Professional Documents
Culture Documents
VS
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES
GR-209464
July 1 2015
MENDOZA, J.
ISSUE: Whether or not Dungo and Sibal can be convicted of the crime of hazing under
Section 4 of RA No. 8049
HELD: YES
- The SC ruled that Dungo and Sibal can be convicted of violation of RA 8049
despite the lack of evidence in their direct participation.
- Under Section 4 of RA No 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law, the presence of any person
during the hazing is prima facie evidence of participation therein as a principal
unless he prevented the commission of the acts punishable herein.
- The CA also stated that Dungo and Sibal were not only convicted based on their
presence in the venue of the hazing, but also in their act of bringing the victim
to Villa Novaliches Resort for the final initiation rites.
- After a careful review of the records, the Court agrees with the CA and the R TC
that the circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelming
enough to establish the guilt of the petitioners beyond a reasonable doubt. The
unbroken chain of events laid down by the CA leaves us no other conclusion other
than the petitioners' participation in the hazing. They took part in the hazing
and, together; with their fellow fraternity officers and members, inflicted
physical injuries to Villanueva as a requirement of his initiation to the
fraternity. The physical injuries eventually took a toll on the body of the victim,
which led to his death. Another young life lost.
- The crime of hazing is mala prohibitum, or that which arises from an act not
inherently immoral but there is a statute prohibiting its commission by reasons of
public policy.
- Accordingly the existence of criminal intent is immaterial in the crime of
hazing. Also, the defense of good faith cannot be raised in its prosecution.
- WHEREFORE, the petition is DENIED.
RATIO DECIDENDI: