$iages an#
*eaths at F$ie#ens-eile$, Fe#e$al Repu.li" of 9e$(an+. he+ have a "hil# -ho -as .o$n
on Ap$il 30, %&80 an# na(e# 5sa.ella Pilapil 9eiling. Con1ugal #isha$(on+ eventuate# in
p$ivate $espon#ent an# he initiate# a #ivo$"e p$o"ee#ing against petitione$ in 9e$(an+
.efo$e the S"hone.e$g Lo"al Cou$t in Janua$+ %&83. he petitione$ then file# an a"tion
fo$ legal sepa$ation, suppo$t an# sepa$ation of p$ope$t+ .efo$e the RC =anila on
Janua$+ 33, %&83.
he #e"$ee of #ivo$"e -as p$o(ulgate# on Janua$+ %@, %&8? on the g$oun# of failu$e of
(a$$iage of the spouses. he "usto#+ of the "hil# -as g$ante# to the petitione$.
0n June 37, %&8?, p$ivate $espon#ent file# 3 "o(plaints fo$ a#ulte$+ .efo$e the Cit+
Fis"al of =anila alleging that -hile still (a$$ie# to 5(el#a, latte$ Iha# an affai$ -ith
/illia( Chia as ea$l+ as %&83 an# anothe$ (an na(e# Jesus Chua so(eti(e in %&83J.
!SS$%A
/hethe$ o$ not the "ase fo$ a#ulte$+ shoul# p$ospe$.
/hethe$ p$ivate $espon#ent "an p$ose"ute petitione$ on the g$oun# of a#ulte$+ even
though the+ a$e no longe$ hus.an# an# -ife as #e"$ee of #ivo$"e -as al$ea#+ issue#.
'%LDA
he la- spe"ifi"all+ p$ovi#e# that in p$ose"ution fo$ a#ulte$+ an# "on"u.inage, the
pe$son -ho "an legall+ file the "o(plaint shoul# .e the offen#e# spouse an# no.o#+ else.
hough in this "ase, it appea$e# that p$ivate $espon#ent is the offen#e# spouse, the latte$
o.taine# a vali# #ivo$"e in his "ount$+, the Fe#e$al Repu.li" of 9e$(an+, an# sai#
#ivo$"e an# its legal effe"ts (a+ .e $e"ogni>e# in the Philippines in so fa$ as he is
"on"e$ne#. hus, un#e$ the sa(e "onsi#e$ation an# $ationale, p$ivate $espon#ent is no
longe$ the hus.an# of petitione$ an# has no legal stan#ing to "o((en"e the a#ulte$+ "ase
un#e$ the i(postu$e that he -as the offen#e# spouse at the ti(e he file# suit.
Case Digest on People v. De lara

*a4ts!
People v. *e la$a F! Afte$ a su$veillan"e "on#u"te#, a .u+).ust ope$ation -as "on#u"te#
.+ the poli"e, as a "onse:uen"e of -hi"h, a""use# -as a$$este#. he a""use# al$ea#+
po"'ete# the (a$'e# (one+ an# han#e# t-o foils to the poli"e -hen he sense# the
p$esen"e of poli"e ope$atives. <e t$ie# to $et$ieve the t-o foils .ut he -as p$evente# f$o(
#oing so. <e t$ie# to es"ape .+ $unning insi#e his house. he poli"e pu$sue# hi( an#
-e$e a.le to su.#ue hi(. he a""use# a#(itte# that he 'ept p$ohi.ite# #$ugs in his house.
<e even sho-e# the a$$esting offi"e$s a .lue plasti" .ag "ontaining p$ohi.ite# #$ugs. he
tea(, togethe$ -ith the a""use#, p$o"ee#e# to /P* hea#:ua$te$s fo$ investigation.
*u$ing the investigation, a""use# -as app$ise# of his "onstitutional $ights to $e(ain
silent an# to have the assistan"e of "ounsel. /hen appellant -as as'e# to give a -$itten
state(ent, he $efuse# to #o so pen#ing a$$ival of his la-+e$. A""use# "onten#s that his
a$$est an# the sei>u$e of the .ag "ontaining p$ohi.ite# #$ugs -as null an# voi#. <e also
"onten#s that he -as not assiste# .+ "ounsel #u$ing "usto#ial investigation, -he$e he -as
fo$"e# to sign the photo"op+ of the (a$'e# (one+, the Re"eipt of P$ope$t+ Sei>e#, an#
the 2oo'ing an# 5nfo$(ation Sheet.
!SS$%! /hethe$ o$ not the a$$est of the a""use# an# the sei>u$e of the plasti" .ag -e$e
vali#.
$L!NG! D4S. he a""use# -as "aught in flag$ante as a $esult of a .u+).ust ope$ation.
he$e -as no nee# fo$ a -a$$ant. he poli"e(en -e$e not onl+ autho$i>e# .ut -e$e also
un#e$ o.ligation to app$ehen# the #$ug pushe$ even -ithout a -a$$ant. he poli"e(en;s
ent$+ into the house of the a""use# -ithout a sea$"h -a$$ant -as in hot)pu$suit of a
pe$son "aught "o((itting an offense in flag$ante. he a$$est that follo-e# the hot)pu$suit
-as vali#. he sei>u$e of the plasti" .ag -as the $esult of the a""use#;s a$$est insi#e the
house. A "onte(po$aneous sea$"h (a+ .e "on#u"te# upon the pe$son of the a$$estee an#
the i((e#iate vi"init+ -he$e the a$$est -as (a#e. 5SS64! /hethe$ the #o"u(ents signe#
.+ the a""use# #u$ing the investigation -e$e a#(issi.le in evi#en"e. R6L589! 80.
he$e -as no sho-ing that a""use# -as then assiste# .+ "ounsel no$ his -aive$ the$eto
put into -$iting. (he $e1e"tion of these evi#en"e -oul# not affe"t the "onvi"tion of the
a""use# in vie- of the a.un#an"e of othe$ evi#en"e esta.lishing his guilt.)
(autista
Gar4ia vs CA
G ++7165 E+77/F
Fa"ts!
) August 38 %&&% Jose 9a$"ia "ha$ge# his -ife *elia Santos, -ith the RC -ith 2iga(+
fo$ .eing p$eviousl+ unite# in la-ful (a$$iage -ith Re+nal#o Oui$o"a (in %&@%) an#
-ithout su"h having .een #issolve# "ont$a"te# se"on# (a$$iage -ith Jose 9a$"ia.
) *elia Santos file# a (otion to Ouash alleging alleging p$es"$iption of the offense as a
g$oun#.
) *elia "ontente# that Jose 9a$"ia 'ne- of the fi$st (a$$iage as ea$l+ as %&74. Pu$suant
then to A$ti"le &% of the Revise# Penal Co#e (RPC), the pe$io# of p$es"$iption of the
offense sta$te# to $un the$ef$o(. hus, sin"e .iga(+ -as punisha.le .+ p$ision (a+o$, an
affli"tive penalt+ -hi"h p$es"$i.e# in fifteen +ea$s pu$suant to A$ti"le &3 of the RPC, then
the offense "ha$ge# p$es"$i.e# in %&8&, o$ fifteen +ea$s afte$ its #is"ove$+ .+ the
petitione$. /ith this, RC g$ante# the (otion to :uash.
) Jose 9a$"ia then appeale# to CA an# "onten#e# that .iga(+ -as a pu.li" offense hen"e
the offen#e# pa$t+ is not the %st no$ the 3n# inno"ent spouse .ut the State. F$o( this he
a##e# the p$es"$iptive pe$io# shoul# "o((en"e f$o( the ti(e he file# the "o(plaint.
) <e also $eite$ate# -ith CA that the p$es"$iptive pe$io# -as inte$$upte# se$ve$al ti(es .+
*eliaAs nu(e$ous t$ips a.o$a#.
) Still, CA gave "$e#en"e to the RCAs #e"ision.
5ssue!
/hethe$ p$es"$iption of 2iga(+ shoul# onl+ "o((en"e f$o( the ti(e the State
#is"ove$e# its "o((ision.
*e"ision!
/hile it is t$ue that .iga(+ is a pu.li" offense, it is enti$el+ in"o$$e"t to sa+ that the State
is the onl+ offen#e# pa$t+ in su"h "ase, as -ell as in othe$ pu.li" offenses. A$ti"le &% of
the RPC p$ovi#es that Bthe pe$io# of p$es"$iption shall "o((en"e to $un f$o( the #a+ on
-hi"h the "$i(e is #is"ove$e# .+ the offen#e# pa$t+, the autho$ities, o$ thei$ agents. . . .B
<en"e, the #is"ove$+ (a+ .e .+ the Boffen#e# pa$t+, the autho$ities, o$ thei$ agents.B
As RPCAs A$ti"le &% #oes not #efine the te$( Boffen#e# pa$t+,B #efinition "an .e foun# in
Se"tion %3, Rule %%0 of the Rules of Cou$t as Bthe pe$son against -ho( o$ against -hose
p$ope$t+, the offense -as "o((itte#. /hi"h is also st$engthene# .+ Se"tion %, Rule %%%
of the Rules of Cou$t -hi"h $ea#sE B/hen a "$i(inal a"tion is institute#, the "ivil a"tion
fo$ the $e"ove$+ of "ivil lia.ilit+ is i(plie#l+ institute# -ith a "$i(inal a"tion, unless the
offen#e# pa$t+ -aives the "ivil a"tion, $ese$ves his $ight to institute it sepa$atel+, o$
institutes the "ivil a"tion p$io$ to the "$i(inal a"tion.B
*epen#ing on the "i$"u(stan"es, .oth the %st an# the 3n# spouses (a+ .e the offen#e#
pa$ties.
As fo$ *eliaAs seve$al t$ips a.$oa#, SC ag$ee# -ith CA that the t$ips #o not "onstitute the
Ba.sen"eB "onte(plate# in A$ti"le &% of RPC. hese t$ips -e$e .$ief an# -e$e (a#e long
afte$ Jose 9a$"ia #is"ove$e# the offense an# the info$(ation -as file# -ell .e+on# the
p$es"$iptive pe$io#.
he petition is *4854* fo$ la"' of (e$it an# the CA #e"ision -as affi$(e#.
"er4ado vs. )an
G.. +5/++1 E0111F
Fa"ts!
) *$. Fin"ent =e$"a#o (a$$ie# =a. hel(a 0liva in Ap$il %0, %&7? .+ a Ju#ge an#
fu$the$ .lesse# .+ a P$iest in 0"to.e$ %0, %&7?.
) 0n June 37, %&&%, a su.se:uent (a$$iage -as "ont$a"te# .+ *$. =e$"a#o -ith =a.
Consuelo an. Consuelo -as a-a$e of the %st (a$$iage.
) A "o(plaint fo$ .iga(+ -as file# .+ Consuelo last 0"to.e$ @, %&&3.
) 8ove(.e$ %3, %&&3, *$. =e$"a#o file# an a"tion fo$ *e"la$ation of 8ullit+ of =a$$iage
against =a. hel(a 0liva. =a+ ?, %&&3, the (a$$iage -as #e"la$e# null an# voi#.
) Still, *$. =e$"a#o -as "ha$ge# .+ the RC guilt+ of .iga(+.
) Case -as appeale# to CA. CA affi$(s RCAs #e"ision eGplaining that though the
p$evious (a$$iage -as #e"la$e# null an# voi#, su"h #e"la$ation "a(e afte$ the "ele.$ation
of the se"on# (a$$iage -hen the "ase fo$ .iga(+ against *$. =e$"a#o -as al$ea#+ t$ie#
in "ou$t. /hat "onstitutes the "$i(e of .iga(+ is the a"t of an+ pe$son -ho "ont$a"ts a
se"on# (a$$iage .efo$e the fo$(e$ (a$$iage has .een legall+ #issolve#.
) Case -as $aise# to the SC
5ssue!
/hethe$ a voi#e# fi$st (a$$iage "an .e use# as a #efense against .iga(+ "ha$ge
*e"ision!
0l# $uling has .een "ast asi#e .+ A$ti"le 40 of the Fa(il+ Co#e. Su"h #e"la$ation of
nullit+ .efo$e one "an "ont$a"t a se"on# (a$$iage is ne"essa$+. /ithout su"h #e"la$ation,
one (a+ .e "ha$ge# -ith an# "onvi"te# of .iga(+.
hough the %st (a$$iage is null an# voi#, the 1u#i"ial #e"la$ation (ust "o(e fi$st .efo$e a
pe$son "an (a$$+ again, hen"e in the "ase at .a$, the "$i(e of 2iga(+ ha# al$ea#+ .een
"onsu((ate# .+ the Petitione$. <e su.se:uentl+ o.taine# a 1u#i"ial #e"la$ation of nullit+
of his %st (a$$iage -as i((ate$ial fo$ the se"on# (a$$iage -as "ont$a"te# -ithout a
1u#i"ial #e"la$ation (a'ing it .iga(ous an# "$i(inal in "ha$a"te$.
Diego vs. Castillo
A" No. )J#10#+6/5 E011,F
Fa"ts!
) C$esen"ia 4s"oto "ont$a"te# (a$$iage -ith Jo$ge #e Pe$io J$. in Jan &, %&?@
) Fe.$ua$+ %@, %&78, a *e"$ee of *ivo$"e -as issue# .+ the Fa(il+ *ist$i"t Cou$t of
<a$$is Count+, eGas it -as Bo$#e$e#, a#1u#ge# an# #e"$ee#, that the .on#s of (at$i(on+
he$etofo$e eGisting .et-een Jo$ge #e Pe$io an# C$esen"ia #e Pe$io is he$e.+ *issolve#,
Can"elle# an# Annulle# an# the Petitione$ is he$e.+ g$ante# a *ivo$"e.B
) June 4, %&87, C$es"en"ia 4s"oto "ont$a"te# (a$$iage -ith =anuel P. *iego.
) C$i(inal "ase fo$ 2iga(+ -as file# against C$esen"ia .ut -as a:uitte# .+ RC Ju#ge
Silve$io Castillo fo$ .asis of he$ goo# faith, -ithouht (ali"ious intent, .elieving that th$u
the #e"$ee of #ivo$"e, he$ %st (a$$iage to Jo$ge #e Pe$io ha# .een vali#l+ #issolve#.
5ssue!
/hethe$ a #e"$ee of #ivo$"e, f$o( a fo$eign lan#, -ill #issolve the vali#it+ of (a$$iage
he$e in ou$ "ount$+.
*e"ision!
8o. Sin"e #ivo$"e is not $e"ogni>e# in ou$ "ount$+, the fi$st (a$$iage is still su.sisting,
thus (a'ing the 3n# (a$$iage .iga(ous. 4ven if C$esen"ia honestl+ .elieve# that she
-as not "o((itting an+ violation of the la- an# has no "$i(inal intent, it #oes not 1ustif+
he$ a"t. 4ve$+one is p$esu(e# to 'no- the la-, an# the fa"t that one #oes not 'no- that
his a"t "onstitutes a violation of la- #oes not eGe(pt hi( f$o( the "onse:uen"es the$eof.
Cont$olling "ase at .a$ is the "ase of People v. S"hne"'en.u$ge$, -he$e it -as hel# that
the a""use# -ho se"u$e# a fo$eign #ivo$"e, an# late$ $e(a$$ie# in the Philippines, in the
.elief that the fo$eign #ivo$"e -as vali#, is lia.le fo$ .iga(+.
)e vs. Court o2 Appeals
G +06/,6 E0111F
Fa"ts!
) A$thu$ e an# Liliana Choa -e$e (a$$ie# on Septe(.e$ %4, %&88
) 0n =a+ 30, %&&0, -hile (a$$iage is still su.sisting, A$thu$ e "ont$a"te# a se"on#
(a$$iage -ith Julieta Santella
) Choa file# a "o(plaint fo$ 2iga(+ against A$thu$ e so(eti(e in June %&&0 to the RC
) 0n Jul+ 30, %&&0, A$thu$ file# an a"tion to RC fo$ annul(ent to Choa on the g$oun#
that he -as fo$"e# to (a$$+ he$ an# "on"eale# the$ p$egnan"+ .+ anothe$ (an at the ti(e
of thei$ (a$$iage an# that she -as ps+"hologi"all+ in"apa"itate# to pe$fo$( he$ essential
(a$ital o.ligations.
) A$thu$ e "onten#e# that his "ivil "ase fo$ annul(ent pose# a p$e1u#i"ial :uestion -hi"h
shoul# suspen# the "$i(inal "ase fo$ .iga(+ until the sai# "ivil "ase .e te$(inate#.
) RC $ule# that annul(ent "ase #oes not pose a p$e1u#i"ial :uestion an# $ule# that
A$thu$ e is guilt+ of 2iga(+.
) Case -as appeale# to the CA. CA affi$(e# the RCAs #e"ision as the ChoaAs pa$t+ -as
a.le to "ite evi#en"e sho-ing the eGisten"e of the ele(ents of .iga(+.
5ssue!
/hethe$ a pen#ing "ivil "ase fo$ annul(ent -oul# suspen# a "$i(inal "ase fo$ 2iga(+
*e"ision!
he "ivil "ase fo$ annul(ent ha# no .ea$ing on the #ete$(ination of A$thu$ eAs
inno"en"e o$ guilt in the "$i(inal "ase fo$ .iga(+. All that is $e:ui$e# fo$ the "ha$ge of
.iga(+ to p$ospe$ is that the fi$st (a$$iage .e su.sisting at the ti(e the se"on# (a$$iage
is "ont$a"te#.
6n#e$ the la-, follo-ing the p$evailing $ule un#e$ A$ti"le 40 of the Fa(il+ Co#e,
p$esu(ption of (a$$iageE a (a$$iage even -hi"h is voi# o$ voi#a.le, shall .e #ee(e#
vali# until #e"la$e# othe$-ise in a 1u#i"ial p$o"ee#ing.
5t is "lea$ that the pen#en"+ of the "ivil "ase fo$ annul(ent #i# not give $ise to a
p$e1u#i"ial :uestion sin"e at the ti(e of the allege# "o((ission of the "$i(e, thei$
(a$$iage -as, un#e$ the la-, still vali# an# su.sisting.
Abunado vs. People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G +-70+. E011,F
Fa"ts!
) 0n Septe(.e$ %8, %&?7, Salva#o$ A.una#o (a$$ie# 8a$"isa A$"eWo
) 0n Janua$+ %0, %&8&, Salva#o$ "ont$a"te# a se"on# (a$$iage -ith a Menai#a 2iWas
) 0n Janua$+ %&, %&&@, an annul(ent "ase -as file# .+ Salva#o$ against 8a$"isa.
) 0n =a+ %8, %&&@, a "ase fo$ .iga(+ -as file# .+ 8a$"isa against Salva#o$ an# Menai#a.
) Salva#o$ a#(itte# that he fi$st (a$$ie# Menai#a on *e"e(.e$ 34, %&@@ an# has fou$
"hil#$en -ith he$ p$io$ to thei$ sepa$ation in %&??.
) Salva#o$ -as "onvi"te# in the RC fo$ 2iga(+.
) Case -as appeale# to CA "lai(ing that his petition fo$ annul(ent poses a p$e1u#i"ial
:uestion that shoul# suspen# the "$i(inal "ase until the$e has .een a #e"ision fo$ the "ivil
"ase.
) CA still affi$(e# "onvi"tion of Salva#o$ fo$ .iga(+.
5ssue!
/hethe$ pen#ing annul(ent "ase -oul# suspen# the "$i(inal "ase of 2iga(+
*e"ision!
he su.se:uent 1u#i"ial #e"la$ation of the nullit+ of the fi$st (a$$iage -as i((ate$ial
.e"ause p$io$ to the #e"la$ation of nullit+, the "$i(e ha# al$ea#+ .een "onsu((ate#.
=o$eove$, petitione$As asse$tion -oul# onl+ #ela+ the p$ose"ution of .iga(+ "ases
"onsi#e$ing that an a""use# "oul# si(pl+ file a petition to #e"la$e his p$evious (a$$iage
voi# an# invo'e the pen#en"+ of that a"tion as a p$e1u#i"ial :uestion in the "$i(inal "ase.
he "ou$t "annot allo- that.
he out"o(e of the "ivil "ase fo$ annul(ent of Salva#o$As (a$$iage to 8a$"isa ha# no
.ea$ing upon the #ete$(ination of inno"en"e o$ guilt in the "$i(inal "ase fo$ .iga(+,
.e"ause all that is $e:ui$e# fo$ the "ha$ge of .iga(+ to p$ospe$ is that the fi$st (a$$iage
.e su.sisting at the ti(e the se"on# (a$$iage is "ont$a"te#.
hus, un#e$ the la-, a (a$$iage, even one -hi"h is voi# o$ voi#a.le, shall .e #ee(e#
vali# until #e"la$e# othe$-ise in a 1u#i"ial p$o"ee#ing. 5n this "ase, even if petitione$
eventuall+ o.taine# a #e"la$ation that his fi$st (a$$iage -as voi# a. initio, the point is,
.oth the fi$st an# the se"on# (a$$iage -e$e su.sisting .efo$e the fi$st (a$$iage -as
annulle#.
"origo vs. People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. +,-006
) Lu"io =o$igo an# Lu"ia 2a$$ete "ont$a"te# (a$$iage on August 30, %&&0.
) 0n Janua$+ %7, %&&3, the 0nta$io Cou$t g$ante# the petition fo$ #ivo$"e to Lu"ia.
) 0n 0"to.e$ 4, %&&3, Lu"io =o$igo (a$$ie# =a$ia Je"e"ha Lu(.ago
) 0n Septe(.e$ 3%, %&&3, Lu"io file# a "o(plaint fo$ 1u#i"ial #e"la$ation of nullit+ of
(a$$iage -ith Lu"ia on the g$oun# that no (a$$iage "e$e(on+ a"tuall+ too' pla"e.
) 0n 0"to.e$ %&, %&&3, Lu"io -as "ha$ge# -ith 2iga(+ in an 5nfo$(ation file# -ith the
RC
) Lu"io (ove# fo$ suspension of the a$$aign(ent on the g$oun# that the "ivil "ase fo$
1u#i"ial nullifi"ation of his (a$$iage -ith Lu"ia pose# a p$e1u#i"ial :uestion in the
.iga(+ "ase.
) RC "onvi"te# Lu"io fo$ the "$i(e of 2iga(+ on the g$oun# that it #is"ounte# the "lai(
that his fi$st (a$$iage to Lu"ia -as null an# voi# a. initio.
) Case -as appeale# to CA. CA affi$(e# RCAs #e"ision.
5ssue!
/hethe$ a %st (a$$iage that la"'s (a$$iage "e$e(on+ is "onsi#e$e# no (a$$iage at all that
-ill a":uit Lu"io =o$igo of the "$i(e of 2iga(+
*e"ision!
he$e -as no a"tual (a$$iage "e$e(on+ pe$fo$(e# .et-een Lu"io an# Lu"ia .+ a
sole(ni>ing offi"e$. /hat onl+ t$anspi$e# is a (e$e signing of a (a$$iage "ont$a"t
-ithout the p$esen"e of a sole(ni>ing offi"e$ (a'ing it voi# a. initio, in a""o$#an"e -ith
A$t 3 an# 4 of the Fa(il+ Co#e. he$e -as no (a$$iage to .egin -ith, un#e$ the e+es of
the la-, neve$ (a$$ie#.
%st ele(ent of 2iga(+ as a "$i(e $e:ui$es that the a""use# (ust have .een legall+
(a$$ie# .ut in this "ase, legall+ spea'ing, Lu"io -as not (a$$ie# to Lu"ia. he "ont$a"t
of (a$$iage -ith Lu"ia is null hen"e he -as not (a$$ie# to an+one the ti(e he "ont$a"te#
(a$$iage to =a$ia Je"e"ha.
5t .ea$s st$essing though that in =e$"a#o vs an, the fi$st (a$$iage -as a"tuall+
sole(ni>e# not 1ust on"e, .ut t-i"e! fi$st .efo$e a 1u#ge -he$e a (a$$iage "e$tifi"ate -as
#ul+ issue# an# then again siG (onths late$ .efo$e a p$iest in $eligious $ites. 0stensi.l+, at
least, the fi$st (a$$iage appea$e# to have t$anspi$e#, although late$ #e"la$e# voi# a. initio.
5n the instant "ase, ho-eve$, no (a$$iage "e$e(on+ at all -as pe$fo$(e# .+ a #ul+
autho$i>e# sole(ni>ing offi"e$. Petitione$ an# Lu"ia 2a$$ete (e$el+ signe# a (a$$iage
"ont$a"t on thei$ o-n. he (e$e p$ivate a"t of signing a (a$$iage "ont$a"t .ea$s no
se(.lan"e to a vali# (a$$iage an# thus, nee#s no 1u#i"ial #e"la$ation of nullit+.
Lu"io =o$igo is a":uitte#.
9uingguing vs. CA
9R %38&@& Septe(.e$ 30, 300@
Fa"ts!
) 5n %&&%,2$oa#"ase Jou$nalist, Ci$se BCho+B o$$al.a file# a "ase against Ci$ia"o B2o+B
9uingguing an# Segun#o Li( fo$ pu.lishing all "$i(inal "ases file# against Cho+ in
Bhe Sun#a+ PostB "i$"ulating in 2ohol, Fisa+as an# =in#anao.
) he CA affi$(e# RCAs #e"ision $en#e$ing 9uingguing an# Li( guilt+ .e+on#
$easona.le #ou.t of the "$i(e of li.el.
5ssue!
/hethe$ li.ellous state(ents against Ci$se BCho+B o$$al.a, a Pu.li" Figu$e, -e$e (a#e
o$ pu.lishe# -ith a"tual (ali"e.
*e"ision!
) A"utal (ali"e in Li.el (eans 'no-le#ge that the state(ent -as false o$ -ith $e"'less
#is$ega$# as to -hethe$ o$ not it -as t$ue.
) /hile it is t$ue that Cho+ is a Pu.li" Figu$e, all info$(ation in"lu#e# in the pu.lishe#
a#ve$tise(ent is t$ue an# is of pu.li" $e"o$#.
) A$ti"le 3@4 of RPC -hen applie# to pu.li" figu$es "o(plaining of "$i(inal li.el, (ust
.e "onst$ue# in light of the "onstitutional gua$antee of f$ee eGp$ession, an# this Cou$tAs
p$e"e#ents uphol#ing the stan#a$# of a"tual (ali"e -ith the ne"essa$+ i(pli"ation that a
state(ent $ega$#ing a pu.li" figu$e if t$ue is not li.ellous.
) Petition is g$ante# an# *e"ision of lo-e$ "ou$ts -e$e $eve$se# an# set asi#e.

=a"asaet vs. People
9R %@?747 300@
Fa"ts!
) 0n Jul+ %3, %&&?, Alfie Lo$en>o, Allen =a"asaet, 8i"olas Oui1ano J$., Roge$ 2. Pa$a1es
of A.ante "onspi$e#, "onfe#e$ate# togethe$ an# (utuall+ helpe# one anothe$, -ith
evi#ent intent of eGposing J0S4L50 =A9ALLA84S R585*A* to pu.li" hat$e#,
#ishono$, #is"$e#it an# "onte(pt an# $i#i"ule, #i#, then an# the$e -ilfull+, unla-full+ an#
feloniousl+ an# (ali"iousl+ -$ite, pu.lish, eGhi.it an# "i$"ulate an#Ko$ "ause to .e
-$itten, pu.lishe#, eGhi.ite# an# "i$"ulate# in the ne-spape$.
) 0n Septe(.e$ %3, %&&7, petitione$s file# a =otion to *is(iss the li.el "ase on the
g$oun# that the t$ial "ou$t #i# not have 1u$is#i"tion ove$ the offense "ha$ge# .e"ause the
info$(ation sho-s that the $esi#en"e of Joe+ $ini#a# -as in =a$i'ina, the RC of
Oue>on Cit+ #i# not have 1u$is#i"tion ove$ the "ase pu$suant to A$ti"le 3?0 of the
Revise# Penal Co#e.
) 0n 34 8ove(.e$ %&&7, the t$ial "ou$t #is(isse# the "ase #ue to la"' of 1u$is#i"tion. he
t$ial "ou$t #e"i#e# .ase# on the fa"t that 1u$is#i"tion -as i(p$ope$l+ lai# in this "ase. he
a##$ess of Joe+ $ini#a# appea$e# to .e the one in =a$i'ina Cit+ an# not Oue>on Cit+.
) Cou$t of Appeals $eve$se# the #e"ision -hen it -as appeale# .+ 0S9 an# $ini#a#,
sa+ing that $esi#en"e "an eithe$ .e #o(i"ile o$ te(po$a$+ $esi#en"e (a'ing, in the "ase at
.a$, B$esi#en"e of a pe$son (ust .e his pe$sonal, a"tual o$ ph+si"al ha.itation o$ his a"tual
$esi#en"e o$ a.o#eB an# fo$ the pu$pose of #ete$(ining venue, a"tual $esi#en"e is a
pe$sonAs pla"e of a.o#e an# not ne"essa$il+ his legal $esi#en"e o$ #o(i"ile. 5n this "ase,
the #efe"t appea$ing on the o$iginal "o(plaint -he$ein the $esi#en"e of $ini#a# -as
in#i"ate# to .e =a$i'ina Cit+ -as su.se:uentl+ "u$e# .+ the supple(ental)affi#avit that
he su.(itte#.
5ssue!
/hethe$ Cou$t of Appeals "o((itte# a $eve$si.le e$$o$ in $uling that RC has
Be$$ito$ialB Ju$is#i"tion ove$ the "$i(e "ha$ge#.
*e"ision!
5n "$i(inal a"tions, it is a fun#a(ental $ule that venue is 1u$is#i"tional. hus, the pla"e
-he$e the "$i(e -as "o((itte# #ete$(ines not onl+ the venue of the a"tion .ut is an
essential ele(ent of 1u$is#i"tion. he 1u$is#i"tion of a "ou$t ove$ the "$i(inal "ase is
#ete$(ine# .+ the allegations in the "o(plaint o$ info$(ation. An# on"e it is so sho-n,
the "ou$t (a+ vali#l+ ta'e "ogni>an"e of the "ase. <o-eve$, if the evi#en"e a##u"e#
#u$ing the t$ial sho- that the offense -as "o((itte# so(e-he$e else, the "ou$t shoul#
#is(iss the a"tion fo$ -ant of 1u$is#i"tion.
he la-, ho-eve$, is (o$e pa$ti"ula$ in li.el "ases. he possi.le venues fo$ the institution
of the "$i(inal an# the "ivil aspe"ts of sai# "ase a$e "on"isel+ outline# in A$ti"le 3?0 of
the Revise# Penal Co#e.
5n Ag.a+ani v. Sa+o, it -as su((a$i>e# the $ule in the follo-ing (anne$!
%. /hethe$ the offen#e# pa$t+ is a pu.li" offi"ial o$ a p$ivate pe$son, the "$i(inal a"tion
(a+ .e file# in the Cou$t of Fi$st 5nstan"e of the p$ovin"e o$ "it+ -he$e the li.ellous
a$ti"le is p$inte# an# fi$st pu.lishe#.
3. 5f the offen#e# pa$t+ is a p$ivate in#ivi#ual, the "$i(inal a"tion (a+ also .e file# in the
Cou$t of Fi$st 5nstan"e of the p$ovin"e -he$e he a"tuall+ $esi#e# at the ti(e of the
"o((ission of the offense.
3. 5f the offen#e# pa$t+ is a pu.li" offi"e$ -hose offi"e is in =anila at the ti(e of the
"o((ission of the offense, the a"tion (a+ .e file# in the Cou$t of Fi$st 5nstan"e of
=anila.
4. 5f the offen#e# pa$t+ is a pu.li" offi"e$ hol#ing offi"e outsi#e of =anila, the a"tion
(a+ .e file# in the Cou$t of Fi$st 5nstan"e of the p$ovin"e o$ "it+ -he$e he hel# offi"e at
the ti(e of the "o((ission of the offense
5n the "ase at .a$, p$ivate $espon#ent -as a p$ivate "iti>en at the ti(e of the pu.li"ation of
the allege# li.ellous a$ti"le, hen"e, he "oul# onl+ file his li.el suit in the Cit+ of =anila
-he$e A.ante -as fi$st pu.lishe# o$ in the p$ovin"e o$ "it+ -he$e he a"tuall+ $esi#e# at
the ti(e the pu$po$te# li.ellous a$ti"le -as p$inte#.
A pe$usal, ho-eve$, of the info$(ation involve# in this "ase easil+ $eveals that the
allegations "ontaine# the$ein a$e utte$l+ insuffi"ient to vest 1u$is#i"tion on the RC of
Oue>on Cit+. 0the$ than pe$fun"to$il+ stating BOue>on Cit+B at the .eginning of the
info$(ation, the assistant "it+ p$ose"uto$ -ho p$epa$e# the info$(ation #i# not .othe$ to
in#i"ate -hethe$ the 1u$is#i"tion of RC Oue>on Cit+ -as invo'e# eithe$ .e"ause A.ante
-as p$inte# in that pla"e o$ p$ivate $espon#ent -as a $esi#ent of sai# "it+ at the ti(e the
"lai(e# li.ellous a$ti"le "a(e out. As these (atte$s #eal -ith the fun#a(ental issue of
the "ou$tAs 1u$is#i"tion, A$ti"le 3?0 of the Revise# Penal Co#e, as a(en#e#, (an#ates that
eithe$ one of these state(ents (ust .e allege# in the info$(ation itself an# the a.sen"e of
.oth f$o( the ve$+ fa"e of the info$(ation $en#e$s the latte$ fatall+ #efe"tive. Sa#l+ fo$
p$ivate $espon#ent, the info$(ation file# .efo$e the t$ial "ou$t falls -a+ sho$t of this
$e:ui$e(ent. he assistant "it+ p$ose"uto$As failu$e to p$ope$l+ la+ the .asis fo$ invo'ing
the 1u$is#i"tion of the RC, Oue>on Cit+, effe"tivel+ #enie# sai# "ou$t of the po-e$ to
ta'e "ogni>an"e of this "ase.
=agno vs People
9R %338&?
Fa"ts!
) F$ien#ship of 8eigh.o$s *olo$es =agno an# Ce$elito
. Ale1an#$o tu$ne# sou$ afte$ *olo$es "lose# the passage-a+, -hi"h is a pa$t of he$ lan#,
-he$e the Ale1an#$os "oul# t$ave$se to a""ess thei$ o-n p$ope$t+.
) 0n =a$"h 3, %&&%, Ce$elito sa- *olo$es -$ote on the -all B<uag 2u$ahin 2a-al
*u(aan *ito ang =ania" at =agnana'a- ng Aso 'atula# ni Ce$e Lito 0. Ce#$ing.B
) 0n =a$"h &, %&&%, Ce$elito;s %?)+ea$ ol# son sa- *olo$es -$iting so(ething on he$
ga$ageAs eGtension -all -ith the use of a paint .$ush an# $e# paint. 5n full, the -$iting
$ea#s! B<6A9 26RA<58 2A/AL *6=AA8 A89 S6SP4S0SA 2AS0S A
=ACAPAL 8A =6C<A *50 LAL0 8A SA =A85AC A =A98A8ACA/ 89
AS0 CA6LA* 85 C4R4L50.B
) =a$"h %@, %&&%, *olo$es han#e# to an# inst$u"te# 4vel+n A$"a$ta#o, Ce$elitoAs siste$, to
#elive$ an unseale# -hite, long, o$#ina$+ envelope to Fe Ale1an#$o, Ce$elitoAs -ife. Sin"e
Fe -as out that ti(e, 4vel+n han#e# the open lette$ to Ce$elito -hi"h he -as a.le to $ea#
3 sepa$ate lette$s, Fe eventuall+ $ea# it as -ell.
) he %st lette$, -as a##$esse# to the Ce$elito an# Fe. he "ontents assaile# an# (o"'e#
Ce$elito "alling hi( (ale#u"ate# an# poo$. *olo$es also -$ote that Ce$elito -as .o$n
f$o( a PigAs -o(. an# not f$o( his =othe$As.
) he 3n# lette$As "ontent sho-e# ho- *olo$es "alle# Fe Astupi#A.
) he 3$# lette$ is a photo"op+ of *olo$esA signe# lette$ to the Station Co((an#e$ of the
2aguio Poli"e telling the( the $eason -h+ he "alle# Ce$elito a (ania" an# a #og thief.
) *olo$esA a"ts gave $ise to a "$i(inal "ase of Li.el against *olo$es.
) RC an# CA "ha$ge# *olo$es guilt+ of Li.el.
5ssue! /hethe$ *olo$es is guilt+ of Li.el
*e"ision!
Sup$e(e Cou$t fin#s *olo$es guilt+ fo$ the follo-ing $easons!
) SC fin#s no $eason to #ou.t Ce$elito an# Ro#elito of *olo$es as the pe$son -ho -$ote
the li.ellous -$itings
) he$e -as ele(ent of pu.li"ation on the lette$ she a##$esse# to Fe. 5n Li.el, pu.li"ation
(eans the (a'ing of the #efa(ato$+ (atte$ 'no-n to so(eone othe$ than the pe$son to
-ho( it has .een -$itten. A##$essing it to Fe, a thi$# pe$son, that is not the pe$son
#efa(e# is suffi"ient to "onstitute pu.li"ation.
) 5t is also hel# that sen#ing an unseale# li.ellous lette$ to the offen#e# pa$t+ "onstitutes
pu.li"ation espe"iall+ -hen it is $ea# .+ a hi$# Pe$son.
) Petition to a":uit is *4854* .+ the SC.
2uatis vs. People
9R %43@0& =a$"h 34, 300?
Fa"ts!
) 0n August %8, %&&@, Att+ Jose J. Pie$a> $e"eive# an open lette$, not "ontaine# in an
envelope, f$o( Jose Ale(ania 2uatis "ontaining insulting -o$#s. Pe$ "ontent of the
#o"u(ent, a "op+ is fu$nishe# to all "on"e$ne#.
) Pie$$a> .$ought an a"tion fo$ the "$i(e of li.el against 2uatis to the RC.
) CA affi$(e# RCAs #e"ision fin#ing 2uatis guilt+ of the "$i(e of li.el.
5ssue!
/hethe$ the 2uatis is guilt+ of the "$i(e of li.el
*e"ision!
Fo$ an i(putation to .e li.ellous, the follo-ing $e:uisites (ust "on"u$! (a) it (ust .e
#efa(ato$+E (.) it (ust .e (ali"iousE (") it (ust .e given pu.li"it+E an# (#) the vi"ti(
(ust .e i#entifia.le. he last t-o ele(ents have .een #ul+ esta.lishe#. he$e is
pu.li"ation in this "ase. 5n li.el, pu.li"ation (eans (a'ing the #efa(ato$+ (atte$, afte$ it
is -$itten, 'no-n to so(eone othe$ than the pe$son against -ho( it has .een -$itten.
2uatisA lette$ states that the sa(e -as "op+ fu$nishe# to all "on"e$ne#. Also, petitione$
ha# #i"tate# the lette$ to his se"$eta$+. 5t is enough that the autho$ of the li.el "o(plaine#
of has "o((uni"ate# it to a thi$# pe$son. Fu$the$(o$e, the lette$, -hen foun# in the
(ail.oG, -as open, not "ontaine# in an envelope thus, open to pu.li". he vi"ti( of the
li.ellous lette$ -as i#entifia.le as the su.1e"t lette$)$epl+ -as a##$esse# to Att+ Jose J.
Pie$a>.
he -o$#s use# in the lette$ sent .+ 2uatis a$e #efa(ato$+. 5n using -o$#s su"h as
Blous+B, BinutileB, B"a$a.ao 4nglishB, Bstupi#it+B, an# BsatanB, the lette$, as it -as -$itten,
"asts aspe$sion on the "ha$a"te$, integ$it+ an# $eputation of $espon#ent as a la-+e$ -hi"h
eGpose# hi( to $i#i"ule. 8o evi#en"e nee# .e a##u"e# to p$ove it. As the CA sai#, these
ve$+ -o$#s have "ause# Pie$a> to pu.li" $i#i"ule as even his o-n fa(il+ have tol# hi(!
B9inaga-a 'a lang gago #ito.B An+ of the i(putations "ove$e# .+ A$ti"le 3@3 is
#efa(ato$+E an#, un#e$ the gene$al $ule lai# #o-n in A$ti"le 3@4, eve$+ #efa(ato$+
i(putation is p$esu(e# to .e (ali"ious, even if it .e t$ue, if no goo# intention an#
1ustifia.le (otive fo$ (a'ing it is sho-n. hus, -hen the i(putation is #efa(ato$+, the
p$ose"ution nee# not p$ove (ali"e on the pa$t of petitione$ ((ali"e in fa"t), fo$ the la-
al$ea#+ p$esu(es that petitione$;s i(putation is (ali"ious ((ali"e in la-). he #e"ision
of CA an# RC -as affi$(e#

Fe$(in vs. People
9.R. 8o. %@7?43
Fa"ts
) 0n June %4, %&&@ CR5S484LL5 SALAMAR F4R=58, pu.lishe$, an# 209S C.
69AS, 4#ito$)in)Chief of 9ossip a.loi# p$inte# an# "i$"ulate# in the hea#line an#
lea# sto$+ of the sai# ta.loi# a li.ellous info$(ation, #espite 'no-ing that it is enti$el+
false an# unt$ue, eGposing Anna.elle Ra(a 9utie$$e> to hu(iliation an# #isg$a"e as it
#epi"ts he$ to .e a fugitive f$o( 1usti"e an# a s-in#le$, the$e.+ "ausing #ishono$,
#is"$e#it an# "onte(pt upon the pe$son
) RC foun# .oth Fe$(in an# ugas guilt+ an# "ha$ge# of the "$i(e of Li.el
) 2oth appeale# to CA. ugas -as a":uitte# on the a""ount of non)pa$ti"ipation in the
pu.li"ation as he allege# that he -as si"' an# in the hospital the ti(e the sai# li.ellous
info$(ation -as pu.lishe#.

) *e"ision to Fe$(in, ho-eve$, -as affi$(e# .+ CA. hus this petition.

5ssue!
/hethe$ a Pu.lishe$ is lia.le fo$ li.el to the sa(e eGtent as if he -e$e the autho$

*e"ision!
Des. he (e$e fa"t that the li.ellous a$ti"le -as pu.lishe# in the ne-spape$ -ithout the
'no-le#ge o$ "onsent of its p$op$ieto$ o$ (anage$ is no #efense to a "$i(inal p$ose"ution
against li.el. 5t is the #ut+ of the p$op$ieto$ of a pu.li" pape$, -hi"h (a+ .e use# fo$ the
pu.li"ation of i(p$ope$ "o((uni"ations, to use $easona.le "aution in the "on#u"t of his
.usiness that no li.els .e pu.lishe#.
) SC hel# that A$ti"le 3?0 is "lea$ an# una(.iguous, the p$ovision #oes not $e:ui$e that
spe"ifi" 'no-le#ge, pa$ti"ipation, an# app$oval on the pa$t of the pu.lishe$ is nee#e# to
sho- lia.ilit+ on his pa$t. hus, CA e$$e# in a":uitting ugas.
) <o-eve$, SC "annot $einstate the $uling of the t$ial "ou$t "onvi"ting 2ogs ugas
.e"ause -ith his a":uittal .+ the CA, it -oul# .e against his "onstitutional $ight against
#ou.le 1eopa$#+.
) 0n Fe$(in;s pa$t, SC affi$(e# the #e"ision .ut -ith (o#ifi"ation.
Capari@o
L!(%L
AL08M0 vs. C06R 0F APP4ALS
9.R. 8o. %%0088 Fe.$ua$+ %, %&&@
*avi#e, J$., J!
FACS! Petitione$ *$a. =e$le A. Alon>o -as the Fiel# 0pe$ations 0ffi"e$ of the
Philippine =e#i"al Ca$e Co((ission (P=CC) fo$ Region N5. She -as #i$e"te# to
"on#u"t inspe"tions of =e#i"a$e)a""$e#ite# "lini"s an# hospitals pu$suant to an 0$#e$
issue# .+ he$ supe$io$. A(ong those "lini"s she inspe"te# -e$e the t-o "lini"s o-ne# .+
"o(plainant *$a. Angeles Felas"o, (a$$ie# to Ju#ge *an Felas"o. <e$ $epo$t on fin#ings
of violations of the "lini" "ontaine# the follo-ing pa$ag$aph, to -it!
Ihe "ouple is th$eatening (e -ith li.el a""o$#ing to the *avao #el Su$ P<A g$apevine
an# it pu>>les (e ho- an# -h+7J an# the last pa$ag$aph as I5n all, this pa$ti"ula$ "lini"
shoul# .e "losel+ (onito$e# .e"ause, asi#e f$o( the a.ove)(entione# violations, the
hus.an# is a 1u#ge an# it gives the( a "e$tain a(ount of Iuntou"ha.ilit+.J 5n fa"t, the+
(a'e out suits thei$ pasti(e.J
0n the .asis of sai# $epo$t an# othe$ #o"u(ents, in"lu#ing petitione$;s $epo$t atta"he#
the$eto, a "o(plaint -as file# .+ the P=CC against the Sto. 8iWo =e#i"al Clini". 6pon
$e"eiving an# $ea#ing the sa(e, the "ouple foun# the last po$tion of the $epo$t to .e
li.elous. he+ "onsulte# thei$ la-+e$ Att+. =ontaWa -ho -as a.sent that ti(e an#
instea#, $e:ueste# Att+. 2alasa.as to han# ove$ the fol#e$ "ontaining #o"u(ents to the
fo$(e$. he latte$ (ean-hile eGa(ine# the #o"u(ents an# happene# to have $ea# the
sa(e.
he "ouple file# a "o(plaint fo$ li.el against the petitione$. he t$ial "ou$t foun#
#efa(ato$+ the state(ent in the last pa$ag$aph an# foun# the petitione$ Iguilt+ .e+on#
$easona.le g$oun# of t-o (3) "$i(es of li.el.J he Cou$t of Appeals affi$(e# the t$ial
"ou$t;s #e"ision, an# hel# that the I:ualifie# p$ivilege# "o((uni"ationJ -as lost .e"ause
of p$oof of a"tual (ali"e.
5SS64! %) /hethe$ the$e -as pu.li"ation of the suppose# #e$ogato$+ $e(a$'s.
3) /hethe$ the $e(a$'s in :uestion a$e #efa(ato$+.
3) /hethe$ the p$ivilege# natu$e of the $epo$t has .een lost .+ p$oof of a"tual
(ali"e an# su"h a"tual (ali"e -as suppo$te# .+ evi#en"e.
*4C5S508! he$e -as no pu.li"ation -he$e the "o(plainant hi(self "o((uni"ate# o$
.+ his a"ts "ause# the "o((uni"ation of the li.elous (atte$ to a thi$# pe$son. his -as
the "ase -hen Att+. 2alasa.as, a thi$# pe$son, -as a.le to $ea# the "o(plaint against *$a.
Felas"o an# the $epo$t of the petitione$ "ontaine# the$ein.
A "o((uni"ation (a#e .+ a pu.li" offi"e$ in the #is"ha$ge of his offi"ial #uties to
anothe$ o$ to a .o#+ of offi"e$s having a #ut+ to pe$fo$( -ith $espe"t to the su.1e"t
(atte$ of the "o((uni"ation #oes not a(ount to a pu.li"ation -ithin the (eaning of the
la- on #efa(ation.
he p$esu(ption of (ali"e o$ (ali"e in la- -as negate# .+ the p$ivilege# "ha$a"te$ of
the $epo$t. Su"h p$ivilege (a+ onl+ .e lost .+ p$oof of (ali"e in fa"t. 5t is settle# that Ia
p$ivilege# "o((uni"ation shoul# not .e su.1e"te# to (i"$os"opi" eGa(ination to
#is"ove$ g$oun#s of (ali"e o$ falsit+. Su"h eG"essive s"$utin+ -oul# #efeat the p$ote"tion
the la- th$o-s ove$ p$ivilege# "o((uni"ation. he ulti(ate test is that of .ona fi#es.J
Petition -as 9RA84*. Petitione$ -as ACO654* of the "$i(e of li.el.
SAM08 vs. C06R 0F APP4ALS
9.R. 8o. %307%@ =a$"h 3&, %&&?
<4R=0S5S5=A, JR., J!
FACS! Petitione$ Fe$nan#o Sa>on an# p$ivate "o(plainant A.#on Re+es -e$e .oth
$esi#ents of the P=L <o(es in 4ast *$ive, Pa$ang, =a$i'ina. 0n an ele"tion fo$ the
(e(.e$s of the .oa$# of #i$e"to$s of thei$ "o((unit+ asso"iation, petitione$ -as ele"te#
as a #i$e"to$ an# a ne- .oa$# p$esi#ent of the ho(eo-ne$s asso"iation -hile A.#on
Re+es lost in the sai# ele"tion. 6na.le to a""ept #efeat, Re+es p$oteste# the $esult of the
ele"tion -hi"h su.se:uentl+ le# to the "on#u"t of a $efe$en#u( to .e supe$vise# .+ the
4state =anage(ent Co$po$ation of the <o(e Finan"ing Co$po$ation (4=C)<FC). Afte$
the gene$al (eeting hel# $elative the$eto, "opies of leaflets "alle# the IP=L S"oopJ an#
entitle# ISupalpal si Sa>onJ -e$e $e"eive# .+ the ho(eo-ne$s -ho atten#e# the (eeting.
he ph$ase ISa>on nasaan ang pon#o ng si(.ahanJ -as seen .ol#l+ -$itten on the -alls
nea$ the ent$an"e gate of the su.#ivision. Petitione$ thought that it -as onl+ Re+es -ho
-as the one "apa.le of #oing those a"ts.
hus, petitione$ sta$te# -$iting, pu.lishing, an# "i$"ulating ne-slette$ .eing the e#ito$ as
su"h of the ho(eo-ne$ asso"iation ne-slette$, -he$ein one of the a$ti"les he -$ote
pointe# at Re+es .eing #es"$i.e# in the ph$ases su"h as I(an#u$ugas,J I(ag)ingat sa
panlilinlang,J I(atagal na ta+ong nilolo'o,J I(a+ 'asa(ang pag+a+a.ang,J Ian gating
po.$eng sup$e 'ulit,J Ipatulo+ na 'a.ulastugan,J I(aste$(in# sa panini$ang)pu$i,J et".
Re+es then file# the info$(ation .efo$e the t$ial "ou$t "ha$ging petitione$ -ith li.el. he
t$ial "ou$t foun# the petitione$ guilt+ of the "$i(e of li.el an# senten"e# hi( to suffe$
i(p$ison(ent of 4 (onths an# % #a+ of a$$esto (a+o$ as (ini(u( to 3 +ea$s, 4 (onths
an# % #a+ of p$ision "o$$e"tional as (aGi(u(, -ith a""esso$+ penalt+ an# fine of
P300.00. he Cou$t of Appeals affi$(e# the sai# #e"ision.
5SS64! /hethe$ the :uestione# a$ti"le -$itten .+ the petitione$ -as li.elous.
*4C5S508! he ans-e$ is in the affi$(ative.
5n li.el "ases, the :uestion is not -hat the -$ite$ of an allege# li.el (eans, .ut -hat the
-o$#s use# .+ hi( (eans. <en"e, the #efa(ato$+ "ha$a"te$ of the -o$#s use# .+ the
petitione$ is sho-n .+ the ve$+ $e"itals the$eof in the :uestione# a$ti"le. he test is that
I/o$#s "al"ulate# to in#u"e suspi"ion a$e so(eti(es (o$e effe"tive to #est$o+ $eputation
than false "ha$ges #i$e"tl+ (a#e. 5$oni"al an# (etapho$i"al language is a favo$e# vehi"le
fo$ slan#e$.J
/hen the i(putation is #efa(ato$+, the p$ose"ution nee# not p$ove (ali"e on the pa$t of
the #efen#ant ((ali"e in fa"t) fo$ the la- al$ea#+ p$esu(es that #efen#ant;s i(putation is
(ali"ious ((ali"e in la-). he .u$#en is on the si#e of the #efen#ant to sho- goo#
intention an# 1ustifia.le (otive in o$#e$ to ove$"o(e the legal infe$en"e of (ali"e. Fo$ an
i(putation then to .e li.elous, the follo-ing $e:uisites (ust "on"u$! (a) it (ust .e
#efa(ato$+E (.) it (ust .e (ali"iousE (") it (ust .e givenE an# (#) the vi"ti( (ust .e
i#entifia.le.
=o$eove$, the Sup$e(e Cou$t st$esse# that a -$itten lette$ "ontaining li.elous (atte$
"annot .e "lassifie# as p$ivilege# -hen it is pu.lishe# an# "i$"ulate# a(ong the pu.li".
*e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals -as AFF5R=4* -ith (o#ifi"ation as to a fine of
P3,000.00 -ith su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent in "ase of insolven"+.
F0R5C< vs. C06R 0F APP4ALS
9.R. 8o. %307?& Fe.$ua$+ %3, %&&7
Capunan, J!
FACS! Petitione$ -as the a$ea sales(an of the soft #$in's #ivision of San =iguel
Co$po$ation in *ipolog Cit+. <e $e"eive# a =e(o$an#u( o$#e$ing hi( to stop pl+ing his
$oute an# "olle"ting the su(s o-e# .+ "usto(e$s to the "o(pan+ fo$ Inon)issuan"e of
eithe$ "hange $efun# no$ offi"ial $e"eipt fo$ e(pties $et$ieve# f$o( outlets -ith te(po$a$+
"$e#it sales.J 5t -as allege# that petitione$ (isapp$op$iate# the a(ount of P%,?0@.00 f$o(
his "olle"tions. Fin#ings of initial investigations sent .+ the *ist$i"t Sales Supe$viso$ to
the Regional Sales =anage$ $eveale# the "on"lu#ing pa$ag$aph, to -it!
I5n a##ition, 5 -oul# li'e to fu$the$ info$( (anage(ent that SK= Stanle+ Fo$ti"h is an
avi# (ah1ong pla+e$ an# a "o"'fighting enthusiast. 5nspite of seve$al a#vi"es, the$e see(s
to .e no "hange in his lifest+le. Also, $espon#ent ha# a si(ila$ "ase last Septe(.e$ %%,
%&78.J
Petitione$ -as p$eventivel+ suspen#e# f$o( his 1o. an# "onse:uentl+, he file# a
"o(plaint fo$ I*a(ages A$ising f$o( Li.elJ on the .asis of the se"on# (e(o$an#u(
-hi"h "lai(e# .+ hi( as I-illful, (ali"ious an# #one in g$oss .a# faith.J
he t$ial "ou$t $en#e$e# a #e"ision in favo$ of the petitione$. he Cou$t of Appeals
$eve$se# the sai# #e"ision on the g$oun# that the (e(o$an#u( -as not li.elous .eing
I-ithin the a(.it of p$ivilege# "o((uni"ations.J
5SS64! /hethe$ the a.ove):uote# se"on# (e(o$an#u( issue# .+ the *ist$i"t Sales
Supe$viso$ an# sent to the Regional Sales =anage$ -as I-illful, (ali"ious an# #one in
g$oss .a# faithJ -hi"h -oul# "onstitute li.el.
*4C5S508! Petitione$ -as not a.le to esta.lish satisfa"to$il+ that the issuan"e of the
lette$ an# its offen#ing pa$ag$aph -as (otivate# .+ (ali"e. 8othing in the evi#en"e on
$e"o$# -oul# suggest that the 'e+ ele(ents of pu.li"it+ foun# in the #efinition of li.el a$e
p$esent in the "ase. Fi$stl+, the assaile# lette$ -as e(.$a"e# .+ "onfi#entialit+ .eing an
I5nte$)offi"e =e(o$an#u(J -$itten pu$suant to an initial investigation "on#u"te# .+ the
"o(pan+. Se"on#l+, the i(putation -as neve$ $eall+ (a#e pu.li"l+, as the petitione$ -as
una.le to p$ove that the lette$ -as "i$"ulate# o$ pu.li"i>e#.
Petition -as *4854*. *e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals -as AFF5R=4*.
F5CAR50 vs. C06R 0F APP4ALS
9.R. 8o. %344&% June %, %&&&
2ellosillo, J!
FACS! Petitione$ Ro:ue =. Fi"a$io -as "ha$ge# -ith li.el -ith Ju#ge P$o"eso Si#$o as
the "o(plaining -itness fo$ allege#l+ #ist$i.uting an# "i$"ulating photo"opies of an
a$ti"le #ate# 30 =a$"h %&&3 pu.lishe# in the Philippine *ail+ 5n:ui$e$ $elative to a g$aft
"ha$ge file# .+ the 0(.u#s(an against Ju#ge Si#$o in the San#igan.a+an.
he t$ial "ou$t foun# Fi"a$io;s a"t of giving one "op+ of sai# a$ti"le to a p$ose"ution
-itness as a(ounte# to pu.li"ation an# tainte# -ith (ali"e an# ste((e# f$o( the
petitione$;s hat$e# against the Ju#ge. Petitione$ -as foun# guilt+ of li.el .+ the t$ial "ou$t
-hi"h #e"ision -as affi$(e# .+ the Cou$t of Appeals.
5SS64! %) /hethe$ the a"t of (e$el+ #ist$i.uting a photo"op+ of an a$ti"le in a
ne-spape$ $epo$ting of a g$aft "ha$ge file# against a 1u#ge "onstitutes li.e.
3) /hethe$ Fi"a$io;s a"t -as p$oven .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
*4C5S508! Li.el is #efine# as a pu.li" an# (ali"ious i(putation of a "$i(e, o$ of a vi"e
o$ #efe"t, $eal o$ i(agina$+, o$ an+ a"t, o(ission, "on#ition, status o$ "i$"u(stan"e
ten#ing to #is"$e#it o$ "ause #ishono$ o$ "onte(pt of a natu$al o$ 1u$i#i"al pe$son, o$ to
.la"'en the (e(o$+ of one -ho is #ea#. he ele(ents of li.el a$e! a) i(putation of a
#is"$e#ita.le a"t o$ "on#ition to anothe$E .) pu.li"ation of the i(putationE ") i#entit+ of
the pe$son #efa(e#E an# #) eGisten"e of (ali"e.
4le(ents of li.el have not .een satisfa"to$il+ esta.lishe# to "on"lu#e that in#ee# li.el
-as "o((itte# .+ the petitione$. he$e -as no evi#en"e at all to sho- that petitione$ -as
the sou$"e of the state(ent "ontaine# in the ne-s ite( pu.lishe# .+ the 5n:ui$e$.
Contents the$eof -e$e (e$el+ a fa"tual $epo$t a.out the filing of g$aft "ha$ges against the
Ju#ge. he$e -as nothing #efa(ato$+ in the ne-s ite( pu.lishe#. he$e -as also no
.asis, fa"tual o$ legal, that petitione$ "ause# the pu.li"ation of the sai# a$ti"le an#
(ali"iousl+ i(pute# a #is"$e#ita.le a"t to $espon#ent. he$e -as no evi#en"e at all to
sho- that petitione$ hi(self photo"opie# the a$ti"le, no$ #ist$i.ute# the sa(e to so (an+
people. 4ven his allege# a"t of giving the photo"op+ to a p$ose"ution -itness -as
#ou.te# .+ the Cou$t.
5t is esta.lishe# #o"t$ine that the (ali"e that atten#s the #isse(ination of the a$ti"le
allege# to .e li.elous (ust atten# the #ist$i.ution itself. he p$ose"ution faile# to
esta.lish eGp$ess (ali"e on the pa$t of petitione$ .+ positive p$oof. <en"e, petitione$ -as
not p$oven guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.

Petitione$ -as ACO654* of the "$i(e of li.el.
LA0 vs. C06R 0F APP4ALS
9.R. 8o. %0&30@ Ap$il %8, %&&7
CAP68A8, J!
FACS! /hile having thei$ "onve$sation that night in the si#e-al' nea$ the house of
4#ua$#o, a fast app$oa"hing o+ota <a$a.as 1eep -as seen "o(ing to-a$# the #i$e"tion
-he$e 4#ua$#o, his -ife an# "hil#$en togethe$ -ith =$s. =i$an#a an# he$ #aughte$ -as
situate#. At that instan"e, 4#ua$#o -as violentl+ .u(pe# o$ hit on .oth his "alves .+ the
.u(pe$ of the sai# 1eep #$iven .+ 9eo$ge Felipe, J$. <e sought the assistan"e of .a$anga+
"oun"il(an F$an' *euna -ho ha# a""o(panie# 4#ua$#o late$ to the hospital fo$ (e#i"al
t$eat(ent. =ean-hile, F$an' an# poli"e autho$ities -ent to see 9eo$ge -ho -as no-he$e
to .e foun#. Conse:uentl+, the+ sei>e# the su.1e"t 1eep -hi"h hit 4#ua$#o -ith the
'no-le#ge of Menai#a, 9eo$ge;s (othe$ an# petitione$ Rosa$io Lao;s aunt. he
info$(ation -as allege#l+ $ela+e# .+ Menai#a to the petitione$ an# to the latte$;s neigh.o$
eofila.
A "o(plaint fo$ f$ust$ate# ho(i"i#e -as then file# against 9eo$ge at the fis"al;s offi"e
an# su.se:uentl+ f$ust$ate# (u$#e$ at the $egional t$ial "ou$t. 5((e#iatel+ the$eafte$,
petitione$ Rosa$io Lao file# a "o(plaint)affi#avit i(plea#ing F$an' an# 4#ua$#o fo$
"a$napping fo$ allege#l+ ta'ing the su.1e"t vehi"le f$o( 9eo$ge;s house -ithout the
'no-le#ge of 9eo$ge an#Ko$ his $elatives an# neigh.o$s. he "a$napping "o(plaint -as
#is(isse# fo$ la"' of evi#en"e suffi"ient to esta.lish p$o.a.le "ause. 5(plea#ing
petitione$ Lao an# 9eo$ge as #efen#ants, F$an' file# a "ivil "ase fo$ #a(ages alleging
a(ong othe$s that he Isuffe$e# (ental anguish, se$ious anGiet+, .es(i$"he# $eputation,
-oun#e# feelings, (o$al sho"' an# so"ial hu(iliationJ #ue to the Ifa.$i"ate#, (ali"ious
an# .aseless "ha$gesJ of "a$napping file# against hi( .+ the #efen#ants.
he t$ial "ou$t $en#e$e# a #e"ision in favo$ of F$an'. 5t o$#e$e# Rosa$io an# 9eo$ge to
pa+ F$an' 1ointl+ an# seve$all+ the follo-ing! (%) P@0,000 as (o$al #a(agesE (3) P3@,000
as eGe(pla$+ #a(agesE (3) P3@,000 as atto$ne+;s feesE an# (4) Costs of suits. he Cou$t
of Appeals #is(isse# petitione$;s appeal, noting a(ong othe$s that F$an' -as not lia.le
fo$ (ali"ious p$ose"ution.
5SS64! (%) /hethe$ the$e -as (ali"ious intent in the filing of "a$napping "ase .+
petitione$ against F$an' an# 4#ua$#o.
(3) /hethe$ F$an' -as guilt+ of (ali"ious p$ose"ution.
(3) /hethe$ p$ivilege# "o((uni"ation is $elevant o$ pe$tinent to a #a(age suit fo$
(ali"ious p$ose"ution.
*4C5S508! he$e is $eason to .elieve that the$e -as (ali"ious intent in the filing of the
"o(plaint fo$ "a$napping. he ele(ents of (ali"e an# a.sen"e of p$o.a.le "ause a$e
p$esent in this "ase. Petitione$ Lao 'ne- that p$ivate $espon#ent F$an', -ith poli"e(en,
ha# ta'en the vehi"le to the poli"e station afte$ the t$affi" in"i#ent. She "annot vali#l+
"lai( that p$io$ to the filing of the "o(plaint)affi#avit fo$ "a$napping, she #i# not 'no-
the -he$ea.outs of the vehi"le. 5t -as note# in the "ase at .a$ that the a.sen"e of
p$o.a.le "ause fo$ the filing of the sa(e le# to its #is(issal.
o "onstitute (ali"ious p$ose"ution an# hol# #efen#ant lia.le, the$e (ust .e p$oof that
the p$ose"ution -as p$o(pte# .+ a siniste$ #esign to veG an# hu(iliate a pe$son an# that
the p$ose"ution -as initiate# -ith the #eli.e$ate 'no-le#ge that the "ha$ge -as false an#
.aseless. he (e$e a"t of su.(itting a "ase to the autho$ities fo$ p$ose"ution #oes not
(a'e one lia.le fo$ (ali"ious p$ose"ution, fo$ the la- "oul# have (eant to i(pose a
penalt+ on the $ight to litigate. he Cou$t of Appeals #i# not e$$ in fin#ing F$an' *eu#a
not lia.le fo$ (ali"ious p$ose"ution.
he Sup$e(e Cou$t also note# that $elian"e on the $ule of p$ivilege# "o((uni"ation in a
suit fo$ (ali"ious p$ose"ution is (ispla"e#, su"h #efense .eing pe"ulia$ to a"tions fo$
li.el.
*e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals -as AFF5R=4*. Petition -as *4854*.
OAL D%*A"A)!ON
F5LLA864FA vs. P40PL4
C<5C0)8AMAR50, J!
FACS! Petitione$ -as a (uni"ipal "oun"ilo$ -ho .$ought his appli"ation fo$ (oneti>e#
leave .efo$e the offi"e of the "o(plainant -ho -as then the vi"e)(a+o$ of the to-n. he
latte$ $efuse#, -ithout vali# 1ustifi"ation, to app$ove the sai# (oneti>ation of a""$ue#
leave "$e#its of the petitione$. F$o( the "o(plainant;s ve$sion, petitione$ -hile at he$
offi"e allege#l+ got a +ello- pa# an# s-ing it at he$ fa"e, .ut -as a.le to eva#e the sa(e
an# then sai# I5 -ill lift +ou f$o( the$e an# 5 -ill th$o- +ou out of the -in#o- an# 5
#on;t "a$e if 5 -ill go to 1ail.J Petitione$ -as also allege#l+ pointe# a I#i$t+ finge$J .efo$e
leaving the "o(plainant;s offi"e. 5t -as also allege# that petitione$ utte$e# the follo-ing
$e(a$'s! IDou a$e p$eten#ing to .e "lean an# honest +et +ou a$e not "lean an# honest,
+ou a$e "o$$upt. Dou a$e li'e $e# apple, +ou a$e -o$( infeste# insi#e an# eGt$e(el+
#i$t+.J
Petitione$;s ve$sion -as a #iffe$ent sto$+ su"h that it -as the "o(plainant -ho got up an#
g$a..e# the appli"ation f$o( hi( an# pla"e# it on the $ight si#e of he$ ta.le. <e got ang$+
an# sai# to the "o(plainant I5s this the a"tuation of the high gove$n(ent offi"ial7J an#
the latte$ $eplie# I5nsaneJ $efe$$ing to the fo$(e$. he$e -as ve$.al eG"hange -he$e
"o(plainant allege#l+ sai# I/hen +ou go to the (uni"ipal .uil#ing as if +ou a$e a 'ing,
+ou #i# nothing eG"ept to (a'e (one+, the people no longe$ .elieve in +ou.J
Co(plainant hu$le# a .ottle of "o'e at petitione$ -hi"h, unfo$tunatel+, lan#e# on to one
of the .a$anga+ "aptains then p$esent.
Co(plainant vi"e)(a+o$ file# t-o sepa$ate "ha$ges of g$ave o$al #efa(ation an# slan#e$
.+ #ee# against petitione$. he (uni"ipal "i$"uit t$ial "ou$t (=CC) foun# the a""use#
guilt+ of g$ave o$al #efa(ation an# slan#e$ .+ #ee# an# -as senten"e# to an
i(p$ison(ent of 4 (onths an# % #a+ to % +ea$ an# to pa+ (o$al #a(ages of P@0,000
-ithout su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent in "ase of insolven"+, P30,000 fo$ litigation an#
atto$ne+;s fees, an# P%,000 pe$ appea$an"e. he RC affi$(e# -ith (o#ifi"ation the sai#
#e"ision an# instea# senten"e# the petitione$ to an in#ete$(inate penalt+ of i(p$ison(ent
f$o( 3 (onths as (ini(u( to 3 +ea$s an# 3 (onths as (aGi(u( in ea"h of the "ases to
.e se$ve# su""essivel+. he (o$al #a(ages -e$e in"$ease# to P%00,000, -ith P@0,000
eGe(pla$+ #a(ages. he Cou$t of Appeals affi$(e# the RC #e"ision -ith (o#ifi"ation
as to the #eletion of the a-a$# fo$ eGe(pla$+ #a(ages.
5SS64! %) /hethe$ the Cou$t of Appeals e$$e# in sustaining the "onvi"tion of the
petitione$ fo$ g$ave o$al #efa(ation.
3) /hethe$ the Cou$t of Appeals e$$e# in sustaining the "onvi"tion of the
petitione$ fo$ se$ious slan#e$ .+ #ee#.
*4C5S508! he Cou$t of Appeals e$$e# in sustaining the "onvi"tion of petitione$ fo$
g$ave o$al #efa(ation. 5nstea#, the petitione$ is onl+ guilt+ of slight o$al #efa(ation.
6tte$ing #efa(ato$+ -o$#s in the heat of ange$ -ith so(e p$ovo"ation on the pa$t of the
offen#e# pa$t+ "onstitutes onl+ a slight felon+. 5n the "ase at .a$, the Cou$t "annot 'eep a
.lin# e+e to the fa"t that su"h s"athing -o$#s -e$e utte$e# .+ petitione$ in the heat of
ange$ t$igge$e# .+ the fa"t, as foun# .+ the CA, that "o(plainant $efuse# to app$ove,
-ithout vali# 1ustifi"ation, the (oneti>ation of a""$ue# leave "$e#its of the petitione$.
he Cou$t of Appeals also e$$e# in sustaining the "onvi"tion of the petitione$ fo$ se$ious
slan#e$ .+ #ee#. 5nstea#, the petitione$ is onl+ guilt+ of si(ple slan#e$ .+ #ee#.
Follo-ing the litan+ of "ases, the Cou$t "onsi#e$ing the pe$"eive# p$ovo"ation "o(ing
f$o( the "o(plainant, petitione$;s a"t of pointing a #i$t+ finge$ at the "o(plainant
"onstitutes onl+ si(ple slan#e$ .+ #ee#. 5t appea$e# that the a"t "o(plaine# of -as
e(plo+e# Ito eGp$ess ange$ o$ #ispleasu$eJ fo$ p$o"$astinating the app$oval of his leave
(oneti>ation.
Consi#e$ing that the petitione$ an# "o(plainant .elong to -a$$ing politi"al "a(ps,
o""asional gestu$es an# -o$#s of #isapp$oval o$ #isli'e a$e a(ong the ha>a$#s of the 1o..
5n this "ase, the Cou$t e(phasi>e# that I"ou$tes+ .egets "ou$tes+J an# Ihe -ho "o(es to
"ou$t (ust have "lean han#s.J
CATAL, SR. vs. P40PL4
9.R. 8o. %?3%8% 0"to.e$ %&, 300@
Calle1o, J!
FACS! Petitione$ 2onifa"io L. CaWal, S$. -as "ha$ge# -ith 9$ave 0$al *efa(ation
.efo$e the (uni"ipal t$ial "ou$t fo$ utte$ing -o$#s an# eGp$essions against *a+lin#a P.
CaWal, to -it! 5.ya# mo &aha$o& sa test!*os n! 6ay!n$a &ay #aay banca3a*an,
naha$o& &a# &an* 6ay!n$a, nabuh! !ton sa pan*a#at, nabuh! !ton sa pan*a#atJ (Dou
af$ai# to the -itness of *a+lin#a -ho ha# no ho-, -h+ +ou af$ai# to *a+lin#a, she lives
f$o( stealing, she is a long ti(e thieves). Afte$ hea$ing those offensive $e(a$'s in the
p$esen"e of a nu(.e$ of pe$sons outsi#e the "ou$t$oo(, an# .eing e(.a$$asse# an#
#o-n$ight hu(iliate# the$ein, *a+lin#a -ent insi#e the "ou$t$oo( an# si(pl+ "$ie# he$
hea$t out.
he (uni"ipal t$ial "ou$t foun# the a""use# guilt+ of the "$i(e of g$ave o$al #efa(ation
an# senten"e# hi( the penalt+ of siG (?) (onths an# one (%) #a+ to t-o (3) +ea$s an# fou$
(4) (onths an# one (%) #a+, an# pa+(ent of (o$al an# "o(pensato$+ #a(ages. he
$egional t$ial "ou$t affi$(e# the sai# #e"ision, -hi"h -as su.se:uentl+ affi$(e# !n toto
.+ the Cou$t of Appeals.
5SS64! /hethe$ the -o$#s an# eGp$essions utte$e# .+ the a""use# against *a+lin#a
"onstitute g$ave o$al #efa(ation.
*4C5S508! o sa+ that *a+lin#a is a thief is i$$ef$aga.l+ g$ave o$al #efa(ation. his
i(putes to he$ a "$i(e that is #ishono$a.le o$ "onte(ptuous.
he Cou$t st$esse# that eve$+ #efa(ato$+ i(putation is p$esu(e# to .e (ali"ious, even if
it .e t$ue, if no goo# intention an# 1ustifia.le (otive fo$ (a'ing it is sho-n. 5n#ee#,
"alling *a+lin#a a thief is #efa(ation against he$ "ha$a"te$ an# $eputation suffi"ient to
"ause he$ e(.a$$ass(ent an# so"ial hu(iliation. *a+lin#a testifie# to the feelings of
sha(e an# hu(iliation she suffe$e# as a $esult of the in"i#ent "o(plaine# of.
*e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals -as AFF5R=4* -ith (o#ifi"ation as to the st$aight
penalt+ of siG (?) (onths an# #eleting "o(pensato$+ #a(ages.

PA*4R vs. P40PL4
9.R. 8o. %3&%@7 Fe.$ua$+ 8, 3000
Pa$#o, JE
FACS! /hile "onve$sing -ith his politi"al lea#e$s in his house, Att+. 2en1a(in C.
4s"olango ha# to fa"e the petitione$ Rogelio Pa#e$ -ho appea$e# at the gate shouting
IPutang ina (o Att+. 4s"olango, napa'a-alanghi+a (oXJ 2eing #u(.foun#e# an#
e(.a$$asse#, Att+. 4s"olango file# a "o(plaint against the petitione$ fo$ g$ave o$al
#efa(ation in the (uni"ipal t$ial "ou$t -hi"h eventuall+ "onvi"te# the petitione$ to the
"$i(e "ha$ge#. he $egional t$ial "ou$t affi$(e# the sai# #e"ision -hi"h -as
"onse:uentl+ affi$(e# .+ the Cou$t of Appeals -ith (o#ifi"ation as to the penalt+
i(pose#.
5SS64! /hethe$ petitione$ is guilt+ of slight o$ se$ious o$al #efa(ation.
*4C5S508! 5n $esolving the issue, the Cou$t -as gui#e# .+ a #o"t$ine of an"ient
$espe"ta.ilit+ that #efa(ato$+ -o$#s -ill fall un#e$ one o$ the othe$, #epen#ing not onl+
upon thei$ sense, g$a((ati"al signifi"an"e an# a""epte# o$#ina$+ (eaning 1u#ging the(
sepa$atel+, .ut also the spe"ial "i$"u(stan"es of the "ase, ante"e#ents o$ $elationship
.et-een the offen#e# pa$t+ an# the offen#e$, -hi"h (ight ten# to p$ove the intention of
the offen#e$ at the ti(e.
he o$al #efa(ation -as onl+ slight "onsi#e$ing the fa"tual .a"'#$op of the "ase. he
t$ial "ou$t faile# to app$e"iate the "i$"u(stan"es li'e thei$ .eing neigh.o$s, #$un'enness
of the petitione$ at the ti(e -hen he utte$e# those -o$#s, an# "ause of instigation on to
the petitione$ -h+ he utte$e# the sa(e.
he Sup$e(e Cou$t $ule# in Re+es vs People that the eGp$ession Iputang ina (oJ is a
"o((on enough utte$an"e in the #iale"t that is often e(plo+e#, not $eall+ to slan#e$ .ut
$athe$ to eGp$ess ange$ o$ #ispleasu$e. Petitione$;s intention -as to sho- his feelings of
$esent(ent an# not ne"essa$il+ to insult Att+. 4s"olango.
Petition -as *4854*. <o-eve$, CA;s #e"ision -as set asi#e an# foun# petitione$ guilt+
onl+ of SL59< 0RAL *4FA=A508.
Del Castillo
%t4uba@ez
Anti *en4ing
)an v People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. No. +5,07. August 06& +777
*a4ts!
Co(plainant Rosita Li( is the o-ne$ of 2ueno =etal 5n#ust$ies, engage# in the
.usiness of (anufa"tu$ing p$opelle$s, .ushings, -el#ing $o#s, a(ong othe$s. hat
so(eti(e in Fe.$ua$+ %&&%, afte$ one =anuelito =en#e> left the "o(pan+, she
#is"ove$e# that so(e of the (anufa"tu$e# spa$e pa$ts -e$e (issing, so that on Fe.$ua$+
%&, %&&%, an invento$+ -as "on#u"te# an# it -as foun# that so(e -el#ing $o#s an#
p$opelle$s, a(ong othe$s, -o$th P48,000.00 -e$e (issing. he$eafte$, she -ent to Fi"to$
S+, the pe$son -ho $e"o((en#e# =en#e> to he$. Su.se:uentl+, =en#e> -as a$$este# in
the Fisa+as, an# upon a$$ival in =anila, a#(itte# to his having stolen the (issing spa$e
pa$ts -hi"h -e$e sol# then to Ra(on an. She then tal'e# to =$. an a.out sai# spa$e
pa$ts, -ho #enie# having .ought the sa(e.
he $ial "ou$t $en#e$e# #e"ision an# foun# an guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t
of violating the Anti)Fen"ing La-. Petitione$ appeale# to the Cou$t of Appeals -hi"h
then a $en#e$e# #e"ision fin#ing no e$$o$ in 1u#g(ent appeale# f$o(, an# affi$(ing the
sa(e in toto. Petitione$ then file# -ith the Cou$t of Appeals a (otion fo$ $e"onsi#e$ation
-hi"h -as late$ on #enie#.
!ssue! 7hether the prosecut!on has success%uy estab!she$ the eements o% %enc!n* as
a*a!nst pet!t!oner.
'eld!
8o. he Cou$t set out the essential ele(ents of the "$i(e of fen"ing as follo-s
(*i>on)Pa(intuan vs. People of the Philippines)!
%. A "$i(e of $o..e$+ o$ theft has .een "o((itte#E
3. he a""use#, -ho is not a p$in"ipal o$ a""o(pli"e in the "o((ission of the "$i(e of
$o..e$+ o$ theft, .u+s, $e"eives, possesses, 'eeps, a":ui$es, "on"eals, sells o$ #isposes, o$
.u+s an# sells, o$ in an+ (anne$ #eals in an+ a$ti"le, ite(, o.1e"t o$ an+thing of value,
-hi"h has .een #e$ive# f$o( the p$o"ee#s of the sai# "$i(eE
3. he a""use# 'no-s o$ shoul# have 'no-n that the sai# a$ti"le, ite(, o.1e"t o$ an+thing
of value has .een #e$ive# f$o( the p$o"ee#s of the "$i(e of $o..e$+ o$ theftE an#
4. he$e is on the pa$t of the a""use#, intent to gain fo$ hi(self o$ fo$ anothe$.
Conse:uentl+, Bthe p$ose"ution (ust p$ove the guilt of the a""use# .+ esta.lishing the
eGisten"e of all the ele(ents of the "$i(e "ha$ge#.
Co(plainant Li( testifie# that she lost "e$tain ite(s an# =en#e> "onfesse# that
he stole those ite(s an# sol# the( to the a""use#. <o-eve$, Li( neve$ $epo$te# the theft
o$ even loss to the poli"e. She a#(itte# that afte$ =en#e>, he$ fo$(e$ e(plo+ee,
"onfesse# to the unla-ful ta'ing of the ite(s, she fo$gave hi(, an# #i# not p$ose"ute
hi(. heft is a pu.li" "$i(e. 5t "an .e p$ose"ute# #e ofi"io, o$ even -ithout a p$ivate
"o(plainant, .ut it "annot .e -ithout a vi"ti(. As "o(plainant Li( $epo$te# no loss, the
"ou$t "annot hol# fo$ "e$tain that the$e -as "o((itte# a "$i(e of theft. hus, the fi$st
ele(ent of the "$i(e of fen"ing is a.sent, that is, "$i(e of $o..e$+ o$ theft has .een
"o((itte#.
/itness =en#e> a#(itte# in an eGt$a)1u#i"ial "onfession that he sol# the .oat
pa$ts he ha# pilfe$e# f$o( "o(plainant to petitione$. <o-eve$, an a#(ission o$
"onfession a"'no-le#ging guilt of an offense (a+ .e given in evi#en"e onl+ against the
pe$son a#(itting o$ "onfessing. <e$e, the eGt$a)1u#i"ial "onfession of -itness =en#e>
-as not given -ith the assistan"e of "ounsel, hen"e, ina#(issi.le against the -itness.
8eithe$ (a+ su"h eGt$a)1u#i"ial "onfession .e "onsi#e$e# evi#en"e against a""use#.
he$e -as no sho-ing at all that the a""use# 'ne- o$ shoul# have 'no-n that the
ve$+ stolen a$ti"les -e$e the ones sol# hi(. he -o$#s Bshoul# 'no-B #enote the fa"t that
a pe$son of $easona.le p$u#en"e an# intelligen"e -oul# as"e$tain the fa"t in pe$fo$(an"e
of his #ut+ to anothe$ o$ -oul# gove$n his "on#u"t upon assu(ption that su"h fa"t eGists.
he "ou$t "hose the one -hi"h sustains the "onstitutional p$esu(ption of inno"en"e.
he p$ose"ution has faile# to esta.lish the essential ele(ents of fen"ing, an# thus
petitione$ is entitle# to an a":uittal.
!SLaG
Peolpe o2 t3e P3ilippines v )emporada
G.. No. +/5,/5 De4ember +/& 011.
*a4ts!
A""use# Rose(a$ie B2a.+B Ro.les, 2e$na#ette =i$an#a, 8enita Cata"otan an#
Jo1o Res"o an# appellant 2eth e(po$a#a, all e(plo+ees of the Alte$native $avel an#
ou$s Co$po$ation (AC), $e"$uite# an# p$o(ise# ove$seas e(plo+(ent, fo$ a fee, to
"o(plainants Rogelio Legaspi J$, Sole#a# Atle, Lu> =in'a+, 4vel+n 4sta"io an# *ennis
*i(aano. Afte$ "o(plainants ha# su.(itte# all the $e:ui$e(ents "onsisting of thei$
$espe"tive appli"ation fo$(s, passpo$ts, 825 "lea$an"es an# (e#i"al "e$tifi"ates, the
a""use# an# appellant, on #iffe$ent #ates, "olle"te# an# $e"eive# f$o( the( pla"e(ent
fees in va$ious a(ounts. As none of the( -as a.le to leave no$ $e"ove$ the a(ounts the+
ha# pai#, "o(plainant lo#ge# sepa$ate "$i(inal "o(plaints against a""use# an# appellant
.efo$e the Cit+ P$ose"uto$ of =anila. Assistant Cit+ P$ose"uto$ Restituto =angalin#an,
J$. file# ? 5nfo$(ations against the a""use# an# appellant, one fo$ 5llegal Re"$uit(ent in
La$ge S"ale un#e$ A$ti"le 38 (a) of the La.o$ Co#e as a(en#e#, an# the $est fo$ @ "ounts
of estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@ pa$ag$aph 3 (a) of the Revise# Penal Co#e.
0nl+ appellant -as app$ehen#e# an# .$ought to t$ial, the othe$ a""use# $e(aine#
at la$ge. 6pon a$$aign(ent, appellant plea#e# not guilt+ an# t$ial on the (e$its ensue#.
Afte$ 1oint t$ial, the RC $en#e$e# 1u#g(ent "onvi"ting appellant of all the "ha$ges. As
p$in"ipal of the offenses "ha$ge# an# she is senten"e# to suffe$ the penalt+ of L5F4
5=PR5S08=48 an# a fine of P@00,000 fo$ illegal $e"$uit(entE an# the in#ete$(inate
penalt+ of 4 +ea$s an# 3 (onths of p$ision "o$$e"tional as (ini(u(, to & +ea$s an# % #a+
of p$ision (a+o$, as (aGi(u( fo$ the estafa "o((itte# against "o(plainant LegaspiE the
in#ete$(inate penalt+ 4 +ea$s an# 3 (onths of p$ision "o$$e"tional as (ini(u( to %0
+ea$s an# one #a+ of p$ision (a+o$ as (aGi(u( ea"h fo$ the estafas "o((itte# against
"o(plainants, *i(aano, Atte an# =in'a+E an# the in#ete$(inate penalt+ of 4 +ea$s an# 3
(onths of p$ision "o$$e"tional as (ini(u(, to %% +ea$s an# % #a+ of p$ision (a+o$ as
(aGi(u( fo$ the estafa "o((itte# against 4sta"io. he a""use# is also o$#e$e# to pa+
1ointl+ an# seve$all+ the "o(plainants a"tual #a(ages.
he "ase -as $efe$$e# to the CA fo$ inte$(e#iate $evie- -he$e it affi$(e# the
*e"ision of the RC -ith (o#ifi"ation. Appellant is senten"e# to suffe$ the in#ete$(inate
penalt+ of ? +ea$s of p$ision "o$$e""ional (aGi(u(, as (ini(u(, to %0 +ea$s an# % #a+
of p$ision (a+o$ (aGi(u(, as (aGi(u( fo$ the estafa "o((itte# against *i(aano, Atte
an# =in'a+E she is senten"e# to suffe$ the in#ete$(inate penalt+ of 8 +ea$s an# % #a+ of
p$ision (a+o$ (e#iu(, as (ini(u(, to %3 +ea$s an# % #a+ of $e"lusion te(po$al
(ini(u(, as (aGi(u( fo$ the estafa "o((itte# against 4sta"io. he appeale# #e"ision
is affi$(e# in all othe$ $espe"ts.
Appellant as"$i.es the lone e$$o$ that the t$ial "ou$t g$avel+ e$$e# in fin#ing he$
guilt+ of illegal $e"$uit(ent an# @ "ounts of estafa #espite the insuffi"ien"+ of the
evi#en"e fo$ the p$ose"ution. Apellant insists that she -as (e$el+ an e(plo+ee of AC
an# -as 1ust Be"hoing the $e:ui$e(ent of he$ e(plo+e$.B She fu$the$ a$gues that the
p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove that she -as a-a$e of the latte$;s illegal a"tivities an# that she
a"tivel+ pa$ti"ipate# the$ein. 5n essen"e, she "ont$ove$ts the fa"tual fin#ings of the lo-e$
"ou$ts.
!ssueEsFA 7hether the .ppeant !s *u!ty o% 8e*a Recru!tment an$ 9sta%a.
7hether the !mpos!t!on o% !n$eterm!nate penat!es #ere propery app!e$.
'eld!
o "onstitute illegal $e"$uit(ent in la$ge s"ale, 3 ele(ents (ust "on"u$!
(a) the offen#e$ has no vali# li"ense o$ autho$it+ $e:ui$e# .+ la- to ena.le hi( to
la-full+ engage in $e"$uit(ent an# pla"e(ent of -o$'e$sE
(.) the offen#e$ un#e$ta'es an+ of the a"tivities -ithin the (eaning of B$e"$uit(ent an#
pla"e(entB un#e$ A$ti"le %3(.) of the La.o$ Co#e, o$ an+ of the p$ohi.ite# p$a"ti"es
enu(e$ate# un#e$ A$ti"le 34 of the sai# Co#e (no- Se"tion ? of R.A. 8o. 8043)E an#,
(") the offen#e$ "o((itte# the sa(e against 3 o$ (o$e pe$sons, in#ivi#uall+ o$ as a
g$oup.
5n the "ase at .a$, the fo$egoing ele(ents a$e p$esent. Appellant, in "onspi$a"+
-ith he$ "o)a""use#, (is$ep$esente# to have the po-e$, influen"e, autho$it+ an# .usiness
to o.tain ove$seas e(plo+(ent upon pa+(ent of a pla"e(ent fee -hi"h -as #ul+
"olle"te# f$o( "o(plainants. Fu$the$, the "e$tifi"ation issue# .+ the P04A an# the
testi(on+ of a $ep$esentative of sai# gove$n(ent agen"+, esta.lishe# that appellant an#
he$ "o)a""use# #i# not possess an+ autho$it+ o$ li"ense to $e"$uit -o$'e$s fo$ ove$seas
e(plo+(ent. An#, sin"e the$e -e$e @ vi"ti(s, the t$ial "ou$t "o$$e"tl+ foun# appellant
lia.le fo$ illegal $e"$uit(ent in la$ge s"ale.
An e(plo+ee of a "o(pan+ o$ "o$po$ation engage# in illegal $e"$uit(ent (a+ .e
hel# lia.le as p$in"ipal, togethe$ -ith his e(plo+e$, if it is sho-n that he a"tivel+ an#
"ons"iousl+ pa$ti"ipate# in illegal $e"$uit(ent. Appellant a"tivel+ too' pa$t in the illegal
$e"$uit(ent of p$ivate "o(plainants. Co(plainants testifie# that appellant pe$sua#e# an#
assu$e# the( of i((e#iate #eplo+(ent fo$ 1o.s a.$oa#. hus, it -as esta.lishe# that
appellant a"te# as an in#ispensa.le pa$ti"ipant an# effe"tive "olla.o$ato$ of he$ "o)
a""use# in the illegal $e"$uit(ent of "o(plainants
he p$es"$i.e# penalt+ fo$ estafa un#e$ A$ti"le 3%@, pa$. 3(#) of the RPC, -hen
the a(ount #ef$au#e# eG"ee#s P33,000.00, is p$isiYn "o$$e""ional (aGi(u( to p$isiYn
(a+o$ (ini(u(. he (ini(u( te$( is ta'en f$o( the penalt+ neGt lo-e$ o$ an+-he$e
-ithin p$isiYn "o$$e""ional (ini(u( an# (e#iu(. Conse:uentl+, the RC "o$$e"tl+
fiGe# the (ini(u( te$( fo$ the five estafa "ases at 4 +ea$s an# 3 (onths of p$isiYn
"o$$e""ional sin"e this is -ithin the $ange of p$isiYn "o$$e""ional (ini(u( an# (e#iu(.
0n the othe$ han#, the (aGi(u( te$( is ta'en f$o( the p$es"$i.e# penalt+ of
p$isiYn "o$$e""ional (aGi(u( to p$isiYn (a+o$ (ini(u( in its (aGi(u( pe$io#, a##ing
% +ea$ of i(p$ison(ent fo$ eve$+ P%0,000.00 in eG"ess of P33,000.00, p$ovi#e# that the
total penalt+ shall not eG"ee# 30 +ea$s. <o-eve$, the (aGi(u( pe$io# of the p$es"$i.e#
penalt+ of p$isiYn "o$$e""ional (aGi(u( to p$isiYn (a+o$ (ini(u( is not p$isiYn (a+o$
(ini(u( as appa$entl+ assu(e# .+ the RC. o "o(pute the (aGi(u( pe$io# of the
p$es"$i.e# penalt+, p$isiYn "o$$e""ional (aGi(u( to p$isiYn (a+o$ (ini(u( shoul# .e
#ivi#e# into th$ee e:ual po$tions of ti(e ea"h of -hi"h po$tion shall .e #ee(e# to fo$(
one pe$io# in a""o$#an"e -ith A$ti"le ?@%7 of the RPC. Follo-ing this p$o"e#u$e, the
(aGi(u( pe$io# of p$isiYn "o$$e""ional (aGi(u( to p$isiYn (a+o$ (ini(u( is f$o( ?
+ea$s, 8 (onths an# 3% #a+s to 8 +ea$s.%8 he in"$e(ental penalt+, -hen p$ope$, shall
thus .e a##e# to an+-he$e f$o( ? +ea$s, 8 (onths an# 3% #a+s to 8 +ea$s, at the
#is"$etion of the "ou$t.
5n "o(puting the in"$e(ental penalt+, the a(ount #ef$au#e# shall .e su.t$a"te#
.+ P33,000.00, an# the #iffe$en"e shall .e #ivi#e# .+ P%0,000.00. An+ f$a"tion of a +ea$
shall .e #is"a$#e# in "onsonan"e -ith the settle# $ule that penal la-s shall .e "onst$ue#
li.e$all+ in favo$ of the a""use#.
hus the *e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals is (o#ifie# -ith $espe"t to the
in#ete$(inate penalties i(pose# on appellant fo$ the @ "ounts of estafa. he a""use# is
senten"e# to an in#ete$(inate penalt+ of 4 +ea$s an# 3 (onths of p$isiYn "o$$e""ional as
(ini(u(, to & +ea$s, 8 (onths an# 3% #a+s of p$isiYn (a+o$ as (aGi(u( fo$ the estafa
"o((itte# against Legaspi. he a""use# is senten"e# to an in#ete$(inate penalt+ of 4
+ea$s an# 3 (onths of p$isiYn "o$$e""ional as (ini(u(, to %0 +ea$s, 8 (onths an# 3%
#a+s of p$isiYn (a+o$ as (aGi(u( fo$ ea"h of the th$ee estafa "ases "o((itte# against
*i(aano, Atte an# =in'a+. he a""use# is senten"e# to an in#ete$(inate penalt+ of 4
+ea$s an# 3 (onths of p$isiYn "o$$e""ional as (ini(u(, to %3 +ea$s, 8 (onths an# 3%
#a+s of $e"lusiYn te(po$al as (aGi(u( fo$ the estafa "o((itte# against 4sta"io.
People o2 t3e P3ilippines v %nriHuez
G.. No. +-./7/ July 07& 011-
*a4ts!
4lpi#io 4n$i:ue>, J$. an# 4(iliano 4n$i:ue> -e$e "onvi"te# of 'i#napping .+ the
RC, an# ea"h -as senten"e# to suffe$ an in#ete$(inate p$ison te$( of %7 +ea$s, 4
(onths an# % #a+ of $e"lusion te(po$al as (ini(u( to $e"lusion pe$petua as
(aGi(u(.
An#i"o, Puga+, Sa:uila+an, an# Pu$e>a -e$e "onve$sing in f$ont of the 2a$anga+
<all of Silangan, Rosa$io, Cavite. Appellant 4lpi#io 4n$i:ue>, J$., alias I2onggo,J ,
#$esse# in (ilita$+ fatigue pants, "a(ouflage 1a"'et, .$o-n hat, an# -ea$ing #a$' glasses,
a$$ive# on .oa$# a t$i"+"le #$iven .+ appellant 4(iliano 4n$i:ue>, alias I4(il ate.J
Afte$ 2onggo alighte#, 4(il pa$'e# the t$i"+"le a.out %0 (ete$s a-a+ f$o( the g$oup.
2onggo then pulle# out a .38 "ali.e$ $evolve$ f$o( his 1a"'et an# -a$ne# the g$oup,
I<u-ag 'a+ong tata'.o, a-to$i#a# a'o.J <e single# out Pu$e>a, po'e# his gun at hi(
an# o$#e$e# hi(, ISa(a 'a sa Z'in.J <e #$agge# Pu$e>a to the t$i"+"le, an# fo$"e# hi( to
.oa$# the sa(e. he t$i"+"le spe# off. Pu$e>a -as neve$ seen again o$ hea$# f$o( sin"e
then.
An#i"o, -ho -as left .ehin# afte$ his "o(panions s"a(pe$e# a-a+, hu$$ie# to
Pu$e>aAs house an# info$(e# his pa$ents a.out the in"i#ent. At a.out (i#night of the
sa(e #a+, Rogelio gave his state(ent to the poli"e. he t-o appellants #enie# an+
involve(ent in the 'i#napping an# inte$pose# the #efense of ali.i.Afte$ t$ial, appellants
-e$e foun# guilt+ as "ha$ge# an# (ete# in#ete$(inate p$ison te$(s.
he+ appeale# to the CA -hi"h not onl+ affi$(e# thei$ "onvi"tions .ut i(pose#
upon ea"h of the appellants the penalt+ of $e"lusion pe$petua. he CA $ef$aine# f$o(
ente$ing 1u#g(ent an# "e$tifie# the "ase to the SC fo$ $evie-.
!ssue! 7hether the proper penaty #as !mpose$.
'eld!
he %&87 Constitution p$ohi.its the i(position of the #eath penalt+ unless fo$
"o(pelling $easons involving heinous "$i(es. RA 8o. 7?@& -hi"h "lassifie# 'i#napping
as a heinous "$i(e punisha.le .+ #eath too' effe"t on *e"e(.e$ 3%, %&&3. he "$i(e at
.a$ -as "o((itte# in %&8@.
his "ou$t have $ule# that RA 8o. 7?@& "annot .e applie# to a "$i(e that
t$anspi$e# p$io$ to its effe"tivit+ un#e$ the p$in"iple of non)$et$oa"tivit+ of penal la-s
-hi"h a$e unfavo$a.le to the a""use#. Conse:uentl+, $e"lusion pe$petua is the onl+
penalt+ that "an .e i(pose# against the appellants. As "o$$e"tl+ a$gue# .+ the Soli"ito$
9ene$al, A"t 8o. 4%03, othe$-ise 'no-n as the 5n#ete$(inate Senten"e La-, "annot .e
applie# in the "ase of appellants "onsi#e$ing the p$os"$iption in Se". 3 the$eof p$ovi#ing
that su"h shall not appl+ to pe$sons "onvi"te# of offenses punishe# -ith #eath penalt+ o$
life)i(p$ison(ent. he Cou$t in effe"t e:uate# the penalt+ of $e"lusion pe$petua as
s+non+(ous to life)i(p$ison(ent fo$ pu$poses of the 5n#ete$(inate Senten"e La-, an#
$ule# that the latte$ la- #oes not appl+ to pe$sons "onvi"te# of offenses punisha.le -ith
the sai# penalt+.
People o2 t3e P3ilippines v Angeles
G.. No. +505/6. April ++& 0110
*a4ts!
A""use#)appellant Sa(ina Angeles -as "ha$ge# -ith 4 "ounts of estafa an# %
"ount of illegal $e"$uit(ent.
A""use#)appellant file# an appeal, a$guing that the p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove he$
guilt fo$ estafa an# illegal $e"$uit(ent .+ p$oof .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t. Angeles posits
that the p$ose"ution #i# not p$esent a single evi#en"e to p$ove that she p$o(ise# o$
offe$e# an+ of the "o(plainants 1o.s a.$oa#. Cont$a$+ to the p$ose"ution;s allegations,
she neve$ $ep$esente# to the "o(plainants that she "an p$ovi#e the( -ith -o$' a.$oa#.
Angeles -as int$o#u"e# .+ "o(plainantsA $elatives to the( to assist in the p$o"essing of
t$avel an# e(plo+(ent #o"u(ents. Angeles as'e# fo$ (one+ $e:ui$e# fo$ the p$o"essing
of thei$ #o"u(ents f$o( the "o(plainants.
!ssue! 7hether the accuse$3appeant !s *u!ty o% 9sta%a.
7hether the accuse$3appeant !s *u!ty o% 8e*a Recru!tment.
7hether the 8n$eterm!nate 4entence !s propery app!e$.
'eld!
6n#e$ A$ti"le 3%@, pa$ag$aph 3(a) of the Revise# Penal Co#e, the ele(ents of
estafa a$e! %) the a""use# has #ef$au#e# anothe$ .+ a.use of "onfi#en"e o$ .+ (eans of
#e"eit an# 3) #a(age o$ p$e1u#i"e "apa.le of pe"unia$+ esti(ation is "ause# to the
offen#e# pa$t+ o$ thi$# pe$son.
Although Angeles #i# not #e"eive "o(plainants into .elieving that she "oul# fin#
e(plo+(ent fo$ the( a.$oa#, nonetheless, she (a#e the( .elieve that she -as
p$o"essing thei$ t$avel #o"u(ents. he+ pa$te# -ith thei$ (one+ .elieving that Angeles
-oul# use it to pa+ fo$ thei$ plane ti"'ets, hotel a""o((o#ations an# othe$ t$avel
$e:ui$e(ents. 6pon $e"eiving va$ious a(ounts f$o( "o(plainants, Angeles use# it fo$
othe$ pu$poses an# then "onvenientl+ #isappea$e#. Co(plainants t$uste# Angeles .e"ause
she -as $efe$$e# to the( .+ thei$ o-n $elatives. She a.use# thei$ "onfi#en"e -hen she le#
the( to .elieve that she "an p$o"ess thei$ t$avel #o"u(ents a.$oa#, thus in#u"ing the( to
pa$t -ith thei$ (one+. /hen the+ #e(an#e# f$o( Sa(ina thei$ t$avel #o"u(ents, she
faile# to p$o#u"e the(. Li'e-ise, she faile# to $etu$n the a(ounts ent$uste# to he$. hus,
Angeles is lia.le fo$ 4stafa.
5llegal $e"$uit(ent is "o((itte# -hen 3 ele(ents "on"u$! %) that the offen#e$ has
no vali# li"ense o$ autho$it+ $e:ui$e# .+ la- to ena.le one to la-full+ engage in
$e"$uit(ent an# pla"e(ent of -o$'e$sE an# 3) that the offen#e$ un#e$ta'es eithe$ an+
a"tivit+ -ithin the (eaning of $e"$uit(ent an# pla"e(ent #efine# un#e$ A$ti"le %3(.), o$
an+ p$ohi.ite# p$a"ti"es enu(e$ate# un#e$ A$ti"le 34.
o p$ove illegal $e"$uit(ent, it (ust .e sho-n that the a""use#)appellant gave
"o(plainants the #istin"t i(p$ession that he ha# the po-e$ o$ a.ilit+ to sen#
"o(plainants a.$oa# fo$ -o$' su"h that the latte$ -e$e "onvin"e# to pa$t -ith thei$
(one+ in o$#e$ to .e e(plo+e#. o .e engage# in the p$a"ti"e of $e"$uit(ent an#
pla"e(ent, it is plain that the$e (ust at least .e a p$o(ise o$ offe$ of an e(plo+(ent f$o(
the pe$son posing as a $e"$uite$ -hethe$ lo"all+ o$ a.$oa#.
he $e"o$#s $eveals that not one of the "o(plainants testifie# that a""use#)
appellant lu$e# the( to pa$t -ith thei$ ha$#)ea$ne# (one+ -ith p$o(ises of 1o.s a.$oa#.
0n the "ont$a$+, the+ -e$e all "onsistent in sa+ing that thei$ $elatives a.$oa# -e$e the
ones -ho "onta"te# the( an# u$ge# the( to (eet a""use#)appellant -ho -oul# assist
the( in p$o"essing thei$ t$avel #o"u(ents. A""use#)appellant #i# not have to (a'e
p$o(ises of e(plo+(ent a.$oa# as these -e$e al$ea#+ #one .+ "o(plainants; $elatives.
hus, Angeles is not lia.le fo$ 5llegal Re"$uit(ent.
A$ti"le 3%@ of the Revise# Penal Co#e i(poses the penalt+ of p$ision "o$$e""ional
in its (aGi(u( pe$io# to p$ision (a+o$ in its (ini(u( pe$io#, if the a(ount of the f$au#
is ove$ P%3,000.00 .ut #oes not eG"ee# P33,000.00E if the a(ount eG"ee#s P33,000.00,
the penalt+ p$ovi#e# shall .e i(pose# in its (aGi(u( pe$io#, a##ing one +ea$ fo$ ea"h
a##itional P%0,000.00. <o-eve$, the total penalt+ -hi"h (a+ .e i(pose# shall not
eG"ee# t-ent+ +ea$s.
6n#e$ the 5n#ete$(inate Senten"e La-, the (aGi(u( te$( of the penalt+ shall .e
Ithat -hi"h, in vie- of the atten#ing "i$"u(stan"es, "oul# .e p$ope$l+ i(pose#J un#e$
the Revise# Penal Co#e, an# the (ini(u( shall .e I-ithin the $ange of the penalt+ neGt
lo-e$ to that p$es"$i.e# fo$ the offense.J he penalt+ neGt lo-e$ shoul# .e .ase# on the
penalt+ p$es"$i.e# .+ the Co#e fo$ the offense, -ithout fi$st "onsi#e$ing an+ (o#if+ing
"i$"u(stan"e atten#ant to the "o((ission of the "$i(e. he #ete$(ination of the
(ini(u( penalt+ is left .+ la- to the soun# #is"$etion of the "ou$t an# it "an .e
an+-he$e -ithin the $ange of the penalt+ neGt lo-e$ -ithout an+ $efe$en"e to the pe$io#s
into -hi"h it (ight .e su.#ivi#e#. he (o#if+ing "i$"u(stan"es a$e "onsi#e$e# onl+ in
the i(position of the (aGi(u( te$( of the senten"e.
Angeles "oul# onl+ .e hel# a""ounta.le fo$ the a(ounts allege# in the
5nfo$(ation.
People o2 t3e P3ilippines v Asuela
G.. Nos. +,1575#7,. *ebruary ,& 0110
*a4ts!
5n the ea$l+ evening of Septe(.e$ 7, %&&7, A""use#)appellants =a$"os Asuela,
Al.e$to Asuela, Roge$ Asuela, an# eofilo Z2o+et; Capa"illo an# the a""use# Jun)1un
Asuela an# =iguel Asuela -e$e in a #$in'ing sp$ee in f$ont of the house of appellant
Juanito Asuela, situate# at a.out @ (ete$s a-a+ f$o( the house of the Fillanuevas. he
Fillanueva Fa(il+ -e$e at that ti(e "ele.$ating the .i$th#a+ of thei$ fathe$, /ilf$e#o
Fillanueva.
So(eti(e a$oun# ?!30P= of the sa(e #a+, Anthon+ Fillanueva hea$# an# sa-
appellant Juanito "all up his fathe$. he$eafte$, Anthon+ sa- his fathe$ .eing pulle# nea$
the gate of thei$ house -he$e the a""use# sta$te# to assault an# sta. /ilf$e#o. Anthon+
i#entifie# that Al.e$to is the fathe$ of =iguel, an# Al.e$to;s .$othe$s a$e Juanito, =a$"os,
Roge$, an# Jun)1un. 2o+et Capa"illo is thei$ .$othe$)in)la-, 2o+et;s -ife .eing the siste$
of the Asuela .$othe$s. /hen his fathe$ /ilf$e#o -as .eing gange# up on .+ appellants
an# thei$ "o)a""use#, Anthon+ t$ie# to help his fathe$ .ut fell #o-n f$o( the su##en .lo-
on his .a"'. Anthon+ suffe$e# seve$al hits an# sta. -oun#s. Anthon+ -as a.le to es"ape
f$o( the assault an# .e late$ t$eate# of his in1u$ies at the A(ang Ro#$igue> <ospital. he
eGtent of the (e#i"al t$eat(ent he $e"eive# -as li(ite# to fi$st ai# )) stopping the flo- of
.loo# f$o( the -oun#s )) as the #o"to$ ha# $efuse# fu$the$ (e#i"al eGa(ination an#
t$eat(ent.
-o info$(ations -e$e file# against the A""use# fo$ the "$i(es of =u$#e$, an# of
F$ust$ate# =u$#e$. /hen a$$aigne# on sepa$ate #ates, appellants plea#e# not guilt+.
A""use# Juanito "lai(s he a"te# on self)#efense. <e alleges that it -as /ilf$e#o -ho
follo-e# hi( to a nea$.+ sto$e, an# that Anthon+ ha# "onf$onte# hi( at the sto$e
$ega$#ing the "ase of the fo$(e$;s .$othe$E an# that it -as /ilf$e#o -ho ha# atta"'e# hi(
-ith a si"'le. /ilf$e#o "aught up an# -$estle# -ith hi( fo$ the si"'le. 5n the p$o"ess,
Juanito felt, on the -aist of /ilf$e#o, a 'nife -hi"h the fo$(e$ use# to sta. the latte$
seve$al ti(es an# also to sta. Anthon+.
he othe$ appellants #en+ thei$ involve(ent in the "$i(es, .e"ause the alte$"ation
-as .et-een Juanito an# the #e"ease# an# the $est "onten# that the+ -e$e so(e-he$e
else -hen the "o((otion o""u$$e#.
!ssue! 7hether the #oun$s su%%ere$ by .nthony cons!$ere$ %ata to const!tute 1rustrate$
0ur$er.
7hether abuse o% super!or stren*th as a :ua!%y!n* c!rcumstance present.
7hether the !mpos!t!on o% 8n$eterm!nate 4entence !s app!cabe %or the mur$er o%
7!%re$o.
'eld!
5n the a.sen"e of (o$e "onvin"ing evi#en"e, -e hol# that the p$ose"ution faile# to
p$ove that appellants ha# fatall+ -oun#e# Anthon+ Fillanueva. /he$e the evi#en"e fails
to sho- "on"lusivel+ that the -oun#s infli"te# on the offen#e# pa$t+ -e$e fatal o$ se$ious
an# -he$e the (e#i"al t$eat(ent )) -hi"h laste# less than nine #a+s in the p$esent "ase ))
-e$e (e$el+ fi$st ai# in natu$e, appellants (a+ .e "onvi"te# onl+ of slight ph+si"al
in1u$ies, not f$ust$ate# (u$#e$.
F$o( the testi(on+ of the p$ose"ution -itnesses, it is "lea$ that appellants a.use#
thei$ supe$io$ st$ength. he+ use# eG"essive fo$"e out of p$opo$tion to the (eans fo$ self)
#efense availa.le to the pe$son the+ atta"'e#. Asi#e f$o( .eing nu(e$i"all+ supe$io$ to
the una$(e# Z/ilf$e#o an# his son Anthon+, the assailants -e$e also a$(e# -ith 'nives,
pointe# .a(.oo poles, tea$ gas an# lea# pipes. An#, e:uall+ i(po$tant, the+ use# thei$
supe$io$ nu(.e$ an# -eapons to thei$ g$eat a#vantage in (etho#i"all+ atta"'ing thei$
p$e+.
Se"tion 3 of the 5n#ete$(inate Senten"e La- (A"t 8o. 4%03, as a(en#e#)
p$ovi#es that it shall Inot appl+ to pe$sons "onvi"te# of offenses punishe# -ith #eath
penalt+ o$ life i(p$ison(entJ. 5t (ust .e note# that appellants -e$e "onvi"te# of (u$#e$
-hi"h is punisha.le -ith $e"lusion pe$petua to #eath un#e$ the Revise# Penal Co#e.
hus, in the a.sen"e of an+ p$oven agg$avating "i$"u(stan"e, the+ -e$e "o$$e"tl+
senten"e# .+ the t$ial "ou$t to $e"lusion pe$petua.
he C$i(inal "ase fo$ =u$#e$ -as affi$(e#, -hile the C$i(inal "ase fo$
F$ust$ate# =u$#e$ -as (o#ifie# to Slight Ph+si"al 5n1u$ies.
Probation LaG
=i4oy v People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. No. +5.015. July 5& 0110
*a4ts!
0n August 34, %&&@, =CC of ag.ila$an p$o(ulgate# a 1u#g(ent of "onvi"tion
against Fi"o+ fo$ violation of Cit+ 0$#inan"e 8o. 3?@)2 fo$ pe##ling fish outsi#e the
Ago$a Pu.li" =a$'et an# of the "$i(e of Resistan"e an# Se$ious *iso.e#ien"e o Agents
0f A Pe$son 5n Autho$it+. Petitione$ then file# an appli"ation fo$ p$o.ation on the sa(e
#a+. 0n Septe(.e$ %8, %&&@, ho-eve$, petitione$ file# a (otion to -ith#$a- he$
appli"ation fo$ p$o.ation an# si(ultaneousl+ file# a noti"e of appeal.
=CC g$ante# petitione$;s -ith#$a-al of he$ appli"ation fo$ p$o.ation .ut #enie#
he$ noti"e of appeal fo$ having .een file# out of ti(e. Petitione$ file# a (otion fo$
$e"onsi#e$ation of the #enial of he$ appeal, ho-eve$, the sa(e -as #enie#. Petitione$
file# a spe"ial "ivil a"tion fo$ "e$tio$a$i -ith the RC of 2ohol, "onten#ing that the
=CC g$avel+ a.use# its #is"$etion in #en+ing he$ the $ight to appeal.
he pa$ties -e$e o$#e$e# .+ the "ou$t to su.(it thei$ (e(o$an#u( -ithin %0
#a+s, afte$ -hi"h, the "ase -as su.(itte# fo$ 1u#g(ent on the plea#ings.
Reali>ing that the People shoul# .e $ep$esente# .+ the Cit+ P$ose"uto$;s 0ffi"e,
the "ou$t issue# an 0$#e$ #ate# August 3, %&&?, $e:ui$ing the latte$ to ente$ its
appea$an"e. 5n the sa(e o$#e$, petitione$ -as #i$e"te# to fu$nish the Cit+ P$ose"uto$;s
0ffi"e -ith a "op+ of he$ (e(o$an#u( an# of the assaile# 1u#g(ent.
0n Fe.$ua$+ &, %&&8, the RC $en#e$e# the assaile# 0$#e$ #is(issing petitione$;s
spe"ial "ivil a"tion fo$ "e$tio$a$i fo$ failu$e to "o(pl+ -ith the August 3, %&&? 0$#e$. A
(otion fo$ $e"onsi#e$ation of the sai# o$#e$ of #is(issal -as #enie#.
!ssue! /hethe$ the petition fo$ "e$tio$a$i -as vali#l+ #is(isse# .+ the RC on the g$oun#
of petitione$;s failu$e to "o(pl+ -ith its 0$#e$ #ate# August 3, %&&?
'eld!
he RCAs #is(issal of petitione$;s spe"ial "ivil a"tion -as vali#. 4ve$+ "ou$t has
the po-e$ to enfo$"e an# "o(pel o.e#ien"e to its o$#e$s, 1u#g(ents, an# p$o"esses in all
p$o"ee#ings pen#ing .efo$e it.
Se"tion 3, Rule %7, of the Rules of Cou$t p$ovi#es 5f, fo$ no 1ustifia.le "ause, the
plaintiff fails to appea$ on the #ate of the p$esentation of his evi#en"e in "hief on the
"o(plaint, o$ to p$ose"ute his a"tion fo$ an un$easona.le length of ti(e, o$ to "o(pl+
-ith these Rules o$ an+ o$#e$ of the "ou$t, the "o(plaint (a+ .e #is(isse# upon (otion
of the #efen#ant o$ upon the "ou$t;s o-n (otion, -ithout p$e1u#i"e to the $ight of the
#efen#ant to p$ose"ute his "ounte$"lai( in the sa(e o$ in a sepa$ate a"tion. his #is(issal
shall have the effe"t of an a#1u#i"ation on the (e$its, unless othe$-ise #e"la$e# .+ the
"ou$t.
he t$ial "ou$t "atego$i"all+ #i$e"te# petitione$, in its August 3, %&&? 0$#e$, to
fu$nish the Cit+ P$ose"uto$;s 0ffi"e -ith a "op+ of he$ (e(o$an#u( an# of the assaile#
1u#g(ent. Petitione$;s "ounsel #i# not "o(pl+, p$o(pting the "ou$t to #is(iss the petition
fo$ "e$tio$a$i.
4ven assu(ing that the Regional $ial Cou$t #i# not o$#e$ the sai# #is(issal,
petitione$;s spe"ial "ivil a"tion, :uestioning the #enial of he$ noti"e of appeal, -oul# still
fail. Petitione$ file# an appli"ation fo$ p$o.ation. Se"tion 7, Rule %30, of the Rules on
C$i(inal P$o"e#u$e is eGpli"it that a 1u#g(ent in a "$i(inal "ase .e"o(es final -hen the
a""use# has applie# fo$ p$o.ation. his is totall+ in a""o$# -ith Se"tion 4 of P$esi#ential
*e"$ee 8o. &?8 (P$o.ation La- of %&7?, as a(en#e#), -hi"h in pa$t p$ovi#es that the
filing of an appli"ation fo$ p$o.ation is #ee(e# a -aive$ of the $ight to appeal. hus,
the$e -as no (o$e oppo$tunit+ fo$ petitione$ to eGe$"ise he$ $ight to appeal, the 1u#g(ent
having .e"o(e final .+ the filing of an appli"ation fo$ p$o.ation.
Pablo v Castillo
G.. No. +0-+1.. August 5& 0111
*a4ts!
Petitione$ Pa.lo -as "ha$ge# -ith a violation of 2atas Pa(.ansa 2ilang 33,
othe$-ise 'no-n as the 2oun"ing Che"'s La-, in th$ee sepa$ate 5nfo$(ations, fo$ issuing
th$ee .a# "he"'s to "o(plainant =an#ap. *o"'ete# as C$i(inal Cases 8os. &4)00%&7)*,
&4)00%&8)* an# &4)00%&&)*, $espe"tivel+, the th$ee "ases -e$e not "onsoli#ate#. he
fi$st t-o -e$e $affle# an# assigne# to 2$an"h 43 -hile the thi$# "ase to 2$an"h 4% of the
RC in *agupan Cit+.
2$an"h 4% of the sai# lo-e$ "ou$t $en#e$e# 1u#g(ent "onvi"ting petitione$ of the
"$i(e "ha$ge# an# i(posing upon he$ a fine of P4, ?48.00. 2$an"h 43 p$o(ulgate# its
#e"ision fin#ing petitione$ guilt+ of violating 2.P. 2lg. 33, an# senten"ing he$ to pa+ the
a(ount of P4, ??8.00 an# to se$ve a p$ison te$( of 30 #a+s in ea"h "ase.
Petitione$ applie# fo$ p$o.ation in C$i(inal Cases 8os. &4)00%&7)* an# &4)
00%&8)*. <e$ appli"ation -as given #ue "ou$se an# the p$o.ation offi"e -as $e:ui$e# to
su.(it a post)senten"e investigation $epo$t. he p$o.ation offi"e a$$ive# at a favo$a.le
evaluation on the suita.ilit+ of petitione$ fo$ p$o.ation. <o-eve$, the $e"o((en#ation of
the lo"al p$o.ation offi"e -as ove$$ule# .+ the 8ational P$o.ation 0ffi"e. 5t #enie#
petitione$;s appli"ation fo$ p$o.ation on the g$oun# that the petitione$ is #is:ualifie#
un#e$ Se"tion & of P.*. &?8 (P$o.ation La-). Respon#ent 1u#ge #enie# petitione$;s
appli"ation fo$ p$o.ation. Petitione$ (ove# fo$ $e"onsi#e$ation .ut to no avail.
!ssue! 7hether the $en!a o% pet!t!oner2s app!cat!on %or probat!on va!$.
'eld!
Se"tion & pa$ag$aph (") of the P$o.ation La-, P.*. &?8 p$ovi#es that those -ho
have p$eviousl+ .een "onvi"te# .+ final 1u#g(ent of an offense punishe# .+
i(p$ison(ent of not less than one (onth an# one #a+ an#Ko$ fine of not less than t-o
hun#$e# pesos "annot avail of the .enefits of p$o.ation.
5t is a .asi" $ule of statuto$+ "onst$u"tion that if a statute is "lea$, plain an# f$ee
f$o( a(.iguit+, it (ust .e given its lite$al (eaning an# applie# -ithout an+
inte$p$etation. 8ot onl+ thatE in the (atte$ of inte$p$etation of la-s on p$o.ation, the
Cou$t has p$onoun"e# that the poli"+ of li.e$alit+ of p$o.ation statutes "annot p$evail
against the "atego$i"al p$ovisions of the la-.
5n the p$esent "ase of petitione$, -hen she applie# fo$ p$o.ation in C$i(inal Cases
8os. &4)00%&7)* an# &4)00%&8)*, she ha# a p$evious "onvi"tion in C$i(inal Case 8o.
&4)00%&&)*, -hi"h the$e.+ #is:ualifie# he$ f$o( the .enefits of p$o.ation.
Santos v Court o2 Appeals
G.. No. +0/.77. De4ember 0& +777
*a4ts!
Petitione$ Santos -as "ha$ge# -ith @4 "ounts of violation of 2atas Pa(.ansa
2ilang 33 in @4 sepa$ate 5nfo$(ations, #o"'ete# as C$i(inal Case 8os. %0300& to
%030?3, $espe"tivel+, .efo$e 2$an"h %?0 of the Regional $ial Cou$t of Pasig Cit+. o the
sai# a""usations, petitione$ plea#e# not guilt+ upon a$$aign(ent. Afte$ t$ial, she -as
foun# guilt+ in a *e"ision p$o(ulgate# on *e"e(.e$ 30, %&&4, senten"ing he$ to a total
p$ison te$( of @4 +ea$s an# to pa+ P3,&8&,%7@.%0 to the p$ivate $espon#ent.
Petitione$ then file# an appli"ation fo$ p$o.ation, -hi"h -as $efe$$e# .+ P$esi#ing
Ju#ge to the P$o.ation 0ffi"e$ of =a$i'ina, fo$ investigation, $epo$t, an#
$e"o((en#ation. P$ivate $espon#ent oppose# su.1e"t appli"ation fo$ p$o.ation on the
g$oun#s that the petitione$ is not eligi.le fo$ p$o.ation .e"ause she has .een senten"e# to
suffe$ an i(p$ison(ent of @4 +ea$s, an# she faile# to pa+ he$ 1u#g(ent #e.t to the p$ivate
$espon#ent.
P$esi#ing Ju#ge g$ante# P$ivate Respon#entAs (otion fo$ -$it of eGe"ution issue#
fo$ the i(ple(entation an# satisfa"tion of the (oneta$+ aspe"t of the sai# *e"ision.
Re"ent #evelop(ents sho- that the a""use# ha# .een #isposing an#Ko$ (o$tgaging he$
p$ope$ties in o.vious atte(pt to negate the satisfa"tion of he$ "ivil lia.ilit+ to p$ivate
"o(plainant.
P$esi#ing Ju#ge g$ante# the appli"ation fo$ p$o.ation #espite SantosAs failu$e to
satisf+ the 1u#g(ent on the "ivil lia.ilit+. he Cou$t of Appeals $eve$se# the g$ant of
p$o.ation, on the g$oun#s that the $espon#ent 1u#ge g$avel+ a.use# his #is"$etion an#
petitione$ -as un-o$th+ of p$o.ation
!ssue! 7hether the pet!t!oner !s :ua!%!e$ to be *rante$ probat!on
'eld!
he Cou$t fin#s (e$it in the #ete$(ination .+ the Cou$t of Appeals that the
petitione$ is not entitle# to p$o.ation .e"ause she ha# #ispla+e# a #evious an#
$ep$ehensi.le "ha$a"te$ in t$+ing to eva#e the i(ple(entation of the eGe"ution against he$
the$e.+ $en#e$ing the 1u#g(ent against he$ ineffe"tive.
P$o.ation is not a $ight of an a""use# .ut a (e$e p$ivilege, an a"t of g$a"e an#
"le(en"+ o$ i((unit+ "onfe$$e# .+ the state, -hi"h (a+ .e g$ante# to a see(ingl+
#ese$ving #efen#ant -ho the$e.+ es"apes the eGt$e(e $igo$s of the penalt+ i(pose# .+
la- fo$ the offense fo$ -hi"h he -as "onvi"te#. he p$i(a$+ o.1e"tive in g$anting
p$o.ation is the $efo$(ation of the p$o.atione$. Cou$ts (ust .e (eti"ulous enough to
ensu$e that the en#s of 1usti"e an# the .est inte$est of the pu.li" as -ell as the a""use# .e
se$ve# .+ the g$ant of p$o.ation. P$o.ation is a 1ust p$ivilege the g$ant of -hi"h is
#is"$etiona$+ upon the "ou$t. 2efo$e g$anting p$o.ation, the "ou$t (ust "onsi#e$ the
potentialit+ of the offen#e$ to $efo$(, togethe$ -ith the #e(an#s of 1usti"e an# pu.li"
inte$est, along -ith othe$ $elevant "i$"u(stan"es. he "ou$ts a$e not to li(it the .asis of
thei$ #e"ision to the $epo$t o$ $e"o((en#ation of the p$o.ation offi"e$, -hi"h is at .est
onl+ pe$suasive.
Gabato
*ran4is4o v. CA I G.. No. +1./,/ I April 6& +77-
FACS!
Pa.lo F$an"is"o -as a""use# of (ultiple g$ave o$al #efa(ation .+ his e(plo+ees. he
=et$opolitan $ial Cou$t of =a'ati senten"e# hi( of p$ision "o$$e""ional in its (ini(u(
pe$io# in ea"h "$i(e "o((itte# on ea"h #ate of ea"h "ase. F$an"is"o then elevate# the
"ase to the RC in -hi"h the+ senten"e# hi( onl+ of eight st$aight (onths fo$
app$e"iating (itigating "i$"u(stan"es.
F$an"is"o faile# to (a'e an appeal on the RC;s #e"ision (a'ing it final. he =C
issue# a -a$$ant of a$$est, .ut .efo$e F$an"is"o -as to .e a$$este#, he file# an appli"ation
fo$ p$o.ation -hi"h the =C #enie#. <e -ent to the Cou$t of Appeals on "e$tio$a$i
-hi"h -as also #enie#.
5SS64! /hethe$ Pa.lo F$an"is"o is still :ualifie# to avail of p$o.ation.
R6L589!
Petitione$ is no longe$ eligi.le fo$ p$o.ation. Fi$st, F$an"is"o violate# Se".4 of the
P$o.ation La- in -hi"h no appli"ation fo$ p$o.ation shall .e ente$taine# afte$ the
1u#ge(ent is final.
Se"on#, F$an"is"o (isun#e$stoo# -hen he thought that his p$ison senten"e hel# .+ the
=C -as not :ualifie# fo$ p$o.ation. =ultiple p$ison te$(s shoul# not .e a##e# up.
Conse:uentl+, F$an"is"o lost his $ight to p$o.ation -hen he appeale# the =C #e"ision
to the RC. he la- "onsi#e$s appeal an# p$o.ation (utuall+ eG"lusive $e(e#ies.
hi$#, F$an"is"o;s appeal to the RC -as not fo$ $e#u"ing his penalties .ut fo$ his
asse$tion of his inno"en"e. he P$o.ation La- p$event oppo$tunis( -hen petitione$s
appl+ fo$ p$o.ation -hen thei$ appeal -as #is(isse#.
Lastl+, the appli"ation fo$ p$o.ation -as file# -a+ .e+on# the pe$io# allo-e# .+ la-.
<en"e, the petition fo$ appli"ation of p$o.ation -as #enie#.
PP v. "orales I G.. No. +/0./5 I "ar43 +7& 01+1
FACS!
Oue>on Cit+ RC foun# Rol#an =o$ales guilt+ of possession an# sale of #ange$ous
#$ugs.
he testi(onies of P0% 4#ua$#o Ro+ an# P03 A$(an#o Rive$a -e$e p$esente# .+ the
p$ose"ution. he+ hel# a .u+).ust ope$ation in -hi"h =o$ales -as "aught having 3
sa"hets of sha.u an# the (a$'e# (one+.
=o$ales, in his state(ent, sai# that t-o (ale pe$sons in "ivilian "lothing -ho i#entifie#
the(selves as poli"e (Ro+ an# Rive$a) han#"uffe# an# f$is' hi(. 8othing -as foun# .ut
on thei$ to the station, Ro+ p$o#u"e# a sa"het of sha.u f$o( his po"'et an# -hen on"e at
the station p$esente# it as evi#en"e against =o$ales.
he t$ial "ou$t foun# hi( guilt+ an# -hen he appeale# -ith the Cou$t of Appeals,
affi$(e# the t$ial "ou$t;s #e"ision.
5SS64! /hethe$ Rol#an =o$ales is guilt+ of possession an# sale of illegal #$ugs.
R6L589!
=o$ales "lai(s that his guilt -as not p$oven .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t. he a$$esting
offi"e$s #i# not pla"e the p$ope$ (a$'ings on the allege# sha.u an# pa$aphe$nalia.
he Cou$t points out that to .e guilt+ of sale of illegal #$ugs, the$e shoul# .e p$oof that
the t$ansa"tion too' pla"e an# the illegal #$ug is p$esente# in "ou$t as evi#en"e. /hile fo$
possession, it shoul# .e esta.lishe# that the pe$son possesses an illegal #$ug an# is f$eel+
a-a$e of it.
he pe$son -ho Ro+ an# Rive$a gave the #$ugs fo$ #elive$+ of sei>e# ite(s -as not
p$esent in "ou$t no$ #i# the+ testif+ that the+ p$ope$l+ (a$'e# the #$ugs afte$ appellants
a$$est. he+ #i# not also ta'e photog$aphs an# ha# no $ep$esentative f$o( the (e#ia an#
*epa$t(ent of Justi"e o$ pu.li" offi"ial to sign an invento$+ of the sei>e# ite(s.
P$ose"ution faile# to esta.lish the "hain of "usto#+ -hi"h is fatal to its "ause.
<en"e, petitione$ is a":uitte#.
PP v. del "onte I G.. No. +/77,1 I April 05& 011.
FACS!
8o$.e$to #el =onte -as "ha$ge# -ith violation @.3 A$ti"le 55 of Repu.li" A"t 8o. &%?@,
othe$-ise 'no-n as Co(p$ehensive *ange$ous *$ugs A"t of 3003.
he p$ose"ution p$esente# as its lone -itness P0% 9au#en"io =. olentino, J$., the
poseu$).u+e$ in the .u+).ust ope$ation "on#u"te# against appellant.
0n %0 *e"e(.e$ 3003, at a$oun# 3!00 o;"lo"' in the afte$noon, an info$(ant togethe$
-ith olentino -ent to .u+ sha.u to #el =onte. olentino gave appellant P300.00
"onsisting of th$ee (a$'e# P%00 .ills. 6pon $e"eiving the P300.00, #el =onte too' out a
plasti" sa"het f$o( his po"'et an# han#e# it ove$ to olentino. As a p$e)a$$ange# signal,
olentino lit a "iga$ette signif+ing that the sale ha# .een "onsu((ate#. P0% Antonio
2a$$e$as a$$ive#, a$$este# #el =onte an# $e"ove$e# the (a$'e# (one+. A la. $epo$t
"onfi$(s that the su.stan"e t$a#e# -as in#ee# sha.u.
Fo$ the #efense, the #el =onte too' the -itness stan#, togethe$ -ith his "o((on)la-
-ife, A(elia =en#o>aE an# nephe-, Ale1an#$o Li(.
*el =onte sai# that on that #a+ a "o((otion -o'e hi( up. =en#o>a, Li(, an# a nie"e
-as .eing assaulte# .+ olentino an# 2a$$e$as. 2oth poli"e(en, then, t$ie# to .$i.e the(
fo$ thei$ li.e$t+.
he t$ial "ou$t senten"e# #el =onte life i(p$ison(ent an# P@,000,000.00 fine. he t$ial
"ou$t foun# the lone testi(on+ of P0% 9au#en"io =. olentino, J$. to .e "$e#i.le an#
st$aightfo$-a$# an# -as not "onvin"e# .+ appellant;s #efense of f$a(e)up an# #enial.
*el =onte file# a petition on the Cou$t of Appeals -hi"h -as also #enie# .ut the fine
-as slashe# to P@00,000.00.
*el =onte file# anothe$ appeal that -as fo$-a$#e# to the Sup$e(e Cou$t.
5SS64! /hethe$ o$ not 8o$.e$to #el =onte -as guilt+ of violating @.3 A$ti"le 55 of
Repu.li" A"t 8o. &%?@.
R6L589!
*el =onte a$gue# that the offi"e$s faile# to "o(pl+ -ith Se"tion 3% 0F RA &%?@. <e
"lai(s that pi"tu$es of hi( togethe$ -ith the allege# "onfis"ate# sha.u -e$e not ta'en
i((e#iatel+ upon his a$$est an# the+ #i# not "on#u"t a ph+si"al invento$+ of the sa(e in
his p$esen"e as sho-n .+ thei$ 1oint affi#avit of a$$est, thus "asting #ou.t on .oth his
a$$est an# the a#(issi.ilit+ of the evi#en"e a##u"e# against hi(.
he Cou$t sai# that #el =onte "annot $aise that a$gu(ent an+(o$e as he is too late. he
Cou$t also sai# that the non)"o(plian"e -ill not $en#e$ the #$ugs ina#(issi.le in
evi#en"e. /hat is (ate$ial to the p$ose"ution fo$ illegal sale of #ange$ous #$ugs is the
p$oof that the t$ansa"tion o$ sale a"tuall+ too' pla"e, "ouple# -ith the p$esentation in
"ou$t of evi#en"e of "o$pus #eli"ti.
hus, the petition of 8o$.e$to #el =onte -as #enie#.
PP v. Suson I G.. No. +-0.,. I July +0& 0116
FACS!
SP03 Ali"e PatiWo (a#e a .u+).ust ope$ation on e$esita Suson an# Antonio Fo$ti"h.
Afte$ giving the (a$'e# (one+ to Suson, Suson ente$e# he$ house. She "a(e out -ith
Fo$ti"h, -ho then, gave he$ 3 pa"'s of sha.u an# left the houseK Afte$ #oing the p$e)
a$$ange# signal ("o(.ing he$ hai$), the offi"e$s a$$est Fo$ti"h. 5t -as "onfi$(e# that it
-as sha.u afte$ su.(itting it to the P8P C$i(e La.. Late$, the poli"e -e$e a.le to se"u$e
a sea$"h -a$$ant fo$ Suson;s house an# $e"ove$e# the (a$'e# (one+ given .+ Suson.
Petitione$s "onten# that no .u+).ust ope$ation o""u$$e# an# that the evi#en"e -as
plante#.
he t$ial "ou$t foun# the( guilt+ of violating Se"tion %@, A$ti"le 555, in $elation to Se"tion
3%, A$ti"le 5F of Repu.li" A"t ?43@. he t$ial "ou$t pointe# out that the log .oo' of
Suson "o$$o.o$ates thei$ t$ansa"tion.
Petitione$s file# a petition in the Cou$t of Appeals -hi"h -as #enie#.
5SS64! /hethe$ o$ not appellants a$e guilt+ of violating RA ?43@.
R6L589!
0ne of the petitione$;s "ontention -as that the testi(on+ of Patino an# the RC -as
#iffe$ent $ega$#ing Fo$ti"he;s -he$ea.outs afte$ the giving of the (a$'e# (one+. he
Cou$t pointe# out that -hat "ont$ols a$e the $ans"$ipt of Stenog$aphi" 8otes an# not the
fin#ings in those t$ans"$ipts.
he Cou$t also pointe# out that the$e is ph+si"al evi#en"e suppo$ting thei$ "onvi"tion.
Petitione$s "lai( that the RC #e"ision is "ont$a$+ to la-. he+ still "onsi#e$e# the sha.u
even though the offi"e$s faile# to su.(it an invento$+ of the "onfis"ate#. he Cou$t state#
that the$e -as no la"' of invento$+ an# that it is not even $e:ui$e#.
Petitione$s also a$gue that the (a$'e# (one+ allege#l+ use# in the .u+).ust -as not
offi"iall+ (a$'e# sin"e the sa(e -as (e$el+ $e"o$#e# in a p$ivate log.oo'. he Cou$t
"ounte$e# that $e"o$#ing of (one+ is not one of the ele(ents fo$ the p$ose"ution of sale
of illegal #$ugs.
Petitione$s also #en+ that a .u+).ust ope$ation too' pla"e an# "lai( that the evi#en"e
against the( is plante# evi#en"e. he Cou$t -as not "onvin"e# an# $easone# that #enial
is a "o((on -ea' #efense, espe"iall+ -hen not suppo$te# .+ evi#en"e, in (ost
p$ose"utions in $elation to the *ange$ous *$ugs A"t.
hus, the #e"ision of the t$ial -as affi$(e#.
PP v. )ira I G.. No. +576+- I "ay 0.& 011,
FACS!
Pangasinan Poli"e hel# su$veillan"e ope$ations on appellants A(a#eo an# Connie i$a
fo$ #$ug a"tivities. Afte$ a fe- #a+s of su$ve+ing, the poli"e got the -a$$ant an# sea$"he#
the i$a;s house. he poli"e foun# a nu(.e$ of #$ugs, so(e pa$aphe$nalia, an# (one+
that -as assu(e# to have gotten f$o( the t$a#es -hi"h -as hi##en un#e$ the .e# A(a#eo
-as sleeping in.
A(a#eo, in his #efense, sai# that the house the poli"e sea$"he# -as $ente# .+ his nephe-,
Ch$is i$a, an# his live)in pa$tne$, 9e((a Li(. he t$ial "ou$t "onvi"te# hi( fo$
possession of illegal #$ugs. he "ou$t #i# not .elieve A(a#eo;s state(ent .e"ause it -as
not su.stantiate#.
Connie, li'e A(a#eo;s #efense, sai# that poli"e(en sea$"he# the $ente# house an# sei>e#
ite(s that -e$e o-ne# .+ the .oa$#e$s. She -as also not .elieve# .+ the t$ial "ou$t an#
sai# that as hus.an# an# -ife, Connie -oul# not have 'no-n the #$ugs in thei$ house.
5SS64! /hethe$ o$ not the spouses i$a a$e guilt+ of illegal possession of #$ugs.
R6L589!
he appellants ha# th$ee appeals. Fi$st, the+ pointe# out that the t$ial "ou$t faile# to p$ove
thei$ guilt .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t. Se"on#, that the sea$"h -as illegall+ (a#e. hi$#,
assu(ing A(a#eo -as guilt+, the t$ial "ou$t -as (ista'en -hen the+ $easone# out that
the$e -as "onspi$a"+ .et-een the spouses.
he appellants "lai( that the poli"e violate# Se"tion 7, Rule %3? of the Rules of C$i(inal
P$o"e#u$e. he+ insist that the #$ugs "annot .e assu(e# that the i$a "ont$olle# it as the
$oo( -as o""upie# othe$s. he Cou$t foun# this appeal -ithout (e$it. Li'e the t$ial
"ou$t, the Cou$t #i# not .elieve that the$e -e$e .oa$#e$s living on the othe$ $oo(. he
#$ugs -e$e foun# un#e$ the .e# of the appellant. he Cou$t also pointe# out that the$e
-e$e othe$ -itnesses #u$ing the sea$"h.
he Cou$t sai# that to .e "onvi"te# in violation of RA ?43@, one shoul#, f$eel+,
"ons"iousl+, an# unla-full+ possess the illegal #$ug. 2e"ause the #$ug -as foun# un#e$
the .e# of A(a#eo, it shoul# tell that the+ ha# "ont$ol of the #$ugs. Connie -as still
foun# guilt+ .e"ause as a house-ife she ha# a""ess the house -ithout $est$i"tion
<en"e, the spouses i$a -as foun# guilt+ an# -as senten"e# to $e"lusion pe$petua an# a
fine of P%,000,000.00 fo$ violating Se"tion 8, A$ti"le 55 of Rep. A"t 8o. ?43@ an# an
in#ete$(inate penalt+ of f$o( Fou$ (4) =onths an# 0ne (%) *a+ of a$$esto (a+o$ in its
(e#iu( pe$io# as (ini(u(, to h$ee (3) +ea$s of p$ision "o$$e""ional fo$ violating
Se"tion %?, A$ti"le 555 of Rep. A"t 8o. ?43@.
PP v. Peralta I G.. No. +/5,/0 I *ebruary 06& 01+1
FACS!
SP0% Al.e$to Sangalang a"te# as poseu$).u+e$ on a .u+).ust ope$ation against 4l(e$
Pe$alta. Afte$ sen#ing out the signal, Pe$alta -as a$$este#. he poli"e too' the (a$'e#
(one+ an# Pe$alta -as .$ought to the station. he sa"hets of sha.u -as (a$'e# an# -as
sent to the P8P La.o$ato$+. 5t -as teste# positive fo$ sha.u.
he p$ose"ution onl+ p$esente# Sangalang an# the fo$ensi" "he(ist.
Pe$alta "lai(e# that on that #a+, -hen he -as a.out to sleep, fou$ poli"e(en fo$"i.l+
opene# his #oo$, han#"uffe# hi(, an# .$ought to the station.
he RC foun# hi( guilt+ as -ell as the Cou$t of Appeals. he+ foun# Sangalang;s
testi(on+ -as enough as it #i# not #eviate f$o( his $egula$ pe$fo$(an"e -hile Pe$alta;s
#efense -as "onsi#e$e# -ea'.
5SS64! /hethe$ 4l(e$ Pe$alta -as "onvi"te# .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
R6L589!
he Cou$t foun# that the p$ose"ution faile# to sho- the "hain of "usto#+ o$ that the+
follo-e# the p$o"e#u$e that has .een p$es"$i.e# in "onne"tion -ith the sei>u$e an#
"usto#+ of #$ugs. he$e -as #ou.t -ho an# -hen the sa"hets of sha.u -e$e (a$'e#.
he$e -e$e also #ou.ts on the sealing of the sa"hets. 5t -as not state# -hethe$ the a$ti"les
-as p$ope$l+ seale# f$o( the ti(e of the a$$est. he$e -as #ou.t -hen the sa"hets of
sha.u eGiste#.
<en"e, petitione$ is a":uitte# of the "ha$ges against hi(.
PP v. Gutierrez I G.. No. +/70+5 I September 5& 0117
FACS!
A .u+).ust ope$ation "on#u"te# .+ SP03 Leneal =atias -as hel# against petitione$
8i"olas 9utie$$e>. <ee#ing the p$e)a$$ange# signal, the othe$ (e(.e$s of the tea( "lose#
in an# a$$este# 9utie$$e>. 0the$ (e(.e$s (a$'e# the sei>e# ite(s.
5n 9utie$$e>; a""ount, at that ti(e, he -as having #inne$ -ith his fa(il+ -hen fou$ a$(e#
(en .$ought hi( to the poli"e p$e"in"t. <e -as sho-n a plasti" sa"het an# th$eatene#
hi( to .e "ha$ge# if he #oes not pa+ P30,000.00. <e -as "ha$ge# afte$ he faile# to pa+.
he RC an# the Cou$t of Appeals foun# hi( guilt+.
5n his petition to the Sup$e(e Cou$t, he a$gues thathe -as a vi"ti( of -a$$antless sea$"h
an# a$$est an# that the$e -e$e in"onsisten"ies in the testi(onies of the poli"e(en.
5SS64! /hethe$ 8i"olas 9utie$$e> -as "onvi"te# .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
R6L589!
he Cou$t state# that -hat is i(po$tant fo$ the p$ose"ution of so(eone "ha$ge# -ith
violations of RA &%?@, the$e shoul# .e the corpus $e!ct! o$ the #$ugs itself.
he Cou$t fin#s that the evi#en"e fo$ the p$ose"ution faile# to esta.lish the "hain of
"usto#+ of the allege#l+ sei>e# sha.u. Although the$e a$e the la.o$ato$+ $esults
"onfi$(ing the #$ugs, the$e -as state(ent on ho- the evi#en"e -as han#le# .efo$e it
"a(e to the fo$ensi" "he(ist. he$e -as #ou.t -hethe$ the evi#en"e sent to the
la.o$ato$+ an# the one p$esente# in "ou$t -as the sa(e.
<en"e, .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t -as not p$oven an# petitione$ -as a":uitte#.
PP v. Obmiranis I G.. No. +.+,70 I De4ember +6& 011.
FACS!
Poli"e(an Je$$+ Felas"o hel# a .u+).ust ope$ation against Sa(uel 0.(i$anis. /hen he
-as a$$este#, /ilf$e#o Cin"o sei>e# the plasti" sa"het f$o( hi( that "ontaine# sha.u an#
(a$'e# it -ith IS00J. 0n t$ial, Felas"oa#(itte# that the$e -as no evi#en"e "usto#ian
#esignate# an# that he "oul# not $e(e(.e$ if the sei>e# ite( ha# .een invento$ie# an#
photog$aphe# in the p$esen"e of the a""use#. he la.o$ato$+ $esults "a(e .a"' an# -e$e
"onfi$(e# of sha.u.
5n his #efense, 0.(i$anis "lai(s that he -as a$$este#, -hile -aiting fo$ his gi$lf$ien#, .+
Felas"o an# othe$s the night .efo$e the sai# .u+).ust ope$ation. he+ as'e# fo$
P300,000.00 an# if not he shoul# fin# fo$ the offi"e$s a la$ge)s"ale #$ug pushe$. /hen he
faile# to, he -as sent to the 68 Avenue poli"e station an# -as #etaine#. Again, he -as
as'e# fo$ (one+ to (itigate his "$i(e.
he RC foun# hi( guilt+. 5n his petition to the Cou$t of Appeals, the+ sai# that even
though all the essential ele(ents of a "onsu((ate# sale of #ange$ous #$ug ha# not .een
"o(pletel+ sho-n -as i((ate$ial .e"ause the "ha$ge involve# a (e$e atte(pt o$ offe$ to
sell -hi"h ha# .een #ul+ esta.lishe# .+ the p$ose"ution. he+ also sai# that the "hain of
"usto#+ -as also (aintaine#. he CA affi$(e# the t$ial "ou$t;s #e"ision.
5SS64! /hethe$ petitione$ -as guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
R6L589!
he Cou$t foun# that the poli"e #i# not follo- the "hain of "uto#+. 5f it -as follo-e#,
eve$+ pe$son -ho hel# the evi#en"e "an p$ovi#e testi(on+ -hi"h -as not #one. he
testi(on+ of Felas"o -as also unsu$e an# p$ove# that so(e i(po$tant steps in a .u+)
ope$ation -e$e passe#.
he p$ose"ution -as una.le to esta.lish the i#entit+ of the #ange$ous #$ug an# in effe"t
faile# to o.lite$ate the h+pothesis of appellant;s guiltlessness.
he Cou$t also ha# thei$ #ou.ts -hethe$ the evi#en"e that -as foun# on the 0.$i(anis
-as also the evi#en"e p$esente# in "ou$t o$ -as even a $eal illegal #$ug f$o( the fi$st
pla"e.
he Cou$t also $e(in#e# that the p$ose"ution shoul# al-a+s $el+ on the st$ength of thei$
evi#en"e an# not to the -ea'ness of the #efense.
<en"e, petitione$ -as not p$oven guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t an# -as a":uitte#.
PP v. de la Cruz I G.. No. +.+-,- I O4tober .& 011.
FACS!
A .u+).ust ope$ation -as hel# against petitione$ =a$' #e la C$u>. P03 4ugene A(o+o
-as the #esignate# poseu$).u+e$. Afte$ .eing a$$este#, A(o+o sei>e# the t-o sa"hets of
sha.u. 6pon $etu$ning to the hea#:ua$te$s, A(o+o pla"e# his (a$'ing on the sa"hets an#
gave it to SP04 Jo$ge a.a+ag along -ith the (a$'e# (one+.
5n his #efense, #e la C$u> "lai(e# that he -as onl+ -aiting fo$ his .$othe$ to #elive$ his
.oots -hen a shoot)out "o((en"e# .et-een the poli"e an# A(a+ -ho he 'ne-. Afte$
the shoot)out an# A(a+ having es"ape#, he -as the one a$$este# .e"ause he 'ne- A(a+.
he RC foun# hi( guilt+ an# the Cou$t of Appeals affi$(e# the #e"ision th$ough a
petition. he 0ffi"e of the Soli"ito$ 9ene$al ha# the sa(e #e"ision "iting that petitione$
-as "aught !n %a*rante $e!cto.
5SS64! /hethe$ =a$' #e la C$u> is guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
R6L589!
he Cou$t .elieves that the p$ose"ution faile# to "lea$l+ esta.lish the "hain of "usto#+ of
the sei>e# plasti" sa"hets "ontaining sha.u f$o( the ti(e the+ -e$e fi$st allege#l+
$e"eive# until the+ -e$e .$ought to the poli"e investigato$.
A(o+o testifie# that he faile# to pla"e an+ (a$'ing on the sa"hets of sha.u i((e#iatel+
afte$ the app$ehension of appellant. 5n fa"t, A(o+o a#(itte# that he onl+ pla"e# his
(a$'ings upon .eing o$#e$e# .+ a.a+ag.
=o$eove$, no othe$ -itness -as p$esente# to testif+ o$ to fill the gap f$o( the ti(e
a.a+ag $e"eive# the sa"hets of sha.u f$o( A(o+o up to the ti(e the+ -e$e #elive$e# to
the P8P C$i(e La.o$ato$+. he$e -as also no ph+si"al invento$+ an# photog$aph of the
ite(s allege#l+ "onfis"ate# f$o( appellant.
<en"e, petitione$ -as a":uitte# having his guilt+ not p$oven .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
PP v. (ondad I G.. No. +/5.1, I De4ember +1& 011.
FACS!
4lpi#io 2on#a#, J$ -as "aught in a .u+).ust ope$ation selling sha.u. he illegal
#$ugs -e$e insi#e a ;!c&s "ontaine$. P03 *ano pla"e# the (a$'ings I422)4*
26D26S 0%K3&K04J on the su.stan"e)fille# sa"het sol# to hi(, an# I422)4*, P0S %
an# 3, 0%K3&K04J on the sa"hets that $e(aine# insi#e the IFi"'sJ "ontaine$. 2on#a# -as
.$ought to the station an# -as as'e# fo$ a #$ug test. he #$ugs -e$e sent to the la.o$ato$+
an# -as "onfi$(e# as sha.u.
2on#a#;s "lai(s that he -as fo$"e# to "o(e -ith P03 2$u.io. /hen 2$u.io sa-
his son insi#e the .illia$# hall, he -as (a#e to .oa$# a poli"e "a$.
he RC foun# appellant guilt+ of violating Se". @ A$t 55 of RA&%?@. <e then
file# a petition an# su.se:uentl+ affi$(e# the RC;s #e"ision.
5SS64! /hethe$ petitione$ -as guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
R6L589!
he foun# out that the poli"e violate# Se". 3% of RA &%?@. he poli"e #i# not ta'e
photogaphs of the illegal #$ugs on the s"ene an# the$e -as no $ep$esentative f$o( the
(e#ia o$ a pu.li" offi"e$ to sign the "op+ of the invento$+ of the sei>e# ite(s.
he Cou$t $easone# that -hat is i(po$tant is the integ$it+ of the illegal #$ugs, if it
-as the sa(e #$ugs f$o( the sta$t.
<en"e, the RC;s #e"ision -as $eve$se# an# petitione$ -as a":uitte#.
PP v. San43ez I G.. No. +/-.50 I O4tober +-& 011.
FACS!
Salva#o$ San"he> -as sente"e# guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of violation of Se"tion @,
A$ti"le 55 of Repu.li" A"t (R.A.) 8o. &%?@ (the Co(p$ehensive *ange$ous *$ugs A"t of
3003), (e$iting hi( the penalt+ of life i(p$ison(ent .+ the RC.
<e -as "aught 5 na .u+).ust ope$ation le# .+ SP03 Sevilla. he sei>e# ite(s -as
(a$'e# .+ Sevilla an# -as then .$ought to the station. he la.o$ato$+ $esults "onfi$(e#
that the illegal #$ugs -e$e sha.u.
San"he> "lai( that at that ti(e, he -as putting his "hil#$en to sleep -hen th$ee poli"e
offi"e$s fo$"i.l+ ente$e# in his house an# a$$este# hi(. <e -as #etaine# -ithout .eing
investigate#.
he #e"ision of the RC -as .$ought to the Cou$t of Appeals th$ough a petition. San"he>
hel# that the poli"e violate# Se". 3% A$t. 55 of RA &%?@. he Cou$t $easone# that the
"o$pus #eli"ti -as p$oven .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t an# the essential ele(ents of sale of
illegal #$ugs -as p$esent.
R6L589! /hethe$ petitione$ is guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
5SS64!
he Cou$t pointe# th$ee (ista'es .+ the autho$ities. Fi$st is thei$ non)o.se$van"e of the
$e:ui$e(ents of Se"tion 3%, pa$ag$aph % of A$ti"le 55 of Repu.li" A"t 8o. &%?@. he$e
-as no photog$aph of the sei>e# ite(s #u$ing the .u+).ust ope$ation an# no
$ep$esentative of the (e#ia o$ pu.li" offi"e$ to sign the invento$+ of the sei>e# ite(s. he
non)o.se$van"e of the $ule "$eates #ou.t on the integ$it+ of the sei>e# ite(s -hethe$ $eal
o$ f$a(e#. he (a$'ing of Sevilla -as not essential as he "oul# have #one it an+ti(e
afte$ the a$$est -as (a#e.
Se"on#, the I"hain of "usto#+J ove$ the "onfis"ate# ite(s -as not p$oven. he "hain of
"usto#+ $e:ui$e(ent pe$fo$(s this fun"tion in .u+).ust ope$ations as it ensu$es that
#ou.ts "on"e$ning the i#entit+ of the evi#en"e a$e $e(ove#. 5n a long line of "ases, -e
have "onsi#e$e# it fatal fo$ the p$ose"ution to fail to p$ove that the spe"i(en su.(itte#
fo$ la.o$ato$+ eGa(ination -as the sa(e one allege#l+ sei>e# f$o( the a""use#. he$e
-as #ou.t on the authenti"it+ of the ite(s on -ho han#le# it .et-een the a$$est an# the
"ou$t hea$ing. he testi(on+ of Sevilla sho-e# that the han#le$ of the ite(s -e$e
un'no-n.
<en"e, the #e"ision of the CA -as $eve$se# an# the petitione$ -as a":uitte#.
Generoso
2ustillo v. San#igan.a+an
Fa"ts!
he 0ffi"e of the Spe"ial P$ose"uto$ "ha$ge# petitione$ Anun"io 2ustillo, then in"u(.ent
(a+o$ of 2una-an, Agusan #el Su$, an# his #aughte$ Ro-ena 2ustillo in the
San#igan.a+an -ith Falsifi"ation of 0ffi"ial *o"u(ents un#e$ A$ti"le %7% of the Revise#
Penal Co#e .+ (a'ing it appea$ that (uni"ipal fun#s -e$e eGpen#e# fo$ the pu$"hase of
lu(.e$ f$o( 4stigo+ Lu(.e$ -hen, in t$uth an# in fa"t, as .oth a""use# -ell 'ne-, sai#
lu(.e$ -e$e a"tuall+ pu$"hase# f$o( Ro-ena /oo#"$aft, a single p$op$ieto$ship o-ne#
.+ a""use# Ro-ena 9. 2ustillo. 5n vie- of the "$i(inal "ha$ges against the petitione$,
San#igan.a+an then suspen#e# the petitione$ f$o( offi"e fo$ &0 #a+s.
he petitione$ a$gues that San#igan.a+an has no .asis to suspen# hi( .e"ause he
"onten#s that the 5nfo$(ation file# against hi( an# his "o)a""use# is invali# .e"ause it
faile# to allege the ele(ent of gain, the pa$t+ .enefite# o$ p$e1u#i"e# .+ the falsifi"ation,
o$ that the Binteg$it+ of the Pfalsifie#Q #o"u(ent -as ta$nishe#.J
5ssue!
/hethe$ the 5nfo$(ation "ha$ge# against the a""use# -as vali# to 1ustif+ the
San#igan.a+an;s $esolution of suspen#ing the a""use#.
*e"ision!
he info$(ation is vali#. he allegation of intent to gain, the pa$t+ .enefite# o$
p$e1u#i"e# .+ the falsifi"ation, o$ ta$nishing of a #o"u(ent;s integ$it+, is not essential to
(aintain a "ha$ge fo$ falsifi"ation of offi"ial #o"u(ents. Su"h "ha$ge stan#s if the fa"ts
allege# in the 5nfo$(ation fall un#e$ an+ of the (o#es of "o((itting falsifi"ation un#e$
A$ti"le %7%.
Suspension f$o( offi"e is (an#ato$+ -heneve$ a vali# 5nfo$(ation "ha$ges an in"u(.ent
pu.li" offi"e$ -ith (%) violation of RA 30%&E (3) violation of itle 7, 2oo' 55 of the RPCE
(3) an+ offense involving f$au# upon gove$n(entE o$ (4) an+ offense involving f$au#
upon pu.li" fun#s o$ p$ope$t+. /hile petitione$ "o$$e"tl+ "onten#s that the "ha$ge file#
against hi( an# his "o)a""use# #oes not fall un#e$ itle 7, 2oo' 55 .ut un#e$ itle 4,
2oo' 55 of the RPC, it neve$theless involves Bf$au# upon gove$n(ent o$ pu.li" fun#s o$
p$ope$t+.
Chang v. People
Fa"ts!
Ro.e$to Chang, the =uni"ipal $easu$e$ of =a'ati an# Pa"ifi"o San =ateo, the Chief of
0pe$ations, 2usiness Revenue 4Ga(ination, Au#it *ivision, =a'ati $easu$e$As 0ffi"e
foun# out that 9*5 has a taG #efi"ien"+ of P4&4,000. he 0ffi"e of the $easu$e$ then
issue# an Assess(ent noti"e to 9*5 to pa+ the unpa+e# taGes. 9*5 as'e# fo$ a vali#ation
of the assess(ent an# petitione$s as'e# fo$ a (eeting -ith 9*5 $ep$esentatives. 0n that
(eeting, petitione$s offe$e# 9*5 that if the+ "oul# pa+ P%3@,000, the taG -oul# .e
Isettle#.J hin'ing that it -as the $ight taG assess(ent, 9*5 p$epa$e# P%3@,000 in "he"'.
Petitione$s (a#e it "lea$ that it -as not the taG #ue an# gave t-o options! eithe$ to pa+ the
petitione$s P%3@,000 o$ pa+ the =uni"ipalit+ P4&4,000. 9*5 then ale$te# the 825 an# the
petitione$s -e$e "aught in an ent$ap(ent ope$ation.
he petitione$s, ho-eve$, (aintaine# that the .$i.e -as not #e(an#e# .+ the( an# that it
-as an instigation against the( p$epa$e# .+ 9*5 fo$ $efusing the .$i.e.
5ssue!
/hethe$ petitione$s -e$e in#ee# guilt+ of "o$$upt p$a"ti"es .+ illi"iting .$i.e to fiG taG
#efi"its.
*e"ision!
Des. he fa"t that petitione$s -illingness to (eet -ith 9*5 $ep$esentatives #espite the
$e"eipt of the latte$ of #efi"ien"+ assess(ents noti"es to settle taG #efi"ien"ies, $efusal to
a""ept of the initial pa+(ent of P%3@,000 fo$ the (uni"ipalit+, an# the petitione$sA
han#ing ove$ to 9*5 $ep$esentatives the Ce$tifi"ate of 4Ga(ination on -hi"h -as
annotate# B80 AN L5A25L5D 58F0LF4*B esta.lishes that the "$i(inal intent
o$iginate# f$o( the (in#s of petitione$s to illi"it .$i.es.
C$u> v. San#igan.a+an
Fa"ts!
Petitione$ 2uen"a(ino C$u> -as fo$(e$ (a+o$ the =uni"ipalit+ of 2a"oo$, Cavite f$o(
%00% until %&&3. he su""ee#ing (a+o$ Fi"to$ =i$an#a $e:ueste# f$o( Co(ission on
Au#it to au#it the finan"ial t$ansa"tion #u$ing the petitione$;s te$(. A(ong the ano(alies
foun# -as a #ou.le pa+(ent (a#e in favo$ of Cell+ Lu(.e$ an# -e$e a""o(plishe#
th$ough the issuan"e of t-o #is.u$se(ent vou"he$s signe# an# (a#e pa+a.le .+ the
petitione$.
Petitione$ "lai(s that he -as not a-a$e of the #ou.le pa+(ent an# that he -as no lia.le
to it fo$ he 1ust signe# it afte$ the (uni"ipal t$easu$e$ ha# p$epa$e# it.
5ssue!
/hethe$ petitione$ a"te# in .a# faith an# g$oss ineG"usa.le negligen"e in pa+ing Cell+
Lu(.e$ #espite the fa"t that sai# a""ount ha# .een p$eviousl+ pai# .+ the =uni"ipalit+.
*e"ision!
Des. 5t .ea$s st$essing that an info$(ation nee#s onl+ allege the a"ts o$ o(issions
"o(plaine# of as "onstituting the offense
%0
, in this "ase, the fa"t that petitione$ (a#e
pa+(ent to <ey =umber t-i"e, -ithout nee# of going into spe"ifi"s of ho- su"h
pa+(ent -as (a#e. Assu(ing, !n *rat!a ar*ument!, that petitione$ #i# not a"t in .a#
faith, he "annot plausi.l+ #en+ that his negligen"e un#e$ the p$e(ises -as not onl+ g$oss
.ut also ineG"usa.le. Fo$, although the "he"'s -e$e on thei$ fa"e pa+a.le to hi( even as
the suppo$ting #is.u$se(ent vou"he$s -e$e in the na(e of <ey =umber, petitione$ still
affiGe# his signatu$e the$eon. 5t is unthin'a.le that su"h i$$egula$it+, given his statu$e an#
the natu$e of his position, -oul# have passe# hi( unnoti"e#. 5n tu$n, his su.o$#inates
"oul# not have so easil+, an# -ith su"h #a$ing, p$esente# hi( -ith a set of :uestiona.le
#o"u(ents ) as petitione$ -oul# -ant to i(p$ess this Cou$t ) -ithout his inst$u"tions.
People v. 2alag)e+
Fa"ts!
A""use# 2alag)e+ an# Aliong -e$e "onvi"te# .+ the t$ial "ou$t fo$ selling an# #elive$ing
=a$i1uana in a .u+).ust ope$ation, hen"e this appeal.
he p$ose"ution (aintains that an asset na(e# Roge$ 5(asa $ela+e# to the poli"e offi"e$s
that the a""use# 9atu#an 2alag)e+ -as loo'ing fo$ .u+e$s of =a$i1uana. A"ting on the
sai# tip, poli"e offi"e$s planne# a .u+).ust ope$ation to a$$est 2alag)e+ fo$ #$ug pushing.
SP0% 8ativi#a#, posing as a .u+e$, an# 5(asa (et -ith 2alag)e+ to negotiate the te$(s
of sale. 2alag)e+ ag$ee# to sell 30 'ilos of =a$i1uana at a $ate of P%000 pe$ 'ilo, to .e
given late$ that afte$noon. Late$ that #a+, the 5(asa an# 8ativi#a# (et -ith 2alag)e+ as
ag$ee# upon. 2alag)e+ a$$ive# on the s"ene in an FN taGi, togethe$ -ith the "o)a""use#
4#-in Aliong, an# .$ought -ith hi( the ag$ee# .oG of (a$i1uana. Afte$ SP0% 8ativi#a#
"onfi$(e# the "ontents of the sai# .oG, the .u+).ust tea( "lose# in on the a""use# an#
a$$este# the(.
he #efense (aintains that it is t$ue that the a""use# Aliong 'no-s 2alag)e+ to .e a #$ug
pushe$ an# it -as even Aliong -ho $efe$$e# this 'no-le#ge to the poli"e asset 5(asa.
5(asa then p$o"ee#e# to negotiate a #eal -ith 2alag)e+ to i(pli"ate 2alag)e+ of his #$ug
pushing a"tivities. hen, Aliong -as (a#e to "oope$ate in the setup, -ith the poli"e
offi"e$s th$eatening hi( that he -oul# .e i(pli"ate# to have "onspi$e# -ith 2alag)e+ an#
his illegal a"tivities. Aliong -as (a#e to allege in an affi#avit that he -as -ith 2alag)e+
-hen the .u+).ust ope$ation -as "on#u"te#, -he$e in fa"t the =a$i1uana evi#en"e -as
(a#e to appea$ to .e 2alag)e+;s to "ause the latte$;s a$$est.
5ssue!
/hethe$ the .u+).ust ope$ation -as a"tuall+ "on#u"te#, as sho-n .+ the fa"ts that! (%)
no (one+ "hange# han#s .et-een the poseu$ .u+e$ an# the a""usse# 2alag)e+E an# (3)
the fa"t that the poli"e asset -as not p$esente# as a -itness.
*e"ision!
/ell)esta.lishe# is the $ule that the p$esentation of a "onfi#ential info$(ant in a .u+).ust
ope$ation is not al-a+s $e:ui$e#, espe"iall+ -hen the sale -as a"tuall+ -itnesse# an#
a#e:uatel+ p$ove# .+ othe$ p$ose"ution -itnesses. his $ule a#(its of eG"eptions,
ho-eve$, as -hen the appellant vehe(entl+ #enies selling p$ohi.ite# #$ugsE an# -hen
the$e a$e (ate$ial in"onsisten"ies in the testi(onies of the a$$esting offi"e$s.
Fo$ li'e $eason, the p$esentation of the .u+).ust (one+ an# p$oof of its a"tual pa+(ent ))
pie"es of evi#en"e that a$e othe$-ise not in#ispensa.le )) .e"o(e ne"essa$+ if the
"onstitutional p$esu(ption of inno"en"e is to .e ove$"o(e. 5n the p$esent "ase, the
(ate$ial in"onsisten"ies in the testi(onies of the p$ose"ution -itness an# the non)
p$esentation of the .u+).ust (one+ $aise $easona.le #ou.ts a.out the o""u$$en"e of a
.u+).ust ope$ation.
/<4R4F0R4, the appeal is 9RA84*, an# the assaile# *e"ision R4F4RS4*.
Appellants 9atu#an 2alag)e+ an# 4#-in Aliong a$e he$e.+ ACO654* on $easona.le
#ou.t.
People F. 2u$ton
Fa"ts!
he a""use#, /illia( 2u$ton, a 2$itish national -as "onvi"te# .+ a t$ial "ou$t fo$
atte(pting to t$anspo$t @.? 'ilos of hashish th$ough 8A5A.
he a""usse# -as .oun# to leave fo$ S+#ne+, Aust$alia -hen he -as "aught in the
.aggage inspe"tion a$ea -he$e the G)$a+ foun# so(e ano(al+ in his luggage. /hen
inspe"te# fu$the$ it -as foun# insi#e the luggage, san#-i"he# .et-een thin plasti" sla.s
atta"he# to the uppe$ an# lo-e$ si#es of one .ag, an# fo$(ing the false .otto( of the
othe$, -e$e t-elve (%3) $e"tangula$ .$i"'s an# one (%) s:ua$e .$i"' of #a$' .$o-n
(ate$ials, ea"h -ith a thi"'ness of a.out one)thi$# (%K3) of an in"h. hei$ total -eight
-as five an# siG)tenths (@.?) 'ilos. *u$ing his investigation, the a""use# -as o.se$ve# to
.e -al'ing in an uneas+ (anne$. Suspe"ting that the$e -as so(ething hi##en in his
shoes, the investigato$ $e:ueste# 2u$ton to $e(ove his shoes to -hi"h the a""use#
"onsente#. Ret$ieve# f$o( insi#e the shoes, hi##en .et-een thei$ soles an# the uppe$
"ove$s, -e$e fou$ (4) .lo"'s, ea"h a.out one)fou$th ([) of an in"h thi"', of the sa(e #a$'
.$o-n su.stan"e shape# a""o$#ing to the "ontou$ of the soles of the shoes. A$ti"les
$e"ove$e# f$o( the a""use# -as foun# to .e hashish.
hough "aught in %a*rante $e!cto, he #enies "$i(inal lia.ilit+ the$efo$ on the novel
g$oun# that he -as not a-a$e that his t$aveling .ags "ontaine# the p$ohi.ite# #$ug. he
a""use# "lai(s that hou$s .efo$e the in"i#ent, he ha# pai# a "e$tain John Pa$$+
P%0,000.00 fo$ the t-o pie"es of luggage, "lothes, "a(e$a, tape $e"o$#e$, an# Ree.o'
$u..e$ shoes -hi"h Pa$$+ -oul# $e#ee( f$o( appellant in Aust$alia.
5ssue!
/hethe$ /illia( 2u$ton -as in#ee# guilt+ of atte(pting to t$anspo$t a p$ohi.ite# #$ug
fo$ 'no-ingl+ possessing the sa(e.
*e"ision!
6n#e$ the fa"ts o.taining in this "ase, the @.? 'ilos of hashish "leve$l+ an#
painsta'ingl+ "on"eale# insi#e appellant;s luggage an# $u..e$ shoes "an .e sai# to .e in
the possession an# "ont$ol of appellant -ith his 'no-le#ge. 8ot onl+ -e$e the .lo"'s
an# .a$s of the p$ohi.ite# #$ug of a "onsi#e$a.le a(ount, .ut the+ -e$e pla"e# insi#e
th$ee #iffe$ent o.1e"ts in o$#e$ to es"ape #ete"tion .+ the autho$ities.
he Cou$t also fin#s in"$e#i.le appellant;s allegation that he ha# no i#ea that the
luggage an# $u..e$ shoes he Ipu$"hase#J f$o( a "e$tain John Pa$$+ "ontaine# p$ohi.ite#
#$ugs. his Ipu$"haseJ -as suspi"iousl+ (a#e, given the fa"t that John Pa$$+ -as
a#(itte#l+ an a":uaintan"e an# -as not p$esente# as a -itness. Also, the sai# t$ansa"tion
-as (a#e onl+ hou$s p$io$ to appellant;s app$ehension at the ai$po$t. Appellant;s
eGplanation, as a -hole, is un#ese$ving of "$e#en"e as it is "ont$a$+ to "o((on
eGpe$ien"e. 5t leaves us -ith no othe$ "on"lusion than that the an!mus poss!$en$! #i# in
fa"t eGist at the ti(e of the a$$est.
>'%%*O%, the appeal is he$e.+ *4854*. he appeale# #e"ision is
AFF5R=4*.
People v. Lagata
Fa"ts!
4#el(a Lagata a'a I2a.+J -as "onvi"te# .+ the t$ial "ou$t of having in he$ possession,
"usto#+ an# "ont$ol =etha(pheta(ine <+#$o"hlo$i#e o$ Isha.uJ -ithout autho$it+ of
la-.
825 agents -e$e tippe# .+ an info$(ant that a "e$tain 2a.+ an# Chingga+ -e$e engage#
in #$ug t$affi"'ing. 5n a test).u+ ope$ation, the info$(ant -as a.le to .u+ P%000 -o$th of
sha.u. he agents p$o"u$e# a sea$"h -a$$ant against 2a.+ an# Chingga+. 0n the #a+ of
se$ving the -a$$ant, the agents, togethe$ -ith the info$(ant, p$o"ee#e# to the house of the
allege# #$ug pushe$s. 2efo$e invo'ing the -a$$ant ho-eve$, appellant ente$e# the living
$oo( "a$$+ing a plasti" .ag. he info$(ant signale# to the agents that the pe$son -ho 1ust
ente$e# -as that 2a.+ an# the$eafte$ -as a$$este# -hile anothe$ -o(an fle# f$o( the
$esi#en"e.
Appellant #oes not #en+ the fa"t that at the ti(e of he$ a$$est she -as in possession of the
pa"'age -hi"h tu$ne# out to "ontain sha.u. <o-eve$, she #enie# 'no-le#ge of the
"ontents of the pa"'age han#e# to he$ .+ the uni#entifie# (an an# -as as'e# to .e given
to a "e$tain Chingga+.
5ssue!
/hethe$ the appellant is guilt+ of illegal possession of a #ange$ous #$ug.
*e"ision!
6n#e$ the fa"ts an# "i$"u(stan"es o.taining in this "ase, -e fin# that appellant;s
eGplanation of ho- she "a(e into possession of the pa"'age -ithout 'no-ing that it
"ontaine# Isha.uJ is "$e#i.le an# suffi"ient to $e.ut the pr!ma %ac!e p$esu(ption
of an!mus poss!$en$!. Si(pl+ put, she 1ust happene# to .e at the -$ong pla"e at the
-$ong ti(e. he p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove that she ha# 'no-le#ge of the "ontents of the
pa"'age. hus, it "annot .e sai# that she -as "aught in %a*rante $e!cto, sin"e she -as
not "ons"iousl+ "o((itting a "$i(e -hen the 825 agents a""oste# he$
Appellant;s la"' of 'no-le#ge of the "ontents of the plasti" .ag .e"o(es all the
(o$e "$e#i.le "onsi#e$ing that -hen the 825 agents "on#u"te# a test .u+ to vali#ate the
tip given to the( .+ thei$ "onfi#ential info$(ant, the+ $elie# enti$el+ on the info$(ation
that a "e$tain I2a.+J an# IChingga+J -e$e selling Isha.uJ.
/<4R4F0R4, the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t of fin#ing appellant 4#el(a Lagata +
=anfoste guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of violation of Se"tion %?, A$ti"le 555, Repu.li"
A"t 8o. ?43@ (he *ange$ous *$ugs A"t of %&73), as a(en#e#, is R4F4RS4* an# S4
AS5*4. Appellant is ACO654* of the offense "ha$ge# on the g$oun# of $easona.le
#ou.t. She is o$#e$e# R4L4AS4* f$o( #etention unless she is .eing hel# fo$ so(e
othe$ la-ful "ause.
People v. Oue =ing Cha
Fa"ts!
A""use# Oue =ing Cha, alias Alfonso 9o, an# Ci( Oue Du, alias Alfonso Oue, -e$e
foun# guilt+ of t$anspo$ting o$ #ist$i.uting of sha.u.
Oue -as #$iving a .lue Cia P$egio van -ith his e(plo+e$, a "e$tain Ah Chai, -hen the+
si#es-ipe# a seven)+ea$)ol# .o+ along *on Antonio Avenue. Ah Chai alighte# the
vehi"le an# too' the .o+ in a t$i"+"le to get the .o+ to a hospital fo$ (e#i"al t$eat(ent.
9o, the #$ive$ of the van, -as app$oa"he# .+ poli"e(en an# info$(e# hi( that he 1ust
"o((itte# $e"'less i(p$u#en"e. Oue, .oa$#ing a taGi"a. passing along the st$eet of the
in"i#ent, noti"e# the "o((otion an# 'ne- the a""use# an# #e"i#e# to help 9o, 'no-ing
the latte$ to .e unfa(ilia$ -ith agalog. 6pon investigating the in"i#ent, the poli"e(en
noti"e the pa"'age on the .a"' of the van an# upon fu$the$ inspe"tion foun# to .e sha.u.
9o -as a$$este# along -ith Oue, #espite the latte$s p$otest. 9o "lai(s that he #i# not
'no- that the$e -as sha.u on the van that he -as #$iving -hile Oue "lai(s that he -as
-$ongfull+ a""use# to .e a "onspi$ato$ in the allege# "$i(e.
5ssue!
/hethe$ Alfonso 9o an# Alfonse Oue -e$e in#ee# guilt+ of t$anspo$ting o$ #ist$i.uting a
p$ohi.ite# #$ug.
*e"ision!
Oue ha# nothing to #o -ith the loa#ing an# t$anspo$t of the sha.u. 8ot one $elia.le
e+e-itness pointe# to hi( as having .een -ith 9o insi#e the van -hen it hit the .o+.. he
testi(on+ of #isinte$este# e+e-itnesses sho-s that -hen Oue a$$ive#, the in1u$e# "hil#
ha# al$ea#+ .een .$ought to the hospital. Oue #i# not see hi(. he poli"e -ho a$$ive#
even late$ than Oue #i# not see the a""i#ent vi"ti(. =u"h less #i# the+ see the a""i#ent
itself. Appellant Oue "annot $ot in 1ail on a senten"e of recus!on perpetua on the .asis of
these Bo.vious fa.$i"ations.B
As fo$ 9o, to eGone$ate hi(self, he "lai(e# that he -as not a-a$e of the eGisten"e of the
"ont$a.an# at the .a"' of the van. /e a$e not pe$sua#e#. he "$i(e un#e$ "onsi#e$ation
is maum proh!b!tum. 5n su"h "ase, the la"' of "$i(inal intent an# goo# faith #o not
eGe(pt the a""use# f$o( "$i(inal lia.ilit+. hus, 9oAs "ontention that he #i# not 'no-
that the$e -e$e illegal #$ugs insi#e the van "annot "onstitute a vali# #efense. =e$e
possession an#Ko$ #elive$+ of a $egulate# #$ug -ithout legal autho$it+ is punisha.le un#e$
the *ange$ous *$ugs A"t.
!N =!%> >'%%O*& the Cou$t fin#s a""use#)appellant Oue =ing Cha alias Alfonso
9o G$!L); as "ha$ge#. <e is senten"e# to suffe$ the penalt+ of %CL$S!ON
P%P%)$A. A""use#)appellant Ci( Oue Du alias Alfonso Oue is AC8$!))%D.
People v. iu
Fa"ts!
iu /on Chua an# Oui Daling -e$e "onvi"te# .+ the t$ial "ou$t fo$ illegal possession of a
#ange$ous #$ug. Poli"e -e$e info$(e# that #$ug)$elate# a"tivities -e$e going on at the
.uil#ing -he$e the a""use# $esi#es an# su.se:uentl+ "on#u"te# a test).u+ ope$ation.
Poli"e .ought P3000 -o$th of su.stan"e f$o( appellants -hi"h foun# to .e sha.u. he
poli"e then se"u$e# a sea$"h -a$$ant to sea$"h the $esi#en"e of the a""use# fo$ sha.u.
Afte$ se$ving the -a$$ant, the poli"e foun# one (%) .ig pa"', "ontaining 334.@ g$a(s of
sha.u, -as foun# insi#e a .la"' leathe$ (an;s han#.ag suppose#l+ o-ne# .+ iu /on,
-hile siGteen (%?) s(all pa"'s of sha.u -eighing 30.3?73 g$a(s -e$e foun# insi#e a
la#+;s han#.ag allege#l+ o-ne# .+ Oui Daling.
5ssue!
/hethe$ the t$ial "ou$t is "o$$e"t in "onvi"ting the a""use# fo$ illegal possession of a
#ange$ous #$ug.
*e"ision!
5n a p$ose"ution fo$ illegal possession of a #ange$ous #$ug, it (ust .e sho-n that (%)
appellants -e$e in possession of an ite( o$ an o.1e"t i#entifie# to .e a p$ohi.ite# o$
$egulate# #$ug, (3) su"h possession is not autho$i>e# .+ la-, an# (3) the appellants -e$e
f$eel+ an# "ons"iousl+ a-a$e of .eing in possession of the #$ug. /e also note that the
"$i(e un#e$ "onsi#e$ation is (alu( p$ohi.itu(, hen"e, la"' of "$i(inal intent o$ goo#
faith #oes not eGe(pt appellants f$o( "$i(inal lia.ilit+. =e$e possession of a $egulate#
#$ug -ithout legal autho$it+ is punisha.le un#e$ the *ange$ous *$ugs A"t.
2e that as it (a+, -e "annot sustain the t$ial "ou$t;s #e"ision att$i.uting to .oth appellants
the illegal possession of the sa(e a(ount of sha.u. /e note that no-he$e in the
info$(ation is "onspi$a"+ allege#. 8eithe$ ha# it .een p$oven #u$ing the t$ial. As su"h,
-e nee# to loo' at the in#ivi#ual a(ounts possesse# .+ ea"h appellant.
58 F54/ /<4R40F, the #e"ision of RC 2$. 37, =anila as to the penalt+ of appellant
iu /on is affi$(e#, -hile that of appellant Oui Daling is (o#ifie#. iu /on Chua is
senten"e# to a penalt+ of $e"lusion pe$petua, an# a fine of five hun#$e# thousan# pesos
(P@00,000.00) in a""o$#an"e -ith Se"tion %? an# Se"tion 30 (%st pa$ag$aph) of R.A. 8o.
?43@, as a(en#e# .+ R.A. 8o. 7?@&. Oui Daling + Chua is senten"e# to an in#ete$(inate
senten"e of p$ision "o$$e""ional as (ini(u( to p$ision (a+o$ as (aGi(u(, the$e .eing
no (itigating o$ agg$avating "i$"u(stan"es.
Se$ena v. San#igan.a+an
Fa"ts!
Petitione$ Se$ena -as a senio$ stu#ent of 6P)Ce.u. She -as appointe# Stu#ent Regent of
6P .+ P$esi#ent 4st$a#a fo$ a te$( of one +ea$. As the Stu#ent Regent, she $e:ueste#
fun#s fo$ the $enovation of the Fin>ons <all AnneG, of -hi"h, the 0ffi"e of the P$esi#ent
then gave P%@ =illion Pesos as assistan"e. Dea$s late$, the sai# <all -as not $enovate#
an# Se$ena -as late$ sue# fo$ estafa. <e$ "ase -as ta'en up .+ the San#igan.a+an an#
"ha$ge# he$ along -ith his .$othe$ in #ef$au#ing the gove$n(ent in he$ offi"ial "apa"it+
as the Stu#ent Regent of 6P. She -as allege# to have en"ashe# the fun# an#
(isapp$op$iate# fo$ thei$ pe$sonal use an# .enefit, an# #espite $epeate# #e(an#s (a#e
upon the a""use# fo$ the( to $etu$n afo$esai# a(ount, the sai# a""use# faile# an# $efuse#
to #o so to the #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e of the gove$n(ent in the afo$esai# a(ount.
0n he$ #efense, petitione$ "lai(s that San#igan.a+an has no 1u$is#i"tion ove$ he$ pe$son
fo$ she is not a pu.li" offi"e$ sin"e she (e$el+ $ep$esente# he$ pee$s an# #i# not $e"eive
an+ sala$+ as a stu#ent $egent. She a##e# that she is (e$el+ stu#ent -ho pa+s he$ tuition
fees.
5ssues!
/hethe$ San#igan.a+an has 1u$is#i"tion ove$ he$ pe$son to t$+ the petitione$ fo$ estafa.
*e"ision!
Des. 5t is not onl+ the sala$+ g$a#e that #ete$(ines the 1u$is#i"tion of the San#igan.a+an.
San#igan.a+an has 1u$is#i"tion ove$ P$esi#ents, #i$e"to$s o$ t$ustees, o$ (anage$s of
gove$n(ent)o-ne# o$ "ont$olle# "o$po$ations, state unive$sities o$ e#u"ational
institutions o$ foun#ations. Petitione$ falls un#e$ this "atego$+. he 2oa$# of Regents,
-hi"h the petitione$ -as a (e(.e$, pe$fo$(s fun"tions si(ila$ to those of a .oa$# of
t$ustees of a non)sto"' "o$po$ation. =o$eove$, it is -ell esta.lishe# that "o(pensation is
not an essential ele(ent of pu.li" offi"e. At (ost, it is (e$el+ in"i#ental to the pu.li"
offi"e. *elegation of sove$eign fun"tions is essential in the pu.li" offi"e. An invest(ent
in an in#ivi#ual of so(e po$tion of the sove$eign fun"tions of the gove$n(ent, to .e
eGe$"ise# .+ hi( fo$ the .enefit of the pu.li" (a'es one a pu.li" offi"e$.
So$i:ue> v. San#igan.a+an
Fa"ts!
Petitione$ Flo$ante So$i:ue>, the P$og$a( *i$e"to$ =PR)P=0 -o$'ing fo$ *P/< an#
his "o)a""use# -e$e in#i"te# fo$ having allege#l+ "onspi$e#, th$ough evi#ent .a# faith o$
g$oss ineG"usa.le negligen"e, in allo-ing the "ont$a"to$, Atlanti" 4$e"to$s, 5n"., to
#eviate f$o( the plans an# spe"ifi"ations of the "ont$a"t in "onne"tion -ith the
"onst$u"tion of the Pasig)Pot$e$o Rive$ *i'ing S+ste(, popula$l+ 'no-n as
the =ega#i'e. his .$ea"h of "ont$a"t an# fault+ "onst$u"tion allege#l+ $esulte# in the
"ollapse of the =ega#i'e, the$e.+ "ausing #a(age an# un#ue in1u$+ to the gove$n(ent.
he a""use# a$gues that he .elies having pa$ti"ipate# in the #efe"tive "onst$u"tion of the
(ega#i'e .e"ause, a""o$#ing to hi(, he -as not tas'e# to #i$e"tl+ supe$vise eve$+ phase
of the "onst$u"tion.
5ssue!
/hethe$ a""usse# appellant a"te# -ith g$oss ineG"usa.le negligen"e in pe$fo$(ing his
pu.li" fun"tions.
*e"ision!
Des. he p$ose"ution -as a.le to p$ove that petitione$ -as one of the offi"ials of the
*P/< -ho $e"o((en#e# the #efe"tive #esign plan of the =ega#i'e. 5t -as upon his
$e"o((en#ation that the #esign plan -as eventuall+ app$ove# .+ the *P/< Se"$eta$+.
Su"h a"t of petitione$ (a+ have "onstitute# evi#ent .a# faith o$ ineG"usa.le negligen"e
inas(u"h as this #esign plan p$ove# to .e #efe"tive. Li'e-ise, the testi(onial an#
#o"u(enta$+ evi#en"e p$esente# .+ the p$ose"ution (su"h as the noti"e of a-a$# to
Atlanti" 4$e"to$s, the "ont$a"t .et-een *P/< an# Atlanti" 4$e"to$s, the #is.u$se(ent
vou"he$s) #is"lose# the $ole pla+e# .+ petitione$ in allo-ing the "ont$a"to$ to inf$inge the
(ate$ial stipulations of the "ont$a"t that "ause# the eventual "ollapse of the =ega#i'e. As
"o$$e"tl+ hel# .+ the $espon#ent "ou$t, the p$ose"ution;s evi#en"e esta.lishe# a pr!ma
%ac!e p$oof of petitione$;s guilt.
Gianan
People o2 t3e P3ilippines& petitioner& vs. )'% 'ONOA(L% SAND!GAN(A;AN
E*i2t3 DivisionF and %*%N L. ALAS& respondents. EG No. +,//16#1/& *ebruary
+6& 011-F
*a4ts! -o sepa$ate info$(ations fo$ violation of Se"tion 3(e) of RA 30%&, othe$-ise
'no-n as the Anti)9$aft an# Co$$upt P$a"ti"es A"t, -e$e file# -ith the
San#igan.a+an on 8ove(.e$ %7, %&&& against 4f$en L. Alas. he "ha$ges e(anate# f$o(
the allege# ano(alous a#ve$tising "ont$a"ts ente$e# into .+ Alas, in his "apa"it+ as
P$esi#ent an# Chief 0pe$ating 0ffi"e$ of the Philippine Postal Savings 2an' (PPS2),
-ith 2agong 2uha+ Pu.lishing Co(pan+ -hi"h pu$po$te#l+ "ause# #a(age an#
p$e1u#i"e to the gove$n(ent. 0n 0"to.e$ 30, 3003, Alas file# a (otion to :uash
the info$(ations fo$ la"' of 1u$is#i"tion, -hi"h (otion -as vehe(entl+ oppose# .+ the
p$ose"ution. Afte$ "onsi#e$ing the a$gu(ents of .oth pa$ties,
the $espon#ent "ou$t $ule# that PPS2 -as a p$ivate "o$po$ation an# that its offi"e$s,
pa$ti"ula$l+ he$ein $espon#ent Alas, #i# not fall un#e$ San#igan.a+an 1u$is#i"tion.
San#igan.a+an has 1u$is#i"tion onl+ ove$ pu.li" offi"e$s unless p$ivate pe$sons
a$e "ha$ge# -ith the( in the "o((ission of the offenses. he $e"o$#s #is"lose# that
-hile Philippine Postal Savings 2an' is a su.si#ia$+ of the Philippine Postal Co$po$ation
-h i " h i s a g o v e $ n (e n t o -n e # " o $ p o $ a t i o n , t h e sa(e is not "$eate#
.+ a spe"ial la-. 6n#e$ its A$ti"les of 5n"o$po$ation the pu$pose fo$ -hi"h
sai# entit+ is fo$(e# -as p$i(a$il+ fo$ .usiness. *issatisfie# -ith the $uling,
the People, th$ough the 0ffi"e of the Spe"ial P$ose"uto$ (0SP), file# this petition
a$guing, in essen"e, that the PPS2 -as a gove$n(ent)o-ne# o$ "ont$olle# "o$po$ation as
the te$( -as #efine# un#e$ Se"tion 3(%3) of the A#(inist$ative Co#e of %&87. RA 834&
#i# not (a'e a #istin"tion as to the (anne$ of "$eation of the gove$n(ent)
o-ne# o$ "ont$olle# "o$po$ations fo$ thei$ offi"e$s to fall un#e$ its 1u$is#i"tion.
!ssue! /hethe$ the San#igan.a+an have 1u$is#i"tion ove$ p$esi#ents, #i$e"to$s o$ t$ustees,
o$ =anage$s of gove$n(ent)o-ne# o$ "ont$olle# "o$po$ations o$gani>e# an# in"o$po$ate#
un#e$ the Co$po$ation Co#e fo$ pu$poses of the p$ovisions of RA 30%&, othe$-ise 'no-n
as the Anti)9$aft an# Co$$upt P$a"ti"es A"t.
'eld! he Sup$e(e Cou$t fin# (e$it in the petition. Philippine Postal Savings 2an'
(PPS2) is a gove$n(ent)o-ne# an# "ont$olle# "o$po$ation, an# o$gani>e# an#
in"o$po$ate# un#e$ the Co$po$ation Co#e as a su.si#ia$+ of the Philippine Postal
Co$po$ation (P<5LP0S). =o$e than &&R of the autho$i>e# "apital sto"' of PPS2
.elongs to the gove$n(ent -hile the $est is no(inall+ hel# .+ its in"o$po$ato$s
-ho a$eK-e$e the(selves offi"e$s of P<5LP0S. he "$eation of PPS2 -as eGp$essl+
san"tione# .+ Se"tion 33 of RA 73@4, othe$-ise 'no-n as the Postal Se$vi"e A"t
of %&&3, fo$ pu$poses of, a(ong othe$s, Ito en"ou$age an# p$o(ote the vi$tue of
th$ift an# the ha.it of savings a(ong the gene$al pu.li", espe"iall+
the +outh an# the (a$ginali>e# se"to$ in the "ount$+si#e an# to fa"ilitate
postal se$vi"e .+ I$e"eiving "olle"tions an# (a'ing pa+(ents, in"lu#ing
postal (one+ o$#e$s.J
he Cou$t pointe# out that un#e$ the %&87 Constitution, the San#igan.a+an $etaine# its
1u$is#i"tion ove$ "$i(inal an# "ivil "ases involving g$aft an# "o$$upt p$a"ti"es an# su"h
othe$ offense "o((itte# .+ pu.li" offi"e$s an# e(plo+ees, in"lu#ing those in
gove$n(ent)o-ne# o$ "ont$olle# "o$po$ations -hi"h -as "onfe$$e# upon un#e$ the %&73
Constitution. he+ also pointe# out that RA 7&7@ as a(en#e# .+ RA 834& (aintains the
1u$is#i"tion of the San#igan.a+an ove$ p$esi#ents, #i$e"to$s o$ t$ustees, o$ (anage$s of
90CCs -ithout an+ #istin"tion -hatsoeve$.
>'%%*O%, in vie- of the fo$egoing, the petition is he$e.+ 9RA84* an# the
assaile# $esolution #ate# Fe.$ua$+ %@, 300% of the $espon#ent "ou$t is he$e.+
R4F4RS4* an# S4 AS5*4.
%DGA ; )%=%S and )%%S!)A <. )%=%S& petitioners& vs. )'%
SAND!GAN(A;AN& respondent. EG.. No. +-,+.0& De4ember +/& 011,F
*a4ts! 0n o$ a.out Fe.$ua$+ 4, %&&3, a""use# 4#ga$ D. eves, =a+o$ of Falen"ia, 8eg$os
0$iental, -hile in the pe$fo$(an"e an# ta'ing a#vantage of his offi"ial fun"tions, an#
"onspi$ing an# "onfe#e$ating -ith his -ife, e$esita eves, #i# then an# the$e -illfull+,
unla-full+ an# "$i(inall+ "ause the issuan"e of the app$op$iate .usiness pe$(itKli"ense to
ope$ate the Falen"ia Co"'pit an# Re"$eation Cente$ in favo$ of one *aniel eves, sai#
a""use# 4#ga$ D. eves having a #i$e"t finan"ial o$ pe"unia$+ inte$est the$ein "onsi#e$ing
the fa"t that sai# "o"'pit a$ena is a"tuall+ o-ne# an# ope$ate# .+ hi( an# a""use#
e$esita eves. he evi#en"e fo$ the p$ose"ution has esta.lishe# that petitione$ 4#ga$
eves o-ne# the "o"'pit in :uestion an# he tu$ne# ove$ the (anage(ent of the "o"'pit to
=$s. e$esita M. eves fo$ the $eason that he "oul# no longe$ #evote a full ti(e as
(anage$ of the sai# entit+ #ue to othe$ -o$' p$essu$e.
!ssue! /hethe$ a pu.li" offi"ial "ha$ge# -ith violation of Anti)9$aft an# Co$$upt
P$a"ti"es A"t, fo$ unla-ful inte$vention, in his offi"ial "apa"it+, in the issuan"e of a
li"ense in favo$ of a .usiness ente$p$ise in -hi"h he has a pe"unia$+ inte$est (a+ .e
"onvi"te#, togethe$ -ith his spouse, of violation of that sa(e p$ovision p$e(ise# on his
(e$e possession of su"h inte$est.
'eld! Petitione$ e$esita eves (ust, .e a":uitte#. he "ha$ge against he$ is "onspi$a"+
in "ausing Ithe issuan"e of the app$op$iate .usiness pe$(itKli"ense to ope$ate the Falen"ia
Co"'pit an# Re"$eation Cente$.J Fo$ this "ha$ge, she -as a":uitte#. 2ut as #is"usse#
ea$lie$, that "ha$ge also in"lu#es "onspi$a"+ in the possession of p$ohi.ite# inte$est.
Conspi$a"+ (ust .e esta.lishe# sepa$atel+ f$o( the "$i(e itself an# (ust (eet the sa(e
#eg$ee of p$oof, i.e., p$oof .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t. /hile "onspi$a"+ nee# not .e
esta.lishe# .+ #i$e"t evi#en"e, fo$ it (a+ .e infe$$e# f$o( the "on#u"t of the a""use#
.efo$e, #u$ing, an# afte$ the "o((ission of the "$i(e, all ta'en togethe$, the evi#en"e
(ust $easona.l+ .e st$ong enough to sho- "o((unit+ of "$i(inal #esign. Ce$tainl+,
the$e is no "onspi$a"+ in 1ust .eing (a$$ie# to an e$$ing spouse. Fo$ a spouse o$ an+
pe$son to .e a pa$t+ to a "onspi$a"+ as to .e lia.le fo$ the a"ts of the othe$s, it is essential
that the$e .e intentional pa$ti"ipation in the t$ansa"tion -ith a vie- to the fu$the$an"e of
the "o((on #esign. 4G"ept -hen he is the (aste$(in# in a "onspi$a"+, it is ne"essa$+
that a "onspi$ato$ shoul# have pe$fo$(e# so(e ove$t a"t as a #i$e"t o$ in#i$e"t
"ont$i.ution in the eGe"ution of the "$i(e planne# to .e "o((itte#. he ove$t a"t (ust
"onsist of a"tive pa$ti"ipation in the a"tual "o((ission of the "$i(e itself o$ of (o$al
assistan"e to his "o)"onspi$ato$s.
/e fin# no suffi"ient evi#en"e that petitione$ e$esita eves "onspi$e# -ith, o$
'no-ingl+ in#u"e# o$ "ause#, he$ hus.an# to "o((it the se"on# (o#e of violation of
Se"tion 3(h) of the Anti)9$aft La-. he a"ts of petitione$ e$esita eves "an ha$#l+ pass
as a"ts in fu$the$an"e of a "onspi$a"+ to "o((it the violation of the Anti)9$aft La- that
-oul# $en#e$ he$ e:uall+ lia.le as he$ hus.an#. 5f eve$ she #i# those a"ts, it -as .e"ause
she he$self -as an o-ne$ of the "o"'pit. 8ot .eing a pu.li" offi"ial, she -as not
p$ohi.ite# f$o( hol#ing an inte$est in "o"'pit. P$u#en"e, ho-eve$, #i"tates that she too
shoul# have #iveste# he$self of he$ o-ne$ship ove$ the "o"'pit upon the effe"tivit+ of the
Lo"al 9ove$n(ent Co#e of %&&%E othe$-ise, as state# ea$lie$, "onsi#e$ing he$ p$ope$t+
$elation -ith he$ hus.an#, he$ o-ne$ship -oul# $esult in vesting #i$e"t p$ohi.ite# inte$est
upon he$ hus.an#.
5n "$i(inal "ases, "onvi"tion (ust $est on a (o$al "e$taint+ of guilt. he .u$#en of p$oof
is upon the p$ose"ution to esta.lish ea"h an# eve$+ ele(ent of the "$i(e an# that the
a""use# is eithe$ $esponsi.le fo$ its "o((ission o$ has "onspi$e# -ith the (alefa"to$.
Sin"e no "onspi$a"+ -as p$ove#, the a":uittal of petitione$ e$esita eves is, the$efo$e, in
o$#e$.
>'%%*O%, p$e(ises "onsi#e$e#, the %? Jul+ 3003 *e"ision of the San#igan.a+an,
Fi$st *ivision, in C$i(inal Case 8o. 3337 is he$e.+ =0*5F54* in that (%) 4*9AR D.
4F4S is "onvi"te# of violation of Se"tion 3(h) of Repu.li" A"t 8o. 30%&, o$ the Anti)
9$aft an# Co$$upt P$a"ti"es A"t, fo$ possession of pe"unia$+ o$ finan"ial inte$est in a
"o"'pit, -hi"h is p$ohi.ite# un#e$ Se"tion 8&(3) of the Lo"al 9ove$n(ent Co#e of %&&%,
an# is senten"e# to pa+ a fine of P%0,000E an# (3) 4R4S5A M. 4F4S is he$e.+
ACO654* of su"h offense.
a2ael ). *lores& 'erminio C. %lizon& Arnul2o S. Soloria& petitioners& vs. 'on. Lydia
8uerubin Layosa& !n 3er 4apa4ity as Judge o2 )C& 8uezon City& (ran43 0+/&
(enigno S. "ontera and People o2 t3e P3ilippines& respondents EG. No. +-,/+,&
August +0& 011,F
*a4ts! So(eti(e in o$ a.out Jul+ %&&%, the a.ove)na(e# a""use# falsif+ the *ail+ i(e
Re"o$# of Ronal#o Falla#a fo$ the (onth of Jul+ %&&%, .+ (a'ing ent$ies the$ein to (a'e
it appea$ that Falla#a $epo$te# fo$ -o$' as Se"u$it+ 9ua$# at the 8ational Foo# Autho$it+,
-hen in t$uth an# in fa"t Falla#a neve$ $epo$te# fo$ -o$' fo$ that (onth an# -ith the use
of sai# falsifie# *ail+ i(e Re"o$#, a""use# -e$e a.le to "olle"t the "o$$espon#ing sala$+
of Falla#a a(ounting to -o housan# -o <un#$e# Fo$t+)Fou$ Pesos an# Fou$
Centavos (P3,344.04) -hi"h the a""use# -illfull+, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+
app$op$iate# an# "onve$te# to thei$ o-n use an# .enefit, to the #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e of
8FA in sai# su(. he P$ose"uto$s su.se:uentl+ file# a (otion to suspen# the a""use#
pen#ente lite. he RC issue# an o$#e$ suspen#ing petitione$s pen#ente lite fo$ a pe$io#
of ninet+ #a+s. A =otion fo$ Re"onsi#e$ation -as file# .+ the petitione$s .ut the sa(e
-as #enie# .+ the RC. Petitione$s the$eafte$ file# a Petition fo$ Ce$tio$a$i -ith the
San#igan.a+an ho-eve$ -as #enie# fo$ la"' of (e$it .e"ause the offense "ha$ge# is
-ithin the a(.it of Se"tion %3, RA 8o. 30%& an# that the info$(ation is vali# .e"ause it
suffi"ientl+ info$(s the a""use# that the+ a$e .eing "ha$ge# fo$ estafa th$ough
falsifi"ation of pu.li" #o"u(ent even though the -o$# If$au#J o$ I#e"eitJ is not use#
the$ein. Petitone$s (ove# to $e"onsi#e$ the San#igan.a+an;s #e"ision .ut it -as #enie#.
<en"e, this petition.
!ssueA /hethe$ the offense "ha$ge# in the info$(ation falls -ithin the "ove$age of
Se"tion %3 of RA 8o. 30%&.
'eldA Des. Se"tion %3 of RA. 8o. 30%& p$ovi#es that an+ in"u(.ent pu.li" offi"e$
against -ho( an+ "$i(inal p$ose"ution un#e$ a vali# info$(ation un#e$ this A"t o$ un#e$
itle 7, 2oo' 55 of the Revise# Penal Co#e o$ fo$ an+ offense involving f$au# upon
gove$n(ent o$ pu.li" fun#s o$ p$ope$t+ -hethe$ as a si(ple o$ as a "o(pleG offense an#
in -hateve$ stage of eGe"ution an# (o#e of pa$ti"ipation, is pen#ing in "ou$t, shall .e
suspen#e# f$o( offi"e. Shoul# he .e "onvi"te# .+ final 1u#g(ent, he shall lose all
$eti$e(ent o$ g$atuit+ .enefits un#e$ an+ la-, .ut if he is a":uitte#, he shall .e entitle# to
$einstate(ent an# to the sala$ies an# .enefits -hi"h he faile# to $e"eive #u$ing
suspension, unless in the (eanti(e a#(inist$ative p$o"ee#ings have .een file# against
hi(. 5t is settle# that on"e a "ou$t #ete$(ines that the info$(ation "ha$ging a pu.li"
offi"e$ -ith an offense un#e$ R.A. 8o. 30%& o$ itle 7, 2oo' 55 of the Revise# Penal
Co#e,
%4
o$ an+ othe$ offense involving f$au# upon gove$n(ent o$ pu.li" fun#s o$ p$ope$t+
is vali#, it is .oun# to issue an o$#e$ of p$eventive suspension of the a""use# pu.li"
offi"e$ as a (atte$ of "ou$se.
5n the "ase at .a$, although the -o$# B#e"eitB o$ Bf$au#B -as not spe"ifi"all+ allege# in
the info$(ation, nonetheless, the sa(e alleges the (anne$ .+ -hi"h #e"eit o$ f$au# -as
"o((itte#E that it -as "o((itte# .+ falsif+ing the #ail+ ti(e $e"o$# of a""use# Falla#aE
an# that it -as "o((itte# .+ using sai# falsifie# #ail+ ti(e $e"o$# to "olle"t the
"o$$espon#ing sala$+ of Falla#a to the #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e of the 8ational Foo#
Autho$it+. hus, suffi"ient to (aintain the vali#it+ of the info$(ation.
5t (ust .e note# that the "$i(e fo$ -hi"h the a""use# a$e "ha$ge# is the "o(pleG "$i(e of
estafa th$ough falsifi"ation of pu.li" #o"u(ent -he$ein the falsifi"ation of the pu.li"
#o"u(ent is a ne"essa$+ (eans to "o((it the estafa. 5n this t+pe of "$i(e, the offense of
falsifi"ation is "onsi#e$e# al$ea#+ "onsu((ate# even .efo$e the falsifie# #o"u(ent is
use# to #ef$au# anothe$. he #a(age to anothe$ is not "ause# .+ the falsifi"ation of the
#o"u(ent .ut .+ the use of the falsifie# #o"u(ent. Fe$ita.l+, the info$(ation suffi"ientl+
alleges the "$i(e "ha$ge#. An# inas(u"h as the offense i(pute# falls -ithin the a(.it of
Se"tion %3 of R.A. 8o. 30%&, as a(en#e#, suspension pen#ente lite of the a""use# shoul#
a""o$#ingl+ follo-
>'%%*O%, the petition is *4854* fo$ la"' of (e$it. Costs against petitione$s.
OSAL!A ". D$GA;ON& petitioner& vs. P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S&
respondent. EG.No. +,/555& August +0& 011,F
*a4tsA Fo$ the pe$io# Jul+ 3@ to August 34, %&8& o$ i((e#iatel+ p$io$ an# su.se:uent
the$eto, in uguega$ao, Caga+an the a""use#, C08S0LAC508 ARAF5L4S, R0SAL5A
*69AD08, R094L50 *. <5P0L50 an# J4SS44 CALLA89A8, Regional *i$e"to$,
Asst. Regional *i$e"to$, Suppl+ 0ffi"e$ 555, all of *4CS an# Supplie$, $espe"tivel+, the
sai# pu.li" offi"e$s in the #is"ha$ge of thei$ #uties as su"h, "onspi$ing an# "onfe#e$ating
-ith one anothe$ an# -ith J4SS44 CALLA89A8 as supplie$, #i# then an# the$e
-illfull+, unla-full+, -ith evi#ent .a# faith, pu$"hase, pa+ an# a""ept nineteen (%&)
se"on#)han# $e.uilt an# $e"on#itione# t+pe-$ite$s f$o( Jessee Callangan of San
Se.astian =a$'eting, "ont$a$+ to the intention to pu$"hase .$an# ne- units of t+pe-$ite$s
onl+, fo$ a total "ost of P33&,4&0.00, -hen in t$uth an# in fa"t, the total an# a"tual "ost of
the sai# nineteen (%&) units of se"on#)han#, $e.uilt an# $e"on#itione# t+pe-$ite$s at the
ti(e of pu$"hase -as onl+ P%4%,800.00 o$ a #iffe$en"e of P&7,?&0.00 to the #a(age an#
p$e1u#i"e of the gove$n(ent. A""use# -e$e in#i"te# fo$ violation of Se"tion 3(e) of the
Anti)9$aft an# Co$$upt P$a"ti"es A"t .efo$e the San#igan.a+an. Su.se:uent =otion fo$
Re"onsi#e$ation -as file# ho-eve$ -as #enie#. <en"e, this petition.
!ssueA (%) /hethe$ the$e -as "onspi$a"+ to #ef$au# the gove$n(ent. (3) /hethe$ the
evi#en"e is suffi"ient to p$ove the "$i(e .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
'eldA 5t is not "o$$e"t fo$ the petitione$ to sa+ that the San#igan.a+an "oul# onl+ point to
he$ having signe# an# "e$tifie# the #is.u$se(ent vou"he$s fo$ he$ involve(ent in the
"onspi$a"+. 0the$ "i$"u(stan"es point to a fin#ing of "onspi$a"+. A(ong the(, she -as
the Chai$(an of the P$o"u$e(ent 2oa$# an# (e(.e$Ksignato$+ of the 5nspe"tion an#
A""eptan"e Co((ittee. =o$eove$, #espite patent an# gla$ing #efe"ts in the t+pe-$ite$s
-hi"h "oul# .e #ete$(ine# .+ a $easona.le inspe"tion of the units, petitione$ signe# the
Repo$ts of 5nspe"tion that (entione# onl+ that the #elive$e# t+pe-$ite$s (et
the :uantit+ o$#e$e#. he $epo$t -as silent on the :ualit+ of the t+pe-$ite$s. Det, she
hastil+ signe# it, "onvenientl+ ove$loo'ing the #efi"ien"ies in the t$ansa"tion. =o$eove$,
petitione$As #enial of he$ (e(.e$ship in the 5nspe"tion an# A""eptan"e Co((ittee is
.elie# .+ the $e"o$#s of this "ase. he $e"o$#s sho- she signe# the Repo$ts of 5nspe"tion
as a (e(.e$Ksignato$+ of the A""eptan"e Co((ittee. 5n he$ testi(on+, she also a#(itte#
inspe"ting the th$ee #elive$ies an# supe$vising th$ee su.o$#inates.
0n the suffi"ien"+ of the evi#en"e to p$ove petitione$ -as guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le
#ou.t, Se"tion 3(e) of RA 30%& is pe$tinent. he San#igan.a+an $epo$te# that .ase# on
the P$i"es Co(pa$ison of Agen"+ Pu$"hase P$i"e Against Re)"anvasse# P$i"es on Re)
"on#itione# 5te(s, the gove$n(ent pai# P33&,4&0 fo$ the #elive$ies o$ P&7,?&0 (o$e than
the a"tual "ost of P%4%,800 of the $e.uiltK$e"on#itione# t+pe-$ite$s, giving un-a$$ante#
.enefits to San Se.astian =a$'eting an# Jessie Callangan. /ithout hesitation -e fin# that
this t$ansa"tion #ef$au#e# an# "ause# in1u$+ to the gove$n(ent. he a(ount of P&7,?&0
$ep$esents the a"tual #a(age suffe$e# .+ the gove$n(ent in this ano(alous t$ansa"tion.
Petitione$ not onl+ faile# in he$ #ut+ as Chai$(an of the P$o"u$e(ent 2oa$# an#
(e(.e$Ksignato$+ of the 5nspe"tion an# A""eptan"e Co((ittee, she also "lea$l+ a"te#
-ith evi#ent .a# faith. 2a# faith #oes not si(pl+ "onnote .a# 1u#g(ent o$ negligen"e. 5t
i(putes a #ishonest pu$pose o$ so(e (o$al o.li:uit+ an# "ons"ious -$ong#oing. 5t
pa$ta'es the natu$e of f$au#. 5t "onte(plates a state of (in# affi$(ativel+ ope$ating -ith
fu$tive #esign o$ -ith so(e (otive, self)inte$est o$ ill -ill, o$ fo$ ulte$io$ pu$poses.
Fe$il+, petitione$ (ust ans-e$ fo$ he$ a"ts an# o(issions.
>'%%*O%, the petition is *5S=5SS4*. he assaile# *e"ision #ate# 8ove(.e$ 34,
3000 of the San#igan.a+an is he$e.+ AFF5R=4*
J$DG% POC%SO S!DO& petitioner& vs. P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!P!N%S and
SAND!GAN(A;AN& -
t3
Division& respondents. EG. No. +,76.-& April 0.& 011,F
*a4tsA 0n o$ a.out the 4th #a+ of June %&&0, the a.ove)na(e# a""use#, a pu.li" offi"e$,
.eing then the P$esi#ing Ju#ge of the @th =uni"ipal Ci$"uit $ial Cou$t of =on#$agon,
8o$the$n Sa(a$, -hile in the pe$fo$(an"e of his offi"ial fun"tions an# "o((itting the
offense in $elation to his offi"e, #i# then an# the$e -illfull+, unla-full+, "$i(inall+ an#
th$ough evi#ent .a# faith "ause un#ue in1u$+ to one R0O64 F5CAR50, F4
CAR*48AS an# A96S58 CAR*48AS in the follo-ing (anne$! a""use#, afte$
having $e"eive# the a(ount of 084 <06SA8* P4S0S (P%,000.00), Philippine
Cu$$en"+, f$o( Fe Ca$#enas an# Agustin Ca$#enas as the "ash .on# fo$ the li.e$t+ of
Ro:ue Fi"a$io in C$i(inal Case 8o. @?7%, faile# to #eposit the sa(e -ith the Cle$' of
Cou$t an# $etaine# possession of it even afte$ the afo$esai# "$i(inal "ase -as
p$ovisionall+ #is(isse# on Septe(.e$ %4, %&&0, an# the$eafte$, un1ustifia.l+ $efuse# to
$etu$n it to Ro:ue Fi"a$io o$ Fe Ca$#enas o$ Agustin Ca$#enas, thus "ausing pe"unia$+
#a(age an# p$e1u#i"e to the latte$ -ho -e$e #ep$ive# of the o-ne$ship an# use of thei$
(one+ in the afo$estate# su(. Petitione$ -as "onvi"te# in the San#igan.a+an -ith
violation of Se"tion 3(e) of RA 30%& an# see's fo$ its $eve$sal.
!ssueA /hethe$ petitione$ "o((itte# evi#ent .a# faith an# has "ause# an+ un#ue in1u$+
(a'ing hi( lia.le fo$ the "$i(e "ha$ge#.
'eldA he petition is un(e$ito$ious. 5n this "ase, the petitione$ -as the p$esi#ing 1u#ge of
the =CC of San Ro:ue)=on#$agon, 8o$the$n Sa(a$ an# a"te# in that "apa"it+ -hen he
$e"eive# the P%,000.00 f$o( Castillo an# Ca$#enas. <e a"te# -ith evi#ent .a# faith f$o(
the ti(e he $e"eive# Fi"a$io;s P%, 000.00 "ash .ail on June 4 an# June @, %&&0, an#
$efuse# to have the a(ount #eposite# eithe$ -ith the nea$est "olle"to$ of inte$nal $evenue,
the (uni"ipal t$easu$e$ of =on#$agon, o$ p$ovin"ial t$easu$e$ of 8o$the$n Sa(a$ as
p$ovi#e# fo$ in Se"tion %%, Rule %%4 of the Rules of Cou$t. 4ven afte$ the p$ovisional
#is(issal of C$i(inal Case 8o. @?7% on Septe(.e$ %4, %&&0, the petitione$ $efuse# to
$etu$n the a(ount #espite the #e(an#s of Fi"a$io, Castillo an# Ca$#enas that the (one+
.e $etu$ne#. Fi"a$io suffe$e# un#ue in1u$+ -hen the petitione$ $etaine# the P%, 000.00 fo$
his pe$sonal use.
Se"tion %%, Rule %%4 of the Rules of Cou$t p$ovi#es that the a""use# o$ an+ pe$son a"ting
in his .ehalf (a+ #eposit in "ash -ith the nea$est "olle"to$ of inte$nal $evenue, o$
p$ovin"ial, "it+ o$ (uni"ipal t$easu$e$ the a(ount of .ail fiGe# .+ the "ou$t o$
$e"o((en#e# .+ the fis"al -ho investigate# o$ file# the "ase, an# upon su.(ission of a
p$ope$ "e$tifi"ate of #eposit an# of a -$itten un#e$ta'ing sho-ing "o(plian"e -ith the
$e:ui$e(ents of Se"tion 3 he$eof, the a""use# shall .e #is"ha$ge# f$o( "usto#+. =one+
thus #eposite# shall .e "onsi#e$e# as .ail an# applie# to the pa+(ent of an+ fine an#
"osts an# the eG"ess, if an+, shall .e $etu$ne# to the a""use# o$ to -hoeve$ (a#e the
#eposit.
2+ hol#ing on to the (one+ illegall+, the a""use# p$e"lu#e# the en1o+(ent of the sai#
a(ount .+ the "on"e$ne# pe$sons. he .elate# a"tion .+ the a""use# in o$#e$ing the
#eposit of the a(ount -ith the =uni"ipal $easu$e$ on Janua$+ %8, %&&%, (o$e than fou$
(4) (onths f$o( the ti(e the "ase against Fi"a$io -as #is(isse# on Septe(.e$ %4, %&&0,
is of no (o(ent sin"e it is a fa"t that a"tual in1u$+ ha# al$ea#+ .een suffe$e# .+ Fi"a$io
an# his .on#s(en.
!N L!G') O* ALL )'% *O%GO!NG& the petition is *4854* #ue "ou$se an#
is *5S=5SS4*. he *e"ision of the San#igan.a+an is AFF5R=4*. Let a "op+ of this
*e"ision .e fu$nishe# to the Cou$t A#(inist$ato$ so that the app$op$iate a#(inist$ative
"ha$ges (a+ .e file# against the petitione$. Costs against the petitione$.
ANG%L!)A A"PAO GO& petitioner& vs. O**!C% O* )'% O"($DS"AN&
!NS$ANC% CO""!SS!ON% %D$ADO ). "AL!N!S and NO(%)O *.
CAS)O& respondents. EG. No. +5+577& O4tober +/& 0115F
*a4tsA Petitione$ file# sepa$ate insu$an"e "lai(s against fou$teen (%4) insu$an"e
"o(panies #ue to fi$e that gutte# #o-n /ea$ =e 9a$(ent;s fa"to$+ an# its (a"hine$ies
an# sto"'s. Feeling that the "lai(s have .een un#ul+ #ela+e#, she sought the assistan"e of
the 5nsu$an"e Co((ission. A "onfe$en"e -as hel# -ith the insu$e$s ho-eve$ petitione$;s
"lai(s -e$e #enie#. She then sought inte$"ession of seve$al (e(.e$s an# "o((ittees in
Cong$ess a""using the Co((ission of a"ting in "onspi$a"+ -ith the insu$an"e "o(panies.
he Co((ission vehe(entl+ #enie# petitione$;s a""usations. Late$ on, a "o(plaint fo$
Revo"ation an#Ko$ Suspension of Li"enses -as file# .+ petitione$ against the fou$teen
insu$an"e "o(panies, #o"'ete# as A#(. Case 8o. R*)%@?. he Co((ission info$(e#
the "on"e$ne# legislative .o#ies that the+ "oul# not (e#iate an+ longe$ petitione$;s
"lai(s against the insu$e$s to avoi# "onfli"t -ith its position to (aintain st$i"t
i(pa$tialit+ in the a#1u#i"ation of A#(. Case 8o. R*)%@?. Pen#ing the A#(. Case 8o.
R*)%@?, petitione$ file# -ith the Regional $ial Cou$t of Oue>on Cit+ (2$an"h 333) a
"ivil "ase fo$ Spe"ifi" Pe$fo$(an"e -ith *a(ages, #o"'ete# as Civil Case 8o. O)&@)
33%3@, against the sa(e #efen#ants in A#(. Case 8o. R*)%@?. he p$e)t$ial in A#(.
Case 8o. R*)%@? -as te$(inate# an# "onsoli#ate# hea$ings on the "ase ensue#. he
Co((ission o$#e$e# the suspension of A#(. Case 8o. R*)%@? until final #ete$(ination
of Civil Case 8o. O)&@)33%3@ to p$event "onfli"t -ith the "ou$t. Agg$ieve#, petitione$
then file# -ith the 0ffi"e of the 0(.u#s(an a Co(plaint)Affi#avit against
Co((issione$ =alinis an# <ea$ing 0ffi"e$ Cast$o of Fiolation of Se"tion 3 PeQ of Rep.
A"t 8o. 30%&. Respon#ents #enie# petitione$s allegations. 9$aft 5nvestigation 0ffi"e$
9ine>)Ja.al#e $e"o((en#e# the #is(issal of the "ha$ges against $espon#ents ho-eve$,
0(.u#s(an *esie$to o$#e$e# fu$the$ "la$ifi"ato$+ hea$ings. he$eafte$, the 0(.u#s(an
#is(isse# the "ha$ges against $espon#ents. 6pon #enial .+ the 0(.u#s(an of he$ (otion
fo$ $e"onsi#e$ation, she file# the p$esent petition fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i.
!ssueA /hethe$ the$e is a p$o.a.le "ause fo$ Fiolation of Se"tion 3(e) of RA 30%&.
'eldA he "ou$t fin#s the petition #evoi# of (e$it. he$e is no "on"$ete evi#en"e
p$esente# to su.stantiate he$ "ha$ge. o esta.lish p$o.a.le "ause fo$ Fiolation of Se"tion
3(e) of RA 30%& all ele(ents (ust .e p$esent. /hen petitione$ "o(plains that she foun#
it B#iffi"ult an# .u$#enso(e to p$ose"ute he$ "ase against the insu$e$s, not to (ention that
she ha# .een $en#e$e# #espon#ent .+ the loss of he$ .usiness #ue to "onflag$ation.B Su"h
#iffi"ult+ an# .u$#en, ho-eve$, #o not, pe$ se, "onstitute the un#ue in1u$+ "onte(plate#
.+ la-. Ju$isp$u#en"e has "onsistentl+ inte$p$ete# the te$( Bun#ue in1u$+B as s+non+(ous
to Ba"tual #a(age. Petitione$ (a+ have .een f$aught -ith atten#ing an# litigating he$
"lai(s against ea"h of the fou$teen insu$e$s as -ell as the insu$an"e a#1uste$s,
in#ivi#uall+, .ut in"onvenien"e is "e$tainl+ not "onstitutive of un#ue in1u$+.
=o$eove$, petitione$ faile# to sho- that the "on#u"t of sepa$ate hea$ings -as #one .+
$espon#ents th$ough (anifest pa$tialit+, evi#ent .a# faith o$ g$oss ineG"usa.le
negligen"e. Re"o$#s sho- that as ea$l+ as Janua$+ %&&4, -hen petitione$ fi$st .$ought the
(atte$ of the #ela+ in he$ insu$an"e "lai(s to the Co((ission, $espon#ent =alinis, upon
the $e:uest of petitione$, eGe$te# effo$ts to (e#iate .et-een he$ an# the insu$an"e
"o(panies in o$#e$ to a(i"a.l+ settle the "lai(s not-ithstan#ing the fa"t that it -as
.e+on# the 1u$is#i"tional a(ount "ogni>a.le .+ the Co((ission un#e$ the 5nsu$an"e
Co#e, as a(en#e#.
he suspension of A#(. Case 8o. R*)%@? .+ $espon#ents, al.eit e$$oneous, is not
suffi"ient in#i"ia of evi#ent .a# faith, (anifest pa$tialit+ o$ g$oss ineG"usa.le negligen"e.
Respon#ents; (ista'en sense of p$u#en"e an# 1u#g(ent, #i"tate# the suspension of the
p$o"ee#ings. o hol# $espon#ents $esponsi.le fo$ su"h e$$o$ -oul# .e nothing sho$t of
ha$ass(ent. Fo$ no one "alle# upon to t$+ the fa"ts o$ inte$p$et the la- in the p$o"ess of
a#(iniste$ing 1usti"e "an .e infalli.le in his 1u#g(ent.
>'%%*O%, the instant petition fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i is he$e.+ *4854* fo$ la"'
of (e$it. <o-eve$, in the inte$est of o$#e$l+ a#(inist$ation of 1usti"e, the 5nsu$an"e
Co((ission is #i$e"te# to p$o"ee# -ith i((e#iate #ispat"h in "on#u"ting the hea$ings of
A#(. Case 8o. R*)%@? to #ete$(ine -hethe$ o$ not the li"enses of the insu$an"e
"o(panies an# a#1uste$s (a+ .e $evo'e# o$ suspen#e# as p$a+e# fo$ .+ petitione$.
%$LOG!O "OAL%S& OSAL!A "OAL%S and >!L"A 'ALLA%&
petitioners& vs. P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S& respondent. EG. No. +,,1,/&
July 06& 0110F
*a4tsA 0n o$ a.out August 30, %&8?, o$ i((e#iatel+ p$io$ the$eto, in 0longapo Cit+ an#
-ithin the 1u$is#i"tion of this <ono$a.le Cou$t, a""use# 4ulogio =o$ales, a pu.li"
offi"e$, .eing then the #ul+ appointe# 9ene$al =anage$ of the 0longapo Cit+ /ate$
*ist$i"t, a gove$n(ent agen"+, "onspi$ing an# "onfe#e$ating -ith a""use# /il(a <alla$e,
Finan"e 0ffi"e$ of the sai# -ate$ #ist$i"t an# the fo$(e$;s -ife Rosalia =o$ales, #i# then
an# the$e, -ilfull+ an# unla-full+ sell, t$ansfe$ an# "onve+ a %&7& =o#el 9allant "a$
Sig(a -ith =oto$ 8o. 3=)0830?, -ith an assesse# value of P7@,000.00 on .ehalf of the
0longapo Cit+ /ate$ *ist$i"t, to PPetitione$Q /il(a <alla$e fo$ onl+ P4,000.00, -hi"h
a(ount is (anifestl+ an# g$ossl+ #isa#vantageous to the 0longapo Cit+ /ate$ *ist$i"t
an# on even #ate, a""use# /il(a <alla$e again sell, t$ansfe$ an# "onve+ the sa(e vehi"le
to a""use# Rosalia =o$ales, thus sho-ing a""use# 4ulogio =o$ales an# /il(a <alla$e
having .e"o(e #i$e"tl+ an#Ko$ in#i$e"tl+ pe"unia$il+ inte$este# in the sai# t$ansa"tion,
-he$ein the+ inte$vene# in thei$ offi"ial "apa"ities as 9ene$al =anage$ an# Finan"e
0ffi"e$, $espe"tivel+ of the 0longapo Cit+ /ate$ *ist$i"t. Afte$ full t$ial, the
San#igan.a+an "onvi"te# petitione$s fo$ violation of Se"tion 3, pa$.(g) in $elation to pa$.
(h) of RA 30%&. Su.se:uent =otion fo$ Re"onsi#e$ation -as file#, allege#l+ .e"ause of
ne-l+ #is"ove$e# evi#en"e ho-eve$ the anti)g$aft "ou$t #enie# the sa(e fo$ la"' of (e$it.
<en"e, this $evie- on "e$tio$a$i.
!ssueA /hethe$ the anti)g$aft "ou$t e$$e# in fin#ing the a""use# guilt+ of the "$i(e
"ha$ge#.
'eldA /e #isag$ee. As ea$lie$ #is"usse#, Petitione$s 4ulogio =o$ales an# /il(a <alla$e
.eing the gene$al (anage$ an# the finan"e offi"e$, $espe"tivel+, of the 0C/* a$e pu.li"
offi"e$s. Petitione$ Rosalia =o$ales is the -ife of the gene$al (anage$ of 0C/* an# the
su.se:uent .u+e$ of the sa(e "a$ un#e$ the se"on# *ee# of Sale. he su.1e"t "a$ in this
"ase -as sol# to <alla$e .+ 4ulogio =o$ales in his offi"ial "apa"it+ via the August 30,
%&8? *ee# of Sale (4Gh. BCB)

fo$ onl+ P4,000, -hen its .oo' value at the ti(e of the sale
-as P%?.088 (4Gh. B2)%B)
Petitione$s t$ie# to pe$sua#e us that, at the ti(e of sale, the su.1e"t "a$ -as al$ea#+ 1un'
-ith a net value of onl+P3,000. 2ut this "ontention -as $e.utte# .+ Plant A""ount
Assistant Jose upi, -ho testifie# that it -as still in goo# $unning "on#ition a #a+ .efo$e
it -as sol#.
47
=o$eove$, the Su.i" /ate$ *ist$i"t an# the 0longapo Co((ute$ Auto
Suppl+ -e$e also inte$este# in a":ui$ing the "a$ (4Ghs. B?B an# B?)aB).his fa"t p$oves
that it "oul# not .e "onsi#e$e# as B1un'.B
he g$oss an# (anifest #isa#vantage of the sale to the gove$n(ent is sho-n .+ the
follo-ing fa"ts, -hi"h -e$e state# in the 0pe$ations Au#it Repo$t!
4&
(%) the su.1e"t "a$
-as sol# at a ve$+ lo- p$i"e, -ell .elo- its .oo' valueE (3) the$e -as no atte(pt to o.tain
a .ette$ p$i"e in a fo$(al au"tionE (3) the suppo$ting .i#s -e$e #ate# ten (onths p$io$ to
the #ate of sale -ithout an+ in#i"ation of the pa$ti"ula$s of the ite( fo$ .i##ing, an# those
.i#s -e$e su.(itte# .+ in#ivi#uals "onsi#e$e# to .e "lose to petitione$sE (4) the$e -as no
.oa$# $esolution #e"la$ing the ite( as unse$vi"ea.le an# #isposa.le, an# neithe$ -as a
fo$(al assess(ent o$ evaluation (a#e .+ an in#epen#ent .o#+E (@) no eGt$ao$#ina$+ loss
-as $e"ogni>e# .+ the -ate$ #ist$i"t upon the "onsu((ation of the saleE an# (?) the
eGisten"e of the se"on# *ee# of A.solute Sale sho-s the si(ulate# natu$e of the fi$st,
-hile the eGe"ution of .oth #o"u(ents on the sa(e #ate p$oves that the inte$este# pa$t+
-as no less than the gene$al (anage$.
5n vie- of the fo$egoing, -e "on"u$ -ith the San#igan.a+an that the s"he(e $eso$te# to
.+ petitione$s -as tainte# -ith g$aft an# "o$$uption. he "hain of t$ansa"tions -as
$eso$te# to .e"ause the gene$al (anage$ of 0C/* "oul# not #i$e"tl+, vali#l+ an# legall+
sell the su.1e"t "a$ to hi(self o$ to his -ife. 0.viousl+, the se"on# sale -as a vulga$
"i$"u(vention of the p$ohi.ition in the Anti)9$aft La-.
>'%%*O%, the Petition is he$e.+ *4854* an# the assaile#
*e"ision AFF5R=4*. Costs against petitione$s.
S$SANA (. CA(A'$G& petitioner& vs. P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!P!N%S&
SAND!GAN(A;AN& 5
rd
Division& and O**!C% O* )'% SP%C!AL
POS%C$)O& respondents. EG. No.+50.+6& *ebruary -& 0110F
his is a petition fo$ Ce$tio$a$i an#Ko$ P$ohi.ition -ith P$eli(ina$+ 5n1un"tion an#Ko$
e(po$a$+ Rest$aining 0$#e$ assailing t-o (3) 0$#e$s of the San#igan.a+an in C$i(inal
Case 8o. 334@8.
*a4tsA 0n o$ a.out %@ *e"e(.e$ %&&@, the a""use# a pu.li" offi"e$ .eing then the
Regional *i$e"to$ of the *epa$t(ent of 4#u"ation, Cultu$e an# Spo$ts (*4CS), Region
N5, Southe$n =in#anao, "o((itting the offense in $elation to he$ offi"e an# ta'ing
a#vantage of the sa(e, #i# the$e an# then, -illfull+, unla-full+ an# "$i(inall+, "ause
un#ue in1u$+ to the gove$n(ent pa$ti"ula$l+ the *4CS an# give un-a$$ante# .enefits to
Ru..e$ /o$th 5n#ust$ial Co$po$ation (R/5C), a p$ivate ente$p$ise engage# in the sale of
Plasti" =ono.lo" A$( Chai$s th$u g$oss ineG"usa.le negligen"e in the pe$fo$(an"e of
he$ offi"ial #uties, na(el+! as $ep$esentative of the *epa$t(ent of 4#u"ation, Cultu$e
an# Spo$ts, .+ ente$ing into a "ont$a"t -ith R/5C to pu$"hase 4?,000 units of Plasti"
=ono.lo" A$( Chai$s at a unit "ost of P4&@.00 an# a total "ost of -ent+ 0ne =illion
8ine <un#$e# -ent+ 0ne housan# an# h$ee <un#$e# Pesos (P3%,&3%,300.00) less taG
-ithout pu.li" .i##ing an# "onsu((ating the sa(e -ithout even ve$if+ing the
info$(ation given to he$ that the sa(e unit "oul# .e o.taine# f$o( othe$ sto$es at
P300.00 ea"h, thus #ep$iving the gove$n(ent of the ove$p$i"e# a(ount of Five =illion
(P@,000,000.00) (o$e o$ less an# of the oppo$tunit+ th$u pu.li" .i##ing to o.tain the .est
#eal at the lo-est "ost an# at the sa(e ti(e giving un-a$$ante# .enefit to R/5C.
!ssueA /hethe$ the$e -as .a# faith o$ g$oss negligen"e on the pa$t of the petitione$
pe$taining to the assaile# negotiate# "ont$a"t, as -ell as the plea#ings of the pa$ties.
'eldA he$e is nothing in the $e"o$#s that sho- Ca.ahug a"te# in .a# faith. 8eithe$ -as
the$e g$oss negligen"e. hese #o"u(ents in#u.ita.l+ sho- that petitione$ #i# not ente$
into the :uestione# negotiate# "ont$a"t on he$ o-n, -ithout $ega$# to the p$ope$
p$o"e#u$e o$ in "ont$avention of the esta.lishe# poli"ies an# gui#elines. he autho$it+ to
ente$ into a negotiate# "ont$a"t -as eGp$essl+ allo-e#, even $e"o((en#e#, .+ the
*epa$t(ent of 4#u"ation, Cultu$e an# Spo$ts Se"$eta$+ hi(self. <a# the$e .een no su"h
#i$e"t inst$u"tion f$o( he$ supe$io$s, petitione$ Ca.ahug su$el+ -oul# not have ente$e#
into the negotiate# "ont$a"t. 5t is evi#ent f$o( he$ offi"ial a"ts that she -as "a$eful an#
p$u#ent, (a'ing the p$ope$ in:ui$ies f$o( the app$op$iate offi"es, an# a.i#ing .+ the
#i$e"tives issue# .+ the *epa$t(ent of 4#u"ation, Cultu$e an# Spo$ts Se"$eta$+ an#
6n#e$se"$eta$+.
6n#e$ Se"tion 3(e) of R.A. 30%&, as a(en#e#, .a# faith alone on the pa$t of petitione$ is
not suffi"ient to (a'e he$ lia.le. Su"h .a# faith (ust .e evi#ent. 8o-he$e in the $e"o$#s
of this "ase is su"h .a# faith evi#ent. /e the$efo$e ag$ee -ith the fin#ings of SP0 55
Ju$a#o, J$. that the$e is nothing in the $e"o$#s that sho- Ca.ahug a"te# in .a# faith, o$
even -ith g$oss ineG"usa.le negligen"e. 5n the a.sen"e of evi#ent .a# faith, she "annot
.e hel# lia.le fo$ violation of Se"tion 3(e) of R.A. 30%&, as a(en#e#.
Clea$l+, an+ fu$the$ p$ose"ution of petitione$ is pu$e an# si(ple ha$ass(ent. 5t is
i(pe$ative that she .e spa$e# f$o( the t$au(a of having to go to t$ial on su"h a .aseless
"o(plaint. he evi#en"e is insuffi"ient to sustain a p$i(a fa"ie "ase an# it is evi#ent that
no p$o.a.le "ause eGists to fo$( a suffi"ient .elief as to the petitione$;s guilt.
>'%%*O%, the instant petition is 9RA84*. Fo$ -ant of $easona.le g$oun# to
.elieve that petitione$ violate# Se"tion 3(e) of R.A. 8o. 30%&, as a(en#e#, o$ fo$ a.sen"e
of p$o.a.le "ause the$efo$, the San#igan.a+an is 0R*4R4* to fo$th-ith *5S=5SS
C$i(inal Case 8o. 334@8, entitle# People of the Philippines ve$sus Susana 2. Ca.ahug.
8o p$onoun"e(ent as to "osts.
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S& petitioner & vs. A)$O *. PAC!*!CADO&
respondent EG. No. +57,1-& "ar43 +5& 011+F
*a4tsA On o$ a.out an# #u$ing the pe$io# f$o( *e"e(.e$ ?, %&7@ to Janua$+ ?, %&7?,
a""use#, A$tu$o Pa"ifi"a#o$, then Chai$(an of the 2oa$# of the 8ational Ship+a$# an#
Steel Co$po$ation, a gove$n(ent)o-ne# "o$po$ation, an# the$efo$e, a pu.li" offi"e$, an#
Jose . =a$"elo, J$., then P$esi#ent of the Philippine S(elte$s Co$po$ation, a p$ivate
"o$po$ation, "onspi$ing an# "onfe#e$ating -ith one anothe$ an# -ith othe$ in#ivi#uals,
#i# then an# the$e, -ilfull+, unla-full+ an# 'no-ingl+, an# -ith evi#ent .a# faith
p$o(ote, fa"ilitate, effe"t an# "ause the sale, t$ansfe$ an# "onve+an"e .+ the 8ational
Ship+a$# an# Steel Co$po$ation of its o-ne$ship an# all its titles, $ights an# inte$ests ove$
pa$"els of lan# in Jose Pangani.an, Ca(a$ines 8o$te -he$e the Jose Pangani.an
S(elting Plant is lo"ate# in"lu#ing all the $e"lai(e# an# fo$esho$e a$eas of a.out @0
he"ta$es to the Philippine S(elte$s Co$po$ation .+ vi$tue of a "ont$a"t, the te$(s an#
"on#itions of -hi"h a$e (anifestl+ an# g$ossl+ #isa#vantageous to the 9ove$n(ent as the
"onsi#e$ation the$eof is onl+ P8@,%44.@0 -hile the fai$ (a$'et value the$eof at that ti(e
-as P8?3,%@0.00, the$e.+ giving the Philippine S(elte$s Co$po$ation un-a$$ante#
.enefits, a#vantages an# p$ofits an# "ausing un#ue in1u$+, #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e to the
gove$n(ent in the a(ount of P777,00@.@0. Afte$ his A$$aign(ent, $espon#ent file# a
=otion to *is(iss the 5nfo$(ation in C$i(inal Case 8o. %3044. Petitione$ file# an
0pposition he$eto. Late$ on, San#igan.a+an issue# a Resolution #en+ing the =otion to
*is(iss the 5nfo$(ation. he$eafte$, $espon#ent (ove# fo$ $e"onsi#e$ation of the
San#igan.a+an Resolution ho-eve$ sai# (otion -as #enie#. <en"e this petition.
!ssueA /hethe$ the "ou$t has no 1u$is#i"tion sin"e the "$i(e "ha$ge# ha# .een
eGtinguishe# .+ p$es"$iption.
'eld! he petition is not i(p$esse# -ith (e$it. 5t has .een settle# that Se"tion 3 of A"t
8o. 333? gove$ns the "o(putation of p$es"$iption of offenses #efine# an# penali>e# .+
spe"ial la-s. 5n the "ase of People v. San#igan.a+an,

this Cou$t $ule# that Se"tion 3 of
A"t 8o. 333? -as "o$$e"tl+ applie# .+ the anti)g$aft "ou$t in #ete$(ining the $e"'oning
pe$io# fo$ p$es"$iption in a "ase involving the "$i(e of violation of Repu.li" A"t 8o.
30%&, as a(en#e#. Sin"e the la- allege# to have .een violate#, i.e., pa$ag$aphs (e) an#
(g) of Se"tion 3, R.A. 8o. 30%&, as a(en#e#, is a spe"ial la-, the appli"a.le $ule in the
"o(putation of the p$es"$iptive pe$io# is Se"tion 3 of A"t 8o. 333?, as a(en#e#, -hi"h
p$ovi#esE (Se". 3)J P$es"$iption shoul# .egin to $un f$o( the #a+ of the "o((ission of
the violation of the la-, an# if the sa(e .e not 'no-n at the ti(e, f$o( the #is"ove$+
the$eof an# institution of 1u#i"ial p$o"ee#ings fo$ its investigation an# punish(entJ.
5t "an .e gleane# f$o( the 5nfo$(ation in this "ase that $espon#ent Pa"ifi"a#o$ allege#l+
"o((itte# the "$i(e "ha$ge# Ion o$ a.out an# #u$ing the pe$io# f$o( *e"e(.e$ ?, %&7@
to Janua$+ ?, %&7?.J Se"tion %% of R.A. 8o. 30%&, as a(en#e# .+ 2.P. 2lg. %&@, p$ovi#es
that the offenses "o((itte# un#e$ the sai# statute shall p$es"$i.e in fifteen (%@) +ea$s. 5t
appea$s ho-eve$, that p$io$ to the a(en#(ent of Se"tion %% of R.A. 8o. 30%& .+ 2.P.
2lg. %&@ -hi"h -as app$ove# on =a$"h %?, %&83, the p$es"$iptive pe$io# fo$ offenses
punisha.le un#e$ the sai# statute -as onl+ ten (%0) +ea$s. he longe$ p$es"$iptive pe$io#
of fifteen (%@) +ea$s, as p$ovi#e# in Se"tion %% of R.A. 8o. 30%& as a(en#e# .+ 2.P. 2lg.
%&@, #oes not appl+ in this "ase fo$ the $eason that the a(en#(ent, not .eing favo$a.le to
the a""use# (he$ein p$ivate $espon#ent), "annot .e given $et$oa"tive effe"t. <en"e, the
"$i(e p$es"$i.e# on Janua$+ ?, %&8? o$ ten (%0) +ea$s f$o( Janua$+ ?, %&7?.
>'%%*O%, the instant petition is he$e.+ *4854* fo$ la"' of (e$it.
AND%S S. SAJ$L& petitioner& vs. SAND!GAN(A;AN E*irst DivisionF& and )'%
P%OPL% O* )'% P'!L!PP!N%S& respondents. EG. No. +5-07,& November 01&
0111F
*a4tsA 0n o$ a.out =a+, %&8@, a""use#, a pu.li" offi"e$, .eing then the Regional
*i$e"to$, Region F of the #efun"t Lan# $anspo$tation Co((ission, #i# then an# the$e,
-illfull+, unla-full+ ente$ into a (anifestl+ an# g$ossl+ #isa#vantageous t$ansa"tion -ith
a "e$tain Ca+etano 9a"ilo, "Ko 2ato)2ato 4nte$p$ises, .+ pu$"hasing f$o( the latte$
t-ent+ th$ee (33) units of fi$e eGtinguishe$s, -hi"h -e$e foun# #efe"tive, value# at
P3,@00.00 pe$ unit o$ a total a(ount of P@7,@00.00, -hen in t$uth an# in fa"t, the a"tual,
$eal an# p$evailing "ost of the eGtinguishe$s of the sa(e 'in# an# :ualit+ at the ti(e of
pu$"hase -as onl+ P%,@00.00, a #iffe$en"e of P%,000.00 ea"h pe$ unit, o$ a total
#iffe$en"e of P33,000.00, to the #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e of the 9ove$n(ent. 0n 3% Jul+
%&&8, the San#igan.a+an $en#e$e# assaile# #e"ision fin#ing a""use# guilt+ .e+on#
$easona.le #ou.t of having violate# Se"tion 3 pa$. (g) of RA 30%&. <en"e, this petition
fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i.
!ssueA /hethe$ the "ont$a"t o$ t$ansa"tion ente$e# into -as g$ossl+ an# (anifestl+
in1u$ious o$ #isa#vantageous to the gove$n(ent.
'eldA he fa"t that the fi$e eGtinguishe$s supplie# .+ 2ato)2ato 4nte$p$ises #i# not
"ontain the 2CF #oes not in itself (ean that the "ont$a"t ente$e# into -as (anifestl+
in1u$ious to the gove$n(ent. 5t (ust .e note# that a Pe$fo$(an"e Oualit+ est -as
"on#u"te# on the g$oun#s of the L0 in the p$esen"e of seve$al offi"ials .efo$e pa+(ent
-as (a#e on the pu$"hases. A fi$e -as .uilt an# 'ept .u$ning fo$ ten (%0) (inutes. Afte$
-hi"h, one fi$e eGtinguishe$ -as $an#o(l+ pi"'e# f$o( a(ong the othe$ fi$e
eGtinguishe$s #elive$e# .+ 2ato)2ato 4nte$p$ises an# this -as a.le to su""essfull+ put out
the fi$e.
6n#enia.l+, the fi$e eGtinguishe$s supplie# .+ 2ato)2ato 4nte$p$ises -e$e effe"tive in
putting out fi$e even if the+ #i# not "ontain 2CF. 4ven the San#igan.a+an a"'no-le#ge#
this fa"t in its #e"ision -he$e it state# that Bothe$ "he(i"als "oul# also .e effe"tive to a
"e$tain #eg$ee fo$ fi$e eGtinguishe$s li'e "a$.on #ioGi#e -hi"h "oul# p$o.a.l+ .e
"ontaine# in the eGtinguishe$s supplie# .+ the a""use#.B 5t "an not the$efo$e .e
"onsi#e$e# that the t$ansa"tion ente$e# into .+ petitione$ in .ehalf of the gove$n(ent -as
(anifestl+ in1u$ious to the gove$n(ent 1ust .e"ause of the a.sen"e of 2CF in the fi$e
eGtinguishe$s #elive$e# to the L0.
Follo-ing f$o( this #is:uisition, -e #o not see ho- the #isa#vantage allege#l+ "ause# .+
the su.1e"t t$ansa"tion to the gove$n(ent -as g$oss an# (anifest as to -a$$ant
petitione$;s "onvi"tion un#e$ this se"tion given the fa"ts an# "i$"u(stan"es of the "ase.
o 1ustif+ a "onvi"tion, a (an;s guilt (ust .e esta.lishe# to a (o$al "e$taint+ that is,
p$e"lu#ing all $easona.le #ou.t as to his guilt.Reg$etta.l+, the $espon#ent "ou$t;s #e"ision
faile# in this $espe"t.
>'%%*O%, the petition is he$e.+ 9RA84*. Petitione$ is ACO654* of
violating Se"tion 3 (g) of R.A. 30%&.
PO)%NC!ANA ". %=ANG%L!S)A& petitioner& vs. )'% P%OPL% O* )'%
P'!L!PP!N%S and )'% 'ONOA(L% SAND!GAN(A;AN& E*!S) D!=!S!ONF&
respondents. EG. No. +1.+5-#56& August +,& 0111F
*a4tsA an#ua+ *istille$+, 5n". file# -ith the 2u$eau of 5nte$nal Revenue an appli"ation
fo$ taG "$e#it in the a(ount of P%80, 70%,?83.00, fo$ allege#l+ e$$oneous pa+(ents of a#
valo$e( taGes f$o( Janua$+ %, %&8? to August 3%, %&87. he+ "lai(e# that the+ a$e onl+
lia.le to pa+ spe"ifi" taGes an# not a# valo$e( taGes. A:uilino La$in of the Spe"ifi" aG
0ffi"e $e:ueste# the Revenue A""ounting *ivision hea#e# .+ petitione$ to "he"' an#
ve$if+ on the a(ounts "lai(e#. She "a(e up -ith an 4n#o$se(ent -hi"h states that
an#ua+ (a#e taG pa+(ents "lassifie# un#e$ aG 8u(e$i" Co#e (8C) 30%%)000%
totaling P%03,@%&,%00.00 an# pa+(ents "lassifie# un#e$ 8C 0000)0000 totaling
P78,%83,@83.00. =ean-hile, eo#o$o Pa$eWo, hea# of the aG an# Al"ohol *ivision,
$e"o((en#e# to La$in that the appli"ation fo$ taG "$e#it .e given #ue "ou$se. <en"e,
La$in $e"o((en#e# that an#ua+;s "lai( .e app$ove#, on the .asis of -hi"h *eput+
Co((issione$ 4uf$a"io *. Santos signe# aG C$e#it =e(o 8o. @%77 in the a(ount of
P%80, 70%,?83.00. he$eafte$, a "e$tain Rupe$to Li( -$ote a lette$)"o(plaint to then 25R
Co((issione$ 2ienveni#o an, J$. alleging that the g$ant of aG C$e#it =e(o 8o. @%77
-as i$$egula$ an# ano(alous. 2ase# on this, La$in, Pa$eWo, 9al.an an# petitione$
4vangelista -e$e "ha$ge# .efo$e the San#igan.a+an -ith violation of Se"tion 3?8 (4) of
the 8ational 5nte$nal Revenue Co#e an# of Se"tion 3 (e) of R.A. 30%&, the Anti)9$aft an#
Co$$upt P$a"ti"es A"t. 9al.an -as a":uitte#, as -ell as Pa$eWo;s an# La$in in C$i(inal
Cases 8os. %4308 an# %430&. Petitione$ on the othe$ han#, -as a":uitte# in C$i(inal
Case 8o. %4308, fo$ violation of Se"tion 3?8 (4) of the 85RC. <o-eve$, -as foun# guilt+
of g$oss negligen"e in issuing a "e$tifi"ation "ontaining 8Cs -hi"h she #i# not 'no-
the (eaning of an# -hi"h, in tu$n, .e"a(e the .asis of the 2u$eau;s g$ant of an#ua+;s
appli"ation fo$ taG "$e#it. She file# a =otion fo$ Re"onsi#e$ation p$a+ing that she .e
a":uitte# on the "$i(e "ha$ge#.
!ssueA /hethe$ petitione$ "ause# un#ue in1u$+ to the 9ove$n(ent an# gave un-a$$ante#
.enefits to an#ua+ *istille$+ 5n".
'eldA Afte$ a "a$eful $e)eGa(ination of the $e"o$#s of this "ase, it -oul# appea$ that the
"e$tifi"ation (a#e .+ petitione$ in he$ %st 4n#o$se(ent -as not favo$a.le to an#ua+;s
appli"ation fo$ taG "$e#it. Fa$ f$o( it, petitione$;s "e$tifi"ation (eant that the$e -e$e no
pa+(ents of a# valo$e( taGes .+ an#ua+ in the $e"o$#s an# hen"e, it -as not entitle# to
taG "$e#it. 5n othe$ -o$#s, the "e$tifi"ation -as against the g$ant of an#ua+;s appli"ation
fo$ taG "$e#it.
R.A. 30%&, Se"tion 3, pa$ag$aph (e), as a(en#e#, p$ovi#es as one of its ele(ents that the
pu.li" offi"e$ shoul# have a"te# .+ "ausing an+ un#ue in1u$+ to an+ pa$t+, in"lu#ing the
9ove$n(ent, o$ .+ giving an+ p$ivate pa$t+ un-a$$ante# .enefits, a#vantage o$
p$efe$en"e in the #is"ha$ge of his fun"tions. he use of the #is1un"tive te$( Bo$B "onnotes
that eithe$ a"t :ualifies as a violation of Se"tion 3, pa$ag$aph (e), o$ as aptl+ hel#
in 4ant!a*o, as t-o (3) #iffe$ent (o#es of "o((itting the offense. his #oes not ho-eve$
in#i"ate that ea"h (o#e "onstitutes a #istin"t offense, .ut $athe$, that an a""use# (a+ .e
"ha$ge# un#e$ eithe$ (o#e o$ un#e$ .oth.
5n the instant "ase, -e fin# that petitione$, in issuing the "e$tifi"ation, #i# not "ause an+
un#ue in1u$+ to the 9ove$n(ent. She also #i# not give un-a$$ante# .enefits, a#vantage
o$ p$efe$en"e to an#ua+. 8eithe$ #i# petitione$ #ispla+ (anifest pa$tialit+ to an#ua+ no$
a"t -ith evi#ent .a# faith o$ g$oss ineG"usa.le negligen"e. Ouite the "ont$a$+, petitione$;s
"e$tifi"ation -as against the inte$est of an#ua+. 5t #i# not a#vo"ate the g$ant of its
appli"ation fo$ taG "$e#it. he "e$tifi"ation "an even .e $ea# as a $e"o((en#ation of
#enial of the appli"ation.
>'%%*O%, the =otion fo$ Re"onsi#e$ation is 9RA84*. his Cou$t;s *e"ision
#ate# Septe(.e$ 30, %&&& is R4C08S5*4R4* an# S4 AS5*4. Petitione$ is
ACO654* of the "ha$ge against he$.
'ernandez
P%OPL% vs. "!LL!A"
Ponente!2ellosillo& J./
*a4tsA
0n 33 8ove(.e$ %&&4 Ro.e$to =illia( a!as B*iota+B an# Ri"'+ =illia( a!as B2u$otB
-e$e "ha$ge# -ith the "$i(e of Ro..e$+ -ith <o(i"i#e .efo$e the Regional $ial Cou$t
of 5loilo. he 5nfo$(ation allege# that the t-o (3) a""use# "onspi$ing -ith one anothe$
shot FeliG *e(a$a+o afte$ -hi"h the+ "a$$ie# a-a+ -ith intent to gain his =)%? $ifle
value# at P%0,000.00 .elonging to the 9ove$n(ent an# ent$uste# to hi( as (e(.e$ of its
a$(e# fo$"es. <e #ie# on the spot f$o( the th$ee (3) gunshot -oun#s sustaine# f$o( his
assailants.
Rolan#o Santos, testif+ing fo$ the p$ose"ution, na$$ate# that on the night of %8 8ove(.e$
%&&4, at a$oun# 7!30 oA"lo"', he -as #$iving his t$i"+"le along Oue>on St$eet -hen he
sa- a sol#ie$, FeliG *e(a$a+o, -al'ing.hen t-o (3) (en o.st$u"te# his path, one -as
tall -ith fai$ "o(pleGion, late$ i#entifie# as Ri"'+ =illia(, -hile the othe$ -as sho$t,
sto"'+ an# a .it .al#, late$ i#entifie# as Ro.e$to =illia(. /ithout an+ p$ovo"ation
"o(ing f$o( the sol#ie$, Ri"'+ #$e- his fi$ea$( an# fi$e# at hi(, hitting his left han#. A
.$ief st$uggle a(ong the th$ee (3) (en ensue# -hi"h "ause# the vi"ti( to fall #o-n. As
Ro.e$to pulle# a-a+ he -a$#e# off *e(a$a+o .+ 'i"'ing hi( on the -aist. /hile the
vi"ti( -as sp$a-le# on the g$oun# Ro.e$to ai(e# his $ifle at *e(a$a+oAs "hest an#
pulle# the t$igge$. Ro.e$to fi$e# anothe$ shot hitting *e(a$a+o on the sa(e spot.
A""o$#ing to -itness Santos, #espite .eing sta$tle# .+ the appalling o""u$$en"e, he
"lea$l+ sa- the fa"es of the assailants as the+ -e$e onl+ five (@) o$ siG (?) (ete$s a-a+
f$o( hi( an# the st$eet -as a(pl+ lighte# .+ a PL* la(p)post. <e "ontinue# #$iving
his t$i"+"le an# as he passe# .+, he hea$# the vi"ti( .eg fo$ assistan"e. 2ut ove$"o(e .+
eGt$e(e f$ight he igno$e# his plea an# #$ove on.
Anothe$ -itness fo$ the p$ose"ution, 8apoleon o$$es, a t$isi'a# #$ive$, testifie# that he
also passe# th$ough Oue>on St$eet on that fateful night. <e sai# that -hile he -as #$iving
his t$isi'a# he sa- so(eone g$a. an a$(alite $ifle f$o( a pe$son -ho -as l+ing #o-n on
the g$oun# so(e thi$t+)five (3@) (ete$s a-a+. hen he hea$# a gunshot. 5t $eve$.e$ate#
th$ough the su$$oun#ing a$ea "ausing hi( to slo- #o-n. <e sa- the sho$t sto"'+ (an,
Ro.e$to =illia(, shoot the hapless vi"ti( -ho -as l+ing on the $oa# thus fo$"ing hi( to
stop a.$uptl+.Afte$ the+ a""o(plishe# thei$ o.1e"tive, the assailants "asuall+ -al'e#
a-a+ f$o( thei$ vi"ti( an# the "$i(e s"ene. <e "ontinue# #$iving th$ough Oue>on St$eet
an# as he -as a.out to pass .+ the t-o (3) pe$pet$ato$s one of the( loo'e# .a"' at hi(
-ith a "ol# sta$e. As he ne$vousl+ passe# the "ulp$its, he sa- thei$ fa"es as the+
"ontinue# ga>ing at hi( in a th$eatening (anne$.
A""o$#ing to *$. Menai#a Santiago, Regional Chief of the Fo$ensi" Se"tion of the P8P
C$i(e la.o$ato$+, the sepa$ate pa$affin tests pe$fo$(e# on .oth suspe"ts +iel#e# t$a"es of
gunpo-#e$ nit$ates on thei$ han#s.
A""use#)appellants no- allege that the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in hol#ing the( guilt+ of
Ro..e$+ -ith <o(i"i#e #es"$i.ing as in"onsistent an# highl+ i(p$o.a.le the testi(onies
of the p$ose"ution -itnesses. he+ point out that the affi#avits eGe"ute# .+ Rolan#o
Santos an# Lt. /ilf$e#o 2$illantes #i$e"tl+ "lashe# -ith thei$ testi(onies in open "ou$t.
!ssue
/heathe$ o$ not the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in "onvi"ting Ro.e$to an# Ro"'+ =illia( of $o..e$+
-ith ho(i"i#e.
De4isionA
Santos an# o$$es is st$engthene# .+ the fa"t that no $eason -as given -h+ the+ -oul#
falsel+ i(pli"ate a""use#)appellants. As a (atte$ of fa"t, onl+ afte$ Santos an# o$$es
i#entifie# the =illia(s at the poli"e station -e$e the+ a.le to 'no- thei$ na(es. 5t is -ell
settle# that -he$e the$e is no evi#en"e that the p$in"ipal -itnesses of the p$ose"ution
-e$e a"tuate# .+ ill (otive thei$ testi(on+ is entitle# to full faith an# "$e#it.
o ove$"o(e this positive i#entifi"ation .+ the t-o (3) -itnesses, the #efense offe$e# the
ali.i that the+ -e$e #$in'ing at Josefa San JuanAs sto$e -hen the in"i#ent happene#. Ali.i
as a #efense is inhe$entl+ -ea', (o$e so -hen the #efense fails to satisf+ its
$e:ui$e(ents, na(el+! (a) that the a""use# -e$e not at the s"ene of the "$i(eE an#, (.)
that it -as ph+si"all+ i(possi.le fo$ the( to have .een the$e -hen the "$i(e -as
"o((itte#.A""use#)appellants the(selves a#(itte# that the+ -e$e onl+ a$oun# fo$t+ (40)
(ete$s a-a+ -hen the "$i(e o""u$$e# thus failing to satisf+ the $e:uisites of a soli# ali.i.
i(e an# again this Cou$t has $ule# that the "$e#i.ilit+ of -itnesses is a (atte$ .est left to
the #ete$(ination of the t$ial "ou$t .e"ause of its uni:ue oppo$tunit+ to o.se$ve the
-itnesses fi$sthan# an# to note thei$ #e(eano$, "on#u"t an# attitu#e. hus, unless the$e is
a st$ong an# vali# $eason fo$ ove$tu$ning the fa"tual assess(ent .+ the t$ial "ou$t, this
Cou$t -ill not #istu$. its fin#ings.
Asi#e f$o( the testi(on+ of the t-o (3) p$in"ipal -itnesses, the$e a$e othe$ fa"to$s -hi"h
"lea$l+ in#i"ate the guilt of a""use#)appellants. he pa$affin test "on#u"te# on the( soon
afte$ the+ -e$e a$$este# +iel#e# positive $esults thus sho-ing that ea"h one fi$e# a gun.
his fa"t alone, togethe$ -ith the positive i#entifi"ation .+ the p$ose"ution -itnesses,
st$ongl+ in#i"ates that the+ -e$e *e(a$a+oAs assailants. Ro.e$to =illia(As "lai( that the
$eal 'ille$ -as 4G"el =a$avilla appea$s to .e onl+ an afte$thought sin"e Ro.e$to neve$
i(pute# the 'illing to =a$avilla -hen the poli"e(en fi$st info$(e# hi( that he -as .eing
tagge# as the assassin of a "e$tain (ilita$+ (an. 5f in#ee# it -as t$ue that this 4G"el
=a$avilla -as the 'ille$, Ro.e$to -oul# have, at the fi$st oppo$tunit+, $efe$$e# to
=a$avilla as the "ulp$it. 2ut he "hose to 'eep :uiet a.out it an# onl+ #is"lose# the na(e
of =a$avilla seve$al hou$s afte$ his a$$est. he onl+ $eason he gave U although o.viousl+
fil(s+ U fo$ not i((e#iatel+ $evealing the na(e of 4G"el =a$avilla as the 'ille$ of
*e(a$a+o -as that the investigato$s neve$ as'e# hi(.Su"h eG"use is la(e an# -as
appa$entl+ fa.$i"ate# to save hi(self f$o( p$ose"ution. <is $ea"tion afte$ hea$ing that he
-as na(e# as the gun(an -as highl+ unnatu$al an# un.elieva.le, fo$ su$el+, no inno"ent
(an -oul# $e(ain silent if he -as -$ongfull+ a""use# of a "$i(eE (o$e so, if he 'ne-
the i#entit+ of the $eal 'ille$.
2ut -ith the fa"tual fin#ings of the lo-e$ "ou$t, -e #o not ag$ee -ith the "on"lusion that
the "$i(e "o((itte# -as Ro..e$+ -ith <o(i"i#e. Fou$ (4) ele(ents a$e ne"essa$+ to
"onstitute this "o(pleG "$i(e! (a) the ta'ing of pe$sonal p$ope$t+ -ith the use of violen"e
o$ inti(i#ation against the pe$sonE (.) the p$ope$t+ ta'en .elongs to anothe$E (") the
ta'ing is "ha$a"te$i>e# .+ intent to gain o$ an!mus ucran$!E an#, (#) on the o""asion of
the $o..e$+ o$ .+ $eason the$eof the "$i(e of ho(i"i#e -as "o((itte#.5t shoul# the$efo$e
.e "on"$etel+ esta.lishe# that $o..e$+ -as the p$in"ipal pu$pose of the a""use# an# that
ho(i"i#e -as "o((itte# eithe$ .+ $eason of o$ on the o""asion of su"h $o..e$+.
5t is t$ue that the 5nfo$(ation spe"ifi"all+ "ha$ge# a""use#)appellants -ith the "$i(e of
Ro..e$+ -ith <o(i"i#e. 2ut -e have oft $epeate# that the natu$e an# "ha$a"te$ of the
"$i(e "ha$ge# a$e #ete$(ine# not .+ the #esignation of the spe"ifi" "$i(e .ut .+ the fa"ts
allege# in the info$(ation. hus, a""use#)appellants shoul# .e hel# guilt+ of <o(i"i#e
un#e$ A$t. 34& an# heft un#e$ A$t.30& of the Revise# Penal Co#e.
he penalt+ fo$ <o(i"i#e is recus!on tempora -hile the penalt+ fo$ heft -he$e the
value of the stolen a$ti"le is P%0,000.00 is pr!s!on correcc!ona (e#iu( to pr!s!on
correcc!ona (aGi(u(. Appl+ing the 5n#ete$(inate Senten"e La- in the "ase of
<o(i"i#e, an# in the a.sen"e of an+ (o#if+ing "i$"u(stan"es, the (aGi(u( penalt+ to
.e i(pose# shall .e ta'en f$o( the (e#iu( pe$io# of the i(posa.le penalt+ -hi"h is
recus!on tempora (e#iu( the $ange of -hi"h is fou$teen (%4) +ea$s eight (8) (onths
an# one (%) #a+ to seventeen (%7) +ea$s an# fou$ (4) (onths, -hile the (ini(u( shall .e
ta'en f$o( the penalt+ neGt lo-e$ in #eg$ee -hi"h is pr!s!on mayor in an+ of its pe$io#s,
the $ange of -hi"h is siG (?) +ea$s an# one (%) #a+ to t-elve (%3) +ea$s. As $ega$#s the
"$i(e of heft, "onsi#e$ing that the value of the =)%? $ifle -as P%0,000.00, the
(aGi(u( penalt+ shall .e ta'en f$o( the (e#iu( pe$io# of the i(posa.le penalt+, !.e.,
pr!s!on correcc!ona in its (e#iu( an# (aGi(u( pe$io#s o$ th$ee (3) +ea$s siG (?)
(onths an# t-ent+)one (3%) #a+s to fou$ (4) +ea$s nine (&) (onths an# ten (%0) #a+s,
-hile the (ini(u( shall .e ta'en f$o( the penalt+ neGt lo-e$ in #eg$ee, -hi"h is arresto
mayor in its (aGi(u( to pr!s!on correcc!ona in its (ini(u( o$ fou$ (4) (onths an# one
(%) #a+ to t-o (3) +ea$s an# fou$ (4) (onths.
*e"ision appeale# f$o( is =0*5F54*. A""use#)appellants Ro.e$to =illia( a!as
B*iota+B an# Ri"'+ =illia( a!as B2u$otB a$e ea"h foun# 965LD of the sepa$ate "$i(es
of <0=5C5*4 an# <4F. Conse:uentl+, fo$ thei$ "onvi"tion fo$ <o(i"i#e, ea"h of
the( is senten"e# to suffe$ an in#ete$(inate p$ison te$( of siG (?) +ea$s fou$ (4) (onths
an# t-ent+ (30) #a+s of pr!s!on mayor as (ini(u( to siGteen (%?) +ea$s t-o (3) (onths
an# ten (%0) #a+s of recus!on tempora (e#iu( as (aGi(u(, an# to pa+ the hei$s of
FeliG *e(a$a+o P@0,000.00 as in#e(nit+ fo$ his #eath an# P30,&30.00 fo$ .u$ial an#
-a'e eGpenses. Fo$ heft, an in#ete$(inate p$ison te$( of one (%) +ea$ fou$ (4) (onths
an# t-ent+ (30) #a+s of the (e#iu( pe$io# of arresto mayor (aGi(u( to pr!s!on
correcc!ona (ini(u( as (ini(u(, to fou$ (4) +ea$s t-o (3) (onths an# ten (%0) #a+s
of the (e#iu( pe$io# of pr!s!on correcc!ona (e#iu( an# (aGi(u( as (aGi(u(, an#
to pa+ P%0,000.00 to the 9ove$n(ent $ep$esenting the value of the =)%? $ifle that -as
assigne# to FeliG *e(a$a+o .+ the A$(e# Fo$"es of the Philippines an# ta'en f$o( hi(
.+ a""use#)appellants. Costs against a""use#)appellants.
P%OPL% vs. <$%LA
Ponente!Pa$#o& %.,
*a4tsA
0n Jul+ 3&, %&8@, Assistant P$ovin"ial Fis"al Julian C. 0"a(po 555 file# -ith the
Regional $ial Cou$t, Li.(anan, Ca(a$ines Su$ an info$(ation "ha$ging a""use#
=aGi(o Fela$#e + #e los Re+es, 8elson 9a$"ia + e(po$as an# ito Muela + =o$an#a$te
-ith B$o..e$+ -ith t$iple ho(i"i#eB "o((itte# as follo-s!
hat in the evening of Ap$il 37, %&8@ in Ca(agong, Ca.usao, Ca(a$ines Su$,
Philippines, the a.ove)na(e# a""use#, "onspi$ing an# "onfe#e$ating togethe$ an#
(utuall+ ai#ing ea"h othe$, -ith intent to gain, #i# then an# the$e, -illfull+, unla-full+
an# feloniousl+, -ith violen"e an# inti(i#ation gainst Ps!cQ pe$sons, that is .+ shooting
an# sta..ing one <egino <e$nan#e>, S$., =a$ia S. A.en#aWo an# John)John A.en#aWo,
the$e.+ infli"ting upon the( (o$tal in1u$ies that "ause# thei$ instantaneous #eath, ta'e,
$o. an# "a$$+ a-a+ the follo-ing pe$sonal p$ope$ties .elonging to the sai# =a$ia
A.en#aWo, to -it!
(%) Cash (one+ P 3%,000.00
(3) one gol# $ing P 7@0.00
(3) one Sei'o -$ist -at"h P %,3@0.00
P 33,000.00
hat as a "onse:uen"e of the felonious a"t of the a""use#, the hei$s of the #e"ease#
suffe$e# #a(ages in the a(ount of P3@,000.00 ea"h, $ep$esenting in#e(nit+ fo$ #eath,
loss of ea$ning "apa"it+ an# (o$al #a(ages.
!ssuesA
%./hethe$ o$ not the eGt$a)1u#i"ial "onfessions -e$e eGe"ute# in a""o$#an"e -ith the
p$ovisions of the %&73 Constitution, in light of the fa"t that the "$i(e too' pla"e in %&8@.
3./hethe$ o$ not the a""use# =aGi(o Fela$#e + *elos Re+es, 8elson 9a$"ia + e(po$as
an# ito Muela a$e guilt+ of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e.
De4isionA
Consi#e$ing that the$e -e$e no e+e-itnesses to the "o((ission of the "$i(e, the eGt$a)
1u#i"ial "onfessions of the th$ee (3) a""use# pla+ a pivotal $ole in the #ete$(ination of
thei$ "ulpa.ilit+. he Cou$t is #ut+).oun#, the$efo$e, to $esolve the issue of -hethe$ o$
not the eGt$a)1u#i"ial "onfessions -e$e eGe"ute# in a""o$#an"e -ith the p$ovisions of the
%&73 Constitution, in light of the fa"t that the "$i(e too' pla"e in %&8@.
he pe$tinent p$ovision of the %&73 Constitution p$ovi#es!
A$t. 5F, Se"tion 30. 8o pe$son shall .e "o(pelle# to .e a -itness against hi(self. An+
pe$son un#e$ investigation fo$ the "o((ission of an offense shall have the $ight to $e(ain
silent an# to "ounsel, an# to .e info$(e# of su"h $ight. 8o fo$"e, violen"e, th$eat,
inti(i#ation, o$ an+ othe$ (eans, -hi"h vitiates the f$ee -ill, shall .e use# against hi(.
An+ "onfession o.taine# in violation of this se"tion shall .e ina#(issi.le in evi#en"e.
A "onfession is an a"'no-le#g(ent in eGp$ess te$(s, .+ a pa$t+ in a "$i(inal "ase, of his
guilt of the "$i(e "ha$ge#, -hile an a#(ission is a state(ent .+ the a""use#, #i$e"t o$
i(plie#, of fa"ts pe$tinent to the issue an# ten#ing, in "onne"tion -ith p$oof of othe$
fa"ts, to p$ove his guilt. 5n othe$ -o$#s, an a#(ission is so(ething less than a "onfession,
an# is .ut an a"'no-le#g(ent of so(e fa"t o$ "i$"u(stan"e -hi"h in itself is insuffi"ient
to autho$i>e a "onvi"tion an# -hi"h ten#s onl+ to esta.lish the ulti(ate fa"t of guilt.
he "$i(e "o((itte# is the spe"ial "o(pleG "$i(e of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e #efine# an#
penali>e# in A$ti"le 3&4 of the Revise# Penal Co#e. he t$ial "ou$t "o$$e"tl+ "onsi#e$e#
the "$i(e as $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e an# not B$o..e$+ -ith t$iple ho(i"i#eB as "ha$ge# in
the info$(ation. he te$( Bho(i"i#eB in A$ti"le 3&4(%) is use# in its gene$i" sense,
e(.$a"ing not onl+ the a"t -hi"h $esults in #eath .ut also all othe$ a"ts p$o#u"ing
an+thing sho$t of #eath.8eithe$ is the natu$e of the offense alte$e# .+ the nu(.e$ of
'illings in "onne"tion -ith the $o..e$+. he (ultipli"it+ of vi"ti(s slain on the o""asion
of the $o..e$+ is onl+ app$e"iate# as an agg$avating "i$"u(stan"e. his -oul# p$e"lu#e
an ano(alous situation -he$e, f$o( the stan#point of the g$avit+ of the offense, $o..e$+
-ith one 'illing -oul# .e t$eate# in the sa(e -a+ that $o..e$+ -ith (ultiple 'illings
-oul# .e.
he t$ial "ou$t faile# to a-a$# the hei$s of =a$ia A.en#aWo the a(ount of t-ent+ th$ee
thousan# (P33,000.00) pesos in $ei(.u$se(ent of the stolen "ash, $ing an# -$ist-at"h
an# the eGpenses a(ounting to t-ent+ thousan# (P30,000.00) pesos fo$ he$ -a'e an# that
of he$ son, -hi"h -e$e #ul+ p$ove#.he hei$s a$e entitle# to those a(ounts as $epa$ation
of the #a(age "ause# .+ a""use#)appellants. he+ shall also .e lia.le fo$ eGe(pla$+
#a(ages in vie- of the p$esen"e of t-o agg$avating "i$"u(stan"es in the "o((ission of
the "$i(e.
Cou$t AFF5R=S -ith =0*5F5CA508 the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t. he Cou$t $en#e$s
1u#g(ent fin#ing a""use#)appellants ito Muela + =o$an#a$te, =aGi(o Fela$#e + #e los
Re+es, 8elson 9a$"ia + e(po$as guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of $o..e$+ -ith
ho(i"i#e, #efine# an# penali>e# un#e$ A$ti"le 3&4 (%) of the Revise# Penal Co#e, an#
senten"es ea"h of the( to recus!on perpetua -ith all its a""esso$+ penalties an# to pa+
"ivil in#e(nit+ of one hun#$e# thousan# (P%00,000.00) pesos to the hei$s of =a$ia
A.en#aWo an# John A.en#aWo an# fift+ thousan# (P@0,000.00) pesos to the hei$s of
<egino <e$nan#e>, J$.
5n a##ition, the Cou$t senten"es ea"h of the a""use#)appellants soli#a$il+ to pa+ the
a##itional a(ounts of fo$t+ th$ee thousan# (P43,000.00) pesos as $ei(.u$se(ent of
#a(ages to the hei$s of =a$ia A.en#aWo, an# fift+ thousan# (P@0,000.00) pesos as
eGe(pla$+ #a(ages to the hei$s of ea"h of the th$ee (3) vi"ti(s.
P%OPL% vs.*A(!ANA
Ponente!Ouisu(.ing& %.,
*a4tsA
0n August 8, %&&3, the vi"ti( faile# to "o(e ho(e an# $e(it the sales of the .a'e$+ to its
o-ne$, Roge$ 9allega. Ala$(e#, 9allega -ent to the .a'e$+ .ut foun# it "lose#. <e
lea$ne# f$o( C$is Filla$is"o, one of the t-o t$i"+"le #$ive$s -ho usuall+ fet"he# the
vi"ti(, that it -as appellantAs tu$n to fet"h the vi"ti( that night. /hen 9allega faile# to
fin# the vi"ti( at the appellantAs house, he as'e# his -ife to in:ui$e f$o( the o-ne$ of the
t$i"+"le the -he$ea.outs of appellant. <is -ife tol# hi( that the t$i"+"le o-ne$ -as also
loo'ing fo$ appellant -ho faile# to $e(it his ea$nings fo$ the #a+. 9allega then sent fo$
the pa$ents of the vi"ti( to tell the( that she -as (issing.
A""o$#ing to Filla$is"o, at a$oun# %0!30 in the evening (of August 8), appellant $e:ueste#
hi( to .$ing hi( (appellant) an# his -ife to Lono+, Capi>. Appellant #$ove the t$i"+"le,
.ut sin"e it -as al$ea#+ late, the+ spent the night in the house of Filla$is"oAs aunt. he
neGt #a+, Filla$is"o noti"e# s"$at"hes on the a$(s an# han#s of appellant, an# -hen as'e#
a.out it, appellant eGplaine# that those -e$e (a$'s of a 'nife. Appellant, li'e-ise,
inti(ate# that he -ante# to go to =anila -ith his -ife, .ut his -ife #i# not ag$ee .e"ause
the+ ha# no (one+. he+ left fo$ the Po.la"ion of 5visan, Capi>, an# upon $ea"hing the
"$ossing, appellant an# his -ife alighte# -hile Filla$is"o $etu$ne# the t$i"+"le to its o-ne$
in RoGas Cit+.
9allega (ean-hile $epo$te# Lenn+As #isappea$an"e to the poli"e. he Chief of Poli"e of
RoGas Cit+ #ispat"he# P8P (e(.e$ Joselito upa> an# so(e of his (en to follo-)up on
sai# $epo$t of #isappea$an"e.
5n the (eanti(e, appellant -ent to his un"le Joel Fa"o, a CAF96 (e(.e$ in Po.la"ion
5la+a, Capi>, to $e:uest that the latte$ a""o(pan+ hi( to the RoGas Poli"e Station. Fa"o
#e"line# to a""o(pan+ hi( sin"e the (atte$ -as .e+on# his 1u$is#i"tion. 5nstea#, Fa"o
$e:ueste# Poli"e 0ffi"e$ Sa(uel Ji(ene> of *u(alag, Capi>, to a""o(pan+ appellant,
.ut the latte$ also #e"line# sin"e he "oul# not leave his post at that ti(e.
6
/hen the
Chief)#esignate 8i"asio Lope> of *u(alag a$$ive# at the poli"e station, he $e"eive# a
$epo$t that appellant -as $e:uesting fo$ poli"e assistan"e. Appellant -ante# to .e fet"he#
f$o( his un"leAs house in 2untog, *u(alag, an# then"e a""o(panie# to RoGas Cit+.
Chief Lope> o$#e$e# his (en to fet"h appellant,
/
an# the$eafte$, $a#ioe# RoGas Cit+
Poli"e Station that appellant -as al$ea#+ in thei$ "usto#+.
.
Seve$al poli"e offi"e$s f$o(
RoGas Cit+ fet"he# appellant
7
an# es"o$te# hi( to the RoGas Cit+ Poli"e Station.
0n August %%, %&&3, *$. 8oel *o$a#o, =e#i"al 0ffi"e$ 5F of the RoGas Cit+ <ealth
0ffi"e, "on#u"te# the post)(o$te( eGa(ination an# foun# the "ause of #eath of Lenn+ as
"a$#io)$espi$ato$+ a$$est se"on#a$+ to ne"' f$a"tu$e. <e late$ testifie# that she (ight have
.een $ape#.
!ssueA
%./hethe$ the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in its assess(ent of "$e#i.ilit+ of the p$ose"ution
-itnesses in the light of appellantAs #efense of #enial.
3./hethe$ appellant -as un#e$ "usto#ial investigation at the ti(e he (a#e his
eGt$a1u#i"ial a#(issions to P03 Junie June <e$vias, -hi"h -oul# $en#e$ his un"ounselle#
state(ents ina#(issi.le.
3./hethe$ the$e -as suffi"ient "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e to "onvi"t appellant of the "$i(e
of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
De4isionA
o $e"apitulate, the totalit+ of the "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e a##u"e# in this "ase lea#s to
the in#u.ita.le "on"lusion that appellant shoul# .e hel# lia.le fo$ the "$i(e not 1ust of
si(ple ho(i"i#e .ut the spe"ial "o(pleG "$i(e of Ro..e$+ -ith <o(i"i#e penali>e#
un#e$ A$ti"le 3&4, 8o. %, of the Revise# Penal Co#e.
he "o((ission of this "$i(e -as atten#e# .+ the gene$i" agg$avating "i$"u(stan"e of
use of a (oto$ vehi"le.
-,
5t has .een esta.lishe# #u$ing the t$ial that appellant use# the
t$i"+"le in going to the pla"e of the "$i(e, an# in fa"ilitating his es"ape.
--
<o-eve$, the
(itigating "i$"u(stan"e of volunta$+ su$$en#e$ shoul# .e app$e"iate# in favo$ of
appellant, it appea$ing that (a) he ha# not +et .een a$$este#E (.) -hen he su$$en#e$e#
hi(self to a pe$son in autho$it+E an# (") his su$$en#e$ -as volunta$+.
-6
At the ti(e of its
"o((ission on August 8, %&&3, the "$i(e of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e -as penali>e# .+
recus!on perpetua to #eath. <en"e, the t$ial "ou$t "o$$e"tl+ i(pose# the penalt+ of
recus!on perpetua.
he a-a$# of P@0,000 -as affi$(e# as in#e(nit+ to the hei$s of Lenn+ Catalan as -ell as
the a-a$# of P30,000.00 as a"tual #a(ages. Con"e$ning a"tual #a(ages, the a(ount of
loss -as su.1e"t of testi(on+ of -itnesses -hi"h gave "o(petent p$oof, on the .est
evi#en"e o.taina.le.
-/
=$s. Re(e#ios Catalan, (othe$ of the vi"ti(, testifie# that she
spent P30,000.00 fo$ .u$ial eGpenses, in"lu#ing the "offin .ought .+ -itness Roge$
9allega.
-.
his a(ount appea$s to us $easona.le an# a#e:uate fo$ the pu$pose.
5n a##ition, the a-a$# of P@0,000.00 as (o$al #a(ages is in o$#e$. he vi"ti(, a""o$#ing
to *$. 8oel *o$a#o, suffe$e# (ultiple in1u$ies infli"te# on he$ .o#+, in"lu#ing he$
genitalia. Re(e#ios also testifie# on he$ o-n anguish suffe$e# as a $esult of the #eath of
he$ #aughte$. he$e .eing one agg$avating "i$"u(stan"e atten#ing the offense "o((itte#,
-e fu$the$ a-a$# the a(ount of P%0,000.00 as eGe(pla$+ #a(ages, pu$suant to A$ti"le
3330 of the 8e- Civil Co#e.
he assaile# #e"ision "onvi"ting appellant 4li>al#e Fa"o + Fa.iana fo$ the "$i(e of
Ro..e$+ -ith <o(i"i#e an# senten"ing hi( to recus!on perpetua is he$e.+ AFF5R=4*,
-ith =0*5F5CA508 as to #a(ages. Appellant is he$e.+ o$#e$e# to pa+ the hei$s of the
vi"ti( P@0,000.00 as in#e(nit+, P30,000.00 as a"tual #a(ages, P@0,000.00 as (o$al
#a(ages an# P%0,000.00 as eGe(pla$+ #a(ages. Appellant is fu$the$ o$#e$e# to $efun# to
the o-ne$ of the .a'e$+, Roge$ 9allega, the a(ount of P%,@00.00.
P%OPL% vs.PA)AL!N
Ponente!=elo& %.,
*a4tsA
hat on o$ a.out August %%, %&84, in the (uni"ipalit+ of La(.unao, p$ovin"e of 5loilo,
Philippines, an# -ithin the 1u$is#i"tion of this Cou$t, the a.ove na(e# t#o '2( accuse$,
"onspi$ing, "onfe#e$ating an# "oope$ating -ith th$ee (3) othe$s -hose i#entities a$e still
un'no-n an# -ho a$e still at la$ge, a$(e# -ith .la#e# -eapons .+ (eans of fo$"e,
violen"e an# inti(i#ation, ta'ing a#vantage of the nightti(e to .ette$ $eali>e thei$
pu$pose, an# in the #-elling of the offen#e# pa$t+, #i# then an# the$e -ilfull+, unla-full+
an# feloniousl+ ta'e, steal an# "a$$+ a-a+, -ith intent to gain, "ash a(ount of h$ee
<un#$e# (P300,00) Pesos, Philippine Cu$$en"+, o-ne# .+ the vi"ti( Co$a>on Ali(an an#
the follo-ing pe$sonal p$ope$t+! one (%) a#1usta.le -$en"h, one (l) vise g$ip, one (%)
s"$e- #$ive$, one (%) pai$ of levis pants, one (%) t$avelling .ag an# one (%) -allet
"ontaining ten (P%0,00) pesos, -ith a total value of Fou$ <un#$e# (P400.00) Pesos,
Philippine Cu$$en"+, o-ne# .+ the vi"ti(s Re+nal#o Ali(an an# Josephine 2elesa$io,
the ove$ all total of "ash an# pe$sonal p$ope$t+ .eing S4F48 <68*R4* (P700.00)
P4S0S, Philippine Cu$$en"+, -ithout the "onsent of the a.ove)(entione# offen#e#
pa$ties an# to thei$ #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e in the afo$estate# a(ountE that .+ $eason o$ on
the o""asion of sai# Ro..e$+, the a.ove na(e# t-o (3) a""use# #i# then an# the$e ha"'
vi"ti( Re+nal#o Ali(an t-i"e hitting hi( an# infli"ting -oun#s -hi"h $e:ui$e# (e#i"al
atten#an"e of (o$e than thi$t+ (30) #a+s, as -ell as infli"t ph+si"al in1u$ies to the othe$
vi"ti(s Co$a>on Ali(an an# Josephine 2elesa$io "ausing the( to sustain in1u$ies
$e:ui$ing (e#i"al atten#an"e fo$ seve$al nu(.e$ of #a+s.
!ssueA
%./hethe$ o$ not the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in fin#ing that a""use#)appellants a$e $esponsi.le
fo$ the "$i(es "ha$ge#E
(3) he t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in "onvi"ting a""use#)appellant Patalin not-ithstan#ing the fa"t
that the latte$ -as a$$este# -ithout a -a$$antE
(3) Assu(ing -ithout "on"e#ing that a""use#)appellants (Patalin an# Ras) "o((itte# the
"$i(es "ha$ge#, the t$ial "ou$t in e$$e# in i(posing the penalt+ of #eath as the sa(e -as
suspen#e# upon the $atifi"ation of the %&87 Constitution.
De4isionA
Sin"e the $et$oa"tive appli"ation of a la- usuall+ #ivests $ights that have al$ea#+ .e"o(e
veste# (2en>onan vs. Cou$t of Appeals, 30@ SCRA @%@ P%&&3Q), the $ule in statuto$+
"onst$u"tion is that all statutes a$e to .e "onst$ue# as having onl+ a p$ospe"tive ope$ation
unless the pu$pose an# intention of the legislatu$e to give the( a $et$ospe"tive effe"t is
eGp$essl+ #e"la$e# o$ is ne"essa$il+ i(plie# f$o( the language use#.
2+ analog+, appl+ing the $ule in la.o$ la- -hi"h p$ovi#es that .enefits a""$uing to
-o$'(en un#e$ the ol# la- "annot .e ta'en a-a+ f$o( the( .+ a su""ee#ing la-. 5n the
"ase at .a$, the$e is g$eate$ $eason to appl+ this p$in"iple sin"e the ve$+ ta'ing of life is
involve# an# is at issue.
As $ega$#s a""use#)appellantAs "ivil lia.ilit+, the t$ial "ou$t, in C$i(inal Case 8o. %837?,
"o$$e"tl+ a-a$#e# P700.00 to Co$a>on Ali(an $ep$esenting the total value of the "ash an#
pe$sonal p$ope$t+ fo$"i.l+ ta'en, an# P8,000.00 to Re+nal#o Ali(an $ep$esenting
eGpenses in"u$$e# fo$ (e#i"ation an# hospitali>ation. <o-eve$, in C$i(inal Case 8o.
%830@, the t$ial "ou$t faile# to o$#e$ in#e(nifi"ation fo$ the (ultiple $apes. hus, in line
-ith the p$onoun"e(ent in Peope vs. ;!ctor (9.R. 8o. %37&03, Jul+ &, %&&8) -he$ein
sai#!
0ne othe$ point of "on"e$n has to .e a##$esse#. 5n#i"t(ents fo$ $ape "ontinue una.ate#
an# the legislative $esponse has .een in the fo$( of highe$ penalties. he Cou$t .elieves
that, on li'e "onsi#e$ations, the 1u$isp$u#ential path on the "ivil aspe"t shoul# follo- the
sa(e #i$e"tion. <en"e, sta$ting -ith the "ase at .a$, if the "$i(e of $ape is "o((itte# o$
effe"tivel+ :ualifie# .+ an+ of the "i$"u(stan"es un#e$ -hi"h the #eath penalt+ is
autho$i>e# .+ the p$esent a(en#e# la-, the in#e(nit+ fo$ the vi"ti( shall .e in the
in"$ease# a(ount of not less than P7@,000.00. his is not onl+ a $ea"tion to the apatheti"
so"ietal pe$"eption of the penal la- an# the finan"ial flu"tuations ove$ ti(e, .ut also an
eGp$ession of the #ispleasu$e of the Cou$t ove$ the in"i#en"e of heinous "$i(es against
"hastit+.
A""use#)appellants shoul# .e (a#e to pa+ P37@,000.00 as in#e(nifi"ation fo$ five
"ounts of $ape ("onsi#e$ing that Juliana Ca$"illa$ -as t-i"e $ape# .+ a""use#)appellant
=i1a:ue) in a##ition to the su( of P?,@00.00 $ep$esenting the value of the "ash an#
a$ti"les that -e$e ta'en f$o( the vi"ti(s. 5n line -ith the $e"ent $uling in Peope vs.
Pra$es (9.R. 8o. %37@?&, Jul+ 30, %&&8), (o$al #a(ages in the a(ount of P@0,000.00
fo$ ea"h "ount of $ape, o$ a total of P3@0,000.00 is li'e-ise a-a$#e#. Lastl+, so that the
instant "ase (a+ se$ve as an o.1e"t lesson to the pu.li", eGe(pla$+ #a(ages in the
a(ount of P%0,000 pe$ "ount of $ape is fu$the$ a-a$#e# (People vs. 2u$"e, 3?& SCRA
3&3 P%&&7Q).
2e"ause of the fin#ings of "onspi$a"+, a""use#)appellants Patalin an# =i1a:ue a$e 1ointl+
an# seve$all+ lia.le fo$ the a(ounts a-a$#e# in C$i(inal Case 8o. %837?E -he$eas all
th$ee a""use#)appellants a$e soli#a$il+ lia.le fo$ the a(ounts a-a$#e# in C$i(inal Case
8o. %830@.
he "onvi"tion of a""use#)appellants 1ustifie# .+ the evi#en"e on $e"o$#, the Cou$t
he$e.+ AFF5R=S sai# 1u#g(ent, -ith the follo-ing (o#ifi"ations!(a) 5n C$i(inal Case
8o. %837?, fo$ pu$poses of the 5n#ete$(inate Senten"e La-, "onsi#e$ing that the
agg$avating "i$"u(stan"es of .an#, nightti(e, an# #-elling atten#e# the "o((ission of
the "$i(e, a""use#)appellants Patalin an# =i1a:ue a$e he$e.+ senten"e# to an
in#ete$(inate penalt+ $anging f$o( siG (?) +ea$s of pr!s!on correcc!ona, as (ini(u(, to
fou$teen (%4) +ea$s, eight (8) (onths, an# one (%) #a+ of recus!on tempora, as
(aGi(u(E(.) A""use#)appellants Patalin an# =i1a:ue a$e 1ointl+ an# seve$all+ hel#
lia.le fo$ the a(ounts a-a$#e# .+ the t$ial "ou$t in sai# "$i(inal "ase, pa$ti"ula$l+, the
a(ount of P700.00 $ep$esenting the total value of the "ash an# a$ti"les ta'en f$o(
Co$a>on Ali(an, an# P8,000.00 $ep$esenting the eGpenses in"u$$e# .+ Re+nal#o Ali(an
fo$ (e#i"ation an# hospitali>ationE(") 5n C$i(inal Case 8o. %830@, the penalt+ i(pose#
is $e#u"e# to recus!on perpetuaE an#(#) Asi#e f$o( the a(ount of P?,@00.00 al$ea#+
a-a$#e# .+ the t$ial "ou$t to the Ca$"illa$ fa(il+ $ep$esenting the value of the "ash an#
a$ti"les ta'en, the vi"ti(s in C$i(inal Case 8o. %830@ a$e he$e.+ a-a$#e# an a##itional
P7@,000 as in#e(nit+ fo$ ea"h "ount of $ape, P@0,000.00 fo$ ea"h "ount of $ape as (o$al
#a(ages, an# P%0,000 fo$ ea"h "ount of $ape as eGe(pla$+ #a(ages, fo$ -hi"h a(ounts
all the th$ee a""use#)appellant a$e 1ointl+ an# seve$all+ lia.le.
P%OPL% vs.A(D$L
Ponente!9on>aga)Re+es& %.,
*a4tsA
hat on o$ a.out the %&th #a+ of August, %&88, an# -ithin the 1u$is#i"tion of this
<ono$a.le Cou$t, v!,., at Langil 5slan#, =uni"ipalit+ of u.u$an, P$ovin"e of 2asilan,
Philippines, the a.ove)na(e# a""use#, a$(e# -ith asso$te# high po-e$e# fi$ea$(s,
"onspi$ing an# "onfe#e$ating togethe$, ai#ing an# assisting one -ith the othe$, -ith
t$ea"he$+ an# evi#ent p$e(e#itation an# -ith intent to 'ill, #i# then an# the$e -illfull+,
unla-full+ an# feloniousl+ assault, atta"' an# shoot at the g$oup of pe$sons "o(pose# of
A.$aha( Annu#in, Annih an1ing, A.#ul.ase$ an1i$i, 5#il Sahi$ul an# Su$i Jannuh -ith
thei$ fi$ea$(s, the$e.+ infli"ting gunshot -oun#s upon thei$ .o#ies -hi"h "ause# the
#eath of A.$aha( Annu#in an# Annih an1ing -hile the th$ee othe$ "o(panions -e$e
(o$tall+ -oun#e#. hat, ta'ing a#vantage that the t-o -e$e (o$tall+ -oun#e#, the sai#
a""use#, too', stole an# "a$$ie# a-a+ t-o (3) =)%4 $ifles value# at P?0,000.00E 0ne (%)
=)303 g$ena#e laun"he$ value# at P40,000.00E an# 0ne (%) -$ist -at"h an# 1e-el$ies
value# at P@,000.00, o$ the total a(ount of P%0@,000.00, Philippine "u$$en"+, all
.elonging to the vi"ti(s.
!ssueA
/hethe$ o$ not the a""use#)appellant pa$ti"ipate# in the "o((ission of the "$i(e -hi"h
o""u$$e# on August %&, %&88 at Langil 5slan# an# -hethe$ the p$ose"ution has esta.lishe#
the fa"t of #eath an# in1u$ies of the vi"ti(s .e+on# a $easona.le #ou.t.
De4isionA
he "$i(e of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e is a spe"ial "o(pleG "$i(e punisha.le un#e$ A$ti"le
3&4 of the Revise# Penal Co#e -ith recus!on perpetua to #eath. Consi#e$ing the
p$esen"e of t$ea"he$+ an# the a##itional 'illing as agg$avating "i$"u(stan"es, the
(aGi(u( penalt+ of #eath -oul# .e i(posa.le un#e$ A$ti"le ?3 of the $evise# Penal
Co#e. <o-eve$, sin"e the "$i(e -as "o((itte# on August %&, %&88 -hi"h is p$io$ to the
ena"t(ent of Repu.li" A"t 8o. 7?@& entitle# BAn A"t to 5(pose the *eath Penalt+ on
Ce$tain <einous C$i(esB -hi"h $ei(pose# the #eath penalt+, the i(posa.le penalt+ is
recus!on perpetua.
,7
Recus!on perpetua is a single in#ivisi.le penalt+ -hi"h shall .e
i(pose# $ega$#less of the atten#ing agg$avating o$ (itigating "i$"u(stan"es.
he lo-e$ "ou$t also o$#e$e# the a""use#)appellant to pa+ the hei$s of the late Annih
an1ing an# A.$aha( Anu##in the su(s of P%@0,000.00 $ep$esenting the th$ee fi$ea$(s,
the ne"'la"e an# the -$ist-at"h ta'en f$o( the vi"ti(s an# P@00,000.00 as (o$al an#
eGe(pla$+ #a(ages.
*elete the a-a$# of (o$al #a(ages to the hei$s of Annih an1ing an# A.$aha( Anu##in
in the a.sen"e of p$oof
-0
of (ental o$ ph+si"al suffe$ing on the pa$t of the hei$s .ut o$#e$
the a""use#)appellant to pa+ the hei$s of Annih an1ing an# A.$aha( Anu##in the
a(ount of P@0,000.00 ea"h as #eath in#e(nit+ as this is in a""o$# -ith p$evailing
1u$isp$u#en"e.
-5
/e "annot a-a$# a"tual #a(ages in favo$ of those -ho -e$e in1u$e#
#u$ing the shooting in the a.sen"e of an+ p$oof the$eof.
he o$#e$ fo$ the $epa$ation of the stolen guns, -$ist-at"h an# ne"'la"e. An o$#ina$+
-itness "annot esta.lish the value of 1e-el$+
-,
an# the t$ial "ou$t "an onl+ ta'e 1u#i"ial
noti"e of the value of goo#s -hi"h a$e (atte$s of pu.li" 'no-le#ge o$ a$e "apa.le of
un:uestiona.le #e(onst$ation
--
. he value of guns o$ 1e-el$+ is not a (atte$ of pu.li"
'no-le#ge no$ is it "apa.le of un:uestiona.le #e(onst$ation an# in the a.sen"e of
$e"eipts o$ an+ othe$ "o(petent evi#en"e .esi#es the self)se$ving valuation (a#e .+ the
p$ose"ution -itnesses, -e "annot a-a$# the $epa$ation fo$ the stolen guns an# 1e-el$+.
he appeale# #e"ision of the Regional $ial Cou$t is he$e.+ =0*5F54*, an# the
a""use#)appellant is foun# 965LD 0F R0224RD /5< <0=5C5*4 an# is senten"e#
to R9-=>48?N P9RP9)>.. A""use#)appellant is fu$the$ o$#e$e# to pa+ the hei$s of
Annih an1ing an# A.$aha( Anu##in P@0,000.00 ea"h as #eath in#e(nit+.
6pon finalit+ of this #e"ision, let "e$tifie# t$ue "opies the$eof .e fu$nishe# to the Chief,
Philippine 8ational Poli"e, fo$ possi.le app$op$iate a"tion "onsi#e$ing the natu$e of the
fi$ea$(s su.1e"t of the p$esent.
P%OPL% vs.%;%S
Ponente!Capunan& %.,
*a4tsA
hat on o$ a.out the 30th #a+ of *e"e(.e$, %&&3, in the (uni"ipalit+ of Co$#on,
p$ovin"e of 5sa.ela, Philippines an# -ithin the 1u$is#i"tion of this <ono$a.le Cou$t, the
sai# a""use#, togethe$ -ith John *oe, Pete$ *oe an# Ri"a$#o *oe, -hose i#entities a$e
still to .e #ete$(ine#, "onspi$ing, "onfe#e$ating togethe$ an# helping one anothe$, all
a$(e# -ith #iffe$ent 'in#s of fi$ea$(s, #i# then an# the$e, -illfull+, unla-full+ an#
feloniousl+ -ith intent to gain an# .+ (eans of violen"e an# inti(i#ation against pe$son,
ta'e, steal an# "a$$+ a-a+ one (%) unit "hainsa- value# at P30,000.00 an# t-o (3) "avans
of pala+ value# at P400.00 all -ith a total value of P30,400.00 an# all .elonging to
Spouses Alf$e#o =a"a#aeg an# Feli"i#a# *avi# against thei$ -ill an# "onsent to the
#a(age an# p$e1u#i"e of the sai# o-ne$s in the afo$esai# total a(ount of P30,400.00, that
on the o""asion of the sai# Ro..e$+ an# fo$ the pu$pose of ena.ling the( to ta'e, steal
an# "a$$+ a-a+ the sai# ite(s, the he$ein a""use#, in pu$suan"e of thei$ "onspi$a"+, #i#
then an# the$e -illfull+, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+, -ith intent to 'ill, assault, atta"' an#
shoot the sai# Alf$e#o =a"a#aeg, infli"ting upon hi( a gunshot -oun# on the "hest an#
on the left -$ist -hi"h #i$e"tl+ "ause# his #eath.
!ssueA
%./hethe$ o$ nothe t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in givingE full -eight an# "$e#en"e to the
testi(onies of p$ose"ution -itnesses feli"i#a# (a"a#aeg an# $e+nal#o (a"a#aeg an# in
#is$ega$#ing the theo$+ of the #efense
.
3. /hethe$ o$ not the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in fin#ing the a""use#)appellants guilt+ of the
"$i(e of $o..e$+ in .an# -ith ho(i"i#e #espite the insuffi"ien"+ of the evi#en"e fo$ the
p$ose"ution that -oul# -a$$ant a "onvi"tion .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
De4isionA
hese $evealing testi(onies p$ove that onl+ t-o (e(.e$s of the g$oup, the appellants,
-e$e a$(e# an#, the$efo$e, un#e$ the la-, the$e "oul# not have .een a .an# to agg$avate
the "o((ission of the "$i(e.
Appellants a$e, the$efo$e, guilt+ of the spe"ial "o(pleG "$i(e of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e
.e"ause the ho(i"i#e -as pe$pet$ate# .+ $eason of o$ on the o""asion of the $o..e$+.
he fa"t that Feli"i#a# #i# not see -ho a(ong the (alefa"to$s shot he$ hus.an#, #oes not
a.solve appellants f$o( lia.ilit+ the$ef$o(. he "on"e$te# (anne$ .+ -hi"h appellants
an# thei$ "o(panions pe$pet$ate# the "$i(e sho-e# .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t the
p$esen"e of "onspi$a"+. /he$e "onspi$a"+ is esta.lishe#, it (atte$s not -ho a(ong the
a""use# a"tuall+ shot an# 'ille# the vi"ti(. he "onsistent #o"t$inal $ule is that -hen a
ho(i"i#e ta'es pla"e .+ $eason o$ on the o""asion of the $o..e$+, all those -ho too' pa$t
shall .e guilt+ of the spe"ial "o(pleG "$i(e of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e -hethe$ o$ no$
the+ a"tuall+ pa$ti"ipate# in the 'illing, unless the$e is p$oof that the+ ha# en#eavo$e# to
p$event the 'illing.
/hile t$ea"he$+ -as not allege# in the info$(ation, it -as p$oven .+ evi#en"e. $ea"he$+
atten#e# the "o((ission of the "$i(e .e"ause the assault -as su##en an# uneGpe"te#
un#e$ "i$"u(stan"es that $en#e$e# the vi"ti( una.le an# unp$epa$e# to #efen# hi(self .+
$eason of the su##enness an# seve$it+ of the atta"'. <o-eve$, the p$esen"e of t$ea"he$+
-ill not :ualif+ the 'illing into (u$#e$ as t$ea"he$+ is (e$el+ a gene$i" agg$avating
"i$"u(stan"e in $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e. he p$esen"e of an agg$avating "i$"u(stan"e
-oul# o$#ina$il+ -a$$ant the i(position of the #eath penalt+
,/
fo$ the "$i(e that un#e$
A$ti"le 3&4 (%) of the Revise# Penal Co#e is penali>e# .+ recus!on perpetua to #eath. As
the "$i(e -as "o((itte# -hen the #eath penalt+ -as still "onstitutionall+ p$os"$i.e#,
appellants shall instea# suffe$ the penalt+ of recus!on perpetua.
As $ega$#s the (oneta$+ a-a$#, the t$ial "ou$t "o$$e"tl+ i(pose# the in#e(nit+ of
P@0,000 fo$ the #eath of Alf$e#o. /e, li'e-ise, ag$ee -ith the a-a$# of P30,400 as a"tual
#a(ages fo$ the "ost of the "hainsa-, the t-o "avans of pala+ an# the .u$ial eGpenses.
5n su"h "ases as this, -he$e the pe$sonal, living an# in"i#ental eGpenses of the #e"ease#
have not .een p$oven, the Cou$t eGe$"ises the #is"$etion in as"e$taining an# fiGing the
sa(e.
5n this "ase, Alf$e#o =a"a#aeg -as thi$t+)seven +ea$s of age at the ti(e of his #eath -ith
a life eGpentan"e of 3& +ea$s. <e ea$ne# five thousan# pesos (P@,000) in 3, 3, 4, o$ @ #a+s
Bso(eti(es fou$ (4) ti(esB a (onth as "hainsa- ope$ato$ .ut the$e is no p$oof as to his
ea$nings as a fa$(e$ -ho tille# his pa$entsA $i"e lan#. <is ea$nings of P@,000, shoul#
ho-eve$, .e "onsi#e$e# as ea$ne# at least t-i"e a (onth as it -as #epen#ent on the
availa.ilit+ of people -ho -oul# e(plo+ hi( as a "hainsa- ope$ato$. <en"e, he shoul#
.e #ee(e# to have ea$ne# onl+ P%0,000 a (onth o$ P%30,000 a +ea$. Consistent -ith ou$
$ulings,
-6
one half of this a(ount o$ P?0,000 -oul# "onstitute his ne"essa$+ living
eGpenses. A""o$#ingl+, Alf$e#o =a"a#aegsA loss of ea$nings shoul# .e "o(pute# .+
(ultipl+ing his life eGpe"tan"+ -ith his g$oss annual ea$nings less ne"essa$+ living
eGpenses. hus!38.?? +ea$s G (P%30,000 ) ?0,000) \ P%,7%&,?00.00
he he$ein appeale# #e"ision is he$e.+ AFF5R=4* -ith =0*5F5CA508 that the
appellants shall .e soli#a$il+ lia.le fo$ a"tual #a(ages in the a(ount of P30,400.00 an#
"o(pensato$+ #a(ages of P%,7%&,?00,00.
P%OPL% vs. S$"ALLO
Ponente!Capunan& %.,
*a4tsA
hat on o$ a.out the 33$# #a+ of Janua$+, %&&%, at %!30 oA"lo"' ea$l+ in the (o$ning along
the 8ational <igh-a+, at Sitio 0g.on, 2a$anga+ Cansanga+a, Canavi#, 4aste$n Sa(a$,
Philippines, an# -ithin the 1u$is#i"tion of this <ono$a.le Cou$t, the a.ove)na(e#
a""use# all a$(e# -ith fi$ea$(s (38 Cali.e$ Revolve$) an# sha$p .la#e# -eapons
$espe"tivel+, "onspi$ing, "onfe#e$ating togethe$ an# (utuall+ helping one anothe$ -ith
intent of gain an# .+ the use of fo$"e, th$eats, inti(i#ation an# violen"e upon pe$sons, #i#
then an# the$e -ilfull+, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+ hel#)up a passenge$As 1eepne+ na(e#
R06R4D JAD .oun# fo$ Cat.alogan, Sa(a$, $o..e#, too' an# "a$$ie# a-a+ -ith the(
Cash =one+, *$aft Che"' f$o( the passenge$s, a(ounting to 0ne <un#$e# Fo$t+ 8ine
housan# Fou$ <un#$e# 8inet+ Five (P%4&,4&@.00), Pesos, Philippine Cu$$en"+, an# on
the o""asion of sai# $o..e$+, one of the a""use# shot the Jeepne+ *$ive$ (Renato *. A#el)
-ith the use of fi$ea$(, the$e.+ sustaining gun shot -oun# "ausing the instantaneous
#eath of sai# #$ive$, to the #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e of the passenge$s an# the hei$s of the
vi"ti(, $espe"tivel+.
!ssueA
%./hethe$ o$ not the t$ial "ou$t g$avel+ e$$e# in giving full -eight an# "$e#en"e to the
testi(onies of the p$ose"ution -itnesses an# in #is$ega$#ing the theo$+ of the #efense.
3. /hethe$ o$ not the lo-e$ "ou$t g$avel+ e$$e# in "onsi#e$ing in its 1u#g(ent of
"onvi"tion an allege# eGt$a)1u#i"ial "onfession of one a""use# an# an allege# $e"ove$e#
gun f$o( the othe$ a""use# .oth of -hi"h a$e not at all in evi#en"e.
3. /hethe$ o$ not the lo-e$ "ou$t g$avel+ e$$e# in fin#ing a""use#)appelants e#ua$#o
su(allo an# "esa$ #atu guilt+ of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e #espite the insuffi"ien"+ of the
p$ose"utionAs evi#en"e that -oul# -a$$ant a "onvi"tion .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.

De4isionA
5n $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e "ases, the p$ose"ution nee# onl+ p$ove th$ee ele(ents! (a) the
ta'ing of pe$sonal p$ope$t+ is pe$pet$ate# .+ (eans of violen"e o$ inti(i#ation against a
pe$sonE (.) the p$ope$t+ ta'en .elongs to anothe$, (") the ta'ing is "ha$a"te$i>e# .+ intent
to gain o$ an!musucran$!E an# (#) on the o""asion of the $o..e$+ o$ .+ $eason the$eof,
the "$i(e of ho(i"i#e, he$e use# in its gene$i" sense, is "o((itte#.

<e$e, the evi#en"e fo$ the p$ose"ution, in#u.ita.l+ sho-s that the a""use#, at gunpoint,
too' -ith the( (one+, #e(an# #$aft an# othe$ a$ti"les .elonging to Jesus Capon an#
San#$a Capon an# that Renato A#el, #$ive$ of the hel#)up passenge$ 1eepne+, -as shot
an# 'ille# on o""asion of the $o..e$+. he "$i(e -as -itnesse# .+ Jesus Capon an#
San#$a Capon -ho positivel+ i#entifie# the a""use# as the pe$sons -ho $o..e# the( an#
'ille# Renato A#el.
AppellantAs asse$tion that the t$ial "ou$t $elie# on the allege# eGt$a1u#i"ial "onfession of
4#ua$#o Su(allo -hi"h -as not offe$e# in evi#en"e no$ (a$'e# as an eGhi.it an# the
non)p$esentation o$ i#entifi"ation of the gun $e"ove$e# f$o( hi(, to "onvi"t the a""use#
is .aseless. 5t is "$+stal "lea$ f$o( the evi#en"e on $e"o$# that the eGt$a1u#i"ial "onfession
-as not (a#e the .asis fo$ the "onvi"tion of the a""use#. 8eithe$ -as it ne"essa$+ fo$ the
p$ose"ution to p$esent the gun to p$ove that the "$i(e of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e -as
"o((itte# as it -as suffi"ientl+ esta.lishe# that a gun -as use# to shoot #$ive$ Renato
A#el an# that a slug f$o( a .38 "ali.e$ gun -as $e"ove$e# f$o( his .o#+.he 1u#g(ent
appeale# f$o( is he$e.+ AFF5R=4* in toto.
P%OPL% vs. P!AND!ONG
Ponente!Pe$ Cu$ia(!
*a4tsA
hat on o$ a.out the 3%st #a+ of Fe.$ua$+, %&&4 in Caloo'an Cit+, =et$o =anila an#
-ithin the 1u$is#i"tion of this <ono$a.le Cou$t, the a.ove)na(e# a""use#, "onspi$ing
togethe$ an# (utuall+ helping one anothe$, -ith intent of gain an# .+ (eans of fo$"e,
th$eats an# inti(i#ation e(plo+e# upon the pe$sons of P4RC5FAL CA58*59 D
LAC20 an# P0% 94RRD P4R4M D S62589 S62589, #i# then an# the$e -ilfull+,
unla-full+ an# feloniousl+ ta'e, $o. an# "a$$+ "ash (one+ in the a(ount of P300.00
.elonging to the fo$(e$ an# one (%) .38 "ali.e$ $evolve$ =a$'e# BAR=ASC0RB -ith S8
P%@%%% -o$th P8,000.00 .elonging to the latte$, to the #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e of the
vi"ti(s in the afo$e(entione# a(ount ofE that on the o""asion of the sai# Ro..e$+ an#
fo$ the pu$pose o$ ena.ling the( to ta'e, $o. an# "a$$+ a-a+ the sai# a$ti"les, the he$ein
a""use# in pu$suan"e to thei$ "onspi$a"+, #i# then an# the$e -ilfull+, unla-full+ an#
feloniousl+ atta"' an# shoot P0% 9e$$+ Pe$e> hitting the latte$ on his "hest, the$e.+
infli"ting upon the latte$ se$ious ph+si"al in1u$ies -hi"h in1u$ies #i$e"tl+ "ause# his #eath.
!ssueA
/hethe$ o$ not the a""use#)appellants -e$e guilt+ of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e un#e$
pa$ag$aph % of A$ti"le 3&4 of Revise# Penal Co#e.
De4isionA
All th$ee a""use#)appellants set up the #efense of ali.i, insisting that the+ -e$e
so(e-he$e else -hen the "$i(e -as "o((itte#. Reg$etta.l+, this #efense "annot save the
#a+ fo$ the(, fo$ ali.i is one of the -ea'est #efenses that "an .e $eso$te# to .+ an
a""use#, not onl+ .e"ause it is inhe$entl+ -ea' an# un$elia.le .ut also .e"ause of its eas+
fa.$i"ation -ithout (u"h oppo$tunit+ at "he"'ing o$ $e.utting it (People vs. =atil#o. 330
SCRA ?3@ P%&&4Q). o p$ospe$, ali.i (ust (eet st$i"tl+ the $e:ui$e(ents of ti(e an#
pla"e (People vs. *ela C$u>, 33& SCRA 7@4 P%&&4Q), (eaning that the a""use# -as not at
the s"ene of the "$i(e at the ti(e it -as "o((itte#, an# that it -as ph+si"all+ i(possi.le
fo$ the a""use# to have .een at the s"ene of the "$i(e at the ti(e of its "o((ission
(People vs. Sagu.an, 33% SCRA 744 P%&&4Q)E People vs. *olo$, 33% SCRA 4%4 P%&&4Q).
5n the "ase at .a$, .+ thei$ o-n testi(on+ a""use#)appellants Pian#iong an# =o$allos
-e$e in pla"es onl+ a.out an hou$As t$avel f$o( the s"ene of the "$i(e, -hile a""use#)
appellant 2ulan -as in Ca(a$in, Caloo"an Cit+, -hi"h is onl+ a @)(inute -al' a-a+
f$o( the s"ene of the "$i(e. 5t -as, the$efo$e, not ph+si"all+ i(possi.le fo$ a""use#)
appellants to have .een p$esent at the s"ene of the "$i(e at the ti(e of "o((ission
the$eof.
=o$e i(po$tantl+, a""use#)appellantsA ali.is "annot p$evail ove$ thei$ positive
i#entifi"ation .+ e+e-itnesses -ho ha# no i(p$ope$ (otive to falsel+ testif+ (People vs.
Javie$, 33& SCRA ?38 P%&&4QE People vs. alave$, 330 SCRA 38% P%&&4Q).
Lastl+, a""use#)appellants a$gue that the t$ial "ou$t faile# to su((on othe$ -itnesses -ho
"oul# have she# light on the "ase. 5f a""use#)appellants -e$e a-a$e that the$e "oul# have
given the "ase a vie- f$o( anothe$ angle, the+ shoul# have petitione# the t$ial "ou$t to
su.poena sai# -itnesses. 2ut the+ #i# not. he fault, the$efo$e, lies -ith the(, not -ith
the t$ial "ou$t.
5n the p$esent "ase, the "o((ission of ho(i"i#e on the o""asion of $o..e$+ is .e+on#
#ispute. P0% 9e$$+ Pe$e> -as shot at the $ight si#e of his "hest .+ a""use#)appellant
Pian#iong. Afte$ the hol#)uppe$s ha# alighte# f$o( the vehi"le -ith thei$ loot, a""use#)
appellant Pian#iong again shot P0% 9e$$+ Pe$e> at the $ight si#e of his fa"e, -ith the slug
ente$ing the "hee'. P0% 9e$$+ Pe$e> -as $ushe# to the e(e$gen"+ $oo( of the =C6
<ospital -he$e he late$ on #ie#, as in#ee#, an+ of the -oun#s "oul# have .een fatal.
Fo$ the "$i(e of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e to eGist, it is enough that a ho(i"i#e $esults .+
$eason o$ on the o""asion of $o..e$+ (People vs. Saliling, ?& SCRA 437 P%&7?Q). 5t is a
-ell)settle# $ule that -hen ho(i"i#e ta'es pla"e as a "onse:uen"e o$ on the o""asion of a
$o..e$+, all those -ho too' pa$t in the $o..e$+ a$e guilt+ as p$in"ipals of the "$i(e of
$o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e, although the+ #i# not a"tuall+ ta'e pa$t in the ho(i"i#e. he
eG"eption to the $ule is -hen it is "lea$l+ sho-n that the+ en#eavo$e# to p$event the
unla-ful 'illing (People vs. 2alanag, 33? SCRA 474 P%&&4%). 5n the p$esent "ase, the$e is
no evi#en"e that a""use#)appellants 2ulan an# =o$allos t$ie# to p$event a""use#)
appellant Pian#iong f$o( shooting P0% 9e$$+ Pe$e>. hei$ lia.ilit+, the$efo$e, is the sa(e
as that of Pian#iong.
All a""use#)appellants a$e thus guilt+ of the "$i(e of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e -hi"h un#e$
Pa$ag$aph % of A$ti"le 3&4 of the Revise# Penal Co#e, as a(en#e# .+ Repu.li" A"t 8o.
7?@&, is punisha.le .+ recus!on perpetua to #eath.
he Cou$t hol#s that the "ou$t a :uo #i# not e$$ in i(posing the (aGi(u( penalt+ of
#eath. he "o((ission of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e -as atten#e# .+ the agg$avating
"i$"u(stan"e of .an#, having .een pe$pet$ate# .+ (o$e than th$ee (3) a$(e# (alefa"to$s
-ho a"te# togethe$ in the "o((ission the$eof (Pa$ag$aph 8o. ? of A$ti"le %4 of the
Revise# Penal Co#eE (People vs. *ela C$u>, supra). he$e .eing one agg$avating
"i$"u(stan"e atten#ant to the "o((ission of the felon+ -ithout an+ (itigating
"i$"u(stan"e to offset the sa(e, the penalt+ i(posa.le un#e$ Pa$ag$aph % of A$ti"le 3&4
of the Revise# Penal Co#e, as a(en#e# .+ Repu.li" A"t 7?@&, is #eath, the (aGi(u(
penalt+ (Pa$ag$aph 3, 8o. % of A$ti"le ?3 of the Revise# Penal Co#e).
he appeale# #e"ision is he$e.+ AFF5R=4*, -ith "osts against a""use#)appellants.
5n a""o$#an"e -ith Se"tion 3@ of Repu.li" A"t 8o. 7?@&, a(en#ing A$ti"le 83 of the
Revise# Penal Co#e, upon finalit+ of this #e"ision, let the $e"o$#s of this "ase .e
fo$th-ith fo$-a$#e# to the 0ffi"e of the P$esi#ent fo$ possi.le eGe$"ise of the pa$#oning
po-e$
P%OPL% vs. =%C%L%S
Ponente!Dna$es)Santiago, J./
*a4tsA
hat on o$ a.out the %&
th
#a+ of 0"to.e$, %&&?, in the (o$ning, in .a$anga+ =ali.ong,
(uni"ipalit+ of 6$.i>ton#o, p$ovin"e of Pangasinan, Philippines an# -ithin the
1u$is#i"tion of this <ono$a.le Cou$t, the a.ove)na(e# a""use#, "onspi$ing, "onfe#e$ating
an# helping one anothe$, -ith intent of gain an# .+ (eans of fo$"e upon things, ente$e#
the house of one =$s. Rosita Ouilates .+ fo$"i.l+ #est$o+ing the g$ills of the -in#o-
-hi"h the+ use# as an ing$ess an# on"e insi#e, #i#, then an# the$e, -illfull+, unla-full+
an# feloniousl+ ta'e an# "a$t a-a+ the follo-ing pe$sonal p$ope$ties! one (%) "olo$e#
.F., one (%) F<S, asso$te# 1e-el$ies, one (%) ala$( "lo"' an# one (%) $a#io "assette, all
value# at S5ND <06SA8* P4S0S (P?0,000.00) o-ne# .+ the sai# Rosita Ouilates,
an# that on the sa(e o""asion, the sai# a""use#, "onspi$ing, "onfe#e$ating an# helping
one anothe$, #i# then an# the$e, -illfull+, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+ have seGual
inte$"ou$se -ith =a$i.eth 2olito against he$ -ill to the #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e of the
afo$ena(e# vi"ti(s.
!ssueA
%./hethe$ the t$ial "ou$t #i# not e$$ in #is"ha$ging Je$$+ So$iano to .e utili>e# as a state
-itness.
3./heathe$ o$ not the a""use#)appellant guilt+ of the "$i(e of Ro..e$+ -ith Rape
#efine# an# penali>e# un#e$ A$ti"le 3&4, %, as a(en#e#, of the Revise# Penal Co#e.
De4isionA
1!rst, the testi(on+ of Je$$+ So$iano -as a.solutel+ ne"essa$+ as the p$ose"ution has no
#i$e"t evi#en"e to p$ove the i#entit+ of the (alefa"to$s =a(e$to So$iano, FeliG Co$pu>,
=a$io Fe$"eles an# Pa.lo Ra(os. he $e"o$# $eveals that the five a""use# -e$e togethe$
on the night the $o..e$+ an# $ape too' pla"e. <e (a+ not have -itnesse# the a"tual
$o..e$+ an# $ape, .ut he has pe$sonal 'no-le#ge of the $o..e$+ -hen he sa- the th$ee
a""use# $etu$n to the pla"e -he$e he an# Pa.lo Ra(os -e$e allege#l+ tie#, "a$$+ing -ith
the( the p$ope$ties sai# to have .een stolen. 4econ$, Je$$+ So$iano;s testi(on+ -as
"o$$o.o$ate# in its (ate$ial points .+ othe$ p$ose"ution -itnesses an# ph+si"al evi#en"e.
hese a$e! (a) the testi(on+ of =a$i.eth 2olito that the$e -e$e th$ee (alefa"to$s, one of
-ho( seGuall+ a.use# he$ an# t-o of -ho( 1ust stoo# at the #oo$E (.) the testi(on+ of
Rosita Ouilates that he$ p$ope$ties -e$e stolenE an# (") the testi(on+ of SP03 Renato
Solo(on that the+ -e$e a.le to $e"ove$ the stolen p$ope$ties f$o( a "e$tain An#$es i$ano
-ho .ought the( f$o( a""use# =a(e$to So$iano. =asty, Je$$+ So$iano #oes not appea$
to .e the (ost guilt+ fo$ he -as not a "o)"onspi$ato$ in the $o..e$+ -ith $ape. <e (e$el+
a""o(panie# the a""use# an# $e"eive# th$ee hun#$e# pesos as his sha$e in the p$o"ee#s of
the sale of the stolen p$ope$ties. 2esi#es, the :uestion of -hethe$ Je$$+ So$iano appea$s to
.e the (ost guilt+ is a fa"tual issue. he #is"$etiona$+ 1u#g(ent of the t$ial "ou$t on this
(atte$ is sel#o( inte$fe$e# -ith .+ appellate "ou$t eG"ept in "ase of g$ave a.use of
#is"$etion.
%3
/e fin# no goo# $eason to #istu$. the t$ial "ou$t;s fin#ings of fa"ts.
9$anting e@ *rat!a ar*ument! that not all the $e:uisites of a vali# #is"ha$ge a$e p$esent,
the i(p$ope$ #is"ha$ge of an a""use# -ill not $en#e$ ina#(issi.le his testi(on+ no$
#et$a"t f$o( his "o(peten"+ as a -itness. An+ -itting o$ un-itting e$$o$ of the
p$ose"ution in as'ing fo$ the #is"ha$ge, an# of the "ou$t in g$anting the petition, no
:uestion of 1u$is#i"tion .eing involve#, "annot #ep$ive the #is"ha$ge# a""use# of the
a":uittal p$ovi#e# .+ the Rules, an# of the "onstitutional gua$antee against #ou.le
1eopa$#+.
0n the (atte$ of -hethe$ $ape -as "o((itte#, -e ag$ee -ith the t$ial "ou$t;s $uling that
neithe$ the heale# la"e$ations on the vagina of the vi"ti( no$ the a.sen"e of spe$(ato>oa
negates $ape. /hen an allege# vi"ti( of $ape sa+s she -as violate#, she sa+s in effe"t all
that is ne"essa$+ to sho- that $ape ha# .een infli"te# on he$, an# so long as he$ testi(on+
(eets the test of "$e#i.ilit+, the a""use# (a+ .e "onvi"te# on the .asis the$eof.
he a""use#)appellant;s #efense of ali.i an# #enial "annot ove$"o(e =a$i.eth 2olito;s
positive testi(on+ that she -as $ape# an# that he$ g$an#(othe$;s house -as $o..e#,
espe"iall+ sin"e this -as su.stantiall+ "o$$o.o$ate# .+ the othe$ p$ose"ution -itnesses.
i(e)hono$e# is the $ule that the positive an# "atego$i"al asse$tions of -itnesses
gene$all+ p$evail ove$ .a$e #enials.
he assaile# #e"ision fin#ing a""use#)appellants =a$io Fe$"eles an# FeliG Co$pu> guilt+
.e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of the "$i(e of Ro..e$+ -ith Rape punishe# un#e$ A$ti"le 3&4
(%) of the Revise# Penal Co#e an# senten"ing the( to suffe$ the penalt+ of Recus!on
Perpetua, is A**!"%D -ith the "OD!*!CA)!ON that the a-a$# of (o$al #a(ages
is $e#u"e# f$o( P300,000.00 to P@0,000.00E the a-a$# of eGe(pla$+ #a(ages is
D%L%)%D fo$ la"' of .asis an# the su( of P@0,000.00 is a-a$#e# fo$ "ivil in#e(nit+.
P%OPL% vs. )A"A;O
Ponente!Dna$es)Santiago& J.!
*a4tsA
0n =a$"h 3&, %&&8, "o(plainant =a$+ Ann 9ua>on, a 34)+ea$ ol# se-e$, -as alone in
he$ ho(e lo"ate# at 8o. 34 a(as"o =a$'et, 2a$anga+ atalon, Oue>on Cit+, sin"e he$
hus.an# -as at -o$' in 2ali-ag, 2ula"an, -hile he$ t-o "hil#$en -e$e left to the "a$e of
an aunt in Fai$vie-, Oue>on Cit+. At %!00 in the (o$ning, she -as su##enl+ $ouse# f$o(
he$ sleep .+ a (an, -ho si(ultaneousl+ "ove$e# he$ (outh an# po'e# a 'nife at the si#e
of he$ ne"'. She -as tol# not to (ove o$ shout, othe$-ise, she -oul# .e 'ille#.
=a$+ Ann i((e#iatel+ noti"e# that the light in the house, -hi"h she ha# s-it"he# on
ea$lie$, ha# .een tu$ne# off. She $e"ogni>e# the (an as a""use#)appellant 8elson a(a+o
a.'.a. B2isa+aB, .e"ause of the light "o(ing f$o( the (a$'et outsi#e. A""use#)appellant
-as fa(ilia$ to =a$+ Ann .e"ause he f$e:uente# the (a$'et an# so(eti(es sol# fish.
Fea$ing fo$ he$ life, =a$+ Ann #i# not (ove o$ (a'e an+ soun#. /hile the 'nife -as still
po'e# at he$, a""use#)appellant $e(ove# his sho$t pants an# .$iefs an# then +an'e# he$
up to a sitting position. A""use#)appellant stoo# in f$ont of =a$+ Ann, #i$e"te# he$ to
hol# his e$e"t penis an# o$#e$e# he$ to ta'e his o$gan into he$ (outh. Although she foun#
it $evolting, =a$+ Ann #i# as she -as tol# .e"ause the 'nife -as hel# against he$ ne"'.
/hile his penis -as insi#e he$ (outh, a""use#)appellant goa#e# he$, Bsarapan mo pa.
((a'e it feel goo#.)B Appa$entl+ not satisfie# -ith -hat =a$+ Ann -as #oing, a""use#)
appellant ang$il+ $e(ove# his fla""i# penis f$o( he$ (outh, pulle# he$ hai$ an# (a#e a
(otion to sta. he$. Su.se:uentl+, ho-eve$, a""use#)appellant tol# =a$+ Ann to
(astu$.ate hi(, until his penis again ha$#ene#.
At that instant, a""use#)appellant too' =a$+ Ann to a "o$ne$ of the one)$oo( a.o#e an#,
fo$ the se"on# ti(e, fo$"i.l+ shove# his penis into he$ (outh. =a$+ Ann .al'e# an# felt
nauseate#, as she foun# the thought of #oing the a"t as -ell as the o#o$ $epulsive. /hen
a""use#)appellant -as still not "ontent -ith =a$+ Ann;s o$al (inist$ations, he st$ippe#
he$ "lothes, in"lu#ing un#e$-ea$, an# 'isse# he$ na'e# .o#+ f$o( the fa"e going #o-n.
<e "on"ent$ate# on su"'ing he$ .$easts an# vagina, an# at one point, even .it he$ p$ivate
pa$t -hi"h (a#e =a$+ Ann shout.
3
2e"ause of the noise she (a#e, a""use#)appellant got
ang$+, pushe# he$ han# a-a+ an# p$esse# the 'nife against he$ si#e. Afte$ -a$ning he$
on"e (o$e not to (a'e an+ soun#, a""use#)appellant sp$ea# he$ legs an# t$ie# to inse$t
his o$gan into he$ vagina. =a$+ Ann $esiste# .+ (oving he$ hips f$o( si#e to si#e.
4ventuall+, a""use#)appellant su""ee#e# in penet$ating =a$+ Ann, although it too' :uite
a -hile .e"ause of he$ fie$"e $esistan"e. A""use#)appellant (a#e th$usting (ove(ents
fo$ a.out th$ee (inutes an#, the$eafte$, $ea"he# o$gas(.
Afte$ he ha# finishe#, =a$+ Ann sense# that a""use#)appellant -as going to 'ill he$
.e"ause he $aise# his han# -ith the 'nife, appa$entl+ to st$i'e he$. She thus p$eten#e# to
have en1o+e# the seGual en"ounte$ an# plea#e# -ith hi( to spa$e he$. A""use#)appellant
$elente# an# -a$ne# he$ not to $epo$t the in"i#ent o$ else she -ill .e 'ille#. <e then tol#
=a$+ Ann to get #$esse# an# han#e# ove$ he$ "lothes. 5t -as then that she #is"ove$e# that
the P@00.00 she ea$ne# f$o( #oing laun#$+ that #a+, -hi"h she 'ept in he$ sho$ts; po"'et,
-as gone.
!ssueA
he "ou$t e$$e# in fin#ing a""use#)appellant guilt+ of the spe"ial "o(pleG "$i(e of
$o..e$+ -ith $ape, #espite his guilt not having .een p$ove# .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
De4isionA
8eve$theless, even as ag$ee -ith the 0S9 that a""use#)appellant "o((itte# t-o #istin"t
"$i(es, #iffe$ -ith its "on"lusion that the unla-ful ta'ing in this "ase "onstitutes $o..e$+,
as #efine# in A$ti"le 3&3
3%
of the Revise# Penal Co#e.
he penalt+ fo$ the si(ple theft of P@00.00 is pr!s!on correcc!ona in its (ini(u( an#
(e#iu( pe$io#s, un#e$ A$ti"le 30& (3) of the Revise# Penal Co#e. he$e .eing no
(itigating o$ agg$avating "i$"u(stan"e, the (e#iu( te$( of the penalt+, one (%) +ea$,
eight (8) (onths an# t-ent+)one (3%) #a+s to t-o (3) +ea$s, eleven (%%) (onths an# ten
(%0) #a+s, shall .e i(pose#.
34
Appl+ing the 5n#ete$(inate Senten"e La-, a""use#)
appellant shall .e entitle# to a (ini(u( te$( to .e ta'en -ithin the $ange of the penalt+
neGt lo-e$, -hi"h is arresto mayor in its (e#iu( an# (aGi(u( pe$io#s, -hi"h has a
$ange of t-o (3) (onths an# one (%) #a+ to siG (?) (onths. <en"e, a""use#)appellant is
he$e.+ senten"e# to a penalt+ of t-o (3) (onths an# one (%) #a+ of arresto mayor, as
(ini(u(, to one (%) +ea$, eight (8) (onths an# t-ent+)one (3%) #a+s of pr!s!on
correcc!ona, as (aGi(u(.
A""use#)appellant (a+ .e "onvi"te# of the sepa$ate "$i(es of $ape an# theft #espite the
fa"t that the offense "ha$ge# in the info$(ation is onl+ $o..e$+ -ith $ape. As -o$#e#, the
info$(ation suffi"ientl+ allege# all the ele(ents of .oth felonies an# a""use#)appellant
faile#, .efo$e a$$aign(ent, to (ove fo$ :uashal of the info$(ation, on the g$oun# that the
sa(e "ha$ge# (o$e than one offense. An+ o.1e"tion to the #efe"tive info$(ation has
the$e.+ .een -aive# an# a""use#)appellant (a+ .e foun# guilt+ of as (an+ offenses as
those "ha$ge# an# p$ove# #u$ing the t$ial.
Finall+, fin# no .asis fo$ the t$ial "ou$t;s a-a$# of P300,000.00 in (o$al #a(ages.
Pu$suant to p$evailing 1u$isp$u#en"e, the stan#a$# in#e(nit+ is P@0,000.00 fo$ $ape "ases
in a##ition to (o$al #a(ages in an a(ount as the Cou$t #ee(s 1ust. hus, in a##ition to
the stan#a$# in#e(nit+, -e fin# it app$op$iate to a-a$# P@0,000.00 as (o$al #a(ages.
he 1u#g(ent appeale# f$o( is "OD!*!%D an# a""use#)appellant 8elson a(a+o +
=o$ales is foun# guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of the in#epen#ent "$i(es of $ape an#
theft. A""use#)appellant is senten"e# to suffe$ the penalt+ of recus!on perpetua fo$ the
"$i(e of $ape, an# is o$#e$e# to pa+ "o(plainant the a(ount of P@0,000.00 as "ivil
in#e(nit+ an# P@0,000.00 as (o$al #a(ages. Fo$ the "$i(e of theft, a""use#)appellant is
senten"e# to an in#ete$(inate penalt+ of t-o (3) (onths an# one (%) #a+ of arresto
mayor, as (ini(u(, to one (%) +ea$, eight (8) (onths an# t-ent+)one (3%) #a+s of
pr!s!on correcc!ona, as (aGi(u(. A""use#)appellant is fu$the$ o$#e$e# to $esto$e to
"o(plainant the a(ount of P@00.00 as a"tual #a(age
P%OPL% vs.DO"!NGO
Ponente!Pangani.an, J.!
*a4tsA
Bhat on o$ a.out 0"to.e$ 33, %&&3, at Sitlo =alasin, 2a$anga+ 2alinto"ato",
=uni"ipalit+ of Santiago, (no- a "it+) Philippines, an# -ithin the 1u$is#i"tion of this
<ono$a.le Cou$t, the a.ove)na(e# a""use#, "onspi$ing, "onniving, "onfe#e$ating -ith
ea"h othe$ an# (utuall+ helping one anothe$ -ith intent of gain an# -ith violen"e against
o$ inti(i#ation of pe$son, a$(e# -ith a pie"e of .a(.oo, 3G3 pie"e of -oo#, ipil)ipil
posts an# .olo, #i# then an# the$e -ilfull+, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+ atta"', assault,
st$PiQ'e an# hit one FAL4858 9A24RA8 an# then an# the$PeQ ta'e, steal an# "a$$+
a-a+ the follo-ing p$ope$ties, .elonging to FAL4858 9A24RA8 an# Cla$a
9a.e$tan, to -it!
Cash of P@,3@0.00E
0ne (%) la#ies gol# sei'o -ith value# at P3,000.00E
8ine (&) tu$'e+s value# at P3,?00.00E an# -o (3) "hi"'ens value# at P300.00.o$
of a total of P%%,%@0.00 against thei$ -ill, an# .+ $eason of o$ #u$ing "o((ission of the
$o..e$+, the sai# Falentin 9a.e$tan suffe$e# in1u$ies, to -it! 3 ("() he(ato(a on (L)
"hee' a$ea, ten#e$ness on (R) ante$io$ auGillia$+ a$ea an# (ultiple f$a"tu$e on 8th an# &th
$i. ($) si#e, an# also on the o""asion of the $o..e$+, the a.ove)na(e# a""use# -ith le-#
#esign an# .+ (eans of fo$"e an# inti(i#ation "onspi$ing, "onfe#e$ating, "onniving an#
(utuall+ helping one anothe$, #i# then an# the$e, -ilfull+, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+
ta'e tu$n in having "a$nal 'no-le#ge PofQ Cla$a 9a.e$tan, against he$ -ill.B
?
*u$ing his a$$aign(ent on August %3, %&&8, appellant, assiste# .+ his "ounsel,
7
plea#e#
not guilt+.
8
Afte$ p$et$ial an# t$ial p$ope$, the RC $en#e$e# the assaile# *e"ision.
!ssueA
/hethe$ o$ not t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in #is$ega$#ing the #efense of ali.i inte$pose# .+
a""use#)appellant 2o+ *o(ingo.
De4isionA
i(e)teste# is the p$in"iple that -hen a -o(an sa+s she has .een $ape#, she sa+s in
effe"t all that is ne"essa$+ to sho- that she has .een so $ape#.
3?
A -o(an -ill not eGpose
he$self to the hu(iliation of a t$ial, -ith its atten#ant pu.li"it+ an# the (o$.i# "u$iosit+ it
-oul# a$ouse, unless she has .een t$ul+ -$onge# an# see's atone(ent fo$ he$ a.use.
0n the othe$ han#, appellant insists that the testi(onies of the #efense -itnesses, Pepito
=a$tin an# Sonn+ Solo(on, suffi"ientl+ p$ove# the i(possi.ilit+ fo$ hi( to .e at the
pla"e -he$e the "$i(e -as "o((itte# an# .e a.le to $epo$t fo$ -o$' the neGt #a+.
8ot "onvin"e#. /ell)settle# is the $ule that ali.i is al-a+s vie-e# -ith suspi"ion, .e"ause
it is inhe$entl+ -ea' an# un$elia.le.
3&
he #efense of ali.i assu(es signifi"an"e o$
st$ength -hen it is a(pl+ "o$$o.o$ate# .+ a "$e#i.le -itness.
30
Fo$ ali.i to p$ospe$, the
a""use# (ust .e a.le to (a) p$ove his p$esen"e at anothe$ pla"e at the ti(e of the
pe$pet$ation of the offense an# (.) #e(onst$ate that it -as ph+si"all+ i(possi.le fo$ hi(
at that ti(e to have .een at the s"ene of the "$i(e.
5n the "ase at .a$, the ali.i of appellant faile# to (eet these $e:uisites.
33
1!rst, -hile the
t-o #efense -itnesses esta.lishe# that he -as in 2a$anga+ Salva#o$ ha$vesting pala+,
.oth faile# to sho- o$ to p$e"lu#e an+ #ou.t a.out the ph+si"al i(possi.ilit+ fo$ hi( to
.e in "o(plainants; house o$ its i((e#iate vi"init+.
33
on that fateful night.
34
Although the
pla"e -he$e he "lai(e# to .e at the ti(e of the "o((ission of the "$i(e -as nine (&)
'ilo(ete$s a-a+ f$o( 2a$anga+ 2alinto"ato", the possi.ilit+ of .eing ph+si"all+ p$esent
at the "$i(e s"ene o$ its i((e#iate vi"init+ -as still the$e. As "o$$e"tl+ pointe# out .+ the
RC, .oth .a$anga+s -e$e easil+ a""essi.le to t$i"+"le an# othe$ (oto$ vehi"les.
4econ$, -e fin# in"$e#i.le the testi(on+ of Pepito =a$tin that it too' %? #a+s fo$ hi(
an# appellant to ha$vest pala+ f$o( fou$)he"ta$e fa$(. hus, it "annot .e #is"ounte# that
it -as ve$+ eas+ fo$ appellant to have left 2a$anga+ Salva#o$ on the evening of 0"to.e$
33, %&&3 to "o((it the "$i(e.
2ase# on the fo$egoing, the ali.i of appellant "annot p$evail ove$ the positive
i#entifi"ation (a#e .+ "$e#i.le -itnesses.
37
A.sent an+ plausi.le i(putation of ill (otive
on thei$ pa$t to falsel+ a""use o$ i(pli"ate hi(, thei$ "an#i# an# "onsistent testi(onies
shoul# .e given full faith an# "$e#it.
Pu$suant to A$ti"le 3&4, pa$ag$aph 3 of the Revise# Penal Co#e -hi"h -as the appli"a.le
la- at the ti(e, -hen $o..e$+ -ith $ape is "o((itte# -ith the use of a #ea#l+ -eapon o$
.+ t-o (3) o$ (o$e pe$sons, the penalt+ is recus!on perpetua to #eath.
5n the p$esent "ase, the "$i(e -as "o((itte# .+ five (@) pe$sons -ith the use of #ea#l+
-eapons. <o-eve$, sin"e the "$i(e -as "o((itte# on 0"to.e$ 33, %&&3, p$io$ to the
ena"t(ent of RA 8o. 7?@& an# #u$ing the effe"tivit+ of the "onstitutional p$os"$iption on
the i(position of the #eath penalt+, the RC #i# not e$$ in i(posing recus!on perpetua.
he RC, ho-eve$, shoul# have o$#e$e# appellant to pa+ a"tual #a(ages to Spouses
9a.e$tan in the a(ount of P%%,%@0 ) not P%%,300 )) .e"ause this -as the a"tual value of
the things ta'en f$o( the(. 5t shoul# have also o$#e$e# hi( to pa+ Cla$a 9a.e$tan
P@0,000 as in#e(nit+ e@ $e!cto an# P3@,000 as eGe(pla$+ #a(ages, "onsistent -ith
"u$$ent 1u$isp$u#en"e.
Also (o#if+ the a-a$# of (o$al #a(ages, -hi"h shoul# .e $e#u"e# to P@0,000 "onsistent
-ith p$evailing 1u$isp$u#en"e.
he appeal is DENIED, an# the )C *e"ision is AFFIRMED, -ith the
MODIFICATION that appellant is "onvi"te# of $o..e$+ -ith $ape an# shall pa+ P%%,%@0
as a"tual #a(ages, P@0,000 as in#e(nit+ e@ $e!cto, anothe$ P@0,000 as (o$al #a(ages
an# P3@,000 as eGe(pla$+ #a(ages.

Javier
Repu.li" of the Philippines
S6PR4=4 C06R
=anila
S4C08* *5F5S508
9.R. 8o. 848@7 Janua$+ %?, %&&8
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
R0*0LF0 *4LA R0SA D AF5L4S, A80850 *4LA R0SA D AF5L4S, an#
R0*0LF0 O65=S08 D 8AFA (At la$ge), a""use#)appellants.
FACS!
he a""use# Ro#olfo *ela Rosa, Antonio *ela Rosa, C$esen"io Re+es an# Ro#olfo
Oui(son -e$e (e(.e$s of the 8e- People;s A$(+ $e"$uite# .+ 2en1a(in 8ano, a.'.a.
Cu(an#e$ a(ang. in the (o$ning of *e"e(.e$ &, %&8?, the fou$ a""use# su$$en#e$e# to
Caga-a# Fale$iano Rigo$ of Sitio Ca#a(pat, 2olo, La.$a#o$, Pangasinan "lai(ing the+
-ant to lea# a ne- life. he+ info$(e# hi( that 2en1a(in 8ano, alias Cu(an#e$
a(ang, a (e(.e$ of the 8e- PeopleAs A$(+ (8PA), -as shot .+ one of the(. he fou$
ha# -ith the( a sho$t shotgun an# a .ag "ontaining seve$al sti"'s of #+na(ite. Caga-a#
Rigo$ offe$e# the( .$ea'fast an# afte$-a$#s -ent to the poli"e station to $epo$t the
p$esen"e of fou$ (4) su$$en#e$ees in his house. At the poli"e station, Pat$ol(an 9asline
Fe$nan#e> $e"o$#e# the $epo$t in the poli"e .lotte$. Cpl. C$ispin Can"ino, the station
"o((an#e$, .$ought along seve$al poli"e(en an# p$o"ee#e# to the house of Caga-a#
Rigo$. /hen the g$oup a$$ive#, onl+ Caga-a# Rigo$ an# Cpl. Can"ino ente$e# the house.
he othe$ poli"e(en sta+e# outsi#e to se"u$e the a$ea. 5nsi#e the house, Caga-a# Rigo$
int$o#u"e# the su$$en#e$ees to Cpl. Can"ino an# sho-e# hi( the sho$t shotgun an# the
.ag "ontaining seve$al sti"'s of #+na(ite. hen, all a""use#, eG"ept Ro#olfo Oui(son,
-ho -as left .ehin# to gui#e the poli"e in $e"ove$ing the .o#+ of Cu(an#e$ a(ang,
-e$e .$ought to the Philippine Consta.ula$+ (PC) <ea#:ua$te$s in Linga+en . 5n
Linga+en, the+ p$o"ee#e# at the (uni"ipal .uil#ing an# "alle# on =a+o$ CaliGto Pan"ho.
he su$$en#e$ees ha# thei$ pi"tu$e ta'en -ith =a+o$ Pan"ho an# Caga-a# Rigo$.
Afte$-a$#s, the+ -e$e .$ought to the poli"e hea#:ua$te$s, -he$e thei$ state(ents -e$e
ta'en .+ Cpl. A$senio Pa$agas an# Cpl. Cip$iano Castillo. =ean-hile, the "ha$$e# .o#+
of 2en1a(in 8ano -as $e"ove$e# .+ the poli"e in Sitio e.el Pata$. 0n Janua$+ 37, %&87,
an 5nfo$(ation fo$ illegal possession of fi$ea$(s -as file# against the th$ee a""use#. All
a""use# plea#e# not guilt+ -hen a$$aigne# on Fe.$ua$+ 3, %&87. 0n =a$"h %3, %&87, the
fou$ a""use# -ith#$e- thei$ plea of not guilt+ an# su.stitute# it -ith a plea of guilt. Afte$
as"e$taining that the plea of guilt -as not (a#e i(p$ovi#entl+, the lo-e$ "ou$t i(pose#
upon the( the "o$$espon#ing penalt+. <o-eve$, on =a$"h %&, %&87, the fou$ (4) a""use#
file# a (otion -ith#$a-ing thei$ plea of guilt. he lo-e$ "ou$t g$ante# the (otion in a
$esolution #ate# =a$"h 3@, %&87. he$eafte$, t$ial p$o"ee#e#. <o-eve$, a""use#
C$esen"io Re+es "hange# his (in# again an# plea#e# guilt+ to a lesse$ offense
punisha.le un#e$ the last pa$ag$aph of Se"tion % of P$esi#ential *e"$ee 8o. %8??. he
"ou$t a""epte# the plea an# senten"e# hi( a""o$#ingl+. <e -as utili>e# as a -itness .+
the p$ose"ution. he t$ial p$o"ee#e# against the th$ee $e(aining a""use#. /hen t$ial
"on"lu#e#, the lo-e$ "ou$t "onvi"te# the th$ee (3) a""use#. Antonio #ela Rosa #i# not
appeal -hile Ro#olfo Oui(son es"ape# f$o( the 8ational 2ili.i# P$isons (82P) -he$e
he -as #etaine# afte$ the lo-e$ "ou$t "onvi"te# hi(. Ro#olfo #ela Rosa + Aviles appeale#
f$o( the #e"ision of the Regional $ial Cou$t, Fi$st Ju#i"ial Region, 2$an"h 38,
Linga+en, Pangasinan, "onvi"ting hi( of illegal possession of fi$ea$(s an# eGplosives
an# i(posing the penalt+ of $e"lusion pe$petua.
5SS64! /hethe$ the a""use# is guilt+ of the "$i(e of 5llegal Possession of Fi$ea$(s an#
4Gplosives un#e$ the p$ovisions of R.A. 8o. %8??.
*e"ision of the Cou$t!
he Cou$t "oul# not see ho- appellant #ela Rosa "oul# .e "onvi"te# of illegal possession
of fi$ea$(s .ase# on the a.ove $easoning. Se"tion % of P$esi#ential *e"$ee 8o. %8??
punishes an+ pe$son -ho shall B. . . unla-full+ (anufa"tu$e, #eal in, a":ui$e, #ispose o$
possess an+ fi$ea$(s, pa$t of fi$ea$(, a((unition, o$ (a"hine$+, tool o$ inst$u(ent use#
o$ inten#e# to .e use# in the (anufa"tu$e of an+ fi$ea$( o$ a((unition.B 2$o'en #o-n
into its salient ele(ents, illegal possession of fi$ea$(s is "o((itte# -hen the hol#e$
the$eof!(i) possesses a fi$ea$(E an#(ii) la"'s the autho$it+ o$ li"ense to possess it. the 'in#
of possession punisha.le un#e$ P* 8o. %8?? is one -he$e the a""use# possesse# a
fi$ea$( eithe$ ph+si"all+ o$ "onst$u"tivel+ -ith ani(us possi#en#i o$ intention to possess
the sa(e. 5t is not enough that the fi$ea$( -as foun# in the pe$son of the a""use# -ho
hel# the sa(e te(po$a$il+ an# "asuall+ o$ fo$ the pu$pose of su$$en#e$ing the sa(e.
A#(itte#l+, ani(us possi#en#i is a state of (in#. As su"h, -hat goes on into the (in# of
an a""use#, as his $eal intent, "oul# .e #ete$(ine# solel+ .ase# on his p$io$ an#
"oetaneous a"ts an# the su$$oun#ing "i$"u(stan"es eGplaining ho- the su.1e"t fi$ea$(
"a(e to his possession. *ela Rosa an# his "o(panions ha# su$$en#e$e# the a((unitions
to Caga-a# Rigo$ even .efo$e the poli"e a$$ive#. 5n fa"t, the poli"e lea$ne# of the
su$$en#e$ .e"ause Caga-a# Rigo$ $epo$te# it to the poli"e station in La.$a#o$.
Co$olla$il+, the 0ffi"e of the Soli"ito$ 9ene$alAs "ontention that #ela Rosa -as in
"onst$u"tive possession of the a((unitions is i$$elevant fo$ possession U -hethe$
ph+si"al o$ "onst$u"tive U -ithout ani(us possi#en#i is not punisha.le. *ela RosaAs
possession -as ha$(less, te(po$a$+ an# onl+ in"i#ental fo$ the pu$pose of su$$en#e$ing
the a((unitions to the autho$ities. Conse:uentl+, the p$ose"ution faile# to esta.lish the
fi$st ele(ent of ani(us possi#en#i. he 0ffi"e of the Soli"ito$ 9ene$al offe$s the
eGt$a1u#i"ial state(ent of a""use# Ro#olfo #ela Rosa that Cu(an#e$ a(ang supplie#
hi( -ith eGplosives an# #+na(ite in fu$the$an"e of su.ve$sive a"tivities. A""o$#ing to
the Soli"ito$s, the eGt$a1u#i"ial state(ent is suffi"ient to p$ove that the fi$ea$(s -e$e
illegall+ possesse#. he p$esu(ption is e$$oneous. Asi#e f$o( the fa"t that #ela Rosa
$epu#iate# the eGt$a1u#i"ial state(ent .e"ause it -as un"ounselle# , the sa(e #i# not
"ontain an+ a#(ission that he ha# no li"ense to possess the fi$ea$(. An#, even if it ha#
"ontaine# an a#(ission that he ha# no li"ense, it still -oul# not have suffi"e#. he 0ffi"e
of the Soli"ito$ 9ene$al "onten#s that fo$ a""use#)appellant to 1oin the 8e- PeopleAs
A$(+ an# sta+ in the (ountains -ithout a$(ing the(selves is highl+ i(p$o.a.le. hus,
the$e is $eason to .elieve that the+ illegall+ possesse# the a((unitions to fu$the$ thei$
su.ve$sive a"tivities even p$io$ to su$$en#e$ing the( to the autho$ities. he Cou$t
$eite$ate# that (e$e suspi"ion -ill not p$ove the p$ose"utionAs "ase in "ou$t. 5n a
p$ose"ution un#e$ P$esi#ential *e"$ee 8o. %8??, it is in"u(.ent on the 9ove$n(ent to
p$ove .oth ele(ents of the "$i(e! (%) that the a""use# possesse# the fi$ea$( an# (3) that
he ha# not fi$st o.taine# a li"ense o$ pe$(it f$o( the app$op$iate autho$ities. As al-a+s,
(e$e spe"ulations an# p$o.a.ilities "annot su.stitute fo$ p$oof $e:ui$e# to esta.lish the
guilt of an a""use# .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t. he $ule is the sa(e -hethe$ the offenses
a$e punisha.le un#e$ the Revise# Penal Co#e -hi"h a$e (ala in se o$ in "$i(es -hi"h a$e
(alu( p$ohi.itu( .+ vi$tue of spe"ial la-. he Cou$t foun# that su"h :uantu( of p$oof
-as not a#e:uatel+ p$esente# in this "ase. A""use# -as a":uitte#.
Repu.li" of the Philippines
S6PR4=4 C06R
=anila
S4C08* *5F5S508
9.R. 8os. %0&%3%)33 0"to.e$ 3, %&&4
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
L40850 =ACA9AL589 + A5LLA80, a""use#)appellant.
FACS!
5n "onne"tion -ith the .a$anga+ fiesta of Cala.asahan, Con"ep"ion, Ro(.lon, a
"o$onation .all -as hel# in the evening of =a+ 3, %&&% at the pu.li" pla>a. P$esent on
sai# o""asion, a(ong othe$s, -e$e Antonieto Fa.ella, .a$anga+ "aptain of San Pe#$o,
Con"ep"ion, Ro(.lonE Anita =a"agaling, (othe$ of the #e"ease# *ennis =a"agalingE
Pf". Ro:ue Fesal.on, investigato$ of the lo"al poli"e stationE an# Roge$ La"a(.$a,
stepson of eoti(o Fa(e$onag. At a.out %0!00 P.=., the afo$esai# Antonieto Fa.ella,
-ho -as also the .$othe$)in)la- of *ennis =a"agaling, -as -at"hing the festivities -hen
all of a su##en he noti"e# Leonito =a"agaling point an# then fi$e a gun at his o-n
nephe-, *ennis =a"agaling. he .ullet (isse# *ennis .ut -oun#e# eoti(o Fa(e$onag
on the $ight "hest "ausing the latte$ to "ollapse in f$ont of *ennis. *ennis, on his pa$t,
t$ie# to es"ape f$o( Leonito .+ $unning a-a+ f$o( the s"ene. At this 1un"tu$e, Anita sa-
that he$ son *ennis -as $unning in a -o..l+ (anne$ an# she e(.$a"e# hi( to p$event
hi( f$o( falling. Leonito g$a..e# the hai$ of *ennis an# +an'e# his hea#, pulling the
latte$ a-a+ f$o( his (othe$. Anita plea#e# to Leonito sa+ing, B*onAt, Leonito,B .ut the
latte$ pointe# the gun at the te(ple of *ennis an# shot hi( point).lan'. *ennis fell #o-n
(Bsu(u.aso.B) on the "e(ent floo$. Leonito then shot the p$ost$ate *ennis th$ee ti(es
su""essivel+ on the ne"', utte$ing the eGpletive BPutang ina (o,B an# then t$ie# to leave
the vi"init+. /hile all these things -e$e happening, appellant Leonito =a"agaling "lai(s
that he -as in his $esi#en"e at Cala.asahan, getting $ea#+ to $est fo$ the night. <e -as
sta$tle# -hen he hea$# a gunshot "o(ing f$o( the #i$e"tion of the pla>a. Still in his sho$t
pants an# un#e$shi$t, he hu$$ie# to the pla>a an# sa- the g$oup of *ennis =a"agaling,
/ill+ Fe$$an"ullo, /illito 2$uit, an# Ca$lito =a"agaling. <e app$oa"he# the( an# -hen
he -as a.out t-o (ete$s f$o( the g$oup, he .e"a(e a-a$e of *ennis =a"agaling -ho
-as intoGi"ate# an# hol#ing a gun. Leonito as'e# *ennis to #$op the gun .ut the latte$
$eto$te#, B5sa 'a pa.B /ithout -a$ning, *ennis fi$e# at hi( .ut (isse#. Leonito #ashe#
to-a$#s *ennis an# t$ie# to -$estle the gun a-a+ f$o( hi(. A st$uggle fo$ the fi$ea$(
ensue# an# the+ g$apple# fo$ it on the floo$. /hile the+ -e$e thus -$estling fo$ the gun, it
-ent off an# hit *ennis. Leonito then stoo# up, -ent ho(e, an# info$(e# his -ife of
-hat ha# 1ust happene#.
LeonitoAs -ife, afte$ o.se$ving that he ha# so(e .$uises, p$o"ee#e# to "lean the(.
Sho$tl+ the$eafte$, poli"e(en Ro:ue Fesal.on an# Sof$onio Fa.$egas, togethe$ -ith
Fe$$an"ullo, a$$ive# an# in:ui$e# if the gun -as his. <e #enie# o-ne$ship of the fi$ea$(.
5nfo$(e# .+ the( that *ennis -as #ea#, Leonito sai# it -as not his fault. he poli"e(en
then left.
Fesal.on, Fa.$egas an# Fe$$an"ullo the$eafte$ -ent .a"' to the "$i(e s"ene an# #e"i#e#
to .$ing Fa(e$onag, then still alive, to Pina(ala+an fo$ t$eat(ent. he$e .eing no #o"to$
then availa.le in the .a$anga+, the .o#+ of *ennis =a"agaling -as eGa(ine# .+ a $u$al
health (i#-ife, Ave(ie F. Fa.$oa, -ho su.(itte# he$ (e#i"al fin#ings.
Oue$ie# as to -hat (ight have (otivate# the #e"ease# *ennis =a"agaling to ha$.o$ an+
ill feelings against hi(, Leonito $e"ounte# an in"i#ent that too' pla"e in 0"to.e$, %&&0
-hen he slappe# *io(e#es, the +ounge$ .$othe$ of *ennis =a"agaling. 5t appea$s that
Leonito an# *io(e#es ha# a p$evious ag$ee(ent that the latte$ -oul# -o$' in the
fo$(e$As fishing ope$ations. *ue to *io(e#esA "o((it(ent to -o$' fo$ hi(, Leonito
a#van"e# hi( so(e (one+ .ut, (u"h to his #is(a+, *io(e#es #e"i#e# to 1oin anothe$
g$oup. Leonito -aite# fo$ *io(e#es along the sho$e to #e(an# an eGplanation. An
a$gu(ent ensue# an# Leonito slappe# *io(e#es -hen the latte$ "u$se# hi(. <aving
lea$ne# of the slapping in"i#ent ten #a+s late$, *ennis "onf$onte# Leonito. he$e -as a
heate# eG"hange of -o$#s .et-een the(, -ith *ennis late$ -a$ning hi(, BDou -at"h
out.B
See'ing to #is"$e#it Pf". Fesal.onAs testi(on+, Leonito tol# the "ou$t that Fesal.on ha#
$eason to hate hi(. <e "lai(e# that in %&7?, #ue to an in"i#ent in a #an"e hall at
Sa(pong, Cala.asahan, he file# an a#(inist$ative "ase against Fesal.on, Luvi>(in#o
Fa.$oa an# Sof$onio Fa.$egas .efo$e the 8ational Poli"e Co((ission. 5n $etaliation,
Fesal.on file# a "$i(inal "ase fo$ less se$ious ph+si"al in1u$ies against hi(. <o-eve$,
.oth "ases -e$e #is(isse# afte$ the+ #e"i#e# to settle the (atte$ a(ong the(selves.
Appellant opine# that Pf". Fesal.on "ontinue# to hol# a g$u#ge against hi(.
0n Jul+ %&, %&&%, t-o sepa$ate info$(ations -e$e file# against a""use#)appellant Leonito
=a"agaling + Atillano fo$ the "$i(es of (u$#e$ an# ho(i"i#e an#, on 0"to.e$ 3&, %&&%,
fo$ an a##itional "ha$ge of illegal possession of a fi$ea$( an# a((unition, -hi"h -e$e
#o"'ete# as C$i(inal Cases 8os. %8%4, %8%@ an# %834, $espe"tivel+, .efo$e the Regional
$ial Cou$t, 2$an"h 8%, Ro(.lon, Ro(.lon.
0n Septe(.e$ %4, %&&3, the lo-e$ "ou$t $en#e$e# its #e"ision fin#ing the a""use# guilt+
on the afo$esai# th$ee in#i"t(ents. he a""use# $aise# the (atte$ to the Sup$e(e Cou$t.
5SS64! /hethe$ o$ not the a""use# is guilt+ of 5llegal Possession of Fi$ea$(s an#
4Gplosives.
*4C5S508 0F <4 C06R!
he Cou$t hel# that Leonito;s ve$sion of the in"i#ent appea$e# to .e too goo# to .e t$ue.
5n a long line of "ases, it has .een hel# that -he$e the a""use# a#(its the 'illing of the
vi"ti( .ut invo'es self)#efense, it is in"u(.ent upon hi( to p$ove .+ "lea$ an#
"onvin"ing evi#en"e that he in#ee# a"te# in legiti(ate #efense of hi(self. As the .u$#en
of p$oof is shifte# to hi(, he (ust "onse:uentl+ $el+ on the st$ength of his o-n evi#en"e
an# not on the -ea'ness of that of the p$ose"ution. A""o$#ingl+, the p$ove$.ial .one of
"ontention -ith $espe"t to a 'illing un#e$ su"h "i$"u(stan"es, is -hethe$ o$ not the
a""use# has p$esente# suffi"ient evi#en"e to suppo$t hi( "lai( of self)#efense.
appellantAs ve$sion an# "on"o(itant "lai( of self)#efense is .elie# an# negate# p$e"isel+
.+ the nu(.e$ of -oun#s sustaine# .+ the #e"ease# an# the lo"ation the$eof. Appellant
(aintains that -hile .oth he an# *ennis -e$e st$uggling fo$ "ont$ol of the gun, the sa(e
a""i#entall+ fi$e#, hitting the latte$. 5f in#ee# the fi$ing of the gun -as (e$el+ a""i#ental
an# it fi$e# onl+ on"e, it -oul# .e i(possi.le fo$ *ennis to sustain fou$ gunshot -oun#s,
one in the te(ple an# th$ee in the ne"'. Fu$the$(o$e, the nu(.e$ of -oun#s in#i"ate that
the a"t -as no longe$ an a"t of self)#efense .ut a #ete$(ine# effo$t to 'ill the vi"ti(.
Su"h -oun#s a$e in#i"ative of agg$ession an# "onfi$( the theo$+ of the p$ose"ution that
appellant assaulte# the #e"ease#. 0n the "ha$ge of ho(i"i#e fo$ the 'illing of eoti(o
Fa(e$onag, appellant #i# not offe$ an+ #efense. /hen Fe$$an"ullo -as as'e# if he 'ne-
-ho 'ille# Fa(e$onag, he sai# he #i# not 'no-. 8eithe$ #i# appellant offe$ an+
eGplanation on the #eath of Fa(e$onag #espite the positive state(ents of the p$ose"ution
-itnesses that -hile t$+ing to shoot *ennis, appellant instea# hit Fa(e$onag. he onl+
#efense, then, of appellant fo$ the #eath of Fa(e$onag is a "o(plete #enial. *enial, li'e
ali.i, is inhe$entl+ a -ea' #efense an# "annot p$evail ove$ the positive an# "$e#i.le
testi(on+ of the p$ose"ution -itnesses that the a""use# "o((itte# the "$i(e, espe"iall+
-he$e, as in these "ases, su"h #enial is uneGplaine# an# is "ont$a#i"te# .+ e+e-itnesses.
Fo$ the #eath of *ennis =a"agaling, although the info$(ation in C$i(inal Case 8o. %8%4
"ha$ges the felon+ of (u$#e$ :ualifie# .+ t$ea"he$+ an# agg$avate# .+ evi#ent
p$e(e#itation, the PeopleAs evi#en"e #oes not p$ove the atten#an"e of these
"i$"u(stan"es. he+ "annot, the$efo$e, .e app$e"iate# against appellant an# the lo-e$
"ou$t "o$$e"tl+ "onvi"te# hi( of ho(i"i#e in C$i(inal Case 8o. %8%4.
Fo$ the 'illing of eoti(o Fa(e$onag, the sa(e "annot .e sai# to .e a""i#ental as it -as
the $esult of an a.e$$atio i"tus, o$ (is"a$$iage of the .lo-. As a (atte$ of la-, sin"e su"h
#eath $esulte# f$o( a "ulpa.le a.e$$atio i"tus, appellant shoul# .e punishe# un#e$ A$ti"le
48, in $elation to A$ti"le 4, of the Revise# Penal Co#e. <aving "o((itte# atte(pte#
ho(i"i#e as against *ennis =a"agaling an# "onsu((ate# ho(i"i#e -ith $espe"t to
eoti(o Fa(e$onag -hen he fi$e# the fi$st shot, appellant "o((itte# t-o g$ave felonies
-ith one single a"t an#, a""o$#ingl+, he -oul# .e lia.le fo$ a "o(pleG "$i(e in the natu$e
of a #elito "o(puesto, o$ a "o(poun# "$i(e. <o-eve$, not having .een so "ha$ge#, he
"annot .e "onvi"te# of a "o(pleG "$i(e, hen"e the "ou$t .elo- #i# not e$$ in fin#ing hi(
guilt+ of si(ple ho(i"i#e in C$i(inal Case 8o. %8%@.
/ith $espe"t to the appellant;s "onvi"tion of the "$i(e of 5llegal Possession of Fi$ea$(s,
the Cou$t ha# a "ont$a$+ vie- f$o( -hat -as vie-e# .+ the lo-e$ "ou$t. he Cou$t sai#
that 6n#e$ Se"tion % of P$esi#ential *e"$ee 8o. %8??, the g$ava(en of the offense is
.asi"all+ the fa"t of possession of a fi$ea$( -ithout a li"ense, it .eing assu(e# that it -as
so possesse# -ith ani(us possi#en#i. /e have he$etofo$e eGplaine# that, in vie- of the
teGt of sai# #e"$ee, the "$i(e (a+ .e #eno(inate# as si(ple illegal possession, to
#istinguish it f$o( the agg$avate# fo$( -he$ein su"h fi$ea$( is use# in the "o((ission
of a ho(i"i#e o$ (u$#e$. <o-eve$, to .e lia.le fo$ the agg$avate# fo$( of illegal
possession of a fi$ea$( -hi"h entails the "apital punish(ent, su"h illegal possession (ust
.e the spe"ifi" an# p$in"ipal offense "ha$ge#, -ith the fa"t of 'illing .eing in"lu#e# in the
pa$ti"ula$s of the in#i"t(ent. 5t (a+ .e -ell to $e"all that ho- the fi$ea$( "a(e into
appellantAs possession is a se$iousl+ "onteste# issue, -ith the p$ose"ution -itnesses
(e$el+ stating that the+ sa- the gun onl+ -hen appellant ai(e# an# fi$e# at the vi"ti(s,
.ut -ith appellant "onten#ing that he a"tuall+ -$este# it f$o( *ennis =a"agaling. As to
-ho in t$uth -as the possesso$ of the fi$ea$( p$io$ to the in"i#ent "annot .e #ete$(ine#
-ith "e$titu#e #ue to the pau"it+ of the evi#en"e the$eon. 5n fine, sin"e all that "an .e
#e#u"e# is that appellant -as in possession of the gun onl+ on that o""asion fo$ a
t$ansito$+ pu$pose an# fo$ the sho$t (o(ent "oeval the$e-ith, it "annot .e "on"lu#e# that
he ha# the ani(us possi#en#i -hi"h is $e:ui$e# fo$ the offense "ha$ge#. he Cou$t
affi$(e# the t$ial "ou$t;s #e"ision "onvi"ting the a""use# fo$ ho(i"i#e on t-o "$i(inal
"ases .ut $eve$se# the #e"ision as to the "$i(e of illegal possession of fi$ea$(s.
Repu.li" of the Philippines
S6PR4=4 C06R
=anila
F5RS *5F5S508
9.R. 8o. %33870 =a+ 3&, 3003
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
0L49AR50 PASC6AL, JR. + =ARA=A9, a""use#)appellant.
FACS!
At &!30 in the evening of Janua$+ %?, %&&3, <en$+ #e la Pa>, a $esi#ent of Pu$o'
=aliga+a, =a(.ugan, Antipolo, Ri>al, noti"e# a taGi"a. pa$'e# nea$ the #ea#)en#
po$tion of the $oa# nea$ his house. =o(ents late$, the taGi"a. (ove# .a"'-a$#s an# hit
the -all of a nea$.+ han#i"$aft shop. -o (en alighte# f$o( the vehi"le, follo-e# .+ the
#$ive$, A$nol# 8ua$in, -ho "$ie# out, Bulungan po nin+o a'o, sina'sa' a'o.B he t-o
(en sp$inte# a-a+. <en$+ left to "all fo$ help. An#$o Paglina-an, togethe$ -ith a tea( of
.a$anga+ -at"h(en pat$olling the a$ea, hea$# A$nol#;s "$+ fo$ help. he+ foun# A$nol#;s
lifeless .o#+ sp$a-le# on the g$oun# a.out fou$ posts a-a+ f$o( the taGi"a.. he+ sa-
t-o (en fleeing an# $an afte$ the(. =ean-hile, P03 A(an#o Alfonso an# P03 <i#algo
9o(e> of the Antipolo poli"e $e"eive# a $epo$t a.out the in"i#ent an# p$o"ee#e# to the
s"ene. he+ foun# seve$al pe$sons "hasing t-o (en to-a$#s the s:uatte$s; a$ea. he t-o
poli"e offi"e$s 1oine# in the "hase. he+ "aught up an# app$ehen#e# a""use#)appellant
0lega$io Pas"ual, -hose "lothes -e$e staine# -ith .loo#. <is "o(panion, i#entifie# as
alias BJohnn+ 2ongla+,B es"ape#. P03 Alfonso sea$"he# a""use#)appellant an# foun# a
.loo#ie# fan 'nife, (easu$ing eight to ten in"hes in length, in his .a"' po"'et. Fu$the$
investigation #is"lose# that the vi"ti( ha# .een $o..e# of his ea$nings. he vi"ti( -as
$ushe# to 4. Ro#$igue> <ospital in =a$i'ina Cit+, .ut he late$ eGpi$e#. A""o$#ing to the
post(o$te( eGa(ination "on#u"te# .+ (e#i"o)legal offi"e$ *$. *a$io 9a1a$#o, the vi"ti(
suffe$e# sta. -oun#s in the "hee', ne"', nape an# "hest. Ju#ging f$o( the natu$e of the
-oun#, a single).la#e# -eapon -as use#. he "ause of #eath -as "a$#io)$espi$ato$+
a$$est #ue to sho"' an# he(o$$hage. 0n Janua$+ 34, %&&3, an 5nfo$(ation -as file# -ith
the Regional $ial Cou$t, 2$an"h 73, Antipolo, Ri>al, #o"'ete# as C$i(inal Case 8o. &3)
7?08, "ha$ging a""use#)appellant -ith violation of P$esi#ential *e"$ee 8o. @33, Se"tion
3 (.), also 'no-n as the Anti)<igh-a+ Ro..e$+ La-. A""use#)appellant plea#e# not
guilt+ -hen a$$aigne#.
5n his #efense, a""use#)appellant testifie# that he -as a "onst$u"tion -o$'e$ at Soliven
Const$u"tion Co(pan+. At 8!00 in the evening of Janua$+ %?, %&&3, he -as at the house
of his supe$viso$, Lan#o Pa#illa, lo"ate# in F$an"isville, =a(.ugan, Antipolo, Ri>al,
(o$e than fou$ 'ilo(ete$s f$o( the s"ene of the "$i(e. /hile he -as $esting in the sai#
house, siG a$(e# pe$sons in "ivilian "lothes a$$ive# an# a$$este# hi(. Lan#o -as as'e# to
"o(e along fo$ :uestioning, .ut he -as late$ allo-e# to go ho(e -hile a""use#)appellant
$e(aine# in #etention.
A""use#)appellant "lai(e# that #u$ing the investigation, he -as to$tu$e# .+ the
investigating offi"e$s into a#(itting $esponsi.ilit+ fo$ the "$i(e. A""use#)appellant
p$ofesse# his inno"en"e of the $o..e$+ an# 'illing. <e "atego$i"all+ #enie# that a
.loo#ie# fan 'nife -as $e"ove$e# f$o( hi( at the ti(e of his a$$est, sa+ing that the
.alisong p$esente# in "ou$t -as not his. A""use#)appellant #isavo-e# an+ asso"iation
-ith BJohnn+ 2ongla+B an# insiste# that he #i# not 'no- an+ su"h pe$son. he t$ial "ou$t
$e1e"te# a""use#)appellant;s #efense an# "onvi"te# hi( of the "$i(e "ha$ge#. <e
appeale# his "ase to the Sup$e(e Cou$t a$guing that the$e -as no #i$e"t evi#en"e lin'ing
hi( to the "$i(e.
5SS64! %. /hethe$ the a""use# is guilt+ of the "$i(e of violation of the Anti)
<igh-a+ Ro..e$+ as #efine# un#e$ Se"tion 3 (.) of P.*. @33E
3. /hethe$ the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in its $elian"e on "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e #u$ing
the t$ial.
*4C5S508 0F <4 C06R!
As to the se"on# issue, the Cou$t hel# that it is a -ell)settle# $ule that #i$e"t
evi#en"e of the "o((ission of the "$i(e is not onl+ the (at$iG -he$ef$o( a t$ial "ou$t
(a+ #$a- its "on"lusion an# fin#ing of guilt. 5n the a.sen"e of an e+e-itness, $elian"e on
"i$"u(stantial evi#en"e .e"o(es inevita.le. Ci$"u(stantial evi#en"e is #efine# as that
-hi"h in#i$e"tl+ p$oves a fa"t in issue th$ough an infe$en"e -hi"h the fa"t)fin#e$ #$a-s
f$o( the evi#en"e esta.lishe#. Su"h evi#en"e is foun#e# on eGpe$ien"e an# o.se$ve#
fa"ts an# "oin"i#en"es esta.lishing a "onne"tion .et-een the 'no-n an# p$oven fa"ts an#
the fa"ts sought to .e p$ove#. *ou.tless, it is not onl+ .+ #i$e"t evi#en"e that an a""use#
(a+ .e "onvi"te# of the "$i(e fo$ -hi"h he is "ha$ge#. Reso$t to "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e
is essential sin"e to insist on #i$e"t testi(on+ -oul#, in (an+ "ases, $esult in setting
felons f$ee an# #en+ing p$ope$ p$ote"tion to the "o((unit+. /ith $espe"t to the fi$st
issue, the a""use# onl+ inte$pose# the #efense of #enial an# ali.i. 5n a long line of "ases,
the Cou$t has $ule# that the #efense of .a$e #enial an# ali.i is inhe$entl+ -ea'. he
#efense of ali.i (ust .e esta.lishe# .+ positive, "lea$ an# satisfa"to$+ p$oof that it -as
ph+si"all+ i(possi.le fo$ the a""use#)appellant to have .een at the s"ene of the "$i(e at
the ti(e of its "o((ission, an# not (e$el+ that he -as so(e-he$e else. Ph+si"al
i(possi.ilit+ $efe$s to the #istan"e .et-een the pla"e -he$e the a""use#)appellant -as
-hen the "$i(e t$anspi$e# an# the pla"e -he$e it -as "o((itte#, as -ell as the fa"ilit+ of
a""ess .et-een the t-o pla"es. 5t (ust .e #e(onst$ate# that the a""use#)appellant -as so
fa$ a-a+ that he "oul# not have .een ph+si"all+ p$esent at the pla"e of the "$i(e o$ its
i((e#iate vi"init+ at the ti(e of its "o((ission. 5n the "ase at .a$, .oth the lo"us
"$i(inis an# a""use#)appellant;s $esi#en"e a$e situate# -ithin the sa(e .a$anga+ of
=a(.ugan, Antipolo, Ri>al, sepa$ate# .+ a #istan"e of onl+ a.out fou$ 'ilo(ete$s. As
su"h, it -as not ph+si"all+ i(possi.le fo$ a""use#)appellant to have "o((itte# the "$i(e
#ue to the fa"ilit+ of a""ess an# the $elativel+ sho$t #istan"e .et-een the t-o pla"es.
All tol#, #enial, if unsu.stantiate# .+ "lea$ an# "onvin"ing evi#en"e, is a negative an#
self)se$ving evi#en"e un#ese$ving of an+ -eight in la-. 5n "o(pa$ison -ith the "lea$ an#
st$aightfo$-a$# testi(on+ of the p$ose"ution -itnesses, the #efenses of #enial an# ali.i,
-hi"h a""use#)appellant $elies upon, a$e #is"$e#ite# an# shop-o$n. he Cou$t ho-eve$,
hel# that the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in "onvi"ting the a""use# of the "$i(e of high-a+ $o..e$+
-ith ho(i"i#e. o .e su$e, the "$i(e a""use#)appellant "o((itte# -as $o..e$+ -ith
ho(i"i#e, not high-a+ $o..e$+ as #efine# in P.*. @33. Convi"tion fo$ high-a+ $o..e$+
$e:ui$es p$oof that seve$al a""use# -e$e o$gani>e# fo$ the pu$pose of "o((itting it
in#is"$i(inatel+. A.sent is su"h in this "ase. Conse:uentl+, a""use#)appellant shoul# .e
hel# lia.le fo$ the spe"ial "o(pleG "$i(e of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e. 6n#e$ A$ti"le 3&4 of
the Revise# Penal Co#e, -hen ho(i"i#e is "o((itte# .+ $eason o$ on o""asion of the
$o..e$+, the penalt+ to .e i(pose# is $e"lusion pe$petua to #eath. he$e .eing no
(o#if+ing "i$"u(stan"e, a""use#)appellant shall suffe$ the penalt+ of $e"lusion pe$petua,
pu$suant to A$ti"le ?3 of the Revise# Penal Co#e. he Cou$t affi$(e# the #e"ision of the
lo-e$ "ou$t -ith (o#ifi"ation as to the "$i(e "o((itte#.
Repu.li" of the Philippines
S6PR4=4 C06R
=anila
48 2A8C
9.R. 8o. %30?@? June 3&, 3000
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
AR=A8*0 R4A8MAR4S] also 'no-n as AR=A8*0 R5A8MAR4S, a""use#)
appellant.
FACS!
Spouses 9$ego$io a"ta"an an# Lilia a"ta"an o-ne# a sa$i)sa$i sto$e in San =iguel, Sto.
o(as, 2atangas. 0n %0 =a+ %&&4 at a$oun# 8!%0 in the evening, the a"ta"an spouses
"lose# thei$ sto$e an# left fo$ ho(e in 2a$anga+ San Ro:ue, Sto. o(as, 2atangas on
.oa$# thei$ passenge$)t+pe 1eepne+. As 9$ego$io -as (aneuve$ing his 1eep .a"'-a$#s
f$o( -he$e it -as pa$'e# t-o (3) uni#entifie# (en su##enl+ "li(.e# on .oa$#. <is -ife
Lilia i((e#iatel+ as'e# the( -he$e the+ -e$e going an# the+ ans-e$e# that the+ -e$e
.oun# fo$ the to-n p$ope$. /hen Lilia info$(e# the( that the+ -e$e not going to pass
th$ough the to-n p$ope$, the t-o (3) sai# the+ -oul# 1ust get off at the nea$est
inte$se"tion. Afte$ negotiating so(e @00 (ete$s, one of the hit"hhi'e$s pointe# a .38
"ali.e$ $evolve$ at 9$ego$io -hile the othe$ po'e# a .alisong at LiliaAs ne"' an# o$#e$e#
9$ego$io to stop the vehi"le. -o (3) othe$ pe$sons, one of -ho( -as late$ i#entifie# as
a""use# A$(an#o Rean>a$es, -e$e seen -aiting fo$ the( at a #istan"e. As soon as the
vehi"le stoppe#, the a""use# an# his "o(panionKapp$oa"he# the vehi"le. 9$ego$io -as
then pulle# f$o( the #$ive$As seat to the .a"' of the vehi"le. he+ gagge# an# .lin#fol#e#
hi( an# tie# his han#s an# feet. he+ also too' his Sei'o -$ist-at"h -o$th P3,@00.00.
he a""use# then #$ove the vehi"le afte$ .eing tol# .+ one of the(, BSige i)#$ive (o na.B
9$ego$io #i# not 'no- -he$e the+ -e$e hea#e# fo$ as he -as .lin#fol#e#. Afte$ seve$al
(inutes, he felt the vehi"le (a'ing a u)tu$n an# stoppe# afte$ ten (%0) (inutes. *u$ing
the enti$e t$ip, his -ife 'ept utte$ing, B=aa-a 'a+o sa a(in, (a$a(i 'a(ing ana', 'unin
n+o na lahat ng gusto nin+o.B 5((e#iatel+ afte$ the last ti(e she utte$e# these -o$#s a
"o((otion ensue# an# Lilia -as hea$# sa+ing, Ba$a+XB 9$ego$io hea$# he$ .ut "oul# not
#o an+thing. Afte$ th$ee (3) (inutes the "o((otion "ease#. hen he hea$# so(eone tell
hi(, B<u-ag 'ang 'i'ilos #i+an, ha,B an# left. 9$ego$io then untie# his han#s an# feet,
$e(ove# his gag an# .lin#fol# 1u(pe# out of the vehi"le. he "ulp$its -e$e all gone,
in"lu#ing his -ife. <e $an to San Ro:ue 4ast shouting fo$ help.
/hen 9$ego$io $etu$ne# to the "$i(e s"ene, the 1eepne+ -as still the$e. <e -ent to the
#$ive$As seat. he$e he sa- his -ife l+ing on the floo$ of the 1eepne+ -ith .loo# splatte$e#
all ove$ he$ .o#+. <e$ .ag "ontaining P%,300.00 -as (issing. <e .$ought he$
i((e#iatel+ to the C.P. Re+es <ospital -he$e she -as p$onoun"e# #ea# on a$$ival.
Su.se:uentl+, t-o info$(ations -e$e file# against a""use# A$(an#o Rean>a$es. he fi$st
-as fo$ violation of P* @33 othe$-ise 'no-n as the Anti)Pi$a"+ an# Anti)<igh-a+
Ro..e$+ La- of %&74 an# se"on#, fo$ violation of RA ?@38, An A"t P$eventing an#
Penali>ing Ca$napping.
he a""use# testifie# in his #efense an# "lai(e# that he "oul# not have pe$pet$ate# the
"$i(es i(pute# to hi( -ith th$ee (3) othe$s as he -as in 2a$anga+ agnipa,
9a$"hito$ena, Ca(a$ines Su$, fo$ the .aptis( of his #aughte$ Jessi"a -hen the in"i#ent
happene#. <is fathe$, Jose Rean>a$es, "o$$o.o$ate# his sto$+. Jose "lai(e# that the
a""use# .o$$o-e# P@00.00 f$o( hi( fo$ the latte$As t$ip to 2i"ol although he "oul# not
sa+ that he a"tuall+ sa- the a""use# leave fo$ his inten#e# #estination. o .olste$ the ali.i
of the a""use#, his .$othe$ Ro(eo Rean>a$es also too' the -itness stan# an# allege# that
he sa- the a""use# off on =a+ &, %&&4, the #a+ .efo$e the in"i#ent. Ro(eo (aintaine#
that he a""o(panie# the a""use# to the .us stop that #a+ an# even helpe# the latte$ "a$$+
his things to the .us. <e ho-eve$ "oul# not "atego$i"all+ state -he$e an# -hen the
a""use# alighte# o$ that he in fa"t $ea"he# 2i"ol. 0n =a+ 3?, %&&7, the Regional $ial
Cou$t of anauan, 2atangas $en#e$e# its #e"ision fin#ing the a""use# A$(an#o
Rean>a$es guilt+ of the "$i(e of <igh-a+ Ro..e$+ -ith <o(i"i#e an# senten"e# hi( to
the eGt$e(e penalt+ of #eath. <e appeale# his "ase .efo$e the Sup$e(e Cou$t.
5SS64! %. /hethe$ the a""use# is guilt+ of <igh-a+ Ro..e$+ -ith <o(i"i#e un#e$ P*
@33.
*4C5S508 0F <4 C06R!
he Cou$ts sha$es the vie- of the t$ial "ou$t that the #efense of ali.i .+ the a""use# is
untena.le. 5n this "ase, the a""use# "lai(s to have left fo$ 2i"ol the #a+ .efo$e the
in"i#ent. o p$ove this, he p$esente# his fathe$ an# .$othe$ .ut thei$ testi(onies #i# not
(eet the $e:uisite :uantu( to esta.lish his ali.i. /hile his fathe$ testifie# that the
a""use# .o$$o-e# (one+ f$o( hi( fo$ his fa$e to 2i"ol fo$ the .aptis( of a #aughte$, he
"oul# not sa+ -hethe$ the a""use# a"tuall+ -ent to 2i"ol. As $ega$#s the "lai( of Ro(eo,
.$othe$ of the a""use#, that he a""o(panie# the a""use# to the .us stop on =a+ &, %&&4
an# even helpe# hi( -ith his things, seeing the a""use# off is not the sa(e as seeing hi(
a"tuall+ get off at his #estination. 9iven the "i$"u(stan"es of this "ase, it is possi.le fo$
the a""use# to have alighte# f$o( the .us .efo$e $ea"hing 2i"ol, pe$pet$ate# the "$i(e in
the evening of =a+ %0, 3000, p$o"ee#e# to 2i"ol an# a$$ive# the$e on =a+ %3, 3000 fo$
his #aughte$As .aptis(. he Cou$t fu$the$ eGpoun#e# that the t$ial "ou$t -as "o$$e"t in
#is$ega$#ing the ali.i of the a""use# not onl+ .e"ause he -as positivel+ i#entifie# .+
9$ego$io a"ta"an .ut also .e"ause it -as not sho-n that it -as ph+si"all+ i(possi.le fo$
hi( to .e at the "$i(e s"ene on the #ate an# ti(e of the in"i#ent. <o-eve$, the Cou$t ha#
a #iffe$ent vie- of the "$i(e "o((itte#. he Cou$t sai# that in#ee#, the a""use# is guilt+,
.ut that the a""use# -as guilt+ of <igh-a+ Ro..e$+ -ith <o(i"i#e un#e$ P* @33 -as
e$$oneous. As hel# in a nu(.e$ of "ases, "onvi"tion fo$ high-a+ $o..e$+ $e:ui$es p$oof
that seve$al a""use# -e$e o$gani>e# fo$ the pu$pose of "o((itting it in#is"$i(inatel+.
he$e is no p$oof in the instant "ase that the a""use# an# his "oho$ts o$gani>e#
the(selves to "o((it high-a+ $o..e$+. 8eithe$ is the$e p$oof that the+ atte(pte# to
"o((it si(ila$ $o..e$ies to sho- the Bin#is"$i(inateB pe$pet$ation the$eof. 0n the othe$
han#, -hat the p$ose"ution esta.lishe# -as onl+ a single a"t of $o..e$+ against the
pa$ti"ula$ pe$sons of the a"ta"an spouses. Clea$l+, this single a"t of #ep$e#ation is not
-hat is "onte(plate# un#e$ P* @33 as its o.1e"tive is to #ete$ an# punish la-less
ele(ents -ho "o((it a"ts of #ep$e#ation upon pe$sons an# p$ope$ties of inno"ent an#
#efenseless inha.itants -ho t$avel f$o( one pla"e to anothe$ the$e.+ #istu$.ing the pea"e
an# t$an:uilit+ of the nation an# stunting the e"ono(i" an# so"ial p$og$ess of the people.
Conse:uentl+, the a""use# shoul# .e hel# lia.le fo$ the spe"ial "o(pleG "$i(e of $o..e$+
-ith ho(i"i#e un#e$ A$t. 3&4 of the Revise# Penal Co#e as a(en#e# .+ RA 7?@& as the
allegation in the 5nfo$(ation a$e enough to "onvi"t hi( the$efo$. 5n the inte$p$etation of
an 5nfo$(ation, -hat "ont$ols is the #es"$iption of the offense "ha$ge# an# not (e$el+ its
#esignation. hus, the Cou$t affi$(e# the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t .ut -ith (o#ifi"ation
sin"e the a""use# -as hel# guilt+ of Ro..e$+ -ith <o(i"i#e un#e$ A$ti"le 3&4 of the
Revise# Penal Co#e an# -as senten"e# to suffe$ the penalt+ of Re"lusion Pe$petua.
Repu.li" of the Philippines
S6PR4=4 C06R
S4C08* *5F5S508
9.R. 8o. %3%83& June 33, 3000
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
R08854 A90=0)0, a""use#,
4**D PA84MA an# 0SCAR S4RFA8*0,a""use#)appellants.
FACS!
0n Septe(.e$ 33, %&&3, at a$oun# 7!30 in the evening, a passenge$ 1eepne+ #$iven .+
Ro#ito Lasap en $oute to Passi, afte$ "o(ing f$o( Sitio 9o(e>, 2a$anga+ A.a"a, San
4n$i:ue, 5loilo, -as stoppe# .+ th$ee (en, a(ong the( -as the a""use# in this "ase,
Ronnie Ago(o)o, -ho, a$(e# -ith a gun, announ"e# a hol#)up an# o$#e$e# the #$ive$ to
tu$n off the engine. Afte$ Lasap o.e+e#, Ronnie Ago(o)o shot hi( 1ust the sa(e. he
sa(e night, Ro#ito Lasap #ie# as a $esult of (ultiple gunshot -oun#s. A passenge$,
F$e##ie Ag$a.io, -ho -as seate# .esi#e the #$ive$, t$ansfe$$e#, out of f$ight, to the $ea$
po$tion of the 1eep. <e -as then tol# to lie fa"e #o-n on the floo$ of the vehi"le.
Afte$-a$#s, he -as as'e# to han# in his -allet "ontaining P%30.00 to one of the $o..e$s.
he a""use# then o$#e$e# the passenge$s to alight f$o( the 1eepne+ an# 'eep thei$ han#s
up. As the+ -e$e #oing so, a""use#)appellant Pane>a sta..e# Ag$a.io, hitting hi( on the
left el.o-. Ag$a.io $an f$o( the s"ene. An info$(ation -as file# against the a""use#
"ha$ging the( of the "$i(e of high-a+ $o..e$+ un#e$ P.*. 8o. @33. he #efense of the
a""use# -as ali.i. Ronnie Ago(o)o "lai(e# that he -as at the P$ovin"ial <ospital -ith
his (othe$ f$o( Septe(.e$ 3% to Septe(.e$ 33, %&&3 to -at"h ove$ his si"' .$othe$.
A""use#)appellant 4##+ Pane>a sai# he -as in his auntAs house in Ri>al, Palapala, 5loilo
in the (o$ning of Septe(.e$ 33, %&&3 an# that, at a$oun# %0 oA"lo"', he a""o(panie# his
aunt, e$esa 4s"ulte$o, to 2$g+. =a#a$ag, San 4n$i:ue, a$$iving the$e at th$ee oA"lo"' in
afte$noon. he+ -ent the$e to tal' -ith the fa(il+ of the p$ospe"tive hus.an# of his auntAs
#aughte$. 4##+ Pane>a slept in the g$oo(As house an# p$o"ee#e# to 2a$anga+ 2a-atan
the follo-ing (o$ning. e$esa 4s"ulte$o "o$$o.o$ate# 4##+ Pane>aAs testi(on+. Lastl+,
=a. 4lena Se$van#o, siste$)in)la- of 0s"a$ Se$van#o, testifie# that on Septe(.e$ 33,
%&&3, a""use#)appellant 0s"a$ Se$van#o a""o(panie# he$ to Sitio 2a"la+an, San 4n$i:ue
to gathe$ "o$n. he+ -ent .a"' ho(e at a$oun# siG oA"lo"' in the evening. he+ $e(ove#
the "o$n ea$s f$o( the "o. an# finishe# #oing so at %% oA"lo"' that evening. he follo-ing
(o$ning, the+ #$ie# the "o$n until the afte$noon. he lo-e$ "ou$t then $en#e$e# a #e"ision
on Fe.$ua$+ @, %&&7 fin#ing the a""use# guilt+ of the "$i(e "ha$ge#. 5t is f$o( this
1u#g(ent that Pane>a an# Se$van#o appeale#. Ronnie Ago(o)o #i# not appeal.
5SS64! /hethe$ the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in "onvi"ting the a""use# fo$ violation of P.*.
@33, othe$-ise 'no-n as Anti)Pi$a"+ an# Anti)Ro..e$+ La- of %&74E
*4C5S508 0F <4 C06R!
he Cou$t foun# the appeal .e$eft of (e$it. he t$ial "ou$t "o$$e"tl+ $elie# on the positive
i#entifi"ation of the a""use# (a#e .+ F$e##ie Ag$a.io an# Jose A(a#o$. 8o $eason has
.een a#van"e# -h+ the testi(onies of these -itnesses shoul# not .e .elieve#. <en"e, the
t$ial "ou$tAs evaluation of the -itnessesA testi(onies (ust .e a""o$#e# g$eat $espe"t sin"e
it ha# the oppo$tunit+ to o.se$ve an# eGa(ine the -itnessesA "on#u"t an# #e(eano$ on
the -itness stan#. 5t is settle# that so long as the -itnessesA testi(onies ag$ee on
su.stantial (atte$s, the in"onse:uential in"onsisten"ies an# "ont$a#i"tions #ilute neithe$
the -itnessesA "$e#i.ilit+ no$ the ve$it+ of thei$ testi(onies. /hat is i(po$tant is that the
testi(onies of these -itnesses "o$$o.o$ate# ea"h othe$ in (ate$ial points. 5n "ont$ast to
the "lea$ an# positive i#entifi"ation of F$e##ie Ag$a.io an# Jose A(a#o$, a""use#)
appellants gave nothing .ut ali.i an# #enial. he+ gave onl+ self)se$ving testi(onies,
"o$$o.o$ate# onl+ .+ the testi(onies of thei$ $elatives. As the Cou$t have hel#, BPaQli.i
.e"o(es less plausi.le -hen it is "o$$o.o$ate# .+ $elatives an# f$ien#s -ho (a+ then not
.e i(pa$tial -itnessesB. Ali.i is an inhe$entl+ -ea' #efense an# (ust .e $e1e"te# -hen
the a""use#As i#entit+ is satisfa"to$il+ an# "atego$i"all+ esta.lishe# .+ the e+e-itnesses to
the offense, espe"iall+ -hen su"h e+e-itnesses have no ill (otive to testif+ falsel+. 5n the
"ase at .a$, the #efense faile# to sho- that F$e##ie Ag$a.io an# Jose A(a#o$ -e$e
(otivate# .+ ill -ill. A""use#)appellants fu$the$ asse$t that the+ "annot .e "onvi"te# of
high-a+ $o..e$+ as the "$i(e -as not "o((itte# .+ at least fou$ pe$sons, as $e:ui$e# in
A$ti"le 30? of the Revise# Penal Co#e. <o-eve$, high-a+ $o..e$+ is no- gove$ne# .+
P.*. 8o. @33, othe$-ise 'no-n as the Anti)Pi$a"+ an# Anti)<igh-a+ Ro..e$+ La- of
%&74. 5n the "ase of People v. Puno, it -as hel# that P.*. 8o. @33 a(en#e# A$t. 30? of the
Revise# Penal Co#e an# that it is no longe$ $e:ui$e# that the$e .e at least fou$ a$(e#
pe$sons fo$(ing a .an# of $o..e$s. he nu(.e$ of offen#e$s is no longe$ an essential
ele(ent of the "$i(e of high-a+ $o..e$+. <en"e, the fa"t that the$e -e$e onl+ th$ee
i#entifie# pe$pet$ato$s is of no (o(ent. P.*. 8o. @33 onl+ $e:ui$es p$oof that pe$sons
-e$e o$gani>e# fo$ the pu$pose of "o((itting high-a+ $o..e$+ in#is"$i(inatel+. 5n this
"ase, the a""use#, inten#ing to "o((it $o..e$+, -aite# at the 2a$anga+ =apili "$ossing
fo$ an+ vehi"le that -oul# happen to t$avel along that $oa#. he #$ive$ Ro#ito Lasap an#
his passenge$s -e$e not p$e#ete$(ine# ta$gets. Rathe$, the+ .e"a(e the a""use#As vi"ti(s
.e"ause the+ happene# to .e t$avelling at the ti(e -hen the a""use# -e$e the$e. he$e
-as, thus, $an#o(ness in the sele"tion of the vi"ti(s, o$ the a"t of "o((itting $o..e$+
in#is"$i(inatel+, -hi"h #iffe$entiates this "ase f$o( that of a si(ple $o..e$+ -ith
ho(i"i#e. he Cou$t fu$the$ $ule# that sin"e a ho(i"i#e o""u$$e# #u$ing the "o((ission
of the high-a+ $o..e$+, the app$op$iate penalt+ to .e i(pose# on a""use#)appellants
-oul# have .een #eath. <o-eve$, the "$i(e -as "o((itte# on Septe(.e$ 33, %&&3 -hen
the i(position of the #eath penalt+ -as suspen#e# .+ the %&87 Constitution. <en"e, the
penalt+ neGt lo-e$ in #eg$ee, o$ $e"lusion pe$petua, -as "o$$e"tl+ i(pose# .+ the t$ial
"ou$t on a""use#)appellants Pane>a an# Se$van#o. he #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t -as
affi$(e#.
Repu.li" of the Philippines
S6PR4=4 C06R
=anila
<5R* *5F5S508
9.R. 8o. %3?3&7 Fe.$ua$+ %, 3000
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
*A854L =48*0MA C4R250, F5C484 =48*0MA AC4*4RA an# J5=20D
C4R250 =0RAL4S, a""use#)appellants.
FACS!
0n the 3$# #a+ of Septe(.e$ %&&3 at a$oun# 3!30 p.(. the passenge$s of a Philippine
Ra..it 2us t$avelling on the 8o$th 4Gp$ess-a+ on its -a+ to =anila -e$e vi"ti(i>e# in a
hol#)up "o((itte# .+ fou$ (en -ho .oa$#e# the .us as it -as app$oa"hing the a.ang
tollgate. A poli"e(an -ho -as a passenge$ in the .us shot one of the hol# uppe$s. he
poli"e(an -as shot in tu$n .+ anothe$ hol# uppe$E the poli"e(an #ie#. 0n Septe(.e$ 34,
%&&3, an info$(ation -as file# against *aniel =en#o>a Ce$.ito alias B*anielB, Fi"ente
=en#o>a A"e#e$a, Ji(.o+ Ce$.ito =o$ales alias B4(.o+B, an# John *oe, all of Laoang,
8o$the$n Sa(a$, fo$ violation of P.*. @33 (othe$-ise 'no-n as the Anti)<igh-a+
Ro..e$+ A"t). 0n =a$"h 3?, %&&3 anothe$ info$(ation fo$ ho(i"i#e -as file# against the
sa(e fou$ a""use#. he a""use# plea#e# not guilt+ to the t-o offenses "ha$ge#. he t-o
"ases -e$e "onsoli#ate# fo$ 1oint t$ial. he a""use# inte$pose# the #efense of ali.i,
"lai(ing the+ -e$e so(e-he$e else at the ti(e of the in"i#ent. Afte$ the t$ial on (e$its,
the t$ial "ou$t hel# that the evi#en"e p$esente# .+ the a""use# -as not suffi"ient to $efute
the evi#en"e p$esente# .+ the p$ose"ution. 5t foun# the a""use# guilt+ in the t-o "ases
an# senten"e# the( to suffe$ the penalt+ of $e"lusion pe$petua plus #a(ages. he a""use#
appeale# to the Cou$t.
5SS64! /hethe$ the a""use# -e$e guilt+ of violating P.*. @33 (Anti)<igh-a+ Ro..e$+
La-).
*4C5S508 0F <4 C06R!
he Cou$t ag$ee# -ith the t$ial "ou$tAs $e1e"tion of the #efense of ali.i fo$ the $eason that
sai# #efense "annot p$evail ove$ the positive i#entifi"ation (a#e .+ the t-o e+e-itnesses
p$esente# .+ the p$ose"ution. 5t fu$the$ hel# that, "onf$onte# -ith "ont$a#i"to$+
#e"la$ations an# state(ents, the t$ial "ou$t "annot .e faulte# fo$ giving g$eate$ -eight to
the positive testi(onies of the -itnesses -ho have not .een sho-n to have an+ (otive to
falsel+ i(pli"ate the a""use#)appellants, an# -hose "$e#i.ilit+ has not .een pla"e# in
#ou.t. Ali.i has gene$all+ .een $ega$#e# -ith #isfavo$ .+ the "ou$t .e"ause it is easil+
fa.$i"ate# an# -e have no $eason to #eviate f$o( this $ule. <igh-a+ $o..e$+K.$igan#age
is #efine# in Se"tion 3(e) of P.*. @33 entitle# BAnti)Pi$a"+ an# Anti)<igh-a+ Ro..e$+
La-B as B(t)he sei>u$e of an+ pe$son fo$ $anso(, eGto$tion o$ othe$ unla-ful pu$poses, o$
the ta'ing a-a+ of the p$ope$t+ of anothe$ .+ (eans of violen"e against o$ inti(i#ation
of pe$son o$ fo$"e upon things o$ othe$ unla-ful (eans, "o((itte# .+ an+ pe$son on an+
Philippine <igh-a+.B he $o..e$+ (ust .e #i$e"te# not onl+ against spe"ifi", inten#e# o$
p$e"on"eive# vi"ti(s, .ut against an+ an# all p$ospe"tive vi"ti(s. All the a.ove ele(ents
-e$e esta.lishe#. he Cou$t affi$(e# the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t "onvi"ting the
a""use# of the "$i(e "ha$ge#.
Repu.li" of the Philippines
S6PR4=4 C06R
=anila
<5R* *5F5S508
9. R. 8o. %48333 June 8, 3004
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, appellee,
vs.
L65S50 *. 26S584RA, appellant.
FACS!
So(eti(e in %&&?, 4#-in Cip$iano (Cip$iano), -ho (anages 4SC $anspo$t, the taGi"a.
.usiness of his fathe$, hi$e# Luisito 2ustine$a as a taGi #$ive$ an# assigne# hi( to #$ive a
*ae-oo Ra"e$ -ith plate nu(.e$ P/<)3??. 5t -as ag$ee# that appellant -oul# #$ive the
taGi f$o( ?!00 a.(. to %%!00 p.(, afte$ -hi"h he -oul# $etu$n it to 4SC $anspo$t;s
ga$age an# $e(it the .oun#a$+ fee in the a(ount of P780.00 pe$ #a+.
0n *e"e(.e$ 3@, %&&?, Luisito 2ustine$a a#(itte#l+ $epo$te# fo$ -o$' an# #$ove the
taGi, .ut he #i# not $etu$n it on the sa(e #a+ as he -as suppose# to. he follo-ing #a+,
*e"e(.e$ 3?, %&&?, Cip$iano -ent to appellant;s house to as"e$tain -h+ the taGi -as not
$etu$ne#. A$$iving at 2ustine$a;s house, he #i# not fin# the taGi the$e, 2ustine$a;s;s -ife
telling hi( that he$ hus.an# ha# not +et a$$ive#. Leaving nothing to "han"e, Cip$iano
-ent to the Co((on-ealth Avenue poli"e station an# $epo$te# that his taGi -as (issing.
0n Janua$+ &, %&&7, 2ustine$a;s -ife -ent to the ga$age of 4SC $anspo$t an# $eveale#
that the taGi ha# .een a.an#one# in Regala#o St$eet, Lag$o, Oue>on Cit+. Cip$iano lost
no ti(e in $epai$ing to Regala#o St$eet -he$e he $e"ove$e# the taGi. An info$(ation -as
file# against 2ustine$a "ha$ging hi( of the "$i(e of Oualifie# heft. he a""use# ente$e#
a plea of not guilt+. 2ustine$a, ho-eve$, a#(its that his -ife info$(e# hi( that -hen she
-ent to the ga$age to $e(it the .oun#a$+ fee on the ve$+ sa(e #a+ (*e"e(.e$ 37, %&&?),
Cip$iano -as al$ea#+ #e(an#ing the $etu$n of the taGi. 2ustine$a (aintains though that
he $etu$ne# the taGi on Janua$+ @, %&&7 an# signe# the $e"o$# .oo', -hi"h -as "o(pan+
p$o"e#u$e, to sho- that he in#ee# $etu$ne# it an# gave his e(plo+e$ P3,@00.00 as pa$tial
pa+(ent fo$ the .oun#a$+ fee "ove$ing the pe$io# f$o( *e"e(.e$ 3@, %&&? to Janua$+ @,
%&&7. Continuing, 2ustine$a "lai(s that as he still ha# a .alan"e in the .oun#a$+ fee, he
left his #$ive$;s li"ense -ith Cip$ianoE that as he "oul# not #$ive, -hi"h -as the onl+
-o$' he ha# eve$ 'no-n, -ithout his #$ive$;s li"ense, an# -ith the o.ligation to pa+ the
.alan"e of the .oun#a$+ fee still linge$ing, his -ife sta$te# -o$'ing on Fe.$ua$+ %8, %&&7
as a sta+)in (ai# fo$ Cip$iano, -ith a (onthl+ sala$+ of P%,300.00, until =a$"h 3?, %&&7
-hen Cip$iano tol# he$ that she ha# -o$'e# off the .alan"e of his o.ligationE an# that
-ith his o.ligation eGtinguishe#, his #$ive$;s li"ense -as $etu$ne# to hi(. Afte$ the t$ial,
the t$ial "ou$t foun# hi( guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of :ualifie# theft .+ *e"ision of
=a+ %7, 300%, an# senten"e# hi( to suffe$ the penalt+ of Re"lusion Pe$petua. <e
appeale# f$o( the t$ial "ou$t;s #e"ision an# .$ought the (atte$ .efo$e the Sup$e(e Cou$t.
5SS64! %. /hethe$ the a""use# -as guilt+ of Oualifie# heft7
3. /hethe$ the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in "on"lu#ing that the appellant ha# intent to gain
-hen he faile# to $etu$n the taGi to its ga$age.
*4C5S508 0F <4 C06R!
he Cou$t $esolve# to "o$$e"t the e$$o$s foun# in the 1u#g(ent even thought the+ -e$e
not spe"ifi"all+ assigne#. he Cou$t eGpoun#e# that Ca$napping is essentiall+ the $o..e$+
o$ theft of a (oto$i>e# vehi"le,an# the "on"ept of unla-ful ta'ing in theft, $o..e$+ an#
"a$napping a$e the sa(e. 5t is to .e note#, ho-eve$, that -hile the anti)"a$napping la-
penali>es the unla-ful ta'ing of (oto$ vehi"les, it eG"epts f$o( its "ove$age "e$tain
vehi"les su"h as $oa#$olle$s, t$olle+s, st$eet)s-eepe$s, sp$in'le$s, la-n (o-e$s,
a(phi.ian t$u"'s an# "$anes if not use# on pu.li" high-a+s, vehi"les -hi"h $un onl+ on
$ails an# t$a"'s, an# t$a"to$s, t$aile$s an# t$a"to$ engines of all 'in#s an# use# eG"lusivel+
fo$ ag$i"ultu$al pu$poses. 2+ i(pli"ation, the theft o$ $o..e$+ of the fo$egoing vehi"les
-oul# .e "ove$e# .+ A$ti"le 3%0 of the Revise# Penal Co#e, as a(en#e# an# the
p$ovisions on $o..e$+, $espe"tivel+. F$o( the fo$egoing, sin"e appellant is .eing a""use#
of the unla-ful ta'ing of a *ae-oo se#an, it is the anti)"a$napping la- an# not the
p$ovisions of :ualifie# theft -hi"h -oul# appl+ as the sai# (oto$ vehi"le #oes not fall
-ithin the eG"eptions (entione# in the anti)"a$napping la-. As to the se"on# issue $aise#,
the Cou$t $ule# that unla-ful ta'ing, o$ apo#e$a(iento, is the ta'ing of the (oto$ vehi"le
-ithout the "onsent of the o-ne$, o$ .+ (eans of violen"e against o$ inti(i#ation of
pe$sons, o$ .+ using fo$"e upon thingsE it is #ee(e# "o(plete f$o( the (o(ent the
offen#e$ gains possession of the thing, even if he has no oppo$tunit+ to #ispose of the
sa(e. /hile the natu$e of appellant;s possession of the taGi -as initiall+ la-ful as he -as
hi$e# as a taGi #$ive$ an# -as ent$uste# possession the$eof, his a"t of not $etu$ning it to its
o-ne$, -hi"h is "ont$a$+ to "o(pan+ p$a"ti"e an# against the o-ne$;s "onsent
t$ansfo$(e# the "ha$a"te$ of the possession into an unla-ful one. 5ntent to gain o$ ani(us
lu"$an#i is an inte$nal a"t, p$esu(e# f$o( the unla-ful ta'ing of the (oto$ vehi"le.
A"tual gain is i$$elevant as the i(po$tant "onsi#e$ation is the intent to gain. he te$(
BgainB is not (e$el+ li(ite# to pe"unia$+ .enefit .ut also in"lu#es the .enefit -hi"h in
an+ othe$ sense (a+ .e #e$ive# o$ eGpe"te# f$o( the a"t -hi"h is pe$fo$(e#. hus, the
(e$e use of the thing -hi"h -as ta'en -ithout the o-ne$;s "onsent "onstitutes gain. he
Cou$t $eve$se# the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t an# ente$e# anothe$ 1u#g(ent fin#ing the
a""use# guilt+ of the "$i(e of "a$napping un#e$ Repu.li" A"t 8o. ?@3&.
Repu.li" of the Philippines
S6PR4=4 C06R
=anila
F5RS *5F5S508
9.R. 8o. %38470 Ap$il %, 3003
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, appellee,
vs.
AR4=50 9ARC5A + CR6M, JR. an# R49ALA*0 24R8A24 + 0R24, a""use#.
R49ALA*0 24R8A24 + 0R24, appellant.
FACS!
on *e"e(.e$ %7, %&&?, Joselito Co$te>, a taGi"a. ope$ato$ .ase# in =a$ilao, 2ula"an,
-as app$oa"he# .+ A$te(io 9a$"ia an# Regala#o 2e$na.e .e"ause the+ -ante# to
.o$$o- his .$an# ne- =itsu.ishi L300 van fo$ thei$ t$ip to the 2i"ol $egion. Co$te>
$efuse#, sa+ing that the van -as unavaila.le. 5nstea#, Co$te> got in tou"h -ith Fe$#inan#
5gna"io, -ho ha# 1ust pu$"hase# a .$an# ne- o+ota a(a$a- FN. 5gna"io ag$ee# to
lease his vehi"le to Co$te> fo$ t-o #a+s. Fou$ #a+s passe# -ithout a -o$# f$o( 9a$"ia
an# 2e$na.e. Co$te> .egan to -o$$+ a.out the vehi"le he ha# .o$$o-e# f$o( Fe$#inan#
5gna"io so he info$(e# the 2a$anga+ Captain of Saog, =a$ilao, 2ula"an. =ean-hile,
4lis; -ife, 8an"+, app$oa"he# Co$te> an# as'e# -he$e he$ hus.an# -as. he a(a$a-
FN, as -ell as 9a$"ia an# 2e$na.e -e$e seen in 8ueva 4"i1a. /hen the+ faile# to
p$o#u"e #o"u(ents of o-ne$ship ove$ the a(a$a- FN, the+ -e$e .$ought to the
=on"a#a Poli"e Station fo$ investigation.
9a$"ia an# 2e$na.e a#(itte# to the =on"a#a Poli"e that the+ atte(pte# to sell the
a(a$a- FN .elonging to Fe$#inan# 5gna"io. 5n the ea$l+ (o$ning of *e"e(.e$ 34,
%&&?, a 1oint tea( of poli"e offi"e$s "o(pose# of (e(.e$s of the =on"a#a an# =a$ilao
Poli"e, togethe$ -ith the 2a$anga+ Captain of Saog, =a$ilao, 2ula"an, -e$e a""o(panie#
.+ Co$te> to =on"a#a, a$la", -he$e the latte$ positivel+ i#entifie# 5gna"io;s a(a$a-
FN. Co$te> -ent to visit 9a$"ia an# 2e$na.e in #etention. he+ a#(itte# to hi( that the+
sta..e# 4lis an# #u(pe# hi( along the high-a+ nea$ the Bsa.anaB in San Rafael,
2ula"an. he+ "lai(e# that the+ -e$e "o(pelle# to eli(inate 4lis -hen he $efuse# to 1oin
thei$ plan to sell the a(a$a- FN. 9a$"ia .$ought the poli"e(en, togethe$ -ith Co$te>
an# the 2a$anga+ Captain, to San Rafael, 2ula"an -he$e he pointe# to the pla"e -he$e
the+ 'ille# 4lis. <o-eve$, the poli"e -e$e una.le to fin# 4lis; .o#+. Afte$ $etu$ning to
=on"a#a, Co$te> i((e#iatel+ inspe"te# the inte$io$ of the vehi"le an# foun# .loo#stains
on the si#e an# .a"' of the #$ive$;s seat. <e also foun# seve$al pe$sonal ite(s .elonging
to 4lis, su"h as his "lothes an# #$ive$;s li"ense, as -ell as 9a$"ia;s .ag -hi"h "ontaine#
.onnets, tea$ gas, the -a$$ant+ "a$# an# the "a$ $egist$ation pape$s. 0n *e"e(.e$ 3&,
%&&?, the =on"a#a poli"e $e"eive# info$(ation that a (ale "a#ave$ -as foun# in San
Rafael, 2ula"an, su.(e$ge# in (u# ten (ete$s a-a+ f$o( -he$e the+ sea$"he# ea$lie$.
he "a#ave$ -as i#entifie# as that of /ilf$e#o 4lis .+ his -ife, 8an"+. 0n June 3, %&&8,
A$te(io 9a$"ia, J$. an# Regala#o 2e$na.e -e$e "ha$ge# -ith the "$i(e of Ca$napping
-ith <o(i"i#e as #efine# in Repu.li" A"t 8o. ?@3&. 6pon a$$aign(ent, .oth a""use#
plea#e# Bnot guilt+B to the "$i(e "ha$ge#. he$eafte$, the "ase -as t$ie# on the (e$its. 5n
thei$ #efense, 9a$"ia an# 2e$na.e allege# that the+ ag$ee# to $ent the su.1e"t vehi"le fo$ a
pe$io# of five #a+s f$o( *e"e(.e$ %8, %&&?E that 9a$"ia an# 4lis ha# a fight .e"ause the
latte$ allege#l+ #i# not -ant to go -ith the( to 8ueva 4"i1aE that 4lis, -hile #$iving the
a(a$a- FN, .u(pe# a passenge$ 1eepne+ along 2aliuag <igh-a+E that the+ left 4lis
along the 2aliuag <igh-a+ at 3!30 a.(. so he "an info$( Co$te> that the+ -e$e al$ea#+ in
2ula"an an# -e$e en $oute to 8ueva 4"i1a to have the #ente# po$tion of the vehi"le fiGe#.
Afte$ t$ial, the t$ial "ou$t "onvi"te# the a""use# of the "$i(e of Ca$napping -ith
<o(i"i#e an# senten"e# the( to suffe$ the penalt+ of $e"lusion pe$petua -ith "osts.
2e$na.e appeale# f$o( the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t an# .$ought the (atte$ .efo$e the
Sup$e(e Cou$t.
5SS64! /hethe$ the ele(ents of the "$i(e of Ca$napping as #efine# in R.A. ?@3& a$e
p$esent to -a$$ant the "onvi"tion of the a""use#.
*4C5S508 0F <4 C06R!
he Cou$t hel# that all the ele(ents of the "$i(e of "a$napping a$e p$esent in this "ase. 5t
eGpoun#e# that Repu.li" A"t 8o. ?@3&, othe$-ise 'no-n as BAn A"t P$eventing an#
Penali>ing Ca$nappingB, #efines B"a$nappingB as Bthe ta'ing, -ith intent to gain, of a
(oto$ vehi"le .elonging to anothe$ -ithout the latte$;s "onsent, o$ .+ (eans of violen"e
against o$ inti(i#ation of pe$sons, o$ .+ using fo$"e upon things.B =o$e spe"ifi"all+, the
ele(ents of the "$i(e a$e as follo-s! %. hat the$e is an a"tual ta'ing of the vehi"leE 3.
hat the offen#e$ inten#s to gain f$o( the ta'ing of the vehi"leE 3. hat the vehi"le
.elongs to a pe$son othe$ than the offen#e$ hi(selfE an# 4. hat the ta'ing is -ithout the
"onsent of the o-ne$ the$eofE o$ that the ta'ing -as "o((itte# .+ (eans of violen"e
against o$ inti(i#ation of pe$sons, o$ .+ using fo$"e upon things. 5n the "ase at .a$, it
"annot .e #enie# that the natu$e of the appellant;s possession of the a(a$a- FN -as
initiall+ la-ful. 8eve$theless, the unla-ful 'illing of the #e"ease# fo$ the pu$pose of
ta'ing the vehi"le $a#i"all+ t$ansfo$(e# the "ha$a"te$ of sai# possession into an unla-ful
one. he Cou$t -as "onvin"e# that -hile the$e (a+ .e no #i$e"t evi#en"e of the
"o((ission of the "$i(e, the fo$egoing "onstitute "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e suffi"ient to
-a$$ant 9a$"ia;s an# 2e$na.e;s "onvi"tion. he follo-ing $e:uisites fo$ "i$"u(stantial
evi#en"e to sustain a "onvi"tion -e$e (et, to -it! (%) the$e is (o$e than one
"i$"u(stan"eE (3) the fa"ts f$o( -hi"h the infe$en"es a$e #e$ive# a$e p$ovenE an# (3) the
"o(.ination of all the "i$"u(stan"es is su"h as to p$o#u"e a "onvi"tion .e+on#
$easona.le #ou.t. he "i$"u(stan"es in#ee# fo$( an un.$o'en "hain -hi"h lea#s to a fai$
an# $easona.le "on"lusion that 2e$na.e an# 9a$"ia -e$e the pe$pet$ato$s of the "$i(e. 5t
has .een hel# that fa"ts an# "i$"u(stan"es "onsistent -ith guilt an# in"onsistent -ith
inno"en"e "onstitute evi#en"e -hi"h, in -eight an# p$o.ative fo$"e, (a+ su$pass even
#i$e"t evi#en"e in its effe"t upon the "ou$t. he Cou$t affi$(e# the #e"ision of the t$ial
"ou$t an# (o#ifie# the a-a$# fo$ #a(ages.
Repu.li" of the Philippines
S6PR4=4 C06R
=anila
48 2A8C
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, Plaintiff)Appellee,
v.
SP0% *A85L0 L025A85A, A""use#)Appellant.
FACS!
Jolito San"he> -as a "a$ga#o$ at the 8avotas Fishpo$t. <e fi$st (et a""use#)appellant,
*anilo Lo.itania, on *e"e(.e$ 4, %&&8 outsi#e a .ee$house at the fishpo$t -hen the
latte$ o$#e$e# fish f$o( hi(. 0n *e"e(.e$ @, %&&8, afte$ the #elive$+ of the fish,
a""use#)appellant offe$e# hi( a 1o. as a helpe$ in an i"e plant in Pangasinan. San"he>
ag$ee# an#, togethe$ -ith a""use#)appellant an# his "o(panions =ontolo, Si#$o, *aniel
an# J$. Sa.u$in, the+ .oa$#e# a .us .oun# fo$ 6$#aneta, Pangasinan at a$oun# nine o
"lo"' in the evening. At the instan"e of a""use#)appellant, the g$oup alighte# at 2a$anga+
8an"a+asen an# flagge# #o-n a t$i"+"le #$iven .+ AleGan#e$ #e 9u>(an. he+ all
.oa$#e# the t$i"+"le. Follo-ing a""use#)appellants inst$u"tion, the #$ive$ tu$ne# left at an
alle+ an# afte$ t$aveling a sho$t #istan"e, the #$ive$ -as shot at the $ight si#e of his "hest
.elo- the a$(pit .+ =ontolo. Si#$o then g$a..e# the #$ive$ f$o( his seat, tie# his han#s
.ehin# his .a"' an# then shove# hi( out of the t$i"+"le. San"he> an# J$. Sa.u$in t$ie# to
help the #$ive$ .ut =ontolo an# a""use#)appellant po'e# thei$ guns at the( an#
th$eatene# that the sa(e thing -oul# happen to the( if the+ #i# not go -ith a""use#)
appellants g$oup. he g$oup too' the t$i"+"le, no- #$iven .+ *aniel an# p$o"ee#e#
to-a$#s the #i$e"tion of =anila. he t$i"+"le #$ive$, shouting sa'lolo, sa'lolo, -as left
.ehin#. 6pon $ea"hing a suga$"ane plantation, San"he> an# J$. Sa.u$in, on o$#e$s of
a""use#)appellant, #eta"he# the si#e"a$ f$o( the (oto$"+"le an# left the( in sepa$ate
pla"es insi#e the plantation. 5t -as al$ea#+ a$oun# th$ee o"lo"' in the (o$ning -hen the
g$oup .oa$#e# a #iffe$ent t$i"+"le -hi"h .$ought the( to the fish (a$'et in 6$#aneta. At
the fish (a$'et, San"he> an# J$. Sa.u$in -e$e tol# .+ a""use#)appellant to sta+ an# -ait.
<o-eve$, afte$ t-o hou$s of -aiting, San"he> an# J$. Sa.u$in #e"i#e# to leave an# hea#
.a"' fo$ =anila.
Afte$ San"he> a$$ival at his house in 8avotas, a""use#)appellants "o(panion, *aniel,
a$$ive# an# -a$ne# hi( not to s:ueal lest so(ething happene# to hi(. San"he> then -ent
out to loo' fo$ J$. Sa.u$in -ho( he late$ foun# out -as at the P$esi#ential Anti)
0$gani>e# as' Fo$"e (PA0CF) in Ca(p C$a(e. San"he> #e"i#e# to follo- J$. Sa.u$in
to Ca(p C$a(e an# the$e the+ $eveale# to =a1o$ *ann+ Salva#o$ (PA0CF (e(.e$)
-hat the+ 'ne- of the in"i#ent in Pangasinan. San"he> an# J$. Sa.u$in -e$e a""o(panie#
.+ =a1o$ Salva#o$ an# Poli"e 0ffi"e$ 8olas"o to the suga$"ane plantation lo"ate# in
2a$anga+ San Agustin, San =anuel a$la" -he$e the si#e"a$ an# (oto$"+"le -e$e left .ut
the+ foun# onl+ the "hain an# "ove$. he+ #i# not fin# the si#e"a$ an# (oto"+"le .e"ause
these -e$e al$ea#+ in the "usto#+ of the .a$anga+ "aptain of San Agustin, San =anuel,
a$la" -ho $e"ove$e# the ite(s on *e"e(.e$ ?, %&&8. he$eafte$, the+ -ent to the
6$#aneta Poli"e Station -he$e San"he> an# J$. Sa.u$in gave thei$ s-o$n state(ents
$ega$#ing the theft of the t$i"+"le an# the 'illing of its #$ive$ -ho( the+ late$ i#entifie#
as vi"ti( AleGan#e$ #e 9u>(an. he 6$#aneta poli"e $e"eive# the $epo$t of the 'illing of
#e 9u>(an, the $e"ove$+ of the si#e"a$ on *e"e(.e$ ?, %&&8 an# of the t$i"+"le on
*e"e(.e$ %3, %&&8 f$o( the poli"e autho$ities of San =anuel, a$la" -he$e these ite(s
-e$e foun#. he o-ne$, *avi# Sa$to, -ent to the San =anuel poli"e station, i#entifie# the
si#e"a$ an# (oto$"+"le as his, an# state# that the vehi"le -as $egula$l+ #$iven .+ vi"ti(
#e 9u>(an. An info$(ation -as file# against the a""use#)appellant SP0% *anilo
Lo.itania "ha$ging hi( of Ca$napping -ith =u$#e$. /hen a$$aigne# on August %7, %&&&,
a""use#)appellant, assiste# .+ "ounsel, plea#e# not guilt+. A""use#)appellant assails the
"$e#i.ilit+ of p$ose"ution e+e-itness San"he>. <e alleges that San"he> is a (e(.e$ of
the i$ti$ 9ang, a s+n#i"ate le# .+ Ri>alito 9alinato, alias 2o+ =usli(, -ho -as a$$este#
.+ a""use#)appellant on 8ove(.e$ 4, %&&8. A""use#)appellant "lai(s that San"he>, on
o$#e$s of 2o+ =usli(, "on"o"te# his testi(on+ to avenge 2o+ =usli(s pu.li"i>e# a$$est
.+ a""use#)appellant. A""o$#ing to a""use#)appellant, a (ulti)a-a$#e# poli"e(an of
seventeen +ea$s, the testi(on+ of San"he>, a (e$e "a$ga#o$ -ho ha# no pe$(anent
e(plo+(ent, shoul# not .e .elieve# ove$ his. A""use#)appellant li'e-ise puts up the
#efense of #enial an# ali.i. At the t$ial, he p$esente# #efense -itness SP0% =i"hael
Legaspi, the lea#e$ of the S=AR)S/A ea( to -hi"h a""use#)appellant .elongs, -ho
testifie# that a""use#)appellant $epo$te# fo$ -o$' on *e"e(.e$ ? an# 7, %&&8, f$o( eight
o"lo"' in the (o$ning until eight o;"lo"' at night. A""use#)appellant also p$esente# his
-ife, Fale$iana Lo.itania, to "o$$o.o$ate his ali.i that, on the night of the in"i#ent, he -as
at ho(e in Co((on-ealth Avenue, Oue>on Cit+, f$o( ten o;"lo"' on-a$#s. 0n 3%
*e"e(.e$ %&&&, the t$ial "ou$t $en#e$e# a #e"ision fin#ing a""use#)appellant guilt+
.e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of agg$avate# "a$napping -ith (u$#e$ an# senten"e# hi( to
suffe$ the sup$e(e penalt+ of #eath. <e $aise# the (atte$ to the Sup$e(e Cou$t.
5SS64! /hethe$ the a""use# is guilt+ of the "$i(e of agg$avate# "a$napping -ith
=u$#e$.
*4C5S508 0F <4 C06R!
he Cou$t foun# that the p$ose"ution -as a.le to p$ove the guilt of the a""use# .e+on#
$easona.le #ou.t. 2ase# on the fa"ts p$oven, the offense "o((itte# .+ a""use#)appellant
is the spe"ial "o(pleG "$i(e of :ualifie# "a$napping o$ "a$napping in an agg$avate# fo$(
un#e$ Se"tion %4 of Repu.li" A"t 8o. ?@3&, the Anti)Ca$napping A"t of %&&3, as
a(en#e# .+ Se"tion 30 of Repu.li" A"t 8o. 7?@&, the *eath Penalt+ La-, -hi"h too'
effe"t on 3% *e"e(.e$ %&&3. he #efense -as una.le to p$ove that p$ose"ution -itness
San"he> -as i(pelle# .+ an i(p$ope$ (otive ) allege#l+ to avenge his suppose# gang
lea#e$s (2o+ =usli() a$$est ) in testif+ing against a""use#)appellant. 8o evi#en"e -as
a##u"e# to sho- that San"he> -as a (e(.e$ of the i$ti$ 9ang an# that his testi(on+
-as a vengeful fa.$i"ation. Fu$the$(o$e, the #efense faile# to p$ove that San"he> -as not
p$esent at the s"ene of the "$i(e. he -itness testi(on+ thus leaves no othe$ "on"lusion
.ut that he, in#ee#, -itnesse# the 'illing of vi"ti( #e 9u>(an an# the ta'ing of his
t$i"+"le. he Cou$t fu$the$ eGpoun#e# that -ell)settle# is the $ule that the assess(ent of
the -itnesses; "$e#i.ilit+ an# thei$ testi(onies is a (atte$ .est un#e$ta'en .+ the t$ial
"ou$t. hus, appellate "ou$ts -ill not usuall+ inte$fe$e -ith the 1u#g(ent of t$ial "ou$ts on
the "$e#i.ilit+ of -itnesses unless the$e appea$s in the $e"o$# so(e fa"t o$ "i$"u(stan"e
of -eight an# influen"e -hi"h the t$ial "ou$t has ove$loo'e# o$ the signifi"an"e of -hi"h
it has (isapp$ehen#e# o$ (isinte$p$ete#. 5n the p$esent "ase, the fin#ings of the t$ial "ou$t
a$e a(pl+ suppo$te# .+ the evi#en"e. he "atego$i"al testi(on+ of San"he> positivel+
i#entif+ing a""use#)appellant as the pe$pet$ato$ of the "$i(e p$evails ove$ the a""use#)
appellants #efense of #enial an# ali.i. he Cou$t has $epeate#l+ $ule# that the #efense of
ali.i is al-a+s "onsi#e$e# -ith suspi"ion o$ "aution, not onl+ .e"ause it is inhe$entl+
-ea' an# un$elia.le .ut also .e"ause it "an .e fa.$i"ate# easil+ to suit the en#s of those
-ho p$opoun# it. *enial an# ali.i, if not su.stantiate# .+ "lea$ an# "onvin"ing evi#en"e,
a$e negative an# self)se$ving evi#en"e an# .ea$ no -eight in la-. Also, fo$ ali.i to
p$ospe$, it (ust .e sho-n that it -as ph+si"all+ i(possi.le fo$ the a""use#)appellant to
have .een at the s"ene of the "$i(e at the ti(e of its "o((ission.P3? he fa"t that
a""use#)appellant $epo$te# fo$ -o$' in 8avotas, =et$o =anila at eight o"lo"' in the
(o$ning on *e"e(.e$ ?, %&&8, seve$al hou$s afte$ the in"i#ent, #i# not at all negate the
possi.ilit+ that he "oul# have .een in Pangasinan at t-o o"lo"'P37 in the (o$ning
pe$pet$ating the "a$napping an# 'illing of #e 9u>(an. A""use#)appellants -ife Fale$iana
testifie# that he$ hus.an# left thei$ house in Co((on-ealth, Oue>on Cit+ at siG thi$t+
o"lo"' in the (o$ning of *e"e(.e$ ?, %&&8, the #a+ of the in"i#ent. he #istan"e f$o(
6$#aneta, Pangasinan (-he$e a""use#)appellant .oa$#e# a .us to =anilaP38 a$oun# th$ee
o"lo"' in the (o$ning) to Co((on-ealth Avenue (-he$e a""use#)appellant live#) is
app$oGi(atel+ 300 'ilo(ete$s, a #istan"e that "an easil+ .e "ove$e# in th$ee)an#)a)half
(3%K3) hou$s, espe"iall+ in the -ee hou$s of the (o$ning -hen t$affi" is eGt$e(el+ light.
he Cou$t fu$the$ affi$(e# the fin#ing of the t$ial "ou$t that "onspi$a"+ -as p$esent in the
"o((ission of the "$i(e. he unit+ in pu$pose an# #esign -as evi#ent in the eGe"ution of
the "$i(e! the t$i"+"le #$ive$ -as o$#e$e# to tu$n left at an alle+ f$o( the high-a+ .+
a""use#)appellantE =ontolo fi$e# at the #$ive$E Si#$o g$a..e# the #$ive$, tie# his han#s
an# pushe# hi( out of the t$i"+"leE *aniel an# a""use#)appellant .oth po'e# thei$ guns at
p$ose"ution -itness San"he> an# J$. Sa.u$in an# th$eatene# the(E *aniel #$ove the
t$i"+"le afte$ the #$ive$ -as left on the $oa#. Long)settle# is the $ule that in "onspi$a"+,
the a"t of one is the a"t of all. All a$e #ee(e# guilt+ of the "$i(e "o((itte# $ega$#less of
-ho fi$e# the fatal shot. he Cou$t affi$(e# the penalt+ i(pose# .+ the t$ial "ou$t .ut
gave a #iffe$ent 1ustifi"ation sin"e, a""o$#ing to the Cou$t, :ualifie# "a$napping is a "$i(e
against p$ope$t+, an# the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in app$e"iating t$ea"he$+ inas(u"h as the latte$
"an onl+ .e "onsi#e$e# in "$i(es against pe$sons.
]]]5 -on#e$ -h+ this "ase -as in"lu#e# un#e$ anti)"a$napping "atego$+, -he$e it shoul#
have .een un#e$ $ape. An+-a+, -e 1ust follo- the list.]]]
Repu.li" of the Philippines
S6PR4=4 C06R
=anila
F5RS *5F5S508
9.R. 8o. %3@033 Jul+ %%, 3003
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
2548F485*0 *4LA CR6M, a""use#)appellant.
FACS!
0n Jul+ @, %&&?, 5n info$(ation -as file# against a""use# 2ienveni#o #ela C$u> "ha$ging
hi( of the "$i(e of $ape allege#l+ "o((itte# on Jul+ 3, %&&? in Calu(pit, 2ula"an
against Jonal+n Du(ang, a (entall+ #efi"ient fe(ale. /hen Jonal+n -as p$esente# as its
fi$st -itness, the p$ose"ution sought to o.tain f$o( the t$ial "ou$t an o$#e$ fo$ the "on#u"t
of a ps+"hiat$i" eGa(ination on he$ pe$son to #ete$(ine he$ (ental an# ps+"hologi"al
"apa.ilit+ to testif+ in "ou$t. he pu$pose -as that shoul# he$ (ental "apa"it+ .e foun# to
.e .elo- no$(al, the p$ose"ution "oul# p$opoun# lea#ing :uestions to Jonal+n. the t$ial
"ou$t allo-e# the p$ose"uto$ to "on#u"t #i$e"t eGa(ination on J08ALD8 so that if in its
pe$"eption she -oul# appea$ to .e suffe$ing f$o( (ental #efi"ien"+, the p$ose"uto$ "oul#
.e pe$(itte# to as' lea#ing :uestions. J08ALD8 -as then (a#e to i#entif+ he$ signatu$e
in he$ s-o$n state(ent an# to i#entif+ the a""use#, an# -as as'e# a.out he$ pe$sonal
"i$"u(stan"es. he$eafte$, noti"ing that J08ALD8 ha# #iffi"ult+ in eGp$essing he$self,
the t$ial "ou$t #e"i#e# to suspen# the p$o"ee#ings to give the p$ose"ution suffi"ient ti(e
to "onfe$ -ith he$. *$. Ce"ilia ua>on, "on#u"te# ps+"hiat$i" eGa(ination on Jonal+n an#
sai# in he$ testi(on+ .efo$e the "ou$t that J08ALD8 -as a.le to $elate to he$ that she
(J08ALD8) -as app$oa"he# .+ a tall (an na(e# Jun)Jun -ho le# he$ to a house that
suppose#l+ .elonge# to he$ "ousin, an# that Jun)Jun #is$o.e# J08ALD8 an# $ape# he$
t-i"e. Afte$ sai# testi(on+, the t$ial "ou$t issue# an o$#e$ allo-ing lea#ing :uestions to
.e p$opoun#e# to J08ALD8 in a""o$#an"e -ith Se"tion %0("), Rule %33 of the Rules on
4vi#en"e. hus, J08ALD8 too' the -itness stan#. She again i#entifie# he$ signatu$e an#
that of he$ aunt on he$ Sinu(paang Sala+sa+. She also i#entifie# 2548F485*0 as the
pe$son against -ho( she file# a "o(plaint fo$ $ape. She #e"la$e# in open "ou$t that
2548F485*0 $ape# he$ t-i"e insi#e the house of a "e$tain =hel lo"ate# at 2a$anga+
9at.u"a, Calu(pit, 2ula"an. She state# that 2548F485*0 pla"e# hi(self on top of he$
an# inse$te# his p$ivate pa$t into he$ -o(anhoo#. he #efense assaile# the "o(peten"+
of Jonal+n as a -itness. 5t "lai(e# that J08ALD8As testi(on+, "onsi#e$ing he$ (ental
state, -as "oa"he# an# $ehea$se#. /o$se, she -as not onl+ as'e# lea#ing :uestions .ut
-as fe# legal an# fa"tual "on"lusions -hi"h she -as (a#e to a#(it as he$ o-n -hen the+
-e$e in fa"t those of the p$ose"ution. Afte$ the t$ial, the "ou$t "onvi"te# the a""use# of
the "$i(e of $ape. he t$ial "ou$t -as "onvin"e# that J08ALD8 -as a.le to sho- in he$
Bo-n pe"ulia$ -a+B that she -as in#ee# $ape# .+ 2548F485*0 on 3 Jul+ %&&?. Finall+,
the t$ial "ou$t $ule# that 2548F485*0As "ulpa.ilit+ -as fu$the$ .olste$e# .+ his "hoi"e
not to offe$ an+ evi#en"e fo$ his #efense #espite a(ple oppo$tunit+ to #o so. A""o$#ingl+,
it senten"e# hi( to suffe$ the penalt+ of $e"lusion pe$petua an# to pa+ J08ALD8 the
a(ount of P?0,000 .+ -a+ of "ivil in#e(nit+. 2ienveni#o appeale# his "ase to the
Sup$e(e Cou$t.
5SS64! %. /hethe$ the a""use# -as guilt+ of the "$i(e of $ape.
3. /hethe$ the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in "onvi"ting the a""use# .ase# on the testi(on+
of a (entall+)"hallenge# pe$son.
*4C5S508 0F <4 C06R!
he Cou$t tho$oughl+ #is"usse# the issue in sepa$ate #etails. Fi$st, the Cou$t hel# the
vali#it+ of the t$ial "ou$t;s "ogni>an"e of the "o(plaint file# .+ the vi"ti(. he Cou$t
fu$the$ sai# that a "o(plaint of the offen#e# pa$t+ o$ he$ $elatives is $e:ui$e# in "$i(es
against "hastit+ out of "onsi#e$ation fo$ the offen#e# -o(an an# he$ fa(il+, -ho (ight
p$efe$ to suffe$ the out$age in silen"e $athe$ than go th$ough -ith the s"an#al of a pu.li"
t$ial. he la- #ee(s it the -ise$ poli"+ to let the agg$ieve# -o(an an# he$ fa(il+ #e"i#e
-hethe$ to eGpose to pu.li" vie- o$ to heate# "ont$ove$sies in "ou$t the vi"es, fault, an#
#isg$a"eful a"ts o""u$$ing in the fa(il+. /ith $espe"t to the "o(peten"+ of Jonal+n as a
-itness, the Cou$t $ule# that the #ete$(ination of the "o(peten"e of -itnesses to testif+
$ests p$i(a$il+ -ith the t$ial 1u#ge -ho sees the( in the -itness stan# an# o.se$ves thei$
.ehavio$ o$ thei$ possession o$ la"' of intelligen"e, as -ell as thei$ un#e$stan#ing of the
o.ligation of an oath. 5t thus hel# that the p$ose"ution has p$ove# J08ALD8As
"o(peten"+ .+ the testi(on+ of *$. ua>on. he fin#ing of the t$ial "ou$t, as suppo$te#
.+ the testi(on+ of *$. ua>on that J08ALD8 ha# the un#e$stan#ing of an 8)+ea$)ol#
"hil#, #oes not o.viate the fa"t of he$ "o(peten"+. 5ts onl+ effe"t -as to "onsi#e$ he$
testi(on+ f$o( the point of vie- of an 8)+ea$)ol# (ino$. 4ven a (ental $eta$#ate is not,
pe$ se, #is:ualifie# f$o( .eing a -itness. J08ALD8, -ho (a+ .e "onsi#e$e# as a (ental
$eta$#ate .ut -ith the a.ilit+ to (a'e he$ pe$"eptions 'no-n to othe$s, is a "o(petent
-itness un#e$ Se"tion 30 of Rule %30 of the Rules on 4vi#en"e. Jonal+n, as eGpoun#e#
.+ the Cou$t, -as also a "$e#i.le -itness. he Cou$t sai# that she "oul# not have
fa.$i"ate# o$ "on"o"te# he$ "ha$ge against 2548F485*0. his "on"lusion is
st$engthene# .+ the fa"t that no i(p$ope$ (otive -as sho-n .+ the #efense as to -h+
J08ALD8 -oul# file a "ase o$ falsel+ testif+ against 2548F485*0. A $ape vi"ti(As
testi(on+ as to -ho a.use# he$ is "$e#i.le -he$e she has a.solutel+ no (otive to
in"$i(inate an# testif+ against the a""use#.33 5t has .een hel# that no -o(an, espe"iall+
one of ten#e$ age, -oul# "on"o"t a sto$+ of #eflo$ation, allo- an eGa(ination of he$
p$ivate pa$ts, an# the$eafte$ pe$(it he$self to .e su.1e"te# to a pu.li" t$ial if she is not
(otivate# solel+ .+ the #esi$e to have the "ulp$it app$ehen#e# an# punishe#. he Cou$t
thus hel# that the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t -as "o$$e"t in "onvi"ting the a""use# of $ape
.ut (o#ifie# that a(ount of #a(ages a-a$#e# to the vi"ti(.
Repu.li" of the Philippines
S6PR4=4 C06R
=anila
<5R* *5F5S508
9.R. 8o. %3&333 June ?, 300%
P40PL4 0F <4 P<5L5PP584S, plaintiff)appellee,
vs.
CARL0 4LLAS0S D =A6R5C50 AL5AS BR0==4LB an# S088D 025LL0 D
9A8AD0, a""use#.
S088D 025LL0 D 9A8AD0, a""use#)appellant.
FACS!
0n Ap$il 3, %&&3, in San Jose Cit+, 8ueva 4"i1a, Ca$lo 4llasos alias Ro((el an# Sonn+
0.illo too' an# "a$$ie# a-a+ a (oto$ t$i"+"le -ith Plate 8o. CF)%37@ o-ne# .+ an#
.elonging to =iguel #e 2elen, against the -ill of the latte$. 0n the o""asion the$eof an#
fo$ the pu$poses of ena.ling the( to ta'e an# "a$$+ a-a+ the (oto$ t$i"+"le a.ove
(entione#, the a""use#, in pu$suan"e of thei$ "onspi$a"+, -ith evi#ent p$e(e#itation, an#
ta'ing a#vantage of thei$ supe$io$ st$ength an# -ith intent to 'ill, t$ea"he$ousl+ atta"',
assault an# shoot the afo$esai# =iguel #e 2elen -ith an unli"ense# fi$ea$(, the$e.+
infli"ting -oun#s upon the latte$ -hi"h "ause# his instantaneous #eath. 0n Ap$il 3, %&&3,
PKLt. Agustin of the =uWo> Poli"e Station "alle# SP03 4#ga$#o Santos .+ telephone to
info$( the San Jose Cit+ Poli"e Station that the Pp$o.a.leQ suspe"ts in the 'illing of a
t$i"+"le #$ive$ at a+a.o, San Jose Cit+ -e$e in the vi"init+ of the 5glesia 8i C$isto "hapel
at =uWo>, 8ueva 4"i1a. =iniste$ Jai(e *ionisio tu$ne# ove$ to the( the pe$sons of
Sonn+ 0.illo an# Ca$lo 4llasos togethe$ -ith a .38 "ali.e$ $evolve$ palti' -ith t-o (3)
live a((unitions. he+ .$ought Sonn+ 0.illo an# Ca$lo 4llasos to the =uWo> Poli"e
Station, then late$ on to the San Jose Cit+ Poli"e Station -he$e the+ en#o$se# sai#
pe$sons to the 5nvestigato$. 0n =a+ 30, %&&3, a""use# Ca$lo 4llasos alias Ro((el an#
Sonn+ 0.illo -e$e "ha$ge# -ith the "$i(e of violation of R.A. ?@3& o$ the Anti)
Ca$napping A"t, -ith <o(i"i#e in an 5nfo$(ation. 0n Jul+ 3%, %&&3, Sonn+ 0.illo -as
a$$aigne# an# plea#e# not guilt+ to the "ha$ges. $ial p$o"ee#e# against hi(. Ca$lo
4llasos es"ape# f$o( the 1ail .efo$e a$$aign(ent an# -as onl+ a$$este# fou$ (4) +ea$s
the$eafte$ -hen the p$ose"ution ha# al$ea#+ $este# its "ase. 4llasos -as the$eafte$
a$$aigne# an# plea#e# not guilt+ to the "ha$ges. /hile the "ounsel of 4llasos -as still
$evie-ing the evi#en"e p$esente# .+ the p$ose"ution against 0.illo, 4llasos -as
"onvi"te# of anothe$ "$i(e of $o..e$+ .+ the RC of RoGas, 5sa.ela, 2$an"h 33, in
C$i(inal Case 8o. 33)?@4, an# -as "o((itte# to the 8e- 2ili.i# P$ison in =untinlupa.
A""use# Sonn+ 0.illo too' the -itness stan#, afte$ -hi"h the #efense $este# its "ase. 0n
Jul+ %0, %&&7, the lo-e$ "ou$t issue# an 0$#e$ sepa$ating the t$ial of the "ase against the
t-o a""use#, an# t$ansfe$$ing the t$ial of the "ase against Ca$lo 4llasos to the RC of
=untinlupa -hile (aintaining that against Sonn+ 0.illo in the RC of San Jose Cit+.
*u$ing the t$ial, fo$ his pa$t, a""use#)appellant Sonn+ 0.illo inte$pose# the #efense of
#enial, "lai(ing that he ha# no pa$ti"ipation in the 'illing an# -as #$un' that night that;s
-h+ he fell asleep in f$ont of the "o(poun# of 5glesia ni C$isto. Afte$ t$ial, the lo-e$
"ou$t $en#e$e# a #e"ision fin#ing the a""use# guilt+ of the "$i(e of Ca$napping -ith
<o(i"i#e an# -e$e senten"e# to suffe$ the penalt+ of $e"lusion pe$petua plus #a(ages.
0nl+ a""use# Sonn+ 0.illo file# an appeal to the Sup$e(e Cou$t.
5SS64! %. /hethe$ the ele(ents of the "$i(e of Ca$napping -ith <o(i"i#e a$e
p$esent in the "ase.
3. /hethe$ the a""use# "an .e "onvi"te# on the .asis of "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e.
3. /hethe$ the #e"ision an# penalt+ i(pose# .+ the t$ial "ou$t -e$e "o$$e"t.
*4C5S508 0F <4 C06R!
he Cou$t "o$$e"te# an e$$o$ (a#e .+ the t$ial "ou$t 1u#ge eGpoun#ing that at the outset,
it (ust .e pointe# out that the t$ial 1u#ge g$avel+ e$$e# in $en#e$ing a 1u#g(ent of
"onvi"tion against .oth a""use# Sonn+ 0.illo an# Ca$lo 4llasos, #espite the fa"t that he
ha# o$#e$e# a sepa$ate t$ial of the "ase against the(, an# t$ansfe$$e# the t$ial of a""use#
4llasos to the RC of =untinlupa. <en"e, sin"e the t$ial of 4llasos #i# not ta'e pla"e the
t$ial "ou$t shoul# have $en#e$e# a #e"ision onl+ against Sonn+ 0.illo. he Cou$t foun#
that the ele(ent of intent to gain -as p$esent in the "$i(e "o((itte#. he Cou$t sai# that
intent to gain, o$ ani(us lu"$an#i, as an ele(ent of the "$i(e of "a$napping, is an inte$nal
a"t an# hen"e p$esu(e# f$o( the unla-ful ta'ing of the vehi"le. 6nla-ful ta'ing, o$
apo#e$a(iento, is the ta'ing of the vehi"le -ithout the "onsent of the o-ne$, o$ .+ (eans
of violen"e against o$ inti(i#ation of pe$sons, o$ .+ using fo$"e upon thingsE it is #ee(e#
"o(plete f$o( the (o(ent the offen#e$ gains possession of the thing, even if he has no
oppo$tunit+ to #ispose of the sa(e. he "hain of p$oven "i$"u(stan"es lea#s to the
logi"al "on"lusion that the t$i"+"le -as unla-full+ ta'en .+ the t-o a""use# f$o( its
o-ne$, =iguel #e 2elen, an# the latte$ -as 'ille# on the o""asion the$eof. =iguel -as
last seen -ith the t-o a""use#E th$ee hou$s late$, the t-o -e$e again spotte# $i#ing the
t$i"+"le -ithout =iguel. he follo-ing (o$ning, the t-o a""use# -e$e foun# in
possession of a -heel of the t$i"+"le. Su"h possession, -hi"h $e(aine# -ithout an+
satisfa"to$+ eGplanation, $aises the p$esu(ption that the t-o a""use# autho$e# the
"a$napping. his possession, the Cou$t sai#, -as un$e.utte#.
0n the issue of "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e, the Cou$t, in its $uling, sai# that on the (atte$ of
"onvi"tion of the a""use# .ase# on "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e, the follo-ing $e:uisites nee#
to .e satisfie#! (%) the$e (ust .e (o$e than one "i$"u(stan"eE (3) the fa"ts f$o( -hi"h
the infe$en"es a$e #e$ive# a$e p$ovenE an# (3) the "o(.ination of all the "i$"u(stan"es is
su"h as to p$o#u"e a "onvi"tion .e+on# a $easona.le #ou.t. 0$, as 1u$isp$u#entiall+
fo$(ulate#, a 1u#g(ent of "onvi"tion .ase# on "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e "an .e uphel#
onl+ if the "i$"u(stan"es p$oven "onstitute Ban un.$o'en "hain -hi"h lea#s to one fai$
an# $easona.le "on"lusion -hi"h points to the #efen#ant, to the eG"lusion of all othe$s, as
the guilt+ pe$son, i.e. the "i$"u(stan"es p$ove# (ust .e "onsistent -ith ea"h othe$,
"onsistent -ith the h+pothesis that the a""use# is guilt+, an# at the sa(e ti(e in"onsistent
-ith an+ othe$ h+pothesis eG"ept that of guilt+.B he Cou$t eGplaine# that a "a$eful
pe$usal of the t$ans"$ipt of the testi(onies of -itnesses fo$ .oth the p$ose"ution an# the
#efense sho-e# a#e:uate evi#entia$+ .ases to esta.lish the afo$e(entione#
"i$"u(stan"es. he un.$o'en "hain of these p$oven "i$"u(stan"es inevita.l+ point to
onl+ one "on"lusion))that the a""use# 0.illo an# 4llasos a$e guilt+ of unla-full+ ta'ing
the t$i"+"le f$o( its o-ne$, =iguel #e 2elen, an# of 'illing the latte$. his Cou$t has hel#
that BPiQn the a.sen"e of an eGplanation of ho- one has "o(e into the possession of stolen
effe"ts .elonging to a pe$son -oun#e# an# t$ea"he$ousl+ 'ille#, he (ust ne"essa$il+ .e
"onsi#e$e# the autho$ of the agg$ession an# #eath of the sai# pe$son an# of the $o..e$+
"o((itte# on hi(.B hus, the Cou$t hel# that the t$ial "ou$t "o((itte# no e$$o$ in
"onvi"ting the a""use# .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t on the .asis of "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e.
5n "onne"tion -ith the penalt+ i(pose#, the Cou$tEs attention -as invite# .+ the
e$$oneous i(position .+ the t$ial "ou$t of the penalt+ of Re"lusion Pe$petua upon the
a""use#. Se"tion %4 of R.A. ?@3& p$ovi#es fo$ the penalt+ fo$ Ca$napping -hi"h is Life
5(p$ison(ent to #eath if the "$i(e is :ualifie#. his -as a(en#e# .+ R.A. 7?@&, o$ the
*eath Penalt+ La-, -hi"h too' effe"t on *e"e(.e$ 3%, %&&3, the$e.+ "hanging the
penalt+ "ontaine# in the last "lause to $ea#! Ban# the penalt+ of $e"lusion pe$petua to
#eath shall .e i(pose# -hen the o-ne$, #$ive$ o$ o""upant of the "a$nappe# (oto$
vehi"le is 'ille# o$ $ape# in the "ou$se of the "o((ission of the "a$napping o$ on the
o""asion the$eofB. he "$i(e -as "o((itte# .efo$e the effe"tivit+ of R.A. 7?@&.
he$efo$e, -e have to appl+ the o$iginal p$ovision p$es"$i.ing the penalt+ of Blife
i(p$ison(ent to #eathB -he$e the Bo-ne$, #$ive$ o$ o""upant of the "a$nappe# (oto$
vehi"le is 'ille# in the "o((ission of the "a$nappingB. As the$e is no agg$avating
"i$"u(stan"e p$esent in this "ase, the (aGi(u( penalt+ i(posa.le fo$ the "$i(e is life
i(p$ison(ent. <en"e, the t$ial "ou$t e$$e# in i(posing the penalt+ of $e"lusion pe$petua.
i(e an# again, the Cou$t have e(phasi>e# that life i(p$ison(ent is not s+non+(ous to
$e"lusion pe$petua. 6nli'e life i(p$ison(ent, $e"lusion pe$petua "a$$ies -ith it a""esso$+
penalties p$ovi#e# in the Revise# Penal Co#e an# has a #efinite eGtent an# #u$ation. Life
i(p$ison(ent is inva$ia.l+ i(pose# fo$ se$ious offenses penali>e# .+ spe"ial la-s, -hile
$e"lusion pe$petua is p$es"$i.e# in a""o$#an"e -ith the Revise# Penal Co#e. he Cou$t
affi$(e# the #e"ision of the lo-e$ "ou$t -ith (o#ifi"ation -ith $espe"t to Sonn+ 0.illo.
he 1u#g(ent "onvi"ting 4llasos -as set asi#e an# $e(an#e# to the RC of =untinlupa
to initiate the ne"essa$+ p$o"ee#ings.
"er4ado
AN)!#CANAPP!NG LA> EA 6-57F
9R 8o. %3?3?8 , Septe(.e$ %4, 3000
People of the Philippines, plaintiff)appelle vs
Johnn+ Cala.$oso, Sonn+ 2o+ =atos, Ri"ha$# Sata
an# Leona$#o *u($i:ue, a""use#)appellants
*AC)SA 0n the evening of =a+ %&, %&&4 at Cent$o, 2a$anga+ 8uesa,
RoGas 5sa.ela, fou$ (4) (en late$ i#entifie# as Johnn+ Cala.$oso, Sonn+ 2o+ =atos,
Ri"ha$# Sata an# Leona$# *u($i:ue, flagge# #o-n an# .oa$#e# a t$i"+"le #$iven .+
$an:uilino 8a"na". he follo-ing (o$ning, 8a"na" -as foun# #ea# in 9a.it, 2a$anga+
8uesa. <e .o$e t-ent+)t-o (33) sta. -oun#s on the hea#, to$so an# uppe$ li(.s. Poli"e
autho$ities $et$ieve# the si#e"a$ of the t$i"+"le -ith #$ie# .loo#, -allet "ontaining #$ive$s
li"ense, 5* pi"tu$e an# "e$tifi"ate of $egist$ation of t$i"+"le .elonging to $an:uilino
8a"na". 5nvestigation $eveals that the fou$ a""use#)appellants .oa$#e# the t$i"+"le #$iven
.+ the vi"ti( an# upon $ea"hing thei$ #estination a heate# a$gu(ent a$ouse .et-een
a""use# *u($i:ue an# the vi"ti( -hi"h $esulte# to a fist fight. Fi"ti( allege#l+ #$a- a
.la#e# -eapon -hi"h eventuall+ g$a..e# .+ Cala.$oso an# sta..e# 8a"na" seve$al ti(es
#espite the effo$t of a""use# =atos to pa"if+ Cala.$oso -hile a""use# Sata -as seate#
insi#e the t$i"+"le an# -as stunne# .+ the in"i#ent. he$eafte$, *u($i:ue sta$te# the
engine of the t$i"+"le -hile Cala.$oso pulle# =atos an# 1oine# Sata insi#e the t$i"+"le.
All fou$ "o(panions fle# to Ciangan, 5fugao, leaving the .loo#ie# 8a"na".
0n =a$"h %@, %&&?, the t$ial "ou$t foun# all fou$(4) a""use# guilt+ of
"a$napping an# senten"e# the( to life i(p$ison(ent, to pa+ the "osts, an# $e:ui$e# the
poli"e of RoGas, 5sa.ela, to $etu$n the t$i"+"le to the -i#o- of 8a"na". As $ega$#s the
"ha$ge of $o..e$+ -ith ho(i"i#e, onl+ Johnn+ Cala.$oso an# Leona$#o *u($i:ue -e$e
foun# guilt+ the$eof fo$ -hi"h the+ -e$e senten"e# to $e"lusion pe$petua an# to
in#e(nif+ the hei$s of 8a"na" in the a(ount of @0,000.00 php -ithout su.si#ia$+
i(p$ison(ent in "ase of insolven"+ an# to pa+ the "osts. he "ou$t a":uitte# a"uuse#
Ri"ha$# Sata an# Sonn+ 2o+ =atos.
A""use#)appellants assail the t$ial "ou$t fo$ "on"lu#ing that the+ "onspi$e#
in "a$napping the t$i"+"le of the vi"ti(. he+ asse$t that thei$ in#ivi#ual pa$ti"ipations
-e$e #istin"t f$o( ea"h othe$. =o$eove$, the+ allege that the+ use# the t$i"+"le onl+ as a
geta-a+ vehi"le, -ithout intent to gain, go$ -hen the+ $ea"he# Ciangan the follo-ing
(o$ning the+ inten#e# to su$$en#e$ it, as the+ #i#, to the poli"e.
!SS$%A /hethe$ a""use#)appellants "onspi$e# -ith ea"h othe$ fo$ the
"o((ission of the "$i(e of "a$napping as p$ovi#e# fo$ un#e$ RA ?@3&.
'%LDA Ca$napping is #efine# in Se". 3 pa$. 3 RA ?@3&, as the ta'ing, -ith
intent to gain, of a (oto$ vehi"le .elonging to anothe$ -ithout the latte$;s "onsent, o$ .+
(eans of violen"e against o$ inti(i#ation of pe$sons o$ .+ using fo$"e upon things. he
ele(ents of "a$napping the$efo$e a$e ! (a) the ta'ing of a (oto$ vehi"le -hi"h .elongs to
anothe$E (.) the ta'ing is -ithout the "onsent of the o-ne$ o$ .+ using fo$"e upon thingsE
an# (") the ta'ing is #one -ith intent to gain.
/hen Cala.$oso, =atos an# *u($u:ue 1oine# Sata insi#e the t$i"+"le an#
fle# to-a$#s Ciangan afte$ 8a"na" -as sta..e# the+ pe$fo$(e# -ell)"oo$#inate# a"ts
in#i"taing a "o((on pu$pose to steal the vehi"le. Cosnpi$a"+ is also infe$$e# not onl+
f$o( thei$ "on#u"t .efo$e an# #u$ing the "o((ission of the "$i(e .ut also the$eafte$,
sho-ing that the+ a"te# in unison -ith ea"h othe$. Cala.$oso, *u($i:ue an# Sata
p$o"ee#e# to 8ueva 4"i1a to #ispose of the (oto$"+"le. =atos sta+e# .ehin# as his
"o(panions p$o(ise# to pi"' hi( up late$. As p$o(ise#, the+ $etu$ne# to Ciangan still
-ith the vehi"le. Conspi$a"+ having .een p$oven, a""use#)appellants a$e e:uall+ lia.le
fo$ "a$napping the t$i"+"le of 8a"na".
/he$efo$e, the #e"ision appeale# f$o( fin#ing a""use#)appellants Johnn+
Cala.$oso, Sonn+ 2o+ =atos, Ri"1a$# Sata an# Leona$#o *un$i:ue guilt+ .e+on#
$easona.le of "a$napping is AFF5R=4* su.1e"t to the =0*5F5CA508 that the
in#ete$(inate p$ison te$( i(pose# is fou$teen (%4) +ea$s, eight (8) (onths an# ten (%0)
#a+s as (ini(u(, to fifteen (%@) +ea$s, fou$ (4) (onths an# t-ent+ (30) #a+s as
(aGi(u(.
AN)!#CANAPP!NG LA> EA 6-57F
9R 8o. %30@&4 , Jul+ @, 3000
People of the Philippines, plaintiff)appelle vs
A'a(a# Si$a#, 0$lie Sultan + =as#al, an# Sal' A(ino + Lugeo(an, a""use#,
0$lie Sultan + =as#al an# Sali' A(ino + Lugeo(an, a""use#)appellants
*AC)SA At a.out &!00 a( of Fe.$ua$+ 4, %&&3, =a$tillano Lo>ano -hile
pi"'ing "otton at "otton fa$( in Sito Ca.ua+ , 2a$anga+ Sina-al, 9ene$al Santos Cit+,
sa- his "ousin, he$ein vi"ti(, 9eo$ge Lo>ano pass .+ $i#ing his $e# Ca-asa'i
(oto$"+"le -ith the .$ea# .oG atta"he# at its si#e. At a$oun# %3!00 noon he again sa- the
$e# (oto$"+"le pass .+, .ut this ti(e -as not 9eo$ge -ho -as $i#ing the (oto$"+"le .ut
th$ee (en an# the .$ea# .oG -as no longe$ atta"he# to the (oto$"+"le. Rita Pino, a "o)
-o$'e$ of =a$tillano Lo>ano at the "otton fa$( also sa- the $e# Ca-asa'i (oto$"+"le
pass .+ the "otton fa$( at a$oun# noon of Fe.$ua$+ 4, %&&3, #$iven .+ a""use#)appellant
A'(a# Si$a# -ith the othe$ a""use#)appellants 0$lie Sultan an# Sali' A(ino $i#ing at
the .a"'. At a$oun# %0!00 p(, the g$oup of =a$tillano Lo>ano fou(# the .o#+ of
9eo$ge Lo>ano at the $an"h of 2e$na$#ino Lo>ano, app$oGi(atel+ th$ee 'ete$s a-a+ f$o(
the $oa# going to 2a$anga+ Sina-al. he .o#+ of 9eo$ge Lo>ano -as l+ing on its si#e
-ith la"e$ations on the sto(a"h an# the intestines spille# out. <is fa"e an# .o#+ .o$e
"ontusions an# the (oto$"+"le he -as #$iving -as (issing. 0pe$ation -as "on#u"te# .+
Poli"e *o(anta+ -hi"h $esulte# to the a$$est of A'(a# Si$a# an# 0$lie Sultan -hile
.oa$#e# on the $e# Ca-asa'i (oto$"+"le o-ne# .+ vi"ti( 9eo$ge Lo>ano. Su.se:uentl+,
a""use#)appellant Sali' A(ino -as also a$$este#. /itnesses Rita Pino an# =a$tillano
Lo>ano positivel+ i#entifie# the a""use# as the pe$sons the+ sa- $i#ing the (oto$"+"le of
9eo$ge lo>ano0 on Fe.$ua$+ 4, %&&3 -hile it -as passing .+ the "otton fa$(.
Regional $ial Cou$t in its #e"ision, fin#ing a""use#)appellants guilt+ of
"a$napping -ith ho(i"i#e.
!SS$%A /hethe$ "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e suffi"e# to sustain a 1u#g(ent of
"onvi"tion against the appellants.
'%LDA he issue is -hat is the :uantu( of "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e that
-ill .e suffi"ient to "onvi"t the a""use#)appellants. 0n (an+ o""asions $ule# that
"i$"u(stantial evi#en"e -oul# suffi"e -hen, (%) the$e is (o$e than one "i$"u(stan"eE (3)
the fa"ts f$o( -hi"h the infe$en"es a$e #e$ive# a$e p$ovenE (3) the "o(.ination of all the
"i$"u(stan"es is su"h as to p$o#u"e a "onvi"tion .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t. he
pe"ulia$it+ of "i$"u(stantial evi#en"e is that the guilt of the a""use# "annot .e #e#u"e#
f$o( s"$utini>ing 1ust one pa$ti"ula$ pie"e of evi#en"e. 5t is (o$e li'e -eaving a tapest$+
of events that -ill "ul(inate in a "lea$ pi"tu$e that -ill $eveal a "onvin"ing s"ena$io
pointing to-a$#s the a""use# as the autho$ of the "$i(e.
5t is, ho-eve$, ne"essa$+ to "o$$e"t the e$$o$ of the t$ial "ou$t in "onvi"ting
the a""use# of the "$i(e of "a$napping -ith ho(i"i#e. *u$ing the "o((ission of the
"$i(e, -hi"h -as on Fe.$ua$+ 4, %&&3, the$e -as no "$i(e #eno(inate# as "a$napping
-ith ho(i"i#e. he p$ope$ #eno(ination fo$ the "$i(e is "a$napping as #efine# an#
penali>e# un#e$ RA ?@3&, Se"tions 3 an# %4. 6n#e$ this p$ovision, the penalt+ fo$
"a$napping in "ase the o-ne$, #$ive$, o""upant of the "a$nappe# (oto$ vehi"le is 'ille# in
the "ou$se of the "o((ission of the "a$napping shall .e $e"lusion pe$petua to #eath.
Consi#e$ing that the ti(e of the "o((ission of the "$i(e the #eath penalt+ -as
suspen#e#, a""use# a$e he$e.+ senten"e# to $e"lusion pe$petua.
5n vie- -he$efo$e, AFF5R=4* -ith =0*5F5CA508 the #e"ision of the
Regional $ial Cou$t, 2$an"h 33, 9ene$al Santos Cit+, in C$i(inal Case 8o. 83?@ an#
fin# a""use#)appellants 0$lie Sultan an# Sali' A(ino guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of
"a$napping #efine# an# penali>e# un#e$ RA ?@3&, Se"tion %4 an# senten"e ea"h of the(
to $e"lusion pe$petua.
AN)!#CANAPP!NG LA> EA 6-57F
9R 8o. %3@&04 , Janua$+ 3%, 3000
People of the Philippines, plaintiff)appelle vs
Alvin an + Laga(a+o, a""use#)appellant
*AC)SA 0n 8ove(.e$ 7, %&&3, Alvin an a$$ive# at Philip See $esi#en"e.
Alvin (a#e 'no-n to Philip his intention to .u+ the latte$;s "a$ an# -ante# to test)#$ive
it. 0n the a""ount of thei$ f$ien#ship an# .elieving that Alvin;s assu$an"e that he -oul#
$etu$n the "a$ afte$ he shall have test #$ive it. Philip sta$te# to "all an# loo' fo$ Alvin at
the latte$;s offi"e an# $esi#en"e fo$ failu$e to $etu$n the "a$ afte$ the suppose# test #$ive
-hi"h p$oves futile. =ean-hile, so(eti(e on =a$"h @, %&&3, -ith the assistan"e of so(e
pe$sonnel of the Lan# $anspo$tation 0ffi"e (L0). Philip -as a.le to "ause the "a$;s
%&&3 $ene-al $egist$ation in the a.sen"e of the vehi"le an# he -as issue# the
"o$$espon#ing offi"ial $e"eipt. So(eti(e on =a+ %&, %&&3, Philip again t$ie# to see Alvin
at his pla"e at Roosevelt. Again Philip faile# to see Alvin .ut info$(e# .+ Alvin;s
e(plo+ee that the su.1e"t "a$;s -he$e a.out. Philip p$o"ee#e# at the -a$ehouse -he$e the
"a$ -as pa$'e# an# upon a$$ival the$eat, to his sho"' an# su$p$ise#, he sa- that pa$ts of
the "a$ li'e the .u(pe$, a #oo$ an# seve$al inte$io$ a""esso$ies, ha# .een #is(antle# an#
-e$e al$ea#+ (issing. Still failing to $e"ove$ his "a$, Philip on June 3, %&&3, fo$(all+
lo#ge a "o(plaint fo$ "a$napping against Alvin an .efo$e the OC poli"e station. 0n the
othe$ han#, an asse$te# that Philip See file# "o(plaint to pu$posel+ "olle"t a #e.t f$o(
hi( an# -ittingl+ use the "ou$t as "olle"ting agent.
/he$efo$e, the t$ial "ou$t fin#s a""use# Alvin an + Laga(a+o guilt+
.e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of the "$i(e of "a$napping "ha$ge# he$ein, #efine# an#
punishe# in Se". 3, in "onne"tion -ith Se". %4, .oth of RA ?@3&. he #e"ision -as
affi$(e# .+ Cou$t of Appeals.
!SS$%A /hethe$ the failu$e of the a""use# Alvin an to $etu$n the su.1e"t
vehi"le "o((itte# the "$i(e of "a$napping as p$ovi#e# fo$ un#e$ RA ?@3&.
'%LDA Anti)"a$napping la- pa$ti"ula$l+ #eals -ith the theft an# $o..e$+
of (oto$ vehi"les. <en"e, a (oto$ vehi"le is sai# to have .een "a$nappe# -hen it has
.een ta'en, -ith intent to gain, -ithout the o-ne$;s "onsent, -hethe$ the ta'ing -as #one
-ith o$ -ithout violen"e o$ inti(i#ation of pe$sons o$ -ith o$ -ithout the use of fo$"e
upon things. he Cou$t fin#s that the$e -as no unla-ful ta'ing. he felonious ta'ing (a+
.e #efine# as the a"t of #ep$iving anothe$ of the possession an# #o(inion of (ova.le
p$ope$t+ -ithout his p$ivit+ an# "onsent an# -ithout ani(us $eve$ten#i. hus, an
unla-ful ta'ing ta'es pla"e -hen the o-ne$ of 1u$i#i"al possesso$ #oes not give his
"onsent to the ta'ingE o$, if the "onsent -as given, it -as vitiate#E o$ in the "ase of RoGas,
$ini#a# an# *e Fe$a, -he$e an a"t .+ the $e"eive$ soon afte$ the a"tual t$ansfe$ of
possession "onstitutes unla-ful ta'ing. 5n the last s"ena$io, the $e"eive$;s a"t "oul# .e
"onsi#e$e# as having .een eGe"ute# -ithout the "onsent of the give$. Philip See;s
testi(on+ "lea$l+ evin"e# his assent to an;s ta'ing of the "a$ not onl+ at the ti(e he
+iel#e# the ph+si"al possession the$eof fo$ the allege# test)#$iving .ut even the$eafte$, fo$
he neithe$ -ithhel# his "onsent no$ -ith#$e- the sa(e #u$ing the seven (onth pe$io# the
"a$ -as -ith an. At the ve$+ least, See tole$ate# an;s possession of the "a$. A "ont$a$+
"on"lusion inspi$es onl+ #is.elief. Fo$ if the "a$ -as t$ul+ "a$nappe#, -h+ #i# See -ait
fo$ seven (onths .efo$e he $epo$te# the sa(e7 Fu$the$, an;s allege# $efusal to (eet See
#espite his $epeate# atte(pts to #o so shoul# have suffi"ientl+ ale$te# hi( of the fo$(e$;s
suppose# (alevolent intent, +et he still #i# not $epo$t the ta'ing. 4ven if he faile# to
$epo$t the ta'ing, (onths afte$ the allege# test)#$iving, he ha# allege#l+ seen his "a$ in
the initial stages of #is(e(.e$(ent on =a+ %&, %&&3 +et, again, he #i# not $epo$t the
"a$napping on that #a+ no$ on the neGt, .ut (u"h late$ on June 7, %&&3 o$ al(ost a (onth
the$eafte$.
/he$efo$e, in vie- of all the fo$egoing, the he$ein i(pugne# June 3&,
%&&8 #e"ision an# 0"to.e$ ?, %&&8 $esolution of the Cou$t of Appeals affi$(ing the t$ial
"ou$t;s 1u#g(ent "onvi"ting a""use#)appellant Alvin an of violation of the Anti)
"a$napping A"t of %&73 a$e he$e.+ Reve$se# an# set asi#eE a ne- 1u#g(ent is ente$e#
A":uiting sai# a""use#)appellant on g$oun# of $easona.le #ou.t.
AN)!#*%NC!NG LA> EPD +6+0F
9R 8o. %4?@84 , June %3, 3004
4$nesto F$an"is"o + Speno"illa, petitione$ vs
People of the Philippines, $espon#ent
*AC)SA Jovita Ro#$igue>, engage# in .usiness as a gene$al "ont$a"to$
un#e$ the .usiness na(e J.C. Ro#$igue> Cont$a"to$s. =a"a$io Linghon -as one of he$
-o$'e$s. Jovita a":ui$e# seve$al pie"es of 1e-el$+ -hi"h -e$e pla"e# insi#e a lo"'e#
"a.inet in a lo"'e# $oo( in thei$ (ain house. Jovita hi$e# Pa"ita Linghon, =a"a$io;s
siste$ so(eti(e in Fe.$ua$+ %&8&. Pa"ita s-ept an# "leane# the $oo( pe$io#i"all+.
So(eti(e in =a+ %&&%, she left the e(plo+ of the Ro#$igue> fa(il+. So(eti(e on
0"to.e$ an# 8ove(.e$ %&&%, $espe"tivel+, "onta"te# =a"a$io an# as'e# hi( to sell
pie"es of 1e-el$+. =a"a$io then -ent to the shop of 4$nesto I4$ningJ F$an"is"o -ho is
engage# in pu$"hasing gol# an# othe$ 1e-el$+. So(eti(e in 8ove(.e$ %&&%, Jovita -as
sho"'e# upon lea$ning that the lo"'e# "a.inet "ontaining he$ seve$al 1e-el$+ -as open
an# foun# that the .oG -as e(pt+. She noti"e# that the lo"' to the "a.inet -as not
.$o'en. She suspe"te# that it -as Pa"ita -ho stole he$ 1e-el$+ . 0n August %&, %&&3,
Jovita file# a "o(plaint fo$ theft against Pa"ita an# he$ (othe$ A#o$a"ion Linghon. 0n
august 33, %&&3, Pa"ita gave s-o$n state(ent to P0% Rol#an, a#(itting that she sol#
onepai$ of hea$t)shape# #ia(on# $ing, an# $ing -ith .ig an# s(all stones to (ang 4$ning
of =a+"ua+an 2ula"an fo$ a total p$i"e of @0,000. Php. Pa"ita togethe$ -ith poli"e
offi"e$s an# p$o"ee#e# on the pla"e of 4$nesto F$an"is"o -ho -as upon a$$ival the$eat
positivel+ pointe# the latte$ as the I=ang 4$ningJ -ho ha# pu$"hase# the 1e-el$+ f$o(
he$. A""o$#ing to Pa"ita, she foun# the 1e-el$+ .elongings to Jovita -hile she -as
"leaning the $oo( in the house, an# that she .$ought the 1e-el$+ at ho(e. 0n June 33, an
info$(ation -as file# .+ the P$ovin"ial P$ose"uto$ -ith the RC "ha$ging the petitione$
-ith violating P* %?%3.
$ial "ou$t foun# Pa"ita Linghon guilt+ of theft an# A#o$a"ion Linghon
guilt+ of fen"ing un#e$ P* %?%3, .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t. /hile he$ein petitione$ -as
foun# guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of violation of P* %?%3 (Anti)Fen"ing La-).
Petitione$ asse$ts that the p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove his guilt fo$ the "$i(e
"ha$ge# .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t. <e #enie# an+ t$ansa"tion against Pa"ita an# =a"a$io
$ega$#ing the su.1e"t 1e-el$+.
!SS$%A /hethe$ petitione$ 4$nesto F$an"is"o pe$fo$( all the ele(ents of
the "$i(e of fen"ing un#e$ P* %?%3 -hi"h -ill p$ove his guilt .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
'%LDA he petition is (e$ito$ious. he essential ele(ents of the "$i(e of
fen"ing a$e as follo-s! (%) a "$i(e of $o..e$+ o$ theft has .een "o((itte#E (3) the
a""use#, -ho is not a p$in"ipal o$ a""o(pli"e in the "o((ission of the "$i(e of $o..e$+
o$ theft, .u+s, $e"eives, possesses, 'eeps, a":ui$es, "on"eals, sells o$ #isposes, o$ .u+s
an# sells, o$ in an+ (anne$ #eals in an+ a$ti"le, ite(, o.1e"to$ an+thing of value -hi"h
has .een #e$ive# f$o( the p$o"ee#s of the "$i(e of $o..e$+ o$ theftE (3) the a""use# 'ne-
o$ shoul# have sho-n that the sai# a$ti"le, ite(, o.1e"t o$ an+thing of value has .een
#e$ive# f$o( the p$o"ee#s of the "$i(e of $o..e$+ o$ theftE an# (4) the$e is, on the pa$t of
the a""use#, intent to gain fo$ hi(self o$ fo$ anothe$.
he p$ose"ution "annot vali#l+ a$gue that the petitione$ shoul# have
'no-n -hi"h pie"es of 1e-el$+ -e$e stolen, "onsi#e$ing that =a"a$io -as selling the
sa(e fo$ @0,000.00 php -hen the sai# pie"es stolen f$o( Jovita -e$e allege# to .e -o$th
?@@,000.00 php. his is so .e"ause the p$ose"ution faile# to a##u"e suffi"ient "o(petent
evi#en"e to p$ove the value of the sai# stolen a$ti"les. 5t .ea$s st$essing that, in the
a.sen"e of #i$e"t evi#en"e that the a""use# ha# 'no-le#ge that the 1e-el$+ -as stolen,
the p$ose"ution is .u$#ene# to p$ove fa"ts an# "i$"u(stan"es f$o( -hi"h it "an .e
"on"lu#e# that the a""use# shoul# have 'no-n that the p$ope$t+ sol# to hi( -e$e stolen.
his $e:ui$e(ent se$ves t-o .asi" pu$pose! (a) to p$ove one of the ele(ents of the "$i(e
of fen"ingE an# (.) to ena.le the t$ial "ou$t to #ete$(ine the i(posa.le penalt+ fo$ the
"$i(e, sin"e the penalt+ #epen#s on the value of the p$ope$t+.
5n vie- of the fo$egoing, the petition is 9$ante#. he petitione$ is
A":uitte# of the "$i(e of violating P* %?%3 fo$ the p$ose"ution;s failu$e to p$ove his
guilt .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
AN)!#*%NC!NG LA> EPD +6+0F
9R 8o. %343&8, August 3?, %&&&
Ra(on C. an, petitione$ vs
People of the Philippines, $espon#ent
*AC)SA Co(plainant Rosita Li( is the p$op$ieto$ of 2ueno =etal
5n#ust$ies, engage# in the .usiness of (anufa"tu$ing p$opelle$s of spa$e pa$ts fo$ .oats.
=anuelito =en#e> -as one of the e(plo+ees -o$'ing fo$ he$. So(eti(e in Fe.$ua$+
%&&%, =anuelito =en#e> left the e(plo+ of the "o(pan+. Co(plainant Li( noti"e# that
so(e of the -el#ing $o#s, p$opelle$s an# .oats spa$e pa$ts, su"h as .$on>e an# stainless
p$opelle$s an# .$ass s"$e-s -e$e (issing. She "on#u"te# an invento$+ an# #is"ove$e#
that p$opelle$s an# sto"'s value# at 48,000.00 php, (o$e o$ less, -e$e (issing.
Co(plainant Rosita Li( info$(e# Fi"to$ S+, un"le of =anuelito =en#e> of the loss.
Su.se:uentl+, =anuelito =en#e> -as a$$este# in the Fisa+as an# he a#(itte# that he an#
his "o(panion 9au#en"io *a+op stole f$o( the "o(plainant;s -a$ehouse so(e .oat
spa$e pa$ts su"h as .$on>e an# stainless p$opelle$s an# .$ass s"$e-s. =anuelito =en#e>
as'e# fo$ "o(plainant;s fo$giveness. <e pointe# to petitione$ Ra(on C. an as the one
-ho .ought the stolen ite(s an# -ho pai# the a(ount of %3,000.00 php in "ash to
=en#e> an# *a+op. 0n $elation of "o(plainant Li(, an Assistant Cit+ P$ose"uto$ of
=anila file# -ith the Regional $ial Cou$t, =anila 2$an"h %&, an info$(ation against
petitione$ "ha$ging hi( -ith violation of P$esi#ential *e"$ee 8o. %?%3 (Anti)Fen"ing
La-). Co(plainant Rosita Li( state# that she is the o-ne$ of 2ueno =etal 5n#ust$ies,
that she e(plo+e# =anuelito =en#e> an# afte$ the latte$ leave the e(plo+ .usiness, the
fo$(e$ foun# out a.out the (issing spa$e pa$ts of the in#ust$+. =anuelito =en#e> state#
that he -o$'e# as helpe$ at 2ueno =etal 5n#ust$+. ogethe$ -ith 9au#en"io *a+op, the+
too' so(e of the spa$e pa$ts at the -a$ehouse an# #elive$e# sai# pa$ts to Ra(on an
-hi"h pai# %3, 000.00 php. Petitione$ -as foun# guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t fo$
violating Anti)Fen"ing La- .+ the t$ial "ou$t.
!SS$%A /hethe$ the p$ose"ution has su""essfull+ esta.lishe# the ele(ents
of fen"ing against petitione$.
'%LDA Fen"ing as #efine# in Se"tion 3 P* %?%3 is the a"t of an+ pe$son
-ho, -ith intent to gain fo$ hi(self o$ fo$ anothe$, shall .u+, $e"eive, possess, 'eep,
a":ui$e, "on"eal, sell o$ #ispose of, o$ shall .u+ an# sell, o$ in an+ (anne$ #eal in an+
a$ti"le, ite(, o.1e"t o$ an+thing of value -hi"h he 'no-s, o$ shoul# .e 'no-n to hi(, to
have .een #e$ive# f$o( the p$o"ee#s of the "$i(e of $o..e$+ o$ theft. 5n this "ase, the
theft -as not p$ove# .e"ause "o(plainant Rosita Li( #i# not "o(plain to the pu.li"
autho$ities of the felonious ta'ing of he$ p$ope$t+. She sought out he$ fo$(e$ e(plo+ee
=anuelito =en#e>, -ho "onfesse# that he stole "e$tain a$ti"les f$o( the -a$ehouse of the
"o(plaint an# sol# the( to petitione$. Su"h "onfession is insuffi"ient to "onvi"t -ithout
evi#en"e of "o$pus #eli"ti. /ithout petitione$ 'no-ing that he a":ui$e# stolen a$ti"les, he
"an not .e guilt+ of fen"ing. Conse:uentl+, the p$ose"ution has faile# to esta.lish the
essential ele(ents of fen"ing, an# thus petitione$ is entitle# to an a":uittal.
/he$efo$e, the Cou$t Reve$ses an# Set Asi#e the #e"ision of the Cou$t of
Appeals in CA)9R 300@& an# he$e.+ A":uits petitione$ of the offense "ha$ge# in
C$i(inal Case 8o. &3)%08333 of the Regional $ial Cou$t, =anila.
AN)!#(O$NC!NG C'%CBS LA> E(P (LG 00F
9R 8o. %43?4%, Jul+ %7, 300?
Pa"ifi"o 2. A$"eo, J$, petitione$ vs
People of the Philippines, $espon#ent
*AC)SA 0n =a$"h %4, %&&%, petitione$ o.taine# loan f$o( p$ivate
"o(plainant Josefino Ceni>al in the a(ount of %00,000.00 php. Seve$al -ee's the$eafte$,
petitione$ o.taine# a##itional loan of @0,000.00 f$o( "o(plainant. Petitione$ then issue#
in favo$ of Ceni>al, 2an' of the Philippine 5slan#s (2P5) Che"' 8o. %?33@@, post#ate#
August 4, %&&%, fo$ %@0,000.00 at Ceni>al;s house. /hen August 4,%&&% "a(e, Ceni>al
#i# not #eposit the "he"' i((e#iatel+ .e"ause petitione$ p$o(ise# that he -oul# $epla"e
the "he"' -ith "ash. Su"h p$o(ise -as (a#e ve$.all+ seven ti(es. /hen his patien"e $an
out, Ceni>al .$ought the "he"' to the .an' fo$ en"ash(ent -hi"h -as .oun"e# .e"ause of
insuffi"ient fun#s. he$eafte$, Ceni>al -ent to the house of petitione$ to info$( hi( of the
#ishono$ of the "he"' .ut petitione$ ha# left the pla"e. Ceni>al $efe$$e# the (atte$ to a
la-+e$ -ho -$ote a lette$ giving petitione$ th$ee #a+s f$o( $e"eipt the$eof to pa+ the
a(ount of the "he"'. Petitione$ still faile# to (a'e goo# the a(ount of the "he"'. As a
"onse:uen"e, Ceni>al file a "ase fo$ estafa an# violation of 2P 33 against petitione$. $ial
"ou$t foun# petitione$ guilt+ as "ha$ge# -hi"h -as affi$(e# .+ Cou$t of Appeal.
Petitione$ "lai(s that the t$ial "ou$t an# appellate "ou$t e$$e# in "onvi"ting
hi( "onten#ing that he shoul# not .e hel# lia.le fo$ #ishono$ of the "he"' .e"ause it -as
p$esente# .e+on# the &0)#a+ pe$io# p$ovi#e# un#e$ the la-.
!SS$%A /hethe$ the ninet+ (&0) #a+s pe$io# fo$ p$esent(ent of the "he"'
is signifi"ant fo$ the a":uittal of the petitione$ fo$ violation of 2P 33.
'%LDA Petitione$ asse$ts that the$e -as no violation of 2P 33 .e"ause the
"he"' -as p$esente# to the #$a-ee .an' onl+ on *e"e(.e$ @, %&&% o$ %30 #a+s f$o( the
#ate the$eof (August 4, %&&%). <e a$gues that this -as .e+on# the &0 #a+s pe$io#
p$ovi#e# un#e$ the la- in "onne"tion -ith the p$esent(ent of the "he"'. Se"tion % of 2P
33 p$ovi#es that Ian+ pe$son -ho (a'es o$ #$a-s an# issues an+ "he"' to appl+ on
a""ount o$ fo$ value, 'no-ing at the ti(e of issue that he #oes not have suffi"ient fun#s
in o$ "$e#it -ith the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the pa+(ent of su"h "he"' in full upon its
p$esent(ent, -hi"h "he"' is su.se:uentl+ #ishono$e# .+ the #$a-ee .an' fo$
insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s o$ "$e#it o$ -oul# have .een #ishono$e# fo$ the sa(e $eason ha#
not the #$a-e$, -ithout an+ vali# $eason, o$#e$e# the .an' to stop pa+(ent , shall .e
punishe# GGGGGJ, I he sa(e penalt+ shall .e i(pose# upon an+ pe$son -ho, having
suffi"ient fun#s in o$ "$e#it -ith the #$a-ee .an' -hen he (a'es o$ #$a-s an# issues a
"he"', shall fail to 'eep suffi"ient fun#s o$ to (aintain a "$e#it to "ove$ the full a(ount of
the "he"' if p$esente# -ithin a pe$io# of ninet+ (&0) #a+s f$o( the #ate appea$ing
the$eon, fo$ -hi"h $eason it is #ishono$e# .+ the #$a-ee .an'.J 8inet+ (&0) #a+s pe$io#
p$ovi#e# in la- is not an ele(ent of the offense. 8eithe$ #oes it #is"ha$ge# petitione$
f$o( his #ut+ to (aintain suffi"ient fun#s in the a""ount -ithin a $easona.le ti(e f$o(
the #ate in#i"ate# in the "he"'. A""o$#ingl+ to "u$$ent .an'ing p$a"ti"e, the $easona.le
pe$io# -ithin -hi"h to p$esent a "he"' to the #$a-ee .an' is siG (onths. he$eafte$, the
"he"' .e"o(es stale an# the #$a-e$ is #is"ha$ge# f$o( lia.ilit+ the$eon to the eGtent of
the loss "ause# .+ the #ela+.
5n the "ase at .a$, -hen the "he"' -as #eposite#, it -as #ishono$e# .+ the
#$a-ee .an' fo$ having .een #$a-n against insuffi"ient fun#s. he$e -as suffi"ient
evi#en"e on $e"o$# that petitione$ 'ne- of the insuffi"ien"+ of his fun#s in the #$a-ee
.an' at the ti(e of the issuan"e of the "he"'. 5n fa"t, this -as -h+, on (atu$it+ #ate, he
$e:ueste# the pa+ee not to en"ash it -ith the p$o(ise that he -oul# $epla"e it -ith "ash.
<e (a#e this $e:uest an# assu$an"e seven ti(es .ut $epeate#l+ faile# to (a'e goo# on
his p$o(ises #espite the $epeate# a""o((o#ation g$ante# hi( .+ the pa+ee, Ceni>al.
/he$efo$e, the petition is he$e.+ *enie#. he Ap$il 38, %&&& #e"ision an#
=a$"h 37, 3000 $esolution of the Cou$t of Appeals in CA 9R CR 8o %&?0% a$e Affi$(e#.
AN)!#(O$NC!NG C'%CBS LA> E(P (LG 00F
9R 8o. %43?4%, Jul+ %7, 300?
Pa"ifi"o 2. A$"eo, J$, petitione$ vs
People of the Philippines, $espon#ent
*AC)SA 5n eight (8) sepa$ate info$(ations file# -ith RC of Angeles Cit+,
the$eat #o"'ete# as C$i(inal Case 8os. &4)03)33? to &4)03)333, petitione$ -as "ha$ge#
-ith violations of the 2oun"ing Che"'s La-. All "ontaining i#enti"al allegations as to the
ele(ents of the offense "ha$ge# an# #iffe$ing onl+ as $ega$#s the $espe"tive a(ounts an#
#ue #ates of the "he"' involve# in ea"h "ase, the eight (8) info$(ations unifo$(l+ allege#
Ihat on o$ a.out the %
st
-ee' of Ap$il %&&%, in the Cit+ of Angeles Cit+ Philippines, an#
-ithin the 1u$is#i"tion of this <ono$a.le Cou$t, the a.ove)na(e# a""use#, #i# the$e an#
then -illfull+, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+ #$a- an# issue to the "o(plainant =$. 4l(e$
Avangelista a $a#e$s Ro+al 2an' Che"' -ell 'no-ing an# -ithout info$(ing the
"o(plainant that she has no suffi"ient fun#s -ith the #$a-ee .an', -hi"h "he"' -hen
#eposite# fo$ pa+(ent -as #ishono$e# fo$ $eason of IA""ount Close#J an# #e(an#
not-ithstan#ing fo$ (o$e than five (@) #a+s f$o( noti"e of #ishono$, the a""use# faile#
an# $efuse# an# still fails an# $efuses to $e#ee( the sai# "he"' to the #a(age an#
p$e1u#i"e of the "o(plainant 4l(e$ 4vangelista. he RC, in a #e"ision #ate# =a$"h %?,
%&&8, a#1u#ge# petitione$ guilt+ as "ha$ge# in ea"h info$(ation an# a""o$#ingl+
senten"e# he$ to suffe$ i(p$ison(ent an# pa+ fin an# to in#e(nif+ p$ivate "o(plainant.
Petitione$ "alls fo$ the $eeGa(ination an# (o#ifi"ation, if not
a.an#on(ent, of $ulings to the effe"t that the (e$e issuan"e of a "he"' -hi"h is
su.se:uentl+ #ishono$e# (a'es the issue$ lia.le fo$ violation of 20 2lg 33 $ega$#less of
the intent of the pa$ties. Petitione$ $espe"tfull+ su.(its that it -as not the intention of the
la-(a'ing .o#+, to (a'e the issuan"e of a .u( "he"' ipso fa"to a "$i(inal offense
al$ea#+E the$e (ust .e an intent to "o((it the p$ohi.ite# a"t, an# su.1e"t "he"' shoul# .e
issue# to appl+ on a""ount o$ fo$ value.
!SS$%A /hethe$ petitione$ violate# 2P 33 .+ (e$e a"t of issuing "he"'s
-hi"h -e$e #ishono$e# .+ the #$a-ee .an'.
'%LDA he g$ava(en of the offense is the a"t of (a'ing an# issuing a
-o$thless "he"' o$ an+ "he"' that is #ishono$e# upon its p$esent(ent fo$ pa+(ent an#
putting the( in "i$"ulation. he la- -as #esigne# to p$ohi.it an# altogethe$ eli(inate the
#elete$ious an# pe$ni"ious p$a"ti"e of issuing "he"'s -ith insuffi"ient o$ no "$e#it o$
fun#s the$efo$. Su"h p$a"ti"e is #ee(e# a pu.li" nuisan"e, a "$i(e against pu.li" o$#e$ to
.e a.ate#. he (e$e a"t of issuing a -o$thless "he"', is "ove$e# .+ 2P 33. 5t is a "$i(e
"lassifie# as (alu( p$ohi.itu(. he effe"t of the issuan"e of a -o$thless "he"'
t$ans"en#s the p$ivate inte$est of the pa$ties. he (is"hief it "$eates is not onl+ a -$ong to
the pa+ee o$ hol#e$, .ut also an in1u$+ to the pu.li". he ha$(ful p$a"ti"e of putting
valua.les "o((e$"ial pape$s in "i$"ulation, (ultiplie# a thousan#fol#, "an ve$+ -ell
pollute the "hannels of t$a#e an# "o((e$"e, in1u$e the .an'ing s+ste( an# eventuall+
hu$t the -elfa$e of so"iet+ an# the pu.li" inte$est.
/he$efo$e, the #e"ision appeale# f$o( is Affi$(e# -ith =o#ifi"ation.
AN)!#(O$NC!NG C'%CBS LA> E(P (LG 00F
9R 8o. %?08&3, 8ove(.e$ %8, 300@
Sonia P. Rui>, petitione$ vs
People of the Philippines, $espon#ent
*AC)SA Sonia Rui> "ont$a"te# seve$al loans f$o( 8o$.e$ta =en#o>a
a(ounting to %84,000.00 php. 0n 1ul+ 4, %&&7, Rui> issue# 6nite# Co"onut Plante$s
2an' (6CP2) Che"' #ate# June 30, %&&7. he "he"' fo$ %84,000.00 php -as #$a-n
against A""ount 8o 330)000@34)@. =en#o>a #eposite# the "he"' in he$ a""ount -ith the
Philippine 8ational 2an' (P82) in 9oa, Ca(a$ines Su$. <o-eve$, the #$a-ee .an'
#ishono$e# the "he"', as the a""ount against -hi"h it -as #$a-n -as al$ea#+
"lose#.P8=2 notifie# =en#o>a of the #ishono$ of the "he"'. 5n a lette$ #ate# Septe(.e$
33, %&&7, =en#o>a, th$ough "ounsel, info$(e# Rui> that the "he"' ha# .een #ishono$e#
fo$ the $eason that he$ a""ount -ith the #$a-ee .an' -as al$ea#+ "lose#. =en#o>a also
#e(an#e# the pa+(ent of the a(ount of the "he"' plus inte$est the$eon. Rui> $e"eive#
the lette$ on *Septe(.e$ 34, %&&7 an# p$o(ise# =en#o>a that she -oul# pa+ the a(ount
of the "he"'. <o-eve$, Rui> $enege# an# faile# to pa+. Rui> -as "ha$ge# -ith violation
of 2P 33 in the =C of 9oa, Ca(a$ines Su$ -hi"h she -as foun# guilt+.
he petitione$ posits that she is not "$i(inall+ lia.le fo$ violation of 2P 33
.e"ause she (e$el+ a""o((o#ate# the p$ivate "o(plainant an# -as not the o-ne$ of
6CP2 A""ount against -hi"h the su.1e"t "he"' -as #$a-n. She insists that the la-
applies onl+ to a (a'e$ of the #ishono$e# "he"' -ho has an a""ount -ith the #$a-ee
.an'.
!SS$%A /hethe$ a "lose# a""ount f$o( the #$a-ee .an' "oul# (a'e the
petitione$ not lia.le fo$ violation of 2P 33.
'%LDA o give (e$it to petitione$;s a$gu(ent -oul# .e to #efeat the
p$i(a$+ pu$pose of 2P 33. Fo$, 2P 33 -as ena"te# to #is"ou$age the issuan"e of
.oun"ing "he"'s, to p$event "he"'s f$o( .e"o(ing Iuseless s"$aps of pape$J, an# to
$esto$e $espe"ta.ilit+ to "he"'s, all -ithout #istin"tion as to the pu$pose of the issuan"e of
the "he"'s. A""o$#ingl+, the o-ne$ship of the "he"' shoul# not .e (ate$ial in the
#ete$(ination of lia.ilit+ fo$ violation of 2P 33. 0the$-ise, uns"$upulous people (a+
1ust sta$t #$a-ing o$ issuing "he"'s of othe$ people -ith insuffi"ient o$ no fun#s at all
'no-ing that the+ -ill in"u$ no "$i(inal lia.ilit+ .+ e(plo+ing su"h a s"he(e. /hen the
petitione$ issue# the su.1e"t "he"' to "o(plainant, she #i# so in the "apa"it+ of a #$a-e$
an# upon he$ $ep$esentation that she -ill (a'e goo# sai# "he"'. 2P 33 "ove$s an+ "he"'
-hi"h .oun"es. 5t #oes not (atte$ then that the su.1e"t "he"' .elongs to the a""use# o$
anothe$ pe$son. he$efo$e, petitione$;s #eli.e$ate a"t of #$a-ing a -o$thless "he"' is the
ve$+ a"t -hi"h 2P 33 punishes. he g$ava(en of the offense punishe# .+ 2P 33 is the a"t
of (a'ing an# issuing a -o$thless "he"' o$ a "he"' that is #ishono$e# upon its
p$esentation fo$ pa+(ent. 5t is not the non)pa+(ent of an o.ligation -hi"h the la-
punishes. he la- is not inten#e# o$ #esigne# to "oe$"e a #e.to$ to pa+ his #e.t. he t$ust
of the la- is to p$ohi.it, un#e$ pain of penal san"tions, the (a'ing of -o$thless "he"'s
an# putting the( in "i$"ulation.
5n light of all the fo$egoing, the petition is *enie#. he #e"ision of the
Regional $ial Cou$t is Affi$(e#.
AN)!#(O$NC!NG C'%CBS LA> E(P (LG 00F
9R 8o. %4?434, 8ove(.e$ %8, 300@
Al.ino Josef, petitione$ vs
People of the Philippines an# Agustin Ala$illa, $espon#ents
*AC)SA F$o( Juneto August %&&%, petitione$, a =a$i'ina).ase#
(anufa"tu$e$ an# selle$ of shoes, pu$"hase# (ate$ials f$o( $espon#ent Agustin Ala$illa, a
selle$ of leathe$ p$o#u"ts f$o( =a+"aua+an, 2ula"an, fo$ -hi"h the fo$(e$ issue# a total
of 3? post#ate# "he"'s against his a""ount -ith the Asso"iate# 2an' an# Fa$ 4ast 2an'
H $ust Co(pan+. /hen p$ivate $espon#ent p$esente# these "he"'s fo$ en"ash(ent, the+
-e$e #ishono$e# .e"ause the a""ounts against -hi"h the+ -e$e #$a-n -e$e "lose#.
P$ivate $espon#ent info$(e# petitione$ of the #ishono$ an# #e(an#e# pa+(ent of thei$
value. Afte$ so(e negotiations, petitione$ #$e- an# #elive$e# a ne- set of post#ate#
"he"'s in $epla"e(ent of the #ishono$e# ones. P$ivate $espon#ent, in tu$n, $etu$ne# to
petitione$ the o$iginals of the #ishono$e# post#ate# "he"'s .ut $etaine# photo"opies
the$eof. /hen p$ivate $espon#ent #eposite# the $epla"e(ent "he"'s in his a""ount -ith
the /est(ont 2an', these -e$e also #ishono$e# .+ the #$a-ee .an'. As a $esult, the
p$ivate $espon#ent file# "$i(inal "o(plaints against petitione$ fo$ violation of 2P 33. he
t$ial "ou$t "onvi"te# petitione$ on all "ounts an# i(pose# the penalt+ of siG (onths fo$
ea"h "onvi"tion. he Cou$t of Appeals, in the assaile# #e"ision, affi$(e# the t$ial "ou$t.
Petitione$ a#(its having issue# the 3? #ishono$e# "he"'s. <o-eve$, he "lai(s the
follo-ing #efensesE %) he has al$ea#+ pai# the p$ivate $espon#ent the a(ount of the
"he"'s in "ashE 3) the t$ial "ou$t -as in"o$$e"t to a""ept as evi#en"e photo"opies of the
o$iginal "he"'s an# 3) he a"te# in goo# faith.
!SS$%A /hethe$ the allegations of the petitione$ a$e (e$ito$ious fo$ hi(
not .e lia.le fo$ violation of 2P 33.
'%LDA he petition is -ithout (e$it. he ele(ents of violation of 2P 33
a$eE %) (a'ing, #$a-ing an# issuing an+ "he"' to appl+ on a""ount o$ fo$ valueE 3)
'no-le#ge of the (a'e$, #$a-e$ o$ issue$ that at the ti(e of issue he #oes not have
suffi"ient fun#s in o$ "$e#it -ith the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the pa+(ent of the "he"' in full
upon its p$esent(entE an# 3) su.se:uentl+ #ishono$ of the "he"' .+ the #$a-ee .an' fo$
insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s o$ "$e#it, o$ #ishono$ of the "he"' fo$ the sa(e $eason ha# not the
#$a-e$, -ithout an+ vali# "ause, o$#e$e# the .an' to stop pa+(ent. Petitione$
"atego$i"all+ a#(its the fa"t of issuan"e of the "he"'s an# thei$ #ishono$, the fi$st an#
thi$# ele(ents. <e has li'e-ise faile# to $e.ut the statuto$+ p$esu(ption of 'no-le#ge of
insuffi"ient fun#s, the se"on# ele(ent, -hi"h atta"hes if the "he"' is p$esente# an#
#ishono$ -ithin &0 #a+s f$o( its issuan"e. /hile petitione$ alleges to have pai# p$ivate
$espon#ent the a(ount of the "he"'s, he faile# to spe"if+ if he ha# #one so -ithin five
.an'ing #a+s f$o( $e"eiving noti"e of the "he"'s #ishono$ an# to p$esent an+ evi#en"e of
su"h pa+(ent.
Petitione$ "lai(s that, un#e$ the 2est 4vi#en"e Rule, the t$ial "ou$t shoul#
not have a#(itte# in evi#en"e the photo"opies of the "he"'s until afte$ he ha# .een given
$easona.le noti"e to p$o#u"e the o$iginals. 2+ a#(itting that the o$iginals -e$e in his
possession an# even p$o#u"ing the( in open "ou$t, petitione$ "u$e# -hateve$ fla- (ight
have eGiste# in the p$ose"ution;s evi#en"e. he fa"t that these o$iginals -e$e all sta(pe#
Ia""ount "lose#J (e$el+ "onfi$(e# the allegations of the $espon#ent that the "he"'s -e$e
#ishono$e# .+ $eason of the a""ount .eing "lose#. 5n a##ition, .+ petitione$;s o-n
a#(ission, five of the o$iginal "he"'s -e$e lost, thus $en#e$ing the photo"opies the$eof
a#(issi.le as eG"eptions to the 2est 4vi#en"e Rule.
Rega$#ing petitione$;s allegation of goo# faith, suffi"e it to sa+ that su"h a
"lai( is i((ate$ial, the offense in :uestion .eing (alu( p$ohi.itu(. he g$ava(en of
the offense is the issuan"e of a .a# "he"' an# the$efo$e, -hethe$ o$ not (ali"e an# intent
atten#e# su"h issuan"e is uni(po$tant.
/he$efo$e, the petition is he$e.+ *enie#. he #e"ision of the Cou$t of
Appeals is Affi$(e#.

AN)!#(O$NC!NG C'%CBS LA> E(P (LG 00F
9R 8o. %@34@%, =a+ 3?, 300@
0felia =a$igo(en, petitione$ vs
People of the Philippines, $espon#ent
*AC)SA CalteG Philippines, 5n" is engage# in the sale of gasoline an# oil
p$o#u"ts to its "usto(e$s, one of -hi"h -as the 5n#ust$ial Suga$ Resou$"es, 5n".
(58S6R4C0). CalteG ha# g$ante# a "$e#it line to 58S6R4C0, an# latte$ pu$"hase#
gasoline an# lu.$i"ants f$o( CalteG th$ough its sales $ep$esentative. he finan"e offi"e$
of 58S6R4C0 -as 0felia =a$igo(en, -hile John F. *alao -as the assistant to the
gene$al (anage$. he+ -e$e autho$i>e# to #$a- an# sign "he"'s against the a""ount of
58S6R4C0 at Fa$ 4ast 2an' an# $ust Co(pan+. CalteG ha# ag$ee# fo$ 58S6R4C0 to
pa+ its pu$"hases via post#ate# "he"'s, -hi"h -e$e #elive$e# to CalteG upon the $elease
of the pu$"hase# oil p$o#u"ts. 0n #ue #ate, CalteG p$esente# the sai# "he"'s fo$ pa+(ent.
<o-eve$, "he"'s -e$e #ishono$e# .+ #$a-ee .an' fo$ the $eason that the+ -e$e I#$a-n
against insuffi"ient fun#sJ an# Ia""ount "lose#J.<en"e, CalteG, th$ough *alao, (a#e
ve$.al #e(an#s to 58S6R4C0 fo$ the $epla"e(ent of the #ishono$e# "he"'s -ith eithe$
(anage$;s "he"'s o$ "ash, to no avail. 0n =a+ ?, %&&3, CalteG sent a "onfi$(ation
teleg$a( info$(ing 58S6R4C0 of the #ishono$ of the sai# "he"'s, an# again #e(an#e#
thei$ $epla"e(ent, .ut $e"eive# no $epl+. 0n Jul+ ?, %&&3, CalteG file# v$i(inal
"o(plaints fo$ violation of 2P 33 against =a$igo(en an# *alao. =a$igo(en testifie#
that she ha# no 'no-le#ge that the CalteG ha# sent "onfi$(ation teleg$a(s #e(an#ing
pa+(ent f$o( the 58S6R4C0, .e"ause .+ then she -as no longe$ e(plo+e# the$ein.
=o$eove$, she neve$ $e"eive# an+ -$itten noti"e# o$ teleg$a( f$o( CalteG #e(an#ing
pa+(ent of the a(ounts of the #ishono$e# "he"'s .5t -as onl+ -hen she $e"eive# a
su.poena f$o( the 0ffi"e of the Cit+ P$ose"uto$ that she #is"ove$e# that the "he"'s ha#
.een #ishono$e#, an# that she ha# .een "ha$ge# in "onne"tion the$e-ith. She insiste# that
she -as not a-a$e that the fun#s of 58S6R4C0 in its a""ount -e$e insuffi"ient at the
ti(e she issue# the su.1e"t "he"'s. $ial "ou$t foun# =a$igo(en an# *alao guilt+ fo$
violation of 2P 33.
!SS$%A /hethe$ the noti"es sent .+ CalteG is suffi"ient to "onvi"t the
petitione$ fo$ violation of 2P 33.
'%LDA he full pa+(ent of the a(ount appea$ing in the "he"' -ithin five
.an'ing #a+s f$o( noti"e of #ishono$ is a I"o(plete #efense.J he a.sen"e of a noti"e of
#ishono$ ne"essa$il+ #ep$ives an a""use# an oppo$tunit+ to p$e"lu#e a "$i(inal
p$ose"ution. A""o$#ingl+, p$o"e#u$al #ue p$o"ess "lea$l+ en1oins that a noti"e of #ishono$
.e a"tuall+ se$ve# on petitione$. Petitione$ has a $ight to #e(an# an# the .asi" postulates
of fai$ness $e:ui$e that the noti"e of #ishono$ .e a"tuall+ sent to an# $e"eive# .+ he$ to
affo$# he$ the oppo$tunit+ to ave$t p$ose"ution un#e$ 2P 33. Petitione$ "ounte$s that the
la"' of a -$itten noti"e of #ishono$ is fatal. /hile, in#ee#, Se"tion 3 of 2P 33 #oes not
state that the noti"e of #ishono$ .e in -$iting, ta'en in "on1un"tion, ho-eve$, -ith
Se"tion 3 of the la-, Ithat -he$e the$e a$e no suffi"ient fun#s in o$ "$e#it -ith su"h
#$a-ee .an', su"h fa"t shall al-a+s .e eGpli"itl+ state# in the noti"e of #ishono$ o$
$efusalJ, a (e$e o$al noti"e o$ #e(an# to pa+ -oul# appea$ to .e insuffi"ient fo$
"onvi"tion un#e$ the la-. he Cou$t in "onvin"e# that .oth the spi$it an# lette$ of the
2oun"ing Che"'s La- -oul# $e:ui$e fo$ the a"t to .e punishe# the$eun#e$ not onl+ that
the a""use# issue# a "he"' that is #ishono$e#, .ut that li'e-ise the a""use# has a"tuall+
.een notifie# in -$iting of that fa"t of #ishono$. he "onsistent $ule is that penal statutes
have to .e "onst$ue# st$i"tl+ against the State an# li.e$all+ in favo$ of the a""use#.
Nanit

Jesse ;oung vs Court o2 Appeals and t3e People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. No. +,1,0-
"ar43 +1& 011-
Fa"ts
his a petition fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i of a #e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals fin#ing the
petitione$ Doung guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of violating 2atas Pa(.ansa (2P) 2lg.
33 othe$-ise 'no-n as the 2oun"ing Che"'s La-.
0n Jul+ %%, %&8%, Jesse Doung -ent to the house of the p$ivate "o(plaint 5nes 6+ to
en"ash so(e "he"'s as he .a#l+ nee#e# so(e (one+. 5nes ag$ee# to eG"hange the "he"'s
-ith "ash. 0ne of the "he"'s is Philippine 2an' of Co((uni"ation (P2C) Che"' 8o.
@7@748 #ate# August 3&, %&8% -ith a value of P30,000.00 #$a-n .+ Jesse. 0n August 3%,
%&8%, 5nes #eposite# sai# "he"' in he$ a""ount. 0n Septe(.e$ %, %&8%, he$ .an' "alle#
he$ up info$(ing he$ that the "he"' -as #ishono$e# .e"ause the$e -as stop pa+(ent
o$#e$ an# insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s. 5nes info$(e# Jesse that the "he"' -as #ishono$e# an#
Jesse assu$e# he$ that he -oul# (a'e goo# the "he"'. Jesse faile# to fulfill his p$o(ise
-hi"h p$o(pte# 5nes to hi$e a la-+e$ -ho -$ote a #e(an# lette$ to Jesse -ho $efuse# to
$e"eive the sa(e.
Jesse #enie# having eG"hange# the "he"' fo$ "ash -ith 5nes "onten#ing that the "he"'
su.1e"t (atte$ of the "ase is one of the seven post#ate# "he"'s he gave to 5nes as
$epla"e(ent an# that he tol# he$ not to #eposit the "he"'s on thei$ #ue #ates .e"ause he
#i# not have suffi"ient fun#s. <e a#(itte# having issue# a stop pa+(ent o$#e$ on sai#
"he"' an# gave no $eason fo$ the sa(e.
he RC hel# Jesse guilt+ of the offense "ha$ge# an# (ete# hi( the penalt+ of
i(p$ison(ent fo$ one +ea$ an# -as o$#e$e# to pa+ the "o(plainant the su( of P30,
000.00 as "ivil lia.ilit+.
Jesse file# an appeal -ith the Cou$t of Appeals -ho $en#e$e# a *e"ision affi$(ing !n toto
the #e"ision of the RC.
hus, this petition.
5ssue
/hethe$ the "onvi"tion of petitione$ of the "$i(e "ha$ge# is p$ope$ in the a.sen"e of p$io$
#e(an# fo$ pa+(ent of the fa"e value of the su.1e"t "he"'7
*e"ision
he Sup$e(e Cou$t sustaine# the petitione$;s "onvi"tion an# hel# that the essential
ele(ents of the fi$st a"t of "o((itting the offense of violation of 2P 2lg. 33 -e$e #ul+
esta.lishe# S that the petitione$ (a#e, #$a-n, an# issue# a "he"'E that at the ti(e he
issue# the "he"', he ha# 'no-le#ge that he #oes not have suffi"ient fun#s in o$ "$e#it
-ith the #$a-ee .an'E that the #$a-ee .an' su.se:uentl+ #ishono$e# the "he"' fo$
insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s an# that the petitione$ ha# o$#e$e# the .an' to stop pa+(ent
-ithout an+ vali# "ause.
he SC (aintaine# that the p$ose"ution ha# esta.lishe# the p$i(a fa"ie p$esu(ption that
Jesse ha# 'no-le#ge that he ha# no suffi"ient fun#s at the ti(e he issue# the su.1e"t
"he"' an# that Jesse even a#(itte# the sa(e. =o$eove$, the SC $ule# that 'no-le#ge of
the pa+ee of the insuffi"ien"+ o$ la"' of fun#s of the #$a-e$ -ith the #$a-ee .an' is
i((ate$ial as #e"eit is not an essential ele(ent of an offense penali>e# .+ 2P 2lg. 33.
5n lieu of i(p$ison(ent, the petitione$ Jesse Doung -as o$#e$e# to pa+ a fine of
P40,000.00 -ith su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent not to eG"ee# siG (onths in "ase of insolven"+.
<e -as also o$#e$e# to in#e(nif+ the p$ivate "o(plainant, 5nes 6+, the a(ount of
P30,000.00, $ep$esenting the a(ount of the #ishono$e# "he"', -ith ?R inte$est f$o( the
#ate of filing of the info$(ation an# until the finalit+ of the #e"ision.
)eresita Al4antara =ergara vs People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. No. +6150.
*ebruary ,& 011.
Fa"ts
his is a petition fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i of the #e"ision an# $esolution of the Cou$t of
Appeals fin#ing e$esita Al"anta$a Fe$ga$a guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of violation
of 2atas Pa(.ansa 2lg. 33 (2P 33).
0n June %3, %&88, Livelihoo# Co$po$ation (L5F4C0R) g$ante# Pe$petual 9a$(ents
Co$po$ation (P4RP46AL) a "ontinuing "$e#it line in the a(ount of P7@0,000.00.
P4RP46AL ag$ee# to eGe"ute a p$o(isso$+ note an# issue post#ate# "he"'s
"o$$espon#ing to the a(ount of the loan. Petitione$, e$esita Al"anta$a Fe$ga$a, in he$
"apa"it+ as Fi"e)P$esi#ent an# 9ene$al =anage$ of P4RP46AL signe# the "$e#it
ag$ee(ent an# all the post#ate# "he"'s. 0ne of those "he"'s issue# an# signe# .+ the
petitione$ -as #ishono$e# fo$ insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s -hen #eposite# on *e"e(.e$ %@,
%&88. 0n the sa(e (onth, L5F4C0R ve$.all+ info$(e# petitione$ of the #ishono$ of the
"he"'. 0n Ap$il %, %&&%, L5F4C0R "ha$ge# the petitione$ -ith violation of 2P 33.
P$ose"ution "lai(e# that the petitione$ faile# to pa+ the full a(ount of the "he"' o$ to
(a'e a$$ange(ents fo$ its full pa+(ent -ithin @ #a+s f$o( noti"e of #ishono$ in
*e"e(.e$ %&88. Petitione$ ave$$e# that she "annot .e "ha$ge# -ith violation of 2P 33
.e"ause she $epla"e# the su.1e"t "he"' on =a+ 3@, %&8& an# that she ha# al$ea#+ "ove$e#
the full a(ount of the #ishono$e# "he"'.
he t$ial "ou$t $en#e$e# a #e"ision fin#ing petitione$ guilt+ of the offense "ha$ge#. he
petitione$ appeale# to the Cou$t of Appeals -ho #is(isse# the appeal an# affi$(e# !n
toto the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t.
<en"e, this petition.
5ssue
/hethe$ it is enough that the "he"' -as su.se:uentl+ #ishono$e# fo$ insuffi"ien"+ of
fun#s to "onvi"t the petitione$ of violation of 2P 337
*e"ision
he Sup$e(e Cou$t $eve$se# an# set asi#e the #e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals an#
a":uitte# the petitione$ e$esita Al"anta$a Fe$ga$a of the "$i(e "ha$ge# an# $ule# that to
hol# the petitione$ lia.le fo$ violation of 2P 33, it is not enough that she issue# the "he"'
that -as su.se:uentl+ #ishono$e# fo$ insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s as it (ust .e sho-n .e+on#
$easona.le #ou.t that she 'ne- of the insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s at the ti(e the "he"' -as
issue#.
=ost i(po$tantl+, the Cou$t hel# that if the$e is no p$oof as to -hen the noti"e of
#ishono$ -as $e"eive# .+ the #$a-e$, then the p$esu(ption of p$i(a fa"ie evi#en"e
p$ovi#e# fo$ in Se"tion 3 of 2P 2lg. 33 "annot a$ise, sin"e the$e -oul# .e no -a+ of
$e"'oning the "$u"ial @)#a+ pe$io#. he p$esu(ption of that the issue$ has 'no-le#ge of
the insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s is .$ought into eGisten"e onl+ afte$ it is p$ove# that the issue$
ha# $e"eive# the noti"e of #ishono$ an# that -ithin @ -o$'ing #a+s f$o( $e"eipt of the
sa(e, he faile# to pa+ the a(ount of the "he"' o$ to (a'e a$$ange(ent fo$ its pa+(ent.
he Cou$t foun# that it -as not "lea$l+ esta.lishe# -hen the noti"e of #ishono$ -as
se$ve# on the petitione$.
hus, the nee#e# :uantu( of p$oof to "onvi"t the a""use# of the "$i(e "ha$ge# -as
foun# la"'ing. 8e"essa$il+, e$esita Al"anta$a Fe$ga$a -as a":uitte# of the "$i(e
"ha$ge#.
(enjamin Lee vs Court o2 Appeals and t3e People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. No. +,-,7.
January +/& 011-
Fa"ts
his is a petition fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i of the #e"ision an# $esolution of the Cou$t of
Appeals fin#ing the petitione$ 2en1a(in Lee guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of violation
of 2atas Pa(.ansa 2lg. 33.
0n Jul+ %&, %&&3, p$ivate "o(plainant Rogelio 2e$ga#o loane# 6nla# Co((e$"ial
4nte$p$ises the a(ount of P@00,000.00. 0n Septe(.e$ %0, %&&3, he loane# anothe$
P400,000.00. 5n eG"hange, he $e"eive# a total of t-ent+)siG "he"'s, fou$ of -hi"h -e$e
#ishono$e# fo$ the $eason I#$a-n against insuffi"ient fun#s.; Cesa$ 2autista, the sole
p$op$ieto$ of 6nla#, $epla"e# the #ishono$e# "he"'s -ith 6CP2 Che"' 8o. ARA %?834%
signe# .+ 2autista an# petitione$ Lee #ate# Jul+ 34, %&&3, in the a(ount of P&80,000.00
$ep$esenting the total a(ount loane# plus inte$est. he "he"' -as #ishono$e# -hen
2e$ga#o #eposite# the "he"' #ue to Ia""ount "lose#.J h$ough la-+e$, he sent #e(an#
lette$s to 2autista an# petitione$ Lee, -ho, #espite having $e"eive# the sa(e still faile#
an# $efuse# to (a'e an+ pa+(ent.
Petitione$ "lai(e# that sin"e Jul+ %&8&, he ha# al$ea#+ seve$e# his a""o((o#ation
ag$ee(ent -ith his "o)a""use# 2autista -ho -as solel+ $esponsi.le fo$ the t$ansa"tions
ente$e# into .+ 6nla# an# the$efo$e he ha# no 'no-le#ge of the suffi"ien"+ o$
insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s of 6nla#;s .an' a""ount. <e also #e"la$e# that the su.1e"t "he"'
-as not issue# .+ hi( to the p$ivate "o(plainant on a""ount o$ fo$ value.
he RC $en#e$e# a 1u#g(ent fin#ing hi( guilt+ of violation of 2P 33. Petitione$ Lee
-ent to the Cou$t of Appeals -hi"h affi$(e# the t$ial "ou$t;s fin#ings -ith (o#ifi"ation.
<en"e, this petition.
5ssues
%. /hethe$ petitione$ ha# a"tual 'no-le#ge of the suffi"ien"+ o$ insuffi"ien"+ of the
fun#s han#le# .+ his "o)a""use#.
3. /hethe$ the "he"' -as issue# on a""ount o$ fo$ value.
*e"ision
he Sup$e(e Cou$t affi$(e# the #e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals -ith (o#ifi"ations an#
hel# that the petitione$;s insisten"e that he "oul# not have an+ 'no-le#ge as to the
insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s is #evoi# of (e$it as the #o"t$ine that a (e$e e(plo+ee tas'e# to
sign "he"'s in .lan's (a+ not .e #ee(e# to have 'no-le#ge of the insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s
applies onl+ to "o$po$ate "he"'s an# not pe$sonal "he"'s. he p$esu(ption of 'no-le#ge
of the insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s f$o( the #ishono$ of the "he"'s "annot hol# if the$e is
evi#en"e to the "ont$a$+, thus it is #ee(e# that it -as issue# fo$ valua.le "onsi#e$ation.
he SC $ule# that -hat the la- punishes is the (e$e a"t of issuing a .oun"ing "he"' an#
not the pu$pose fo$ -hi"h it -as issue# not the te$(s an# "on#itions $elating to its
issuan"e .e"ause the th$ust of the la- is to p$ohi.it the (a'ing of -o$thless "he"' an#
putting the( into "i$"ulation.
he senten"e of i(p$ison(ent -as #elete#. he petitione$ -as o$#e$e# to pa+ a fine of
P300,000.00 su.1e"t to su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent an# to pa+ the p$ivate "o(plainant the
a(ount of P&80,000.00 -ith %3R legal inte$est pe$ annu( f$o( the #ate of the finalit+ of
the 1u#g(ent.
Angelina <abala Alonto vs People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. No. +,11/.
De4ember 7& 011,
Fa"ts
his is a petition fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i of the #e"ision an# $esolution of the Cou$t of
Appeals fin#ing the petitione$ Angelina Ma.ala Alonto guilt+ of th$ee "ounts of violation
of 2P 33.
5n Septe(.e$ %&&0, p$ivate "o(plainant Fioleta 4. i>on, -ho testifie# that she -as
engage# in the .usiness of .u+ing an# selling of 1e-el$+, (et the petitione$ Angelina
Ma.ala Alonto. F$o( *e"e(.e$ @)%@, %&&0, petitione$ pu$"hase# seve$al ite(s of
Singapo$ean 1e-el$+ -o$th P%00,000.00 an# su.se:uentl+ issue# a "he"' -hi"h -as
#ishono$e# .+ $eason of Ia""ount "lose#.J his has .een the su.1e"t of a "ase file# .+ the
p$ivate "o(plainant fo$ estafa an# violation of 2P 33 in RC Caloo"an. Rel+ing on
petitione$;s p$o(ise to settle he$ o.ligations, p$ivate "o(plainant eGe"ute# an affi#avit of
#esistan"e an# in the p$esen"e of thei$ $espe"tive la-+e$s, petitione$ issue# th$ee 2P5
"he"'s #ate# Fe.$ua$+ @, %&&3, =a$"h @, %&&3 an# Ap$il @, %&&3 ea"h in the a(ount of
P3@,000.00. All "he"'s -e$e #ishono$e# -hen the+ -e$e p$esente# fo$ pa+(ent on thei$
$espe"tive #ue #ates .+ $eason of Ia""ount "lose#.J Sin"e petitione$ faile# to pa+ the
a(ount, she -as "ha$ge# -ith th$ee "ounts of violation of 2P 33 .efo$e the RC Oue>on
Cit+.
Petitione$ "lai(e# that she -as engage# in $eal estate .usiness, not in .u+ing an# selling
of 1e-el$+. She #e"la$e# that she (et the "o(plainant i>on th$ough the latte$;s aunt,
Flo$#eli> 2e$na$#o an# that it -as the "o(plainant an# he$ aunt -ho ente$e# into a
t$ansa"tion involving the sale of 1e-el$+. She insiste# that she ha# issue# the th$ee "he"'s
upon the a#vi"e of he$ la-+e$ an# afte$ .eing assu$e# .+ 2e$na$#o that she -oul# fun#
the( as the+ fell #ue an# "lai(e# that she issue# the "he"'s to gua$antee the o.ligation of
2e$na$#o.
he RC hel# the petitione$ guilt+ of the offense "ha$ge# an# (ete# hi( the penalt+ of
i(p$ison(ent fo$ one +ea$ in ea"h "ount an# -as o$#e$e# to pa+ the "o(plainant a fine of
P3@,000.00 an# in#e(nif+ he$ in the a(ount of P7@,000.00.
Petitione$ file# an appeal -ith the Cou$t of Appeals -ho $en#e$e# a *e"ision affi$(ing
the *e"ision of the RC an # su.se:uentl+ #enie# the petitione$;s (otion fo$
$e"onsi#e$ation.
hus, this petition.
5ssues
/hethe$ 2P 33 applies even in "ases -e$e #ishono$e# "he"'s a$e issue# (e$el+ in the
fo$( of a #eposit o$ gua$antee.
*e"ision
he Sup$e(e Cou$t affi$(e# the #e"ision an# $esolution of the Cou$t of Appeals as to the
fi$st t-o "ounts of the offense "ha$ge#. 0n the thi$# "ount of violation of 2P 33, the
petitione$ -as a":uitte# as the "ou$t foun# that the$e -as a violation of the a""use#;s
"onstitutional $ight to .e info$(e# of the natu$e of the offense "ha$ge# -he$e the va$ian"e
.et-een the #ates of the "he"' as allege# in the info$(ation an# as in#i"ate# in the
#o"u(enta$+ evi#en"e p$esente# an# (a$'e# as eGhi.it.
=ost i(po$tantl+, the SC $ule# that 1u$isp$u#en"e a.oun#s -ith $ega$# to the $ule that 2P
33 applie# even in "ases -he$e #ishono$e# "he"'s a$e issue# (e$el+ in the fo$( of a
#eposit o$ gua$antee. he la- #oes not (a'e an+ #istin"tion as to -hethe$ the "he"'s
-ithin its "onte(plation a$e issue# in pa+(ent of an o.ligation o$ (e$el+ to gua$antee the
o.ligation.
As an en# note, the Cou$t #e"la$e# that the p$i(o$#ial intention of 2P 33 is to ensu$e the
sta.ilit+ an# "o((e$"ial value of "he"'s as .eing vital su.stitutes fo$ "u$$en"+.
Al2redo igor vs People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. No. +,,../
November +/& 011,
Fa"ts
his is a petition fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i of a #e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals -hi"h
affi$(e# the #e"ision of the RC Pasig Cit+ "onvi"ting the petitione$ Alf$e#o Rigo$ of
violation of 2atas Pa(.ansa 2lg 33.
0n %? 8ove(.e$ %&8&, petitione$ Alf$e#o Rigo$ applie# fo$ a "o((e$"ial loan f$o( the
Ru$al 2an' of San Juan, 5n"., (R2SJ) in the su( of P@00,000.00. Afte$ he $e"eive# the
p$o"ee#s of the loan, he issue# an un#ate# "he"', Asso"iate# 2an' Che"' 8o. %?@47? in
the a(ount of P@00,000.00 pa+a.le to R2SJ. he petitione$ faile# to pa+ his loan upon its
(atu$it+ #ate on *e"e(.e$ %?, %&8&. <e pe$sonall+ as'e# the .an' (anage$
=el:ue"e#es #e 9u>(an to a t-o)(onth eGtension t-i"e -hi"h -e$e .oth g$ante# .+ #e
9u>(an. Afte$ -hi"h, #e 9u>(an #enie# the petitione$;s -$itten $e:uest fo$ anothe$ 30)
#a+ eGtension pe$io# an# instea# issue# hi( a fo$(al #e(an# lette$ #ate# Ap$il 3@, %&&0.
0n =a+ 3@, %&&0, the su.1e"t "he"' -as #eposite# an# -as late$ $etu$ne# -ith the -o$#s
Ia""ount "lose#J sta(pe# on its fa"e. Petitione$ -as info$(e# of the #ishono$e# "he"'
an# -as $e:ui$e# to ta'e the ne"essa$+ step fo$ the ea$l+ settle(ent of his o.ligation.
<o-eve$, he still $efuse# to pa+.
Petitione$ #enie# the "ha$ge an# "onten#e# that he #i# not violate 2P 33 .e"ause he tol#
the offi"e$s of the "o(plainant .an' f$o( the ve$+ .eginning that he #i# not have
suffi"ient fun#s in the .an' an# that he -as (e$el+ enti"e# .+ Agustin 6+, the .an';s
"o(pt$olle$.
0n Jul+ 8, %&&4, the RC $en#e$e# a 1u#g(ent against the petitione$ an# senten"e# hi(
to a penalt+ of i(p$ison(ent fo$ siG (onths an# to $estitute to the R2SJ the su( of
P@00,000.00 an# pa+ the "osts.
Petitione$ appeale# his "onvi"tion to the Cou$t of Appeals -ho affi$(e# the t$ial "ou$t;s
#e"ision.
<en"e, this petition.
5ssues
)/hethe$ the a.sen"e of the ele(ent of 'no-ingl+ issuing a -o$thless "he"' entitles the
petitione$ to a":uittal.
)/hethe$ a p$ose"ution fo$ violation of 2oun"ing Che"'s La- "an p$ospe$ -ithout p$oof
that the a""use# a"tuall+ $e"eive# a noti"e of #ishono$
*e"ision
he Sup$e(e Cou$t affi$(e# the #e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals an# sustaine# the
"onvi"tion of the petitione$ of the offense "ha$ge#. he SC $ule# that even assu(ing that
the pa+ee ha# 'no-le#ge that he ha# insuffi"ient fun#s at the ti(e he issue# the "he"',
su"h 'no-le#ge .+ the pa+ee is i((ate$ial as #e"eit is not an essential ele(ent of the
offense un#e$ 2atas Pa(.ansa 2lg 33. he g$ava(en of the offense is the issuan"e of a
.a# "he"', hen"e, (ali"e an# intent in the issuan"e the$eof a$e in"onse:uential.
=o$eove$, the SC #e"la$e# that the petitione$;s "ontention that he #i# not $e"eive a noti"e
of #ishono$ -hi"h p$e"lu#es hi( of "$i(inal p$ose"ution -as untena.le as he ha#
a#(itte# that he ha# 'no-le#ge of the #ishono$ of his "he"' th$ough a #e(an# lette$ sent
to hi(. hus, the la- has .een #ul+ "o(plie# -ith as the noti"e of #ishono$ to the (a'e$
of the "he"' (ust .e in -$iting an# that the sa(e (a+ .e sent to the #$a-e$ o$ (a'e$ .+
the #$a-ee .an', the hol#e$ of the "he"' o$ the offen#e# pa$t+ eithe$ .+ pe$sonal #elive$+
o$ $egiste$e# (ail as in this "ase.
8e"essa$il+, the petitione$;s "onvi"tion is p$ope$.
"iriam Armi Jao ;u vs People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. No. +5,+/0
September 01& 011,
Fa"ts
his is a petition fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i of a #e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals affi$(ing
!n toto the t$ial "ou$t;s 1u#g(ent fin#ing the petitione$ =i$ia( A$(i Jao Du guilt+ .e+on#
$easona.le #ou.t of nineteen (%&) "ounts of violation of 2atas Pa(.ansa 2lg. 33
senten"ing hi( to pa+ a fine an# in#e(nif+ the p$ivate "o(plainant Susan An#a+a in
va$ious a(ounts "o$$espon#ing to the %& "ounts of 2P 33 "ha$ge# against he$ an# to
suffe$ su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent in "ase of non)pa+(ent of the fine in ea"h "ase.
Petitione$ "onten#e# that Se"tion % of 2P 33 p$ovi#es onl+ the i(position of
i(p$ison(ent o$ fine, o$ .oth in "ases of violation of 2P 2lg 33. hus, she shoul# not
suffe$ su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent in "ase of non)pa+(ent of the fines i(pose# .+ the t$ial
"ou$t.
5ssue
=a+ an a""use# in foun# guilt+ of violations of 2atas Pa(.ansa 2lg. 33 .e (a#e to
suffe$ su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent in "ase he fails to pa+ the fines i(pose# .+ the t$ial "ou$t
fo$ su"h violations7
*e"ision
he Sup$e(e Cou$t #enie# the petition. he SC $ule# that the i(position of su.si#ia$+
i(p$ison(ent is eGp$essl+ p$ovi#e# un#e$ A$ti"les 38 an# 3& of the Revise# Penal Co#e.
Fu$the$(o$e, the sa(e A$ti"les 38 an# 3& on su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent "an .e applie#
suppleto$il+ to 2atas Pa(.ansa 2lg. 33 pu$suant to A$ti"le %0 of the sa(e Co#e. he
a.sen"e of an eGp$ess p$ovision on su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent in 2atas Pa(.ansa 2lg. 33
#oes not an# "annot p$e"lu#e its i(position in "ases involving its violation.
he SC st$esse# that on Fe.$ua$+ %4, 300%, the+ issue# A#(inist$ative Ci$"ula$ 8o. %3)
300% "la$if+ing the i(position of i(p$ison(ent fo$ violations of 2atas Pa(.ansa 2lg. 33
an# su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent upon the a""use# foun# guilt+ .ut is una.le to pa+ the fine
he is senten"e# to pa+. he "i$"ula$ states that if the a""use# is una.le to pa+ the fine
i(pose# .+ the t$ial "ou$t, Ithe$e is no legal o.sta"le to the appli"ation of the Revise#
Penal Co#e p$ovisions on su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent.J
8e"essa$il+, the petition -as #enie#.
%ngr. (ayani "agdayao vs People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. No. +-0..+
August +/& 011,
Fa"ts
his is a petition fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i of a #e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals -hi"h
affi$(e# the #e"ision of the RC *ipolog Cit+ "onvi"ting the petitione$ 4ng$. 2a+ani
=ag#a+ao of violation of 2atas Pa(.ansa 2lg 33.
0n Septe(.e$ 30, %&&%, petitione$ 4ng$. 2a+ano =ag#a+ao #$e- an# issue# to the
p$ivate "o(plainant, Ri"'+ 0lvis a Philippine 8ational 2an' (P82) Che"' 8o. 3&&&?7
#ate# Septe(.e$ 30, %&&% in the a(ount P?00,000.00 as pa+(ent to the petitione$;s
o.ligation -ith the "o(plainant. /hen 0lvis #eposite# the "he"', the #$a-ee .an'
#ishono$e# the "he"' fo$ the $eason I*$a-n Against 5nsuffi"ient Fun#sJ sta(pe# on the
#o$sal po$tion of the "he"'. 0lvis info$(e# =ag#a+ao that the "he"' -as #ishono$e# an#
the petitione$ plea#e# fo$ ti(e to pa+ the a(ount. a'ing pit+ on the petitione$, 0lvis
ag$ee# an# $etu$ne# the o$iginal "op+ of the "he"' to =ag#a+ao, .ut the petitione$ still
faile# (a'e goo# on his p$o(ise to pa+.
$ial ensue# an# the petitione$ onl+ appea$e# #u$ing a$$aign(ent. 0n Janua$+ 3&, %&&?,
the RC $en#e$e# a 1u#g(ent "onvi"ting the petitione$ of the "$i(e "ha$ge#. Petitione$
appeale# his "ase to the Cou$t of Appeals -ho $en#e$e# 1u#g(ent affi$(ing the #e"ision
of the t$ial "ou$t. he appellate "ou$t also #enie# the petitione$;s (otion fo$
$e"onsi#e$ation.
hus, this petition.
5ssues
/hethe$ the p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove the guilt of the petitione$ .e+on# $easona.le
#ou.t .e"ause of the follo-ing! a.) onl+ a photo"op+ of the "he"' -as p$esente# in "ou$t,
hen"e, has no p$o.ative -eightE ..) no one testifie# on the p$esent(ent of the "he"' an#
#ishono$ the$eofE an# ".) failu$e of the p$ose"ution to positivel+ i#entit+ the petitione$ as
the pe$son -ho #$e- the "he"'.
*e"ision
he Sup$e(e Cou$t #enie# the petition an# affi$(e# the assaile# #e"ision of the Cou$t of
Appeals. he "ou$t $ule# that the p$ose"ution -as a.le to p$ove the follo-ing ele(ents of
the "$i(e "ha$ge#! (%) the #$a-ing of an+ "he"' to apple fo$ a""ount o$ fo$ valueE (3) the
'no-le#ge of the #$a-e$ that at the ti(e of issue he #oes not have suffi"ient fun#s in o$
"$e#it -ith the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the pa+(ent of su"h "he"'E an# (3) the su.se:uent
#ishono$ of the #$a-ee .an' fo$ insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s, as in this "ase.
=o$eove$, the "ou$t hel# that .e"ause of the petitione$;s #ilato$+ ta"ti"s, he faile# to
a##u"e evi#en"e to ove$"o(e that of the p$ose"ution. he "ou$t st$esse# that the (e$e
fa"t that the o$iginal #o"u(ent is in "usto#+ o$ in "ont$ol of the pa$t+ against -ho( it is
offe$e# #oes not -a$$ant the a#(ission of the se"on#a$+ evi#en"e. he p$ose"ution ha#
#one so to se"u$e the .est evi#en"e .+ giving the petitione$ noti"e to p$o#u"e the "he"'.
<o-eve$, the petitione$ neve$ p$o#u"e# the o$iginal of the "he"' an# #eli.e$atel+
-ithhel# the sa(e as a .a$gaining "hip fo$ the "ou$t to g$ant hi( an oppo$tunit+ to
a##u"e evi#en"e in his #efense -hi"h he faile# to #o follo-ing his nu(e$ous un1ustifie#
postpone(ents.
Lastl+, the "ou$t #e"la$e# that the$e -as no longe$ a nee# fo$ the p$ose"ution to p$esent as
-itness the e(plo+ee of the #$a-ee .an' -ho (a#e the notation at the #o$sal po$tion of
the #ishono$e# "he"' fo$ having .een #$a-n against insuffi"ient fun#s as petitione$ ha#
al$ea#+ .een info$(e# of su"h fa"t of #ishono$ an# the $eason the$efo$e -hen 0lvis
$etu$ne# the o$iginal "he"' to hi(.
A""o$#ingl+, the petition -as #enie#.
Leodegario (ayani vs People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. No. +-,7,/
August ++& 011,
Fa"ts
his is a petition fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i of the #e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals fin#ing
the petitione$ Leo#ega$io 2a+ani guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le of violation of Se"tion % 2P
2lg. 33.
0n August 33, %&&3, Ali"ia Ru.ia -ent to the g$o"e$+ sto$e of *olo$es 4vangelista an#
as'e# to $e#is"ount the Philippine Savings 2an' (PS2an') Che"' 8o. 0@4&3? in the
a(ount of P@@,000.00. he "he"' -as #$a-n .+ Leo#ega$io 2a+ani against his a""ount
-ith PS2an' an# post#ate# August 3&, %&&3. Ru.ia tol# 4vangelista that 2a+ani as'e#
he$ to $e#is"ount the "he"' fo$ hi( .e"ause he nee#e# the (one+. Afte$ Ru.ia en#o$se#
the "he"', 4vangelista gave he$ the a(ount of P@@,000.00. <o-eve$, -hen 4vangelista
#eposite# the "he"', it -as #ishono$e# fo$ the $eason that on Septe(.e$ %, %&&3, 2a+ani
"lose# his a""ount -ith PS2an'. /hen 4vangelista tal'e# to 2a+ani, she -as tol# that
Ru.ia .o$$o-e# the "he"' f$o( hi(. 6pon Att+. Felas"o;s p$o##ing, 4vangelista;s
"ounsel, she suggeste# 2a+ani an# Ru.ia to pa+ P3@,000.00 ea"h. Still, 2a+ani an# Ru.ia
pointe# to the othe$ as the one solel+ lia.le fo$ the a(ount of the "he"'. Ru.ia $e(in#e#
Ani"eta (2a+ani;s -ife) thae she -as given the "he"' as pa+(ent of the pie"es of 1e-el$+
Ani"eta .ought f$o( he$.
2a+ani "lai(e# that so(eti(e in %&&3, he "hange# his $esi#en"e an# in the p$o"ess, his
-ife lost fou$ (4) .lan' "he"'s, one of -hi"h -as Che"' 8o. 0@4&3?. <e #i# not $epo$t
the loss to the poli"e autho$ities. <e $epo$te# su"h loss to the .an' afte$ 4vangelista
#e(an#e# the $efun# of the P@@,000.00 f$o( his -ife. <e then "lose# his a""ount -ith
the .an'. <e #enie# eve$ $e"eiving the a(ount of P@@,000.00 fo$ Ru.ia.
he t$ial "ou$t $en#e$e# 1u#g(ent fin#ing 2a+ani guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of the
"$i(e "ha$ge#. Petitione$ appeale# his "ase to the Cou$t of Appeals -ho $en#e$e#
1u#g(ent affi$(ing -ith (o#ifi"ation the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t.
<en"e, this petition.
5ssue
/hethe$ the p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove that the petitione$ issue# the "he"' fo$ valua.le
"onsi#e$ation an# that he $e"eive# the a(ount f$o( Ru.ia.
*e"ision
he Sup$e(e Cou$t affi$(e# the #e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals. he "ou$t foun# that
the p$ose"ution a##u"e# #o"u(enta$+ evi#en"e that -hen the petitione$ issue# the
su.1e"t "he"' on o$ a.out August 33, %&&3, the .alan"e of his a""ount -ith the #$a-ee
.an' -as onl+ P3,4%4.&?. hat #u$ing the "onfe$en"e in the offi"e of Att+. Felas"o,
4vangelista sho-e# to the petitione$ an# his -ife the photo"op+ of the su.1e"t "he"',
-ith the notation at its #o$sal po$tion that it -as #ishono$e# fo$ the $eason Ia""ount
"lose#.J *espite 4vangelista;s #e(an#s, the petitione$ $efuse# to pa+ the a(ount of the
"he"' an#, his -ife, pointe# to Ru.ia as the one lia.le fo$ the a(ount.
he "ou$t $ule# that the "olle"tive evi#en"e of the p$ose"ution points to the fa"t that at the
ti(e the petitione$ #$e- an# issue# the "he"', he 'ne- that the $esi#ue of the fun#s in his
a""ount -ith the #$a-ee .an' -as insuffi"ient to pa+ the a(ount of the "he"'.
A""o$#ingl+, the petition -as #enie#.
Bennet3 Ngo vs People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. No. +--.+-
July +,& 011,
Fa"ts
his is a petition fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i of the #e"ision an# $esolution of the Cou$t of
Appeals affi$(ing the t$ial "ou$t;s 1u#g(ent fin#ing the petitione$ guilt+ .e+on#
$easona.le #ou.t of violation of 2atas Pa(.ansa 2lg. 33
5n 0"to.e$ %&88, petitione$ Cenneth 8go issue# eight poste# "he"'s to "o(plainant Paul
9otianse, a .usiness(an an# an offi"e$ of 8o$the$n <ill *evelop(ent Co$po$ation as
settle(ent of the in#e.te#ness he ha# in"u$$e# -ith the sai# "o$po$ation. he fi$st five
"he"'s -e$e hono$e# .+ the #$a-ee .an' .ut the th$ee post#ate# "he"'s -e$e #ishono$e#
fo$ the $eason Z#$a-n against insuffi"ient fun#s.; Follo-ing the #ishono$, noti"es of
#ishono$ an# #e(an# -e$e sent to the petitione$ .+ "o(plainant. *espite this, ho-eve$,
no pa+(ent o$ a$$ange(ent -ith the #$a-ee .an' -as (a#e .+ the petitione$.
Petitione$ file# a (otion to #is(iss .efo$e the RC -ho #enie# the sa(e an#
su.se:uentl+ $en#e$e# a #e"ision "onvi"ting the petitione$ on the th$ee "$i(inal "ases. 0n
appeal, the appellate "ou$t hel# that the$e -as no -$itten noti"e of #ishono$ o$ #e(an#
lette$ has .een set to the petitione$ $ega$#ing one of the th$ee "he"'s. hus, he -as
a":uitte# on the one of the th$ee "hanges an# his "onvi"tion -as affi$(e# in the othe$ t-o
"ases.
<en"e, this petition.
5ssues
/hethe$ the p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove the ele(ents of the offense sin"e the "he"'s ha#
not .een issue# fo$ a vali# "onsi#e$ation.
*e"ision
he Sup$e(e Cou$t affi$(e# the #e"ision an# $esolution of the Cou$t of Appeals. he
"ou$t $ule# that the "lai( that the p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove that the "he"' has .een
issue# to appl+ on a""ount o$ fo$ value in favo$ of Paul 9otianse is i$$elevant as the la-
#oes not $e:ui$e that the pa+ee of the "he"' .e the sa(e as the o.lige of the o.ligation in
"onsi#e$ation fo$ -hi"h the "he"' has .een issue#. Pe$tinent is a "$i(inal la- autho$it+;s
eGplanation of the te$( to appl+ on a""ount o$ fo$ value. /hen the "he"'s -e$e issue# .+
the petitione$ to 9otianse as pa+ee, the+ -e$e issue# to appl+ Ion a""ountJ that is to
settle the petitione$;s o.ligation to the p$in"ipal S 8o$the$n <ill *evelop(ent. he "ou$t
note# that the petitione$ ha# ag$ee# to settle his #e.t to the "o(pan+ .+ issuing the
"he"'s pa+a.le to its agent 9otianse, thus, the p$ose"ution p$ove# the fi$st ele(ent of
violation of 2P 33 ) the (a'ing, #$a-ing, an# issuan"e of an+ "he"' to appl+ on a""ount
o$ fo$ value.
As an en# note, the "ou$t hel# that unli'e estafa, un#e$ 2P 33, one nee# not p$ove that the
"he"' -as issue# in pa+(ent of an o.ligation, o$ that the$e -as #a(age. hus, the
petition -as #enie#
Claro %. Narte and >inston )omas L. Cad3it vs Court o2 Appeals& *irst Division
and People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. No. +50--0
July +,& 011,
Fa"ts
0n =a+ %3, %&&4, *elia an# 4(ilio Ca.$e$a sol# th$ee ai$ "on#itione# .uses to Cla$o
8a$te, the gene$al (anage$ an# /inston a(os Ca#hit, the (aintaining an# pu$"hasing
(anage$ of 8o$phil $anspo$t Co$po$ation fo$ P3,330,000.00. hat the .uses -e$e
#elive$e# an# the pa+(ents fo$ the .uses -e$e (a#e in post#ate# "he"'s issue# .+ the
petitione$s. he "he"'s -e$e #ishono$e# fo$ .eing #$a-n against insuffi"ient fun#s an#
.+ $eason of a""ount "lose#. he petitione$s -e$e info$(e# that the "he"'s ha# .oun"e#
an# ha# p$o(ise# to pa+ the sa(e. Petitione$s -e$e sent #e(an# lette$s an# #espite thei$
p$o(ise an# $e"eipt of the #e(an# lette$s, the+ still faile# to settle the o.ligation.

Petitione$s a$gue# that upon #elive$+ of the .uses, the+ issue# post#ate# "he"'s pa+a.le
to 4(ilio Ca.$e$a an# that late$ on the+ #is"ove$e# that .uses -e$e in the na(e of *elia
Ca.$e$a. he+ $e:ueste# fo$ the $etu$n of the "he"'s (ista'enl+ issue# to 4(ilio Ca.$e$a
fo$ the $epla"e(ent in the na(e of *elia Ca.$e$a, .ut the "he"'s -e$e given to 4(ilio
Ca.$e$a -ho is not the inten#e# pa+ee.
he =eC foun# that the p$ose"ution -as a.le to esta.lish the ele(ents of the offense
an# "onse:uentl+ "onvi"te# the petitione$s of ten (%0) "ounts of violation of 2P 33 an#
i(pose# the penalt+ of fine fo$ ea"h "ount -ith su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent in "ase of
insolven"+. <o-eve$, onl+ nine of the ten "onvi"tions -e$e appeale# to the RC.
Co$$espon#ingl+, onl+ nine "onvi"tions -e$e affi$(e#. he petitione$s appeale# to the
Cou$t of Appeals -ho also affi$(e# the $uling if the RC an# =eC.
hus, this petition fo$ $evie-.
5ssue
)/hethe$ the appellate "ou$t e$$e# in "onvi"ting the petitione$s #espite the fa"t that the
"o(plainant is not the inten#e# pa+ee of the "he"'s.
)/hethe$ the appellate "ou$t e$$e# in fin#ing that all ele(ents of the offense have .een
esta.lishe#.
)/hethe$ the appellate "ou$t e$$e# in o$#e$ing su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent in "ase of non)
pa+(ent of fine.
*e"ision
he Sup$e(e Cou$t affi$(e# the fin#ings of the appellate "ou$t. he+ $ule# that the
fin#ings of fa"t an# "on"lusion of the t$ial "ou$t a$e .in#ing on the SC -hen suppo$te# .+
su.stantial evi#en"e on $e"o$# an# "a$$ies (o$e -eight -hen affi$(e# .+ the Cou$t of
Appeals. he$e a$e no (atte$s of -eight o$ signifi"an"e p$esente# in the petition that
-oul# i(pai$ the "o$$e"tness an# vali#it+ of the #e"ision of the =e" affi$(e#, as it is,
.+ .oth the RC an# the Cou$t of Appeals.
he "ou$t p$onoun"e# that the "lea$ intention of the f$a(e$ of 2P 33 is to (a'e the (e$e
a"t of issuing a -o$thless "he"' maum proh!b!tum. he ag$ee(ent su$$oun#ing the
issuan"e of the "he"'s nee# not .e fi$st loo'e# into sin"e the la- itself p$ovi#es that
$ega$#less of the intent of the pa$ties, the (e$e issuan"e of an+ 'in# of "he"' -hi"h is
su.se:uentl+ #ishono$e# (a'es the pe$son -ho issue# the "he"' lia.le.
he Cou$t "la$ifie# in A#(inist$ative Ci$"ula$ 8o. %3)300% #ate# Fe.$ua$+ %4, 300% that
the$e is no legal o.sta"le to the appli"ation of the RPC p$ovisions on su.si#ia$+
i(p$ison(ent shoul# onl+ a fine .e i(pose# an# the a""use# .e una.le to pa+ the fine.
his shoul# finall+ #ispel the petitione$;s i(po$tunate "lai( that the i(position of
su.si#ia$+ i(p$ison(ent in this "ase is i(p$ope$.
8e"essa$il+, the petition -as #enie#.
People o2 t3e P3ilippines vs Cora Abella Ojeda
G.. No. +1,05.#-.
June 5& 011,
Fa"ts
Appellant Co$a A.ella 01e#a use# to .u+ fa.$i"s f$o( "o(plainant Ru.+ Chua. Fo$
app$oGi(atel+ th$ee +ea$s she t$ansa"te# .usiness -ith Chua, appellant use# post#ate#
"he"' to pa+ fo$ the fa.$i"s she .ought. 0n 8ove(.e$ @, %&83, appellant pu$"hase# f$o(
Chua va$ious fa.$i"s an# teGtile (ate$ials -o$th P338,30?.00 fo$ -hi"h she issue# 33
post#ate# "he"'s .ea$ing #iffe$ent #ates an# a(ounts. Chua late$ p$esente# to the .an'
the "he"'s .ut -e$e #ishono$e# #ue to Ia""ount "lose#.J *e(an#s -e$e (a#e on the
appellant to (a'e goo# the #ishono$e# "he"'s, to no avail. 4stafa an# 2P 33 "ha$ges
-e$e the$eafte$ file# against appellant.
Appellant;s #efense -as g$oun#e# on goo# faith o$ a.sen"e of #e"eit, la"' of noti"e o$
#ishono$ an# full pa+(ent of the total a(ount of the "he"'s. he t$ial "ou$t "onvi"te# he$
of the "$i(e of estafa an# violation of 2P 33 fo$ issuing .oun"ing "he"'s.
<en"e, this appeal file# to see' he$ a":uittal.
5ssue
)/hethe$ #e"eit -as e(plo+e# .+ a""use# appellant -hen she issue# the "he"'s to the
p$ivate "o(plainant.
)/hethe$ the$e -as p$oof of noti"e of #ishono$ to the a""use# to -a$$ant "onvi"tion of
the "$i(e "ha$ge#.
*e"ision
he Sup$e(e Cou$t $eve$se# an# set asi#e the #e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t an# a":uitte#
appellant Co$a A.ella 01e#a of the "$i(e (estafa) an# the offense (violation of 2P 33)
"ha$ge#. he "ou$t $ule# that p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove #e"eit in this "ase as the pr!ma
%ac!e p$esu(ption of #e"eit -as su""essfull+ $e.utte# .+ the appellant;s evi#en"e of goo#
faith, a #efense in estafa .+ post#ating a "he"'. he "ou$t -as "onvin"e# that the
appellant -as a.le to p$ove the a.sen"e of "$i(inal intent in he$ t$ansa"tions -ith Chua.
he "ou$t also note# that the p$ose"ution p$esente# vi$tuall+ no evi#en"e to sho- that the
in#ispensa.le noti"e of #ishono$ -as sent to an# $e"eive# .+ appellant. 8oti"e of
#ishono$ is ne"essa$+ fo$ p$ose"ution (fo$ estafa an# violation of 2P 33). /ithout p$oof
of noti"e of #ishono$, 'no-le#ge of insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s "annot .e p$esu(e# an# no
"$i(e (-hethe$ estafa o$ violation of 2P 33) "an .e #ee(e# to eGist. /ith the evi#ent
la"' of noti"e of #ishono$ of the "he"'s, appellant "annot .e hel# guilt+ of violation of
2P 33, -hi"h 1ustifie# he$ a":uittal.
>illi G. Sia vs People o2 t3e P3ilippines
G.. No. +,767-
April 0.& 011,
Fa"ts
his is a petition fo$ $evie- on "e$tio$a$i of a #e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals.
0n June 4, %&83, the Consoli#ate# 0$ient Leasing an# Finan"e Co$po$ation (C0LF), as
Lesso$ an# /ill+ 9. Sia, the sole p$op$ieto$ of /9S Const$u"tion, as Lessee eGe"ute# a
Lease Ag$ee(ent fo$ a pe$io# of %8 (onths "ove$ing seve$al "onst$u"tion e:uip(ent. Sia
$e(itte# to the C0LF the ag$ee# gua$ant+ #eposit of P3%?,3@0.00. <e also #elive$e# to
the C0LF, upon eGe"ution of the lease ag$ee(ent in %&83, eighteen (%8) post#ate# "he"'
in the a(ount of P44,&80.00 ea"h, pa+a.le to C0LF #$a-n against his a""ount -ith the
RC2C. At the ti(e the .an' ha# eGten#e# "$e#it fa"ilities to the petitione$, ea"h "he"'
-as en"hase# o$ #eposite# .+ the C0LF in its a""ount on thei$ $espe"tive #ue #ates in
pa+(ent of the (onthl+ $ental of the e:uip(ent, those f$o( the (onths of Jul+ to
*e"e(.e$ %&&3. <o-eve$, the pa+(ent fo$ Janua$+ %&83 $ental -as #ishono$e# .+ the
#$a-ee .an' #ue to insuffi"ient fun#s. he pa+(ent fo$ =a$"h %&83 -as also #ishono$e#
this ti(e fo$ the $eason Ia""ount "lose#.J he C0LF finall+ #e"i#e# to te$(inate the
lease an# ha# info$(e# Sia of the sa(e. *espite sai# te$(ination of the lease, the C0LF
still #eposite# the pa+(ent fo$ Ap$il %&83, -hi"h -as again #ishono$e# fo$ the $eason
Ia""ount "lose#.J C0LF "ha$ge# Sia -ith 3 "ounts of violating 2atas Pa(.ansa 2lg 33.
Sia a$gue# that eve$+ (onth, as the "he"' fell #ue, he info$(e# C0LF -hethe$ to #eposit
o$ to en"ash the "he"'s, o$ to appl+ the "u$$ent #eposit fo$ the pa+(ent of the $ental #ue.
<e (a#e goo# the fi$st siG post#ate# "he"'s .ut faile# to fun# the ensuing "he"'s fo$
Janua$+, =a$"h an# Ap$il %&83 .e"ause his finan"ial "on#ition -as a#ve$sel+ affe"te# .+
the i(ple(entation of his p$o1e"t an# the RC2C ha# sin"e then $efuse# to give hi(
"$e#it. o fa"ilitate the pa+(ent of the "he"'s, Sia as'e# the C0LF to appl+ his gua$ant+
#eposit to "ove$ the $entals f$o( Janua$+ %&83. hus, Sia no longe$ fun#e# his a""ount
-ith the #$a-ee .an', thin'ing that his gua$ant+ #eposit -oul# ans-e$ fo$ the "he"'s.
he t$ial "ou$t $en#e$e# 1u#g(ent fin#ing Sia guilt+ .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of the
"$i(e "ha$ge#. <e file# an appeal .efo$e the Cou$t of Appeals -ho $en#e$e# a 1u#g(ent
affi$(ing the #e"ision of the RC.
<en"e, this petition fo$ $evie-.
5ssue
)/hethe$ the p$ose"ution -as a.le to p$ove .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t that noti"e of
#ishono$ ha# .een given to the petitione$.
)/hethe$ the petitione$ shoul# have .een a":uitte# fo$ failu$e of the p$ose"ution to p$ove
the petitione$;s guilt .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
*e"ision
he Sup$e(e Cou$t $eve$se# an# set asi#e the #e"ision of the Cou$t of Appeals an#
a":uitte# /ill+ 9. Sia of the "$i(es "ha$ge# fo$ insuffi"ien"+ of evi#en"e. he "ou$t
$ule# that the p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove that the a""use# 'ne-, at the ti(e of issue, that
he #oes not have suffi"ient fun#s in o$ "$e#it fo$ the full pa+(ent of su"h "he"' upon its
p$esent(ent. =o$eove$, unless an# until the #$a-e$ o$ (a'e$ of the "he"' $e"eives a
-$itten noti"e of #ishono$ of the "he"', o$ -hen the$e is no p$oof as to -hen su"h noti"e
of #ishono$ -as $e"eive# .+ the #$a-e$ o$ (a'e$, the five)#a+ pe$io# -ithin -hi"h the
#$a-e$ o$ (a'e$ has to pa+ the a(ount #ue o$ (a#e a$$ange(ents -ith the #$a-ee .an'
fo$ the pa+(ent of the "he"', "annot .e #ete$(ine#. he "ou$t hel# that in this "ase the
p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove that the C0LF o$ the #$a-ee .an' eve$ sent an+ -$itten noti"e
of #ishono$ of the su.1e"t "he"'s to the petitione$ an# that the latte$ $e"eive# the sa(e.
he "ou$t st$esse# that assu(ing that the petitione$ ha# 'no-le#ge that he ha#
insuffi"ient fun#s in the #$a-ee .an' -hen he issue# the :uestione# "he"'sE he "oul# still
have pai# the "he"'s o$ (a#e a$$ange(ents -ith the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the pa+(ents of the
"he"'s if he ha# .een #ul+ notifie# of thei$ #ishono$. 5n not sen#ing a noti"e o$ lette$ of
#ishono$ to the petitione$ as $e:ui$e# .+ la-, the C0LF #ep$ive# the petitione$ his $ight
to avoi# p$ose"ution fo$ violation of 2P 2lg. 33.
hus, the petition -as g$ante#.
Nem Sing3
9R ^ %38%&7
9a$"ia vs. CA
Fa"ts!
Petitione$ -as "ha$ge# of t-o "ounts of violation of 2P 33. he a""use# 'no-s
that at the ti(e of issue of the "he"'s, she #i# not have enough fun#s in o$ "$e#it -ith the
#$a-ee .an' fo$ the pa+(ent in full of the fa"e a(ount of su"h "he"' upon its
p$esent(ent, an# the sa(e .eing p$esente# fo$ pa+(ent -ithin &0 #a+s f$o( the #ate
the$eof, -as then #ishono$e# .+ the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the $eason IA""ount Close#J an#
#espite $e"eipt of noti"e of su"h #ishono$, the a""use# faile# to pa+ sai# pa+ee the fa"e
a(ount of sai# "he"' o$ (a'e a$$ange(ent fo$ full pa+(ent -ithin @ .an'ing #a+s afte$
$e"eiving noti"e.
5ssues!
/hethe$ the p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove a violation of 2P 33.
/hethe$ the penalt+ i(pose# is e$$oneous.
*e"ision!
he ele(ents of the violation of 2P 33 a$e! (%) the a""use# (a'es, #$a-s, o$
issues an+ "he"' to appl+ on a""ount o$ fo$ value, (3) the a""use# 'no-s at the ti(e of
issue that he #oes not have suffi"ient fun#s in o$ "$e#it -ith the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the
pa+(ent of su"h "he"' in full upon its p$esent(ent, an# (3) the "he"' is su.se:uentl+
#ishono$e# .+ the #$a-ee .an' fo$ insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s o$ "$e#it o$ -oul# have .een
#ishono$e# fo$ the sa(e $eason ha# not the #$a-e$. /ithout an+ vali# $eason, o$#e$e# the
.an' to stop pa+(ent.
5t is un#ispute# that she #i# not have suffi"ient fun#s to "ove$ the "he"'s at the
ti(e she issue# it. he "he"'s -e$e the #ishono$e# .e"ause the a""ount f$o( -hi"h the
(one+ shoul# have .een #$a-n against -as "lose# .+ the petitione$. *espite #e(an#s
(a#e on he$ .+ p$ivate "o(plainant to pa+ the value of the "he"', she faile# to pa+. She
#i#n;t even (a'e a$$ange(ents fo$ pa+(ent in full of the "he"'s .+ the .an' -ithin @
.an'ing #a+s afte$ noti"e of #ishono$ so as to a.solve he$ of an+ lia.ilit+ fo$ issuing a
.oun"ing "he"'.
he penalt+ of i(p$ison(ent has .een #elete# "onsi#e$ing the #e"isions on
p$evious "ases. he petitione$ he$ein shall pa+ a fine fo$ ea"h violation in the a(ount of
Php 300,000.00, an# shall pa+ p$ivate "o(plainant the su( of Php 333,%%3.@0 an# Php
%4?,88?.@0 plus legal inte$est of ?R pe$ annu(.
9R ^ %37%&%
Ri"o vs. People
Fa"ts!
Petitione$ -as "ha$ge# fo$ five "ounts of violation if 2P 33. <e -illfull+,
unla-full+ an# feloniousl+ #$a- an# issue "he"'s, 'no-ing full+ -ell that he ha# no
suffi"ient fun#s #eposite# -ith the #$a-ee .an' to "ove$ the pa+(ent the$eof, as in fa"t it
-as #ishono$e# -hen p$esente# fo$ pa+(ent to the #$a-ee .an' on the g$oun# that it -as
#$a-n against insuffi"ient fun#s, an# the a""use#, #espite #ue noti"e to hi( of the
#ishono$ of sai# "he"' ha# not pai# the a(ount the$eof no$ ha# he (a#e ag$ee(ents fo$
its pa+(ent in full .+ the #$a-ee .an' -ithin @ .an'ing #a+s f$o( $e"eipt of noti"e of
#ishono$, to the #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e of the 4ve$ Lu"'+ Co((e$"ial in the a(ount of
Php 8%,800.00.
5ssues!
/hethe$ the petitione$;s guilt has .een esta.lishe# .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
*e"ision!
he la- enu(e$ates the ele(ents of violation of 2P 3, na(el+ (%) the (a'ing,
#$a-ing an# issuan"e of an+ "he"' to appl+ fo$ a""ount o$ fo$ value, (3) the 'no-le#ge
of the (a'e$, #$a-e$, o$ issue$ that at the ti(e of issue he #oes not have suffi"ient fun#s
in o$ "$e#it -ith the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the pa+(ent of the "he"' in full upon its
p$esent(ent, an# (3) the su.se:uent #ishono$ of the "he"' .+ the #$a-ee .an' fo$
insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s o$ "$e#it o$ #ishono$ fo$ the sa(e $eason ha# not the #$a-e$,
-ithout an+ vali# "ause, o$#e$e# the .an' to stop pa+(ent. he fi$st an# thi$# ele(ents of
the offense a$e p$esent an# p$ove# in this "ase. 2ut the se"on# ele(ent -as not
suffi"ientl+ esta.lishe#, -hi"h is an essential ele(ent of the offense. 5t (ust .e sho-n
that he 'ne- at the ti(e of issue that he #oes not have suffi"ient fun#s in o$ "$e#it -ith
the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the pa+(ent of su"h "he"' in o$ "$e#it -ith the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the
pa+(ent of su"h "he"' in full upon its p$esent(ent. he p$esu(ption that the issue$ ha#
'no-le#ge of the insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s is .$ought into eGisten"e onl+ afte$ it is p$ove#
that the issue$ ha# $e"eive# a noti"e of #ishono$ an# that, -ithin five #a+s f$o( $e"eipt
the$eof, he faile# to pa+ the a(ount of the "he"' o$ to (a'e a$$ange(ent fo$ its pa+(ent.
5f noti"e if non)pa+(ent .+ the #$a-ee .an' is not sent to the (a'e$ o$ #$a-e$ of
the .u( "he"', o$ if the$e is no p$oof as to -hen su"h noti"e -as $e"eive# .+ the #$a-e$,
then the p$esu(ption of 'no-le#ge as p$ovi#e# in se"tion 3 of 2P 33 "annot a$ise, sin"e
the$e -oul# si(pl+ .e no -a+ of $e"'oning the "$u"ial @)#a+ pe$io#. he p$ose"ution not
onl+ faile# to p$ove the $e"eipt .+ petitione$ of an+ noti"e of #ishono$, the $e"o$#s a$e
also .e$eft of an+ in#i"ation that -$itten fo$(al #e(an# lette$s o$ noti"e of #ishono$ -e$e
a"tuall+ sent to petitione$. Petitione$ is then a":uitte#, an# o$#e$e# to pa+ p$ivate
"o(plainant Php %78,434.00 -ith %3 R inte$est pe$ annu(.
9R ^ %4?3%%
8ag$a(pa vs. People
Fa"ts!
he a""use#, -ith intent to gain .+ (eans of false p$etenses o$ f$au#ulent a"ts
eGe"ute# p$io$ to o$ si(ultaneousl+ -ith the "o((ission of f$au#, unla-full+ an#
feloniousl+ #ef$au# F4*C0R $a#ing Co$po$ation .+ (a'ing, #$a-ing an# issuing in
favo$ of the latte$ the follo-ing "he"'s, #$a-n against the Se"u$it+ 2an' an# $ust
Co(pan+ in pa+(ent of an o.ligation, 'no-ing full+ -ell at the ti(e of issue that he #i#
not have an+ fun#s in the .an' o$ his fun#s #eposite# the$ein -as not suffi"ient to "ove$
the a(ount of the "he"'s that upon p$esentation of sai# "he"'s to the sai# .an' fo$
pa+(ent, the sa(e -e$e #ishono$e# fo$ the $eason that the #$a-e$ #i# not have an+ fun#s
the$ein an# #espite noti"e of #ishono$ the$eof, a""use# faile# an# $efuse# an# still fails
an# $efuses to $e#ee( o$ (a'e goo# sai# "he"'s, to the #a(age an# p$e1u#i"e of
F4*C0R.
5ssue!
/hethe$ Petitione$ is lia.le of 4stafa in a##ition to the t-o "ha$ges of violation of
P2 33.
*e"ision!
/hen petitione$ issue# the su.1e"t post#ate# "he"'s even though he ha# no (o$e
a""ount -ith the #$a-ee .an', having "lose# it (o$e than fou$ +ea$s .efo$e he #$e- an#
#elive$e# the "he"'s, he (anifeste# utte$ la"' of goo# faith o$ -anton .a# faith. he
"$i(e of estafa un#e$ pa$ag$aph 3(#) of A$ti"le 3%@ of the Revise# Penal Co#e has the
follo-ing ele(ents (%) post#ating o$ issuan"e of a "he"' in pa+(ent of an o.ligation
"ont$a"te# at the ti(e the "he"' -as issue#E (3) la"' o$ insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s to "ove$ the
"he"'E an# (3) #a(age to the pa+ee the$eof. he penalt+ fo$ estafa "o((itte# .+ (eans
of .oun"ing "he"'s shall appl+, un#e$ P$esi#ential *e"$ee 8o. 8%8. Petitione$ is then
senten"e# to suffe$ (%) an i(p$ison(ent of one +ea$ fo$ ea"h of the t-o "ounts of
violation of 2P33 an# (3) an in#ete$(inate penalt+ of eight +ea$s an# one #a+ of p$ision
(a+o$ as (ini(u( to t-ent+)eight +ea$s, fou$ (onths an# one #a+ of $e"lusion pe$petua
as (aGi(u( fo$ the "$i(e of estafaE an# to pa+ p$ivate "o(plainant the a(ount of
P%3@,000, plus legal inte$est.
9R ^ %38??&
an vs. =en#e>, J$.
Fa"ts!
Petitione$s a$e the o-ne$s of =aste$ ou$s an# $avel Co$po$ation an# ope$ato$s
of Philippine La-in 2us Co., 5n"., -hile $espon#ent is the o-ne$ of th$ee gasoline
stations. Petitione$s opene# a "$e#it line fo$ thei$ .uses; lu.$i"ants an# fuel "onsu(ption
-ith $espon#ent, -hi"h -as also #esignate# .+ petitione$s as the .oo'ing an# ti"'eting
agent of Phillipine La-in 2us Co.
Petitione$s; #$ive$s pu$"hase# on "$e#it fuel an# va$ious oil p$o#u"ts fo$ its .uses.
Petitione$s issue# seve$al "he"'s to $espon#ent as pa+(ent. Sai# "he"'s -e$e
#ishonou$e# .+ the .an' upon p$esent(ent fo$ pa+(ent fo$ .eing #$a-n against
insuffi"ient fun#s.
Petitione$s ave$$e# that the+ "annot .e hel# lia.le fo$ violation of 2P 33 .e"ause
the a(ount su.1e"t of the "he"' ha# al$ea#+ .een eGtinguishe# .+ offset o$ "o(pensation
against the "olle"tion f$o( ti"'et sales f$o( the .oo'ing offi"es. Respon#ent #ispute#
petitione$s; "lai( of pa+(ent th$ough offset o$ "o(pensation fo$ the "he"'s "oul# not
have offset the a(ount of the #ishonou$e# "he"'s sin"e the petitione$s total o.ligations
al$ea#+ $ea"he# P&0?,000. he "ou$t then fin#s the petitione$s guilt+ fo$ violation of 2P
33.
5ssue!
/hethe$ pa+(ent th$ough "o(pensation o$ offset "an p$e"lu#e p$ose"ution fo$
2P 33.
*e"ision!
All the ele(ents fo$ the violation of 2P 33 a$e p$esent. Petitione$s #efense of
"o(pensation is unavailing .e"ause petitione$s #i# not "lea$l+ spe"if+ in the
(e(o$an#u( -hi"h #ishonou$e# "he"' is .eing offset. 8o "o(pensation "an ta'e pla"e
.e"ause $espon#ent is not a #e.to$ of petitione$s. 6n#e$ A$t. %378 of the Civil Co#e,
"o(pensation $e:ui$es that the pa$ties .e (utuall+ an# p$in"ipall+ .oun# as "$e#ito$ an#
#e.to$s, if not, "o(pensation shall not appl+. Respon#ent onl+ a"te# as inte$(e#ia$+ in
$e(itting the ti"'et sales, an# thus, is not a #e.to$ of petitione$s. Also, petitione$s neve$
allege# "o(pensation -hen the+ $e"eive# the #e(an# lette$. he+ shoul# have $e#ee(e#
o$ ta'en the "he"'s .a"' in the o$#ina$+ "ou$se of .usiness if the$e -as in#ee# a pa+(ent
.+ "o(pensation.
he petitione$s ha# eGe$te# effo$ts to settle thei$ o.ligations. he #eletion of the
penalt+ of i(p$ison(ent 5n this "ase is p$ope$. Petitione$s a$e o$#e$e# to in#e(nif+
$espon#ent in the a(ount of P@8, 337.7@ -ith legal inte$est. he senten"e of
i(p$ison(ent is set asi#e.
9R ^ %3&7?4
9$iffith vs. CA
Fa"ts!
Phelps *o#ge Philippines, 5n". lease# its lot an# fa"to$+ .uil#ing to Lin"oln
9e$a$#, 5n". /hen Lin"oln in"u$$e# $ental a$$ea$ages, 9eoff$e+ F. 9$iffin in his "apa"it+
as p$esi#ent, issue# 3 "he"'s. Phelps *o#ge p$esente# the t-o "he"'s fo$ pa+(ent .ut
these -e$e #ishonou$e# .+ the .an' fo$ having .een #$a-n against insuffi"ient fun#s.
Lin"oln eGplaine# that the ina.ilit+ to fun# sai# "he"'s is .e"ause of the st$i'e. hen
Phelps *o#ge -ent ahea# -ith the fo$e"losu$e an# au"tion sale #espite Lin"oln;s p$otest.
Lin"oln then lo#ge# a "o(plaints fo$ #a(ages against Phelps *o#ge an# the nota$+
pu.li" -ho "on#u"te# the au"tion sale. he t$ial "ou$t $ule# that the fo$e"losu$e an#
au"tion sale -e$e invali#, .ut applie# the p$o"ee#s to Lin"oln;s a$$ea$ages. 5t also o$#e$e#
Phelps to $etu$n to Lin"oln the eG"ess a(ount. 9$iffith -as foun# guilt+ of violation of
Se"tion % of 2P 33.
5ssue!
/hethe$ petitione$ has .een e$$oneousl+ "onvi"te# an# senten"e# fo$ violation of
2P 33.
*e"ision!
he "he"'s issue# .+ the petitione$ ha# a "on#ition -$itten on the vou"he$ that the
"he"' -as not to .e p$esente# fo$ pa+(ent -ithout "lea$an"e f$o( Lin"oln, to .e given at
a spe"ifi" #ate. 2ut Lin"oln -as una.le to give su"h "lea$an"e o-ing to a la.o$ st$i'e that
pa$al+>e# its .usiness an# $esulte# to the "o(pan+;s ina.ilit+ to fun# its "he"'s. Phelps
-as a.le to "olle"t the fa"e value of the t-o "he"'s .+ selling Lin"oln;s p$ope$t+. 2+ that
ti(e, the "ivil o.ligation of Lin"oln to Phelps -as no longe$ su.sisting. Phelps -as
o$#e$e# to $etu$n the eG"ess a(ount to Lin"oln. he "$e#ito$ having "olle"te# al$ea#+
(o$e than a suffi"ient a(ount o "ove$ the value of the "he"'s fo$ pa+(ent of $entals ,via
au"tion sale, the "ou$t fin#s that hol#ing the p$esi#ent to ans-e$ fo$ a "$i(inal offense
un#e$ 2P 33 t-o +ea$s afte$ sai# "olle"tion, is no longe$ tena.le no$ 1ustifie# .+ la- o$
e:uita.le "onsi#e$ations. Consi#e$ing that the (one+ value of the t-o "he"'s issue# .+
the petitione$ has al$ea#+ .een effe"tivel+ pai# t-i +ea$s .efo$e the info$(ations against
hi( -e$e file#, the$e is (e$it in the petition. Petitione$ "annot .e vali#l+ an# 1ustl+
"onvi"te# o$ senten"e# fo$ violation of 2P 33. he petition is g$ante#, he$e.+ a":uitting
9$iffith.
9R ^ %344&8
=e$i> vs. People
Fa"ts!
Petitione$ -as engage# in the .usiness of (anufa"tu$ing ga$(ents fo$ eGpo$t
using the na(e an# st+le of I<i)=a$" 8ee#le"$aft.J *u$ing the "ou$se of he$ .usiness
un#e$ta'ings, she o.taine# a nu(.e$ of loans f$o( P$ivate Respon#ents. Petitione$ then
issue# fo$ "he"'s to p$ivate $espon#ent, the latte$ #epositing the sa(e -ith he$ .an'.
<o-eve$, the "he"'s -e$e late$ $etu$ne# -ith the notation of insuffi"ient fun#s. he "ou$t
fin#s the a""use# guilt+ of the "$i(es "ha$ge#, senten"ing he$ to suffe$ i(p$ison(ent fo$
one +ea$ an# to in#e(nif+ the "o(plainant P47,%00 in ea"h "ase.
Petitione$ in the instant appeal, -oul# have it that the$e -as an a.solute la"' of
"onsi#e$ation fo$ the su.1e"t "he"'s -hi"h -e$e issue# onl+ as a "on#ition fo$ the g$ant
of loan in he$ .
5ssue!
/hethe$ the $e:uisite ele(ent of noti"e -as not "o(plie# -ith.
*e"ision!
he "ou$t has "onsistentl+ #e"la$e# that the "ause o$ $eason fo$ the issuan"e of the
"he"' is in"onse:uential in #ete$(ining "$i(inal "ulpa.ilit+ un#e$ 2P 33. A Che"' issue#
as an evi#en"e of #e.t although not inten#e# fo$ en"ash(ent, has the sa(e effe"t li'e an+
othe$ "he"', an# (ust thus .e help to .e in "onte(plation of 2P 33. he g$ava(en of the
offense un#e$ 2P 33 is the a"t of (a'ing o$ issuing a -o$thless "he"' o$ a "he"' that is
#ishonou$e# upon p$esent(ent fo$ pa+(ent. he p$i(a fa"ie p$esu(ption that the #$a-e$
has 'no-le#ge of the insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s o$ "$e#it at the ti(e of the issuan"e, o$ on the
p$esent(ent fo$ pa+(ent, of the "he"' (ight .e $e.utte# .+ pa+(ent of the value of the
"he"' eithe$ .+ the #$a-e$ o$ .+ the #$a-ee .an' -ithin give .an'ing #a+s f$o( noti"e
of the #ishonou$ given to the #$a-e$. he pa+(ent "oul# thus .e a "o(plete #efense that
-oul# lie $ega$#less of the st$ength of the evi#en"e offe$e# .+ the p$ose"ution. 5t (ust .e
p$esuppose# then that the issue$ $e"eives a noti"e of #ishonou$ an# that, -ithin five #a+s
f$o( $e"eipt the$eof, he -oul# have faile# to pa+ the a(ount of the "he"' o$ to (a'e
a$$ange(ent fo$ its pa+(ent.
he assaile# #e"ision is (o#ifie# .+ #eleting the senten"e of i(p$ison(ent of one
+ea$, an# the "ou$t i(pose# a fine of P&4,300 in ea"h of the "ases.
9R ^ %30038
Li( vs. People
Fa"ts!
Petitione$ pu$"hase# 1e-el$+ f$o( p$ivate $espon#ents, an# issue# he$ t-o "he"'s
pa+a.le to "ash. he "o(plainant #eposite# the t-o "he"'s -ith he$ .an', .ut the sa(e
-e$e $etu$ne# -ith a noti"e of #ishonou$. Petitione$;s a""ount in the .an' f$o( -hi"h the
"he"'s -e$e #$a-n -as "lose#. 6pon #e(an#, petitione$ p$o(ise# to pa+ the p$ivate
$espon#ents the a(ounts of the t-o #ishono$e# "he"'s. 2ut she neve$ #i#.
he a""use# 'no-ing at the ti(e of issue of the "he"'s she #oes not have
suffi"ient fun#s in the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the pa+(ent of su"h "he"' in full upon its
p$esent(ent, -ith #eli.e$ate intent, -ith intent to gain an# of "ausing #a(age, #i# then
an# the$e issue, (a'e o$ #$a- a "he"' pa+a.le to "ash, -hi"h -as issue# in pa+(ent of
an o.ligation of sai# a""use#, .ut -hen the sai# "he"' -as p$esente# -ith the .an', the
sa(e -as #ishonou$e# fo$ $eason Ia""ount "lose#J an# faile# an# $efuse# an# up to the
p$esent ti(e still fails an# $efuses to #o so. P$ose"ution having esta.lishe# the guilt of
the a""use# .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t, the a""use# is "onvi"te# to suffe$ the penalt+ of
i(p$ison(ent fo$ one +ea$, an# a fine of t-o hun#$e# thousan# pesos in ea"h of the t-o
"ha$ges fo$ violation of 2P 33.
5ssue!
/hethe$ the #efense of the petitione$ that the "he"' -as given to anothe$ pe$son,
not the p$ivate $espon#ent, is vali#, "onsi#e$ing that the+ ha# no p$e)eGisting t$ansa"tion.
*e"ision!
he fi$st an# last ele(ent of the offense a$e p$esent. o es"ape lia.ilit+, she (ust
p$ove that the se"on# ele(ent -as a.sent, that is, at the ti(e of issue of the "he"'s, she
#i# not 'no- taht he$ fun#s in that .an' a""ount -e$e insuffi"ient. She #i# not p$ove this.
2P 33, Se"tion 3 "$eates a p$esu(ption 1u$is tantu( that the se"on# ele(ent p$i(a fa"ie
eGists -hen the fi$st an# thi$# ele(ents of the offense a$e p$esent. 5f not $e.utte#, it
suffi"es to sustain a "onvi"tion. he g$ava(en of 2P 33 is the a"t of (a'ing an# issuing a
-o$thless "he"' of one that is #ishonou$e# upon its p$esent(ent fo$ pa+(ent. he a"t is
(alu( p$ohi.itu(, pe$ni"ious an# ini(i"al to pu.li" -elfa$e. Petitione$ faile# to $e.ut
the p$esu(ption that she 'ne- he$fun#s -e$e insuffi"ient at the ti(e of issue of the
"he"', an# she faile# to pa+ the a(ount of the "he"'s o$ (a'e a$$ange(ent fo$ its
pa+(ent -ithin five .an'ing #a+s f$o( $e"eipt of noti"e of #ishonou$. 2P 33 -as "lea$l+
violate#. he p$ison senten"es i(pose# on petitione$ has .een #elete#, $etaining the t-o
fin#s i(pose# fo$ ea"h violation, ea"h a(ounting to P300,000 a$e app$op$iate an#
suffi"ient. he a-a$# of (o$al #a(ages an# o$#e$ to pa+ atto$ne+;s fees a$e #elete# fo$
la"' of suffi"ient .asis.
9R %3&&0
Ca$as vs.CA
Fa"ts!
Petitione$ -as foun# guilt+ of %@ "ounts of P2 33 violations. he a""use#
o.taine# f$o( the "o(plainant on install(ent va$ious gift "he"'s an# pu$"hase o$#e$s
f$o( 6ni-i#e Sales an# in pa+(ent the$eof, the a""use# issue# to the "o(plainant the
follo-ing "he"'s #$a-n against Philippine Co((e$"ial 2an'. /hen the "he"'s -e$e
p$esente# fo$ #eposit o$ en"ash(ent, the+ -e$e all #ishonou$e# fo$ the $eason Ia""ount
"lose#.J *espite $epeate# ve$.al an# -$itten #e(an#s (a#e on he$ to $epla"e the
#ishonou$e# "he"'s -ith "ash, she faile# an# $efuse# to #o so.
he a""use# a#(itte# that she issue# the %@ "he"'s. She "lai(e# ho-eve$ that
the+ -e$e given to the siste$ of the "o(plainant, as Igua$antee #epositJ that is, fo$ eve$+
gift "he"' an# pu$"hase o$#e$ given to the a""use#, she issue# pe$sonal "he"'s to
gua$antee its pa+(ent. he "he"'s a$e not to .e en"ashe# no$ #eposite# -ith an+ .an'.
/ith one "he"' to the siste$ of the "o(plainant -as sai# to .e .lan', -ith he$ signatu$e
.ut -ithout an+ a(ount o$ nu(e$i"al figu$es on the fa"e of the "he"'.
5ssue!
/hethe$ petitione$ shall .e hel# guilt+ "onsi#e$ing that the issue# "he"'s a$e not
fo$ the pu$pose of pa+(ent, .ut to a"t as a Igua$antee #eposit.J
*e"ision!
he petitione$;s "ontention that she issue# the "he"'s su.1e"t of this "ase (e$el+
to gua$antee pa+(ent of he$ o.ligation is ha$#l+ a #efense. he (e$e a"t of issuing a
-o$thless "he"' is (allu( p$ohi.itu( an# is punisha.le un#e$ 2P 33, p$ovi#e# the othe$
ele(ents of the offense a$e p$ope$l+ p$ove#. he la- p$ovi#es fo$ a p$i(a fa"ie $ule of
evi#en"e. Cno-le#ge of insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s in o$ "$e#it -ith the .an' is p$esu(e#
f$o( the a"t of (a'ing, #$a-ing an# issuing a "he"' pa+(ent of -hi"h is $efuse# .+ the
#$a-ee .an' fo$ insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s -hen p$esente# -ithin &0 #a+s f$o( the #ate of
issue. <o-eve$, the p$ose"ution p$esente# no evi#en"e that -oul# esta.lish petitione$;s
a"tual $e"eipt of an+ #e(an# lette$ -hi"h "oul# have se$ve# as noti"e to petitione$. 8o
a"'no-le#ge(ent $e"eipt no$ $etu$n "a$# fo$ the fi$st an# se"on# #e(an# lette$s -e$e
offe$e# in evi#en"e. Su"h o(ission an# negle"t on the pa$t of the p$ose"ution is fatal to
its "ause. he failu$e of the p$ose"ution to p$ove that petitione$ -as given the $e:uisite
noti"e of #ishonou$ is a "lea$ g$oun# fo$ he$ a":uittal.
he petitione$ is a":uitte# on the g$oun# that he$ guilt has not .een esta.lishe#
.e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
9R ^ %4337@
2autista vs. CA
Fa"ts!
Ruth *. 2autista, petitione$, issue# to p$ivate $espon#ent Susan Alona a "he"' fo$
P%,@00,000. A""o$#ing to p$ivate $espon#ent, the petitione$ assu$e# he$ that the "he"'
-oul# .e suffi"ientl+ fun#e# on the (atu$it+ #ate. P$ivate $espon#ent p$esente# the "he"'
fo$ pa+(ent, .ut the #$a-ee .an' #ishonou$e# the "he"' .e"ause it -as #$a-n against
insuffi"ient fun#s. he p$ivate $espon#ent allege# that she (a#e $epeate# #e(an#s on
petitione$ to (a'e a$$ange(ents fo$ the pa+(ent of the "he"' -ithin five -o$'ing #a+s
afte$ the $e"eipt of noti"e of #ishono$ f$o( the .an', .ut that petitione$ faile# to #o so.
Sin"e the "he"' -as p$esente# fo$ pa+(ent %?? #a+s afte$ its #ue #ate, it -as no longe$
punisha.le un#e$ 2P 33 an# the$efo$e the "o(plaint shoul# .e #is(isse# fo$ la"' of
(e$it. She also "lai(e# that she al$ea#+ assigne# p$ivate $espon#ent he$ "on#o(iniu(
unit as full pa+(ent fo$ the .oun"e# "he"'s thus eGtinguishing he$ "$i(inal lia.ilit+.
5ssue!
/hethe$ the #$a-e$ of a "he"' -hi"h is #ishonou$e# #ue to la"' of suffi"ient
fun#s "an .e p$ose"ute# un#e$ P2 33 even if the "he"' is p$esente# fo$ pa+(ent afte$ &0
#a+s f$o( its #ue #ate.
*e"ision!
he &0 #a+ pe$io# is not an ele(ent of the violation of 2P 33. Se"tion 3 of 2P 33
is "lea$ that a #ishonou$e# "he"' p$esente# -ithin the &0 #a+ pe$io# "$eates a p$i(a fa"ie
p$esu(ption of 'no-le#ge of insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s, -hi"h is an essential ele(ent of the
offense. Sin"e 'no-le#ge involves a state of (in# #iffi"ult to esta.lish, the statute itself
"$eates a p$i(a fa"ie p$esu(ption of the eGisten"e of this ele(ent f$o( the fa"t of
#$a-ing, issuing o$ (a'ing a "he"', the pa+(ent of -hi"h -as su.se:uentl+ $efuse# fo$
insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s. he te$( p$i(a fa"ie #enotes evi#en"e -hi"h, if uneGplaine# o$
un"ont$a#i"te#, is suffi"ient to sustain the p$oposition it suppo$ts o$ to esta.lish the fa"ts,
o$ to "ounte$.alan"e the p$esu(ption of inno"en"e to -a$$ant a "onvi"tion. hus, the onl+
"onse:uen"e of the failu$e to p$esent the "he"' fo$ pa+(ent -ithin &0 #a+s f$o( the #ate
state# is that the$e a$ises no p$i(a fa"ie p$esu(ption of 'no-le#ge of insuffi"ien"+ of
fun#s.
9R ^ %333@3
*anao vs. CA
Fa"ts!
he a""use# #i# then an# the$e, unla-full+ an# feloniousl+ (a'e o$ #$a- an#
issue to Luvi(in#a =a"asie., to appl+ on a""ount o$ fo$ value t-o "he"'s pa+a.le to
"ash. Sai# a""use#, -ell 'no-ing at the ti(e of issue, that she #i# not have suffi"ient
fun#s in o$ "$e#it -ith the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the pa+(ent in full of the fa"e a(ount of su"h
"he"' upon its p$esent(ent, -hi"h "he"' -hen p$esente# fo$ pa+(ent -ithin &0 #a+s
f$o( the #ate the$eof, -as su.se:uentl+ #ishono$e# .+ the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the $eason
Ia""ount "lose#J an# #espite $e"eipt of noti"e of su"h #ishono$, the sai# a""use# faile# to
pa+ sai# pa+ee the fa"e a(ount of sai# "he"' o$ to (a'e a$$ange(ent fo$ full pa+(ent
the$eof -ithin five .an'ing #a+s afte$ $e"eiving su"h noti"e.
5ssue!
/hethe$ the essential ele(ent of 'no-le#ge of insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s o$ "$e#it on
pa$t of petitione$ is a.sent.
*e"ision!
5t is not enough to esta.lish that a "he"' issue# -as su.se:uentl+ #ishono$e#. 5t
(ust .e sho-n fu$the$ that the pe$son -ho issue# the "he"' 'no- at the ti(e of issue that
he #oes not have suffi"ient fun#s in o$ "$e#it -ith the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the pa+(ent of
su"h "he"' in full upon its p$esent(ent. his ele(ent involves a state of (in# -hi"h is
#iffi"ult to esta.lish. 5t (ust .e sho-n that he o$ she $e"eive# a noti"e of #ishono$ an# ,
-ithin five .an'ing #a+s the$eafte$, faile# to satisf+ the a(ount of the "he"' o$ (a'e
a$$ange(ent fo$ its pa+(ent. 8o p$oof of $e"eipt .+ petitione$ of an+ noti"e of
nonpa+(ent of the "he"'s -as eve$ p$esente# #u$ing the t$ial. he evi#en"e ho-eve$ is
not "lea$ -hen p$ivate "o(plainant (a#e the #e(an#s. he$e is no p$oof of the #ate
-hen *anao $e"eive# the #e(an# lette$. A.sent p$oof that the a""use# $e"eive# su"h
noti"e, a p$ose"ution fo$ violation of 2P 33 "annot p$ospe$. he "o(plainant a#(itte#
that the su.1e"t "he"'s a$e the onl+ pa$ti"ula$ t$ansa"tions .et-een he$ an# petitione$ an#
that the "he"'s a$e in the na(es of the latte$;s (othe$, "lients o$ "usto(e$s. he$e "an .e
no othe$ "on"lusion then than that petitione$;s pa+(ent of P30,@%4 pe$tains onl+ to the
su.1e"t "he"'s. Fo$ fin#ing that the p$ose"ution faile# to p$ove evi#en"e .e+on#
$easona.le #ou.t, *anao is a":uitte# of the offense of violation of 2P 33 on t-o "ounts
fo$ insuffi"ien"+ of evi#en"e.
9R %%78@7
/ong vs. CA
Fa"ts!
/ong issue# ? post#ate# "he"'s totaling P%8,03@ #$a-n pa+a.le to the o$#e$ of
Li(tong P$ess 5n". he "he"'s -e$e initiall+ inten#e# to gua$antee the "alen#a$ o$#e$s of
"usto(e$s -ho faile# to issue post#ate# "he"'s. <o-eve$, follo-ing "o(pan+ poli"+, LP5
$efuse# to a""ept the "he"'s as gua$antees an# instea#, the pa$ties ag$ee to appl+ the
"he"'s to the pa+(ent of petitione$;s un$e(itte# "olle"tions fo$ %&84 a(ounting to
P%8,077.07, LP5 -aiving the P@3.07 #iffe$en"e. 2efo$e the (atu$it+ of the "he"'s,
petitione$ p$evaile# upon LP5 not to #eposit the "he"'s an# p$o(ise# to $epla"e the(
-ithin 30 #a+s. <o-eve$, petitione$ $enege# on his p$o(ise. LP5 then #eposite# the
"he"'s .ut -e$e $etu$ne# fo$ the $eason Ia""ount "lose#.J he #ishono$ of the "he"'s -as
evi#en"e# .+ the .an';s $etu$n slip. Co(plainant th$ough "ounsel notifie# the petitione$
of the #ishono$. Petitione$ faile# to (a'e a$$ange(ents fo$ pa+(ent -ithin @ .an'ing
#a+s.
5ssue!
/hethe$ the petitione$ "an use the #efense that the "he"'s he issue# -e$e
gua$antees fo$ pa+(ent, an# not a"tuall+ inten#e# as pa+(ent.
*e"ision!
Che"'s (ight have .een initiall+ inten#e# .+ petitione$ to gua$antee pa+(ents
#ue f$o( "usto(e$s, .ut upon $efusal of LP5 to a""ept sai# pe$sonal "he"'s pe$ "o(pan+
poli"+, the pa$ties ha# ag$ee# that the "he"'s -oul# .e use# to pa+ off petitione$;s
un$e(itte# "olle"tions. /hat the la- punishes is the issuan"e of .oun#ing "he"' an# not
the pu$pose fo$ -hi"h it -as issue# no$ the te$(s an# "on#itions $elating to its issuan"e.
he (e$e a"t of issuing a -o$thless "he"' is (alu( p$ohi.itu(. he "lea$ i(po$t of the
la- is to esta.lish a p$i(a fa"ie p$esu(ption of 'no-le#ge of su"h insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s
un#e$ the follo-ing "on#itions (%) p$esent(ent -ithin &0 #a+s f$o( the #ate of the "he"'
an# (3) the #ishono$ of the "he"' an# failu$e of the (a'e$ to (a'e a$$ange(ents fo$
pa+(ent in full -ithin @ .an'ing #a+s is si(pl+ one of the "on#itions fo$ the p$i(a fa"ie
p$esu(ption of 'no-le#ge of la"' of fun#s to a$ise. 5t is not an ele(ent of the offense.
8eithe$ #oes it #is"ha$ge petitione$ f$o( his #ut+ to (aintain suffi"ient fun#s in the
a""ount -ithin a $easona.le ti(e the$eof. he petition is #enie#, petitione$ /ong is foun#
lia.le fo$ violation of 2P 33.
i4asio
Anti#>iretapping A4t E.A. No. ,011F
So4orro D. amirez vs. CA and %ster S. Gar4ia EG.. No. 75.55F
*a4tsA
A "ivil "ase fo$ #a(ages -as file# .+ So"o$$o *. Ra(i$e> in the RC of Oue>on
Cit+ alleging that the p$ivate $espon#ent, 4ste$ 9a$"ia, in a "onf$ontation in the latte$;s
offi"e, allege#l+ veGe#, insulte# an# hu(iliate# he$ in a Ihostile an# fu$ious (oo#J an#
in a (anne$ offensive to petitione$;s #ignit+ an# pe$sonalit+,J "ont$a$+ to (o$als, goo#
"usto(s an# pu.li" poli"+. he petitione$ p$o#u"e# the ve$.ati( t$ans"$ipt on -hi"h "ivil
"ase -as .ase# "ulle# f$o( a tape $e"o$#ing of the "onf$ontation (a#e .+ petitione$.
As a $esult of petitione$;s $e"o$#ing of the event an# alleging that the sai# a"t of
se"$etl+ taping the "onf$ontation -as illegal, p$ivate $espon#ent file# a "$i(inal "ase
.efo$e the RC of Pasa+ Cit+ fo$ violation of Repu.li" A"t 4300, entitle#, IAn A"t to
p$ohi.it an# penali>e -i$e tapping an# othe$ $elate# violations of p$ivate "o((uni"ation,
an# othe$ pu$poses.J
6pon a$$aign(ent, petitione$ file# a (otion to :uash the 5nfo$(ation on the
g$oun# that the fa"ts "ha$ge# #o not "onstitute an offense. he RC g$ante# the (otion
ag$eeing -ith petitione$. 0n Fe.$ua$+ &, %&&0, $espon#ent CA p$o(ulgate# the assaile#
#e"ision #e"la$ing the t$ial "ou$t;s o$#e$ null an# voi#. <en"e, the instant petition.
!ssueA
/hethe$ o$ not the a"t of petitione$ Ra(i$e> in $e"o$#ing the assaile#
"onve$sation is "ove$e# .+ R. A. 8o. 43007
'eldA
Se". % of R.A. 8o. 4300 "lea$l+ an# une:uivo"all+ (a'es it illegal fo$ an+ pe$son,
not autho$i>e# .+ all the pa$ties to an+ p$ivate "o((uni"ation to se"$etl+ $e"o$# su"h
"o((uni"ation .+ (eans of tape $e"o$#e$. he la- (a'es no #istin"tion as to -hethe$
the pa$t+ sought to .e penali>e# .+ the statute ought to .e a pa$t+ othe$ than o$ #iffe$ent
f$o( those involve# in the p$ivate "o((uni"ation. he statute;s intent is to penali>e all
pe$sons unautho$i>e# to (a'e su"h $e"o$#ings is un#e$s"o$e# .+ the use of a :ualifie$
Ian+.J Conse:uentl+, as $espon#ent CA "o$$e"tl+ "on"lu#e#, Ieven a pe$son (p$iv+) to a
"o((uni"ation -ho $e"o$#s his p$ivate "onve$sation -ith anothe$ -ithout the 'no-le#ge
of the latte$ (-ill) :ualif+ as a violato$J un#e$ this p$ovision of R.A. 8o 4300.
he natu$e of the "onve$sation is i((ate$ial to a violation of the statute. he
su.stan"e of the sa(e nee# not .e spe"ifi"all+ allege# in the info$(ation. /hat R.A.
4300 penali>es a$e the a"ts of se"$etl+ ove$hea$ing, inte$"epting o$ $e"o$#ing p$ivate
"o((uni"ations .+ (eans of #evi"es enu(e$ate# the$ein. =e$e allegation that an
in#ivi#ual (a#e a se"$et $e"o$#ing of p$ivate "o((uni"ation .+ (eans of a tape $e"o$#e$
-oul# suffi"e to "onstitute an offense un#e$ Se". % of R.A. 4300.
Petitione$;s "ontention that the ph$ase Ip$ivate "o((uni"ationJ in Se".% of R.A.
4300 #oes not in"lu#e Ip$ivate "onve$sationsJ na$$o-s the o$#ina$+ (eaning of the -o$#
I"o((uni"ation; to a point of a.su$#it+.
he instant "ase tu$ns on a #iffe$ent note, .e"ause the appli"a.le fa"ts an#
"i$"u(stan"es pointing to a violation of R.A. 4300 suffe$ f$o( no a(.iguit+, an# the
statute itself eGpli"itl+ (entions the unautho$i>e# I$e"o$#ingJ of p$ivate "o((uni"ations
-ith the use of tape) $e"o$#e$s as a(ong the a"ts punisha.le.
Petition is he$e.+ #enie#.
*elipe Navarro vs. CA and People EG.. No. +0+1./F
*a4tsA
5t appea$s that, at a$oun# 8!40 in evening of Fe.$ua$+ 4, %&&0, Stanle+ Jal.uena
an# 4n$i:ue I5'eJ Lingan, -ho -e$e $epo$te$s of the $a#io station */5 in Lu"ena Cit+,
togethe$ -ith one =a$io 5lagan, -ent to the 4nte$tain(ent Cit+ follo-ing $epo$ts that it
-as sho-ing nu#e #an"e$s.
Afte$ the th$ee ha# seate# an# o$#e$e# .ee$, a #an"e$ appea$e# on stage an# .egan
to pe$fo$( a st$ip a"t. As the #an"e$ $e(ove# he$ .$a, Jal.uena too' a pi"tu$e.
he floo$ (anage$, *ante Li:uin, -ith se"u$it+ gua$#, AleG Sio"o, app$oa"he#
Jal.uena an# #e(an#e# -h+ he too' pi"tu$e. Jal.uena $eplie#! I-ala 'ang pa'iala(,
.e"ause this is (+ 1o..J /hen Jal.uena sa- that Sio"o -as a.out to pull out his gun, he
$an out follo-e# .+ his "o(panions.
Jal.uena an# his "o(panion -ent to the poli"e station to $epo$t the (atte$. h$ee
of the poli"e(en on #ut+ in"lu#ing 8ava$$o, -e$e having #$in's in f$ont of the poli"e
station an# the+ as'e# Jal.uena to 1oin the(. Jal.uena #e"line# an# -ent to the #es'
offi"e$, Sgt. Anonuevo, to $epo$t the in"i#ent. Li:uin an# Sio"o a$$ive# on a (oto$"+"le.
Sio"o an# Li:uin -e$e (et .+ 8ava$$o -ho tal'e# -ith the( in a "o$ne$ fo$
a$oun# fifteen (inutes. 8ava$$o tu$ne# to Jal.uena an# pushing hi( to the -all, 8ava$$o
then pulle# out his fi$ea$( an# "o"'e# it, p$essing it on the fa"e of Jal.uena. At this point,
Lingan inte$vene# an# sai# to 8ava$$o! Ihu-ag na(ang gan+an, pu(a$ito 'a(i pa$a
(agpa .lotte$. 8ava$$o $eplie#! I-alang p$ess, p$ess, (ag) sa(pu pa 'a+o.J <e then
tu$ne# to Sgt. Anonuevo an# tol# hi( to (a'e of $e"o$# the .ehaviou$ of Jal.uena an#
Lingan.
his ange$e# Lingan, he sai#, I=as+a#o 'ang (a+a.ang alisin (o +ang .a$il (o
at (agsuntu'an na lang ta+o;. As Lingan -as a.out to tu$n a-a+, 8ava$$o hit hi( -ith
the han#le of his pistol a.ove the left e+e.$o-. Lingan fell on the floo$, .loo# flo-ing.
<e t$ie# to get up, .ut 8ava$$o gave hi( a fist .lo- on he fo$ehea# -hi"h floo$e# hi(.
6n'no-n to 8ava$$o, Jal.uena -as a.le to $e"o$# on tape the eG"hange .et-een
petitione$ an# the #e"ease#.
he RC of Lu"ena Cit+ $en#e$e# #e"ision fin#ing Petitione$ 8ava$$o guilt+
.e+on# $easona.le #ou.t of ho(i"i#e. he Cou$t of Appeals affi$(e# the #e"ision of the
RC.
!ssueA
/hethe$ o$ not the tape $e"o$#e$ $e"o$#e# .+ Jal.uena is a#(issi.le as evi#en"e
in vie- of R.A. 8o. 4300 -hi"h p$ohi.its -i$e tapping7
'eldA
5n#ee#, Jal.uena;s testi(on+ is "onfi$(e# .+ the voi"e $e"o$#ing he ha# (a#e. 5t
(a+ .e as'e# -hethe$ the tape is a#(issi.le in vie- of R.A. 8o. 4300, -hi"h p$ohi.its
-i$e tapping. he ans-e$ is in the affi$(ative. he la- p$ovi#es! G G G hus, the la-
p$ohi.its the ove$hea$ing, inte$"epting o$ $e"o$#ing of p$ivate "o((uni"ations. Sin"e the
eG"hange .et-een petitione$ 8ava$$o an# Lingan -as not p$ivate, its tape $e"o$#ing is not
p$ohi.ite#.
8o$ is the$e an+ :uestion that it -as #ul+ authenti"ate#. A voi"e $e"o$#ing is
authenti"ate# .+ the testi(on+ of a -itness (%) that he pe$sonall+ $e"o$#e# the
"onve$sationE (3) that the tape pla+e# in "ou$t -as the one he $e"o$#e#E an# (3) that the
voi"es on the tape a$e those of the pe$sons su"h a$e "lai(e# to .elong. 5n the instant "ase,
Jal.uena testifie# that he pe$sonall+ (a#e the voi"e $e"o$#ingE that the tape pla+e# in
"ou$t -as the one he $e"o$#e#E an# that the spea'e$s on the tape -e$e petitione$ 8ava$$o
an# Lingan. A suffi"ient foun#ation -as thus lai# fo$ the authenti"ation of the tape
p$esente# .+ the p$ose"ution.
he voi"e $e"o$#ing (a#e .+ Jal.uena esta.lishe# ! (%) that the$e -as a heate#
eG"hange .et-een petitione$ 8ava$$o an# Lingan on the pla"ing in the poli"e .lotte$ of an
ent$+ against hi( an# Jal.uenaE an# (3) that so(e fo$( of violen"e o""u$$e# involving
petitione$ 8ava$$o an# Lingan, -ith the latte$ getting the -o$st of it.
/he$efo$e, the #e"ision of the CA is affi$(e#.
%dgardo A. Gaanan vs. !AC and People EG.. No. L# 67.17F
*a4tsA
5t appea$s that in the (o$ning of 0"to.e$ 33, %&7@, "o(plainant Att+. ito Pinto$
an# his "lient =anuel =onte.on -e$e in the living $oo( of "o(plainant;s $esi#en"e
#is"ussing the te$(s fo$ the -ith#$a-al of the "o(plaint fo$ #i$e"t assault -hi"h the+
file# against Leona$#o La"oni"o. Afte$ the+ ha# #e"i#e# on the p$opose# "on#itions,
"o(plainant (a#e telephone "all to La"oni"o.
hat sa(e (o$ning, La"oni"o telephone# appellant, -ho is a la-+e$ to "o(e to
his offi"e an# a#vise# hi( on the settle(ent of the #i$e"t assault "ase .e"ause his $egula$
la-+e$ is on a .usiness t$ip. Appellant -ent to the sai# offi"e.
/hen "o(plainant "alle# up, La"oni"o $e:ueste# appellant to se"$etl+
listen to the telephone "onve$sation th$ough a telephone eGtension so as to hea$
pe$sonall+ the p$opose# "on#itions fo$ settle(ent. Appellant hea$# "o(plainant
enu(e$ate the "on#itions fo$ -ith#$a-al of the "o(plaint fo$ #i$e"t assault.
Co(plainant "alle# up to as' La"oni"o if he -as ag$eea.le, the latte$ sai# +es.
Co(plainant tol# hi( to -ait fo$ inst$u"tions on -he$e to #elive$ the (one+.
Co(plainant inst$u"te# La"oni"o to give the (one+ to his -ife. La"oni"o ale$te# his
f$ien# Colonel Mulueta, insiste# that "o(plainant hi(self $e"eive the (one+. /hen
"o(plainant $e"eive# the (one+ he -as a$$este# .+ agents of the Philippine
Consta.ula$+.
Appellant eGe"ute# on the follo-ing #a+ an affi#avit stating that he hea$#
"o(plainant #e(an# P8,000.00 fo$ the -ith#$a-al of the "ase fo$ #i$e"t assault. La"oni"o
atta"he# the affi#avit of appellant to the "o(plaint fo$ $o..e$+K eGto$tion -hi"h he file#
against "o(plainant. Sin"e the appellant listene# to the telephone "onve$sation -ithout
"o(plainant;s "onsent, "o(plainant "ha$ge# appellant an# La"oni"o -ith violation of the
Anti) /i$etapping A"t.
he t$ial "ou$t $ule# that 9aanan an# La"oni"o violate# Se"tion % of R.A. 4300.
he petitione$ appeale# to the appellate "ou$t. <o-eve$ the appellate "ou$t affi$(e# the
#e"ision of the t$ial "ou$t. <en"e this appeal.
!ssueA
/hethe$ o$ not an eGtension telephone is "ove$e# .+ the te$( I#evi"e o$
a$$ange(entJ un#e$ R.A. 43007
De4isionA
An eGtension telephone "annot .e pla"e# in the sa(e "atego$+ as a *i"taphone,
#i"tag$aph o$ the othe$ #evi"es enu(e$ate# in Se"tion % of R.A. 4300 as the use the$eof
"annot .e "onsi#e$e# as ItappingJ the -i$e o$ "a.le of telephone line. he telephone
eGtension in this "ase -as not installe# fo$ that pu$pose. 5t 1ust happene# to .e the$e fo$
o$#ina$+ offi"e use. 5t is a $ule in statuto$+ "onst$u"tion that in o$#e$ to #ete$(ine the t$ue
intent of the legislatu$e, the pa$ti"ula$ "lauses an# ph$ases of the statute shoul# not .e
ta'en as #eta"he# an# isolate# eGp$essions, .ut the -hole an# eve$+ pa$t (ust .e
"onsi#e$e# in fiGing the (eaning of an+ of its pa$ts.
<en"e, the ph$ase I#evi"e o$ a$$ange(entJ in Se"tion % of RA 4300, although not
eG"lusive to that enu(e$ate# the$ein, shoul# .e "onst$ue# to "o(p$ehen# inst$u(ents of
the sa(e o$ si(ila$ natu$e, that is, inst$u(ents the use of -hi"h -oul# .e tanta(ount to
tapping the (ain line of the telephone. 5t $efe$s to inst$u(ents -hose installation o$
p$esen"e "annot .e p$esu(e# .+ the pa$t+ o$ pa$ties ove$hea$# .e"ause, .+ thei$ ve$+
natu$e, the+ a$e not of "o((on usage an# thei$ pu$pose is p$e"isel+ fo$ tapping,
inte$"epting, o$ $e"o$#ing a telephone "onve$sation.
Fu$the$(o$e, it is a gene$al $ule that penal statutes (ust .e "onst$ue# st$i"tl+ in
favou$ of the a""use#. hus, in "ase of #ou.t as in the "ase at .a$, on -hethe$ o$ not an
eGtension telephone is in"lu#e# in the ph$ase I#evi"e o$ a$$ange(entJ, the penal statute
(ust .e "onst$ue# as not in"lu#ing an eGtension telephone.
Conse:uentl+, the (e$e a"t of listening, in o$#e$ to .e punisha.le (ust st$i"tl+ .e
-ith the use of the enu(e$ate# #evi"es in R.A. 8o. 4300 o$ othe$s of si(ila$ natu$e. /e
a$e of the vie- that an eGtension telephone is not a(ong su"h #evi"es o$ a$$ange(ents.
/he$efo$e, the petition is g$ante#. he petitione$ is A":uitte# of the "$i(e of
violation of Repu.li" A"t 8o. 4300, othe$-ise 'no-n as the Anti) /i$etapping A"t.
Sy4ip v. CA E50. SCA ,,/F
*a4tsA
Petitione$ ag$ee# to .u+, on install(ent, f$o( FRC, a to-nhouse unit in the
latte$;s p$o1e"t at Cavite. 6pon eGe"ution of the "ont$a"t to sell, as $e:ui$e#, issue# to
FRC, 48 post#ate# "he"'s, ea"h in the a(ount of Php &,304.00, "ove$ing 48 (onthl+
install(ents.
Afte$ (oving in his unit, petitione$ "o(plaine#, to FRC $ega$#ing #efe"ts in the
unit an# in"o(plete featu$es of the to-nhouse p$o1e"t. FRC igno$e# the "o(plaint.
*issatisfie#, S+"ip se$ve# on FRC t-o 3 noto$ial noti"es to the effe"t that he -as
suspen#ing his install(ent pa+(ents on the unit pen#ing "o(plian"e -ith the p$o1e"t
plans an# spe"ifi"ations, as app$ove# .+ the <L6R2. Petitione$ file# a "o(plaint -ith
the <L6R2. he "o(plaint -as #is(isse# as to the #efe"t, .ut FRC -as o$#e$e# .+ the
<L6R2 to finish all in"o(plete featu$es of its to-nhouse p$o1e"t. S+"ip appeale# the
#is(issal of the "o(plaint as to the allege# #efe"ts.
8ot-ithstan#ing the noto$ial noti"es, FRC "ontinue# to p$esent fo$ en"ash(ent
petitione$;s post#ate# "he"'s in its possession. Petitione$ sent Istop pa+(ent o$#e$sJ to
the .an'. /hen FRC "ontinue# to p$esent the othe$ post#ate# "he"'s to the .an' as the
#ue #ate fell, the .an' a#vise# petitione$ to "lose his "he"'ing a""ount to avoi# pa+ing
.an' "ha$ges eve$+ ti(e he (a#e a Istop pa+(entJ o$#e$ on the fo$th"o(ing "he"'s. *ue
to the "losu$e of petitione$;s "he"'ing a""ount, the #$a-ee .an' #ishono$e# siG post#ate#
"he"'s. FRC file a "o(plaint against petitione$ fo$ violations of 2.P. 2lg. 33 involving
sai# #ishono$e# "he"'s.
!ssueA
/hethe$ o$ not petitione$ is lia.le fo$ violation of 2.P. 337
De4isionA
6n#e$ the p$ovisions of the 2oun"ing Che"'s La- (2.P. 8o. 33), an offense is
"o((itte# -hen the follo-ing ele(ents a$e p$esent!
(%) the (a'ing, #$a-ing an# issuan"e of an+ "he"' to appl+ fo$ a""ount o$ fo$ value
(3) the 'no-le#ge of the (a'e$, #$a-e$, o$ issue$ that at the ti(e of issue he #oes not
have suffi"ient fun#s in o$ "$e#it -ith the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the pa+(ent of su"h
"he"' in full upon its p$esent(entE an#
(%) the su.se:uent #ishono$ of the "he"' .+ the #$a-ee .an' fo$ insuffi"ien"+ of
fun#s o$ "$e#it o$ #ishono$ fo$ the sa(e $eason ha# not the #$a-e$, -ithout an+
vali# "ause, o$#e$e# the .an' to stop pa+(ent.
5n this "ase, the Cou$t foun# that although the fi$st ele(ent of the offense eGists, the
othe$ ele(ents have not .een esta.lishe# .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t.
o .egin -ith, the se"on# ele(ent involves JnoGledge on the pa$t of the issue$ at t3e
time o2 t3e 43e4JKs issuan4e that he #i# not 3ave enoug3 2unds or 4redit in the
.an' 2or payment the$eof upon its presentment. 2.P. 8o. 33 "$eates a p$esu(ption Aur!s
tantum that the se"on# ele(ent pr!ma %ac!e eGists -hen the fi$st an# thi$# ele(ents of the
offense a$e p$esent. 2ut su"h evi#en"e (a+ .e $e.utte#. 5f not $e.utte# o$ "ont$a#i"te#, it
-ill suffi"e to sustain a 1u#g(ent in favo$ of the issue, -hi"h it suppo$ts. As pointe# out
.+ the Soli"ito$ 9ene$al, su"h 'no-le#ge of the insuffi"ien"+ of petitione$As fun#s Bis
legall+ p$esu(e# f$o( the #ishono$ of his "he"'s fo$ insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s.B 2ut su"h
p$esu(ption "annot hol# if the$e is evi#en"e to the "ont$a$+. 5n this "ase, -e fin# that the
othe$ pa$t+ has p$esente# evi#en"e to "ont$a#i"t sai# p$esu(ption. <en"e, the p$ose"ution
is #ut+ .oun# to p$ove eve$+ ele(ent of the offense "ha$ge#, an# not (e$el+ $el+ on a
$e.utta.le p$esu(ption.
A#(itte#l+, -hat a$e involve# he$e a$e post#ate# "he"'s. Post#ating si(pl+ (eans
that on the #ate in#i"ate# on its fa"e, the "he"' -oul# .e p$ope$l+ fun#e#, not that the
"he"'s shoul# .e #ee(e# as issue# onl+ then. he "he"'s in this "ase -e$e issue# at the
ti(e of the signing of the Cont$a"t to Sell in August %&8&. 2ut -e fin# f$o( the $e"o$#s
no sho-ing that the ti(e sai# "he"'s -e$e issue#, petitione$ ha# 'no-le#ge that his
#eposit o$ "$e#it in the .an' -oul# .e insuffi"ient to "ove$ the( -hen p$esente# fo$
en"ash(ent. 0n the "ont$a$+, the$e is testi(on+ .+ petitione$ that at the ti(e of
p$esentation of the "he"'s, he ha# P%@0,000.00 "ash o$ "$e#it -ith Citi.an'.
o $el+ on the p$esu(ption "$eate# .+ 2.P. 8o. 33 as the p$ose"ution #i# in this "ase,
-oul# .e to (is"onst$ue the i(po$t of $e:ui$e(ents fo$ "onvi"tion un#e$ the la-. 5t (ust
.e st$esse# that eve$+ ele(ent of the offense (ust .e p$ove# .e+on# $easona.le #ou.t,
neve$ p$esu(e#. Fu$the$(o$e, penal statutes a$e st$i"tl+ "onst$ue# against the State an#
li.e$all+ in favo$ of the a""use#. 6n#e$ the 2oun"ing Che"'s La-, the punisha.le a"t
(ust "o(e "lea$l+ -ithin .oth the spi$it an# lette$ of the statute.
0ng Fs. People
34? SCRA %%7
Fa"ts! 0n *e"e(.e$ %7, %&&3 Re(e#io 0ng app$oa"he# =a$"ial *e Jesus $e:ueste# to
.e a""o((o#ate# a loa# fo$ %3000 -hi"h 0ng "o(plie#. 5n o$#e$ to insu$e $epa+(ent,
"o(plainant $e:ui$e# 0ng to issue a post #ate# "he"' #ue on Jan. %? %&&?. <o-eve$, sai#
"he"' -as #ishonou$e# .+ the .an' upon -ith#$a-al, fo$ having insuffi"ient fun#s. *e
Jesus notifie# ong, .ut ong #i# not "o(pl+.
5ssue! /hethe$ o$ not 0ng "o((itte# a violation of 2P 33
<el#! DesE he "ou$t $ule# that the la- punishes the issuan"e of a .oun"ing "he"' an# not
the pu$pose of -hi"h it is issue# no$ the te$(s an# "on#itions $elating to its issuan"e. he
(e$e a"t of issuing a -o$thless "he"' is (alu( p$ohi.itu(. hus, he is foun# lia.le.
ing Fs. CA
344 S"$a @@%
Fa"ts! Petitione$ o.taine# loans f$o( "o(plainant fo$ the use on he$ fa(il+ .usiness. As
pa+(ent the petitione$ issue# %% post #ate# "he"'s -hi"h, upon (atu$it+, -he$e
#is"ove$e# fo$ $easons of "lose a""ount o$ #$a-n against insuffi"ient fun#s. hus the
petitione$ $e:ueste# he$ hus.an# an# siste$ to ta'e ove$ he$ .usiness. Ag$eeing to he$
$e:uest, petitione$s issue# %& "he"'s to $epla"e the p$evious %% "he"'s. <o-eve$, the
planne# ta'e)ove$ #i# no (ate$iali>e, thus the petitione$ again $epla"e# the sai# "he"'s in
favo$ of the "o(plainant. Again sai# "he"'s -e$e #ishonou$e#. Petitione$ -as not issue#
-ith a noti"e of #ishono$
5ssue! /hethe$ o$ not the petitione$ "an .e hel# lia.le fo$ a violation of 2P 33
<el#! 8o.E he "ou$t $ule# that he p$ose"ution (ust also p$ove the se"on# ele(ent, that
is, it (ust fu$the$ sho- that the issue$, at the ti(e of the "he"'As issuan"e, ha# 'no-le#ge
that he #i# not have enough fun#s o$ "$e#it in the .an' fo$ pa+(ent the$eof upon its
p$esent(ent. 5t fu$the$ hel# that Ihe a.sen"e of a noti"e of #ishono$ ne"essa$il+ #ep$ives
an a""use# an oppo$tunit+ to p$e"lu#e a "$i(inal p$ose"ution. A""o$#ingl+, p$o"e#u$al
#ue p$o"ess "lea$l+ en1oins that a noti"e of #ishono$ .e a"tuall+ se$ve# on petitione$J.
Sin"e the p$ose"ution -as not a.le to p$ove eGisten"e of a noti"e of #ishonou$, the
petitione$ "annot .e hel# lia.le un#e$ 2P 33
Li( Fs. People
340 SCRA 487
Fa"ts! Petitione$ .$ought va$ious 'in#s of 1e-el$+ -hi"h -as pai# .+ "he"' #ate# August
3@ 30%0. Again on August 3?, petitione$ pu$"hase# 1e-el$+ -hi"h -as again pai# .+
"he"' #ate# August %?, %&&0. 6pon #eposit, the "he"'s -he$e $etu$ne# -oth a noti"e of
#ishono$. 6po# #e(an#, the petitione$ p$o(ise# to pa+, .ut he neve$ #i#.
5ssue! /hethe$ o$ not the petitione$ is lia.le fo$ a violation of 2P 33
<el# DesE the "ou$t hel# that Ihis "ase is a pe$fe"t eGa(ple of an a"t maa
proh!b!ta. Petitione$ issue# t-o "he"'s. he+ -e$e #ishono$e# upon p$esent(ent fo$
pa+(ent #ue to the fa"t that the a""ount -as "lose#.Petitione$ faile# to $e.ut the
p$esu(ption that she 'ne- he$ fun#s -e$e insuffi"ient at the ti(e of issue of the
"he"'s. An# she faile# to pa+ the a(ount of the "he"'s o$ (a'e a$$ange(ent fo$ its
pa+(ent -ithin five (@) .an'ing #a+s f$o( $e"eipt of noti"e of #ishono$. 2.P. 8o. 33 -as
"lea$l+ violate#. I
Cue(e Fs. People
334 SCRA 7&@
Fa"ts! <elen Si(ol#e -as a .an' telle$ of the 2an' of the Philippine 5slan#s (2P5),
=a'ati 2$an"h.
3
0ne of the .an'As "lients -as petitione$ Felipa 2. Cue(e, 9ene$al
=anage$ of =a$')Ag$o $a#ing Co$po$ation an# A=F 9ene$al $a#ing Co$po$ation
engage# in the t$a#ing of "a"ao in *avao an# =anila. i(ol#e sta$te# len#ing (one+ to
Cue(e fo$ -hi"h Cue(e -oul# issue post)#ate# "$osse# "he"'s to Si(ol#e "ove$ing the
a(ounts lent plus inte$ests. on & =a+ %&&0 Si(ol#e finall+ #eposite# all the "he"'s
30
in
he$ 2P5)=a'ati a""ount -hi"h, ho-eve$, -e$e #ishono$e# fo$ .eing B#$a-n against
insuffi"ient fun#sB (*A5F). Si(ol#e i((e#iatel+ info$(e# Cue(e a.out the #ishono$e#
"he"'s an# $epeate#l+ #e(an#e# pa+(ent .ut to no avail. Appa$entl+ Cue(e ha# no
intention of (a'ing goo# an+ of those "he"'s. he petitione$ allege# that the "he"'s -e$e
(e$el+ inten#e# to .e sho-n to p$ospe"tive investo$s of he$ "o$po$ation
5ssue! /hethe$ o$ no the petitione$ "an .e hel# lia.le un#e$ 2P 337
<el#! DesE he "ou$t $ule# that the allegation of petitione$ that the "he"'s -e$e (e$el+
inten#e# to .e sho-n to p$ospe"tive investo$s of he$ "o$po$ation is, to sa+ the least, not a
#efense. he g$ava(en of the offense punishe# un#e$ 2.P. 2lg. 33 is the a"t of (a'ing o$
issuing a -o$thless "he"' o$ a "he"' that is #ishono$e# upon its p$esent(ent fo$ pa+(ent.
he la- has (a#e the (e$e a"t of issuing a .a# "he"' maum proh!b!tum, an a"t
p$os"$i.e# .+ the legislatu$e fo$ .eing #ee(e# pe$ni"ious an# ini(i"al to pu.li"
-elfa$e.
3
Consi#e$ing the $ule in maa proh!b!ta "ases, the onl+ in:ui$+ is -hethe$ the la-
has .een .$ea"he#. C$i(inal intent .e"o(es unne"essa$+ -he$e the a"ts a$e p$ohi.ite#
fo$ $easons of pu.li" poli"+, an# the #efenses of goo# faith an# a.sen"e of "$i(inal intent
a$e unavailing..
*iong>on Fs. Cou$t of Appeals
33% SCRA 477
Fa"ts! he a""use#, in "o(plian"e -ith the goo#s that is sai# to have .een #elive$e# to
Oueenslan#, Oueen#ies, an# Co'ins , p$esente# th$ee "he"'s, allege#l+ given .+ sai#
"lients. 6pon #eposit, the th$ee "he"'s -e$e #ishonou$e#. he fi$st t-o -e$e #ishonou$e#
#ue to the #iffe$en"e in thei$ signatu$e f$o( the $e"o$#s of the .an' an# the thi$# "he"'
fo$ insuffi"ien"+ of fun#s. /hen "onf$onte#, the a""use# a"'no-le#ge# $esponsi.ilit+
an# a#(itte# that he issue# su"h "he"'s
5ssue! /hethe$ o$ not the a""use# "o((itte# a violation of 2.P. 33
<el#! Des, the "ou$t $ule# that I5n#ee#, the g$ava(en of the offense of violating 2.P. 2lg.
33 is the issuan"e of -o$thless "he"'s, 5n this "ase, petitione$ a#(itte# issuing the "he"'
-hi"h -hen p$esente# -as #ishono$e#. hough he p$o(ise# to pa+ its value -hen it -as
#ishono$e#, the fa"t $e(ains that at the ti(e it -as p$esente# to the #$a-ee .an', it -as
not suffi"ientl+ fun#e#. Petitione$, as the #$a-e$ of the "he"', is p$esu(e# to have
'no-le#ge of the insuffi"ient fun#s, an# his failu$e to pa+ the value of the "he"' -ithin
five .an'ing #a+s f$o( noti"e of #ishono$ #i# not #ispute this p$esu(ption.J
Cing Fs. People
3%& SCRA ?@4
Fa"ts! 0n seve$al o""asions in Janua$+, %&&3, at Las PiWas, =et$o =anila, petitione$
#is"ounte# -ith "o(plainant 4llen Fe$nan#e> seve$al 4:uita.le 2an' "he"'s post#ate#
f$o( Jul+ 33 to 3&, %&&3 in the total a(ount of P%,070,000.00 in eG"hange fo$ "ash in the
a(ount of P%,000,000.00. /hen the "he"'s -e$e #eposite# fo$ pa+(ent, the+ -e$e
#ishono$e# .+ the #$a-ee .an' .e"ause the+ -e$e #$a-n against an a""ount -ithout
suffi"ient fun#s. Petitione$ faile# to (a'e goo# the "he"'s #espite #e(an#.
5ssue! /hethe$ o$ not the petitione$ .e "onvi"te# of a violation in 2.P. 33
<el#! 8o. he "ou$t $ule# that Io hol# a pe$son lia.le un#e$ 2P 33, it is not enough to
esta.lish that a "he"' issue# -as su.se:uentl+ #ishono$e#. 5t (ust .e sho-n fu$the$ that
the pe$son -ho issue# the "he"' 'ne- Bat the ti(e of issue that he #oes not have
suffi"ient fun#s in o$ "$e#it -ith the #$a-ee .an' fo$ the pa+(ent of su"h "he"' in full
upon its p$esent(ent.B 2e"ause this ele(ent involves a state of (in# -hi"h is #iffi"ult to
esta.lish, Se"tion 3 of the la- "$eates a pr!ma %ac!e p$esu(ption of su"h 'no-le#geJ the
"ou$t fu$the$ $ule# that I$ue, "o(plainant sent petitione$ a $egiste$e# (ail, as sho-n in
4Ghi.it BOB info$(ing the latte$ that the "he"'s ha# .een #ishono$e#. 2ut the $e"o$#s
sho- that petitione$ #i# not $e"eive it. 5n fa"t, Post(aste$ /ilf$e#o 6li.a$$iAs lette$
a##$esse# to "o(plainantAs "ounsel "e$tifie# that the Bsu.1e"t $egiste$e# (ail -as $etu$ne#
to sen#e$ on Septe(.e$ 33, %&&3J thus the petitione$ "annot .e hel# lia.le un#e$ 2P 33.