Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) : Criminal Law

Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Criminal Law
BOOK 1 (Articles 1-99, RPC)
FELONIES
(Stages of execution)
The Court cannot simply assume that there was attempted rape simply because accused undressed
himself and the offended party, plus the fact that accused did rape the latter on three other
occasions. Thus, for there to be an attempted rape, the accused must have commenced the act of
penetrating his sexual organ to the vagina of the victim but for some cause or accident other than
his own spontaneous desistance, the penetration, however slight, is not completed. - People of the
Philippines vs. Domingo Dominguez, Jr., alias Sandy, G.R. No. 180914, November 24, 2010
The crime of robbery remained unconsummated because Elmer Lagdaan refused to give his money
to Joseph Barra and no personal property was shown to have been taken. It was for this reason that
Elmer Lagdaan was shot. Joseph Barra can only be found guilty of attempted robbery with
homicide. People of the Philippines vs. Joseph Barra, G.R. No. 198020, July 10, 2013
CONSPIRACY
Acts of conspiracy of each accused need not be directly proved as it can be inferred from the acts
of the accused prior to, during or subsequent to the incident. What is material is that the actions
of the accused pertain to a joint purpose, concert of action or community of interest in conspiracy
an act one is the act of all. - People of the Philippines vs. Arnold Garchitorena y Camba A.K.A.
Junior; Joey Pamplona A.K.A. Nato and Jessie Garcia y Adorino, G. R. No. 175605, August 28,
2009
Conspiracy is always predominantly mental in composition because it consists primarily of a

meeting of minds and intent. It is present when the accused by their acts aimed at the same object,
one performing one part and another performing another so as to complete it with a view to the
attainment of the same object, and their acts though apparently independent were in fact concerted
and cooperative, indicating closeness of personal association, concerted action and concurrence of
sentiments. Clearly, it is attendant in circumstances when there was concerted action between the
accused-appellants before, during and after the offense which ably demonstrated their unity of
design and objective in successfully committing the crime. - People of the Philippines vs. Joseph
Serrano and Anthony Serrano, G.R. No. 179038, May 6, 2010
Neither can the rapid turn of events be considered to negate a finding of conspiracy. Unlike evident
premeditation, there is no requirement for conspiracy to exist that there be a sufficient period of
time to elapse to afford full opportunity for meditation and reflection. Instead, conspiracy arises on
the very moment the plotters agree, expressly or impliedly, to commit the subject felony. - People
of the Philippines vs. Restituto Carandang, Henry Milan and Jackman Chua, G.R. No. 175926,
July 6, 2011
Conspiracy exists when two or more persons come to an agreement concerning the commission of
a felony and decide to commit it. While it is mandatory to prove it by competent evidence, direct
proof is not essential to show conspiracy — it may be deduced from the mode, method, and manner
by which the offense was perpetrated, or inferred from the acts of the accused themselves when
such acts point to a joint purpose and design, concerted action and community of interest. The mere
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circumstance that accused did not personally perform all the acts necessary to consummate the
crime is irrelevant when conspiracy is proven, since in conspiracy, the act of one is the act of all. -
People of the Philippines vs. Allan Niegas y Fallore, G.R. No. 194582, November 27, 2013
JUSTIFYING CIRCUMSTANCES
It is well settled that unlawful aggression presupposes actual, sudden, unexpected or imminent
danger—not merely threatening and intimidating action. Thus, unless the victim has committed
unlawful aggression against the other, there can be no selfdefense on the part of the latter. -
Severino David, Jr. y Echane and Timoteo Gianan vs. People of the Philippines, G.R. No.
136037, August 13, 2008
When self-defense is invoked by an accused, the three (3) elements of self-defense, namely: (a)
unlawful aggression on the part of the victim; (b) reasonable necessity of the means employed to
prevent or repel the aggression; and (c) lack of sufficient provocation on the part of the person
defending himself, must be proved by clear and convincing evidence.
In conspiracy, it does not matter who inflicted the mortal wound, as the act of one is the act of all,
and each incurs the same criminal liability. - People of the Philippines vs. Ramon Regalario,
Marciano Regalario, Sotero Regalario, Bienvenido Regalario and Noel Regalario, G.R. No.
174483, March 31, 2009
A person who invokes self-defense has the burden of proof. He must prove all the elements of self-
defense. However, the most important of all the elements is unlawful aggression on the part of the
victim.
Moreover, factual findings of the trial court as regards its assessment of the witnesses’ credibility
are entitled to great weight and respect particularly when the Court of Appeals affirms the said
findings, and will not be disturbed absent any showing that the trial court overlooked certain facts
and circumstances which could substantially affect the outcome of the case. It is the trial judge who
had the opportunity to observe the witnesses’ demeanor and deportment on the stand, and the
manner in which they gave their testimonies. The trial judge therefore is in a better position to
determine the veracity of the witnesses’ testimony. - People of the Philippines vs. Efren Laurio y
Rosales, G.R No. 182523, September 13, 2012
Self-defense, under Article 11, paragraph 1, and accident, under Article 12, paragraph 4 of the
Revised Penal Code, are affirmative defenses which the accused is burdened to prove, with clear
and convincing evidence. Such affirmative defenses involve questions of facts adduced to the trial
and appellate courts for resolution. By admitting killing the victim in self-defense or by accident
without fault or without intention of causing it, the burden is shifted to the accused to prove such
affirmative defenses. He should rely on the strength of his own evidence and not on the weakness of
that of the prosecution. If the accused fails to prove his affirmative defense, he can no longer be
acquitted. - People of the Philippines vs. Marcial Malicdem, G.R. No. 184601, November 12,
2012
Under paragraph 4, Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code, to successfully invoke avoidance of
greater evil as a justifying circumstance, the following requisites should be complied with: (1) the
evil sought to be avoided actually exists; (2) the injury feared be greater than that done to avoid it;
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and (3) there be no other practical and less harmful means of preventing it. Moreover, Punzalan
failed to satisfy the third requisite that there be no other practical and less harmful means of
preventing it. Under paragraph 4, Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code, infliction of damage or
injury to another so that a greater evil or injury may not befall one’s self may be justified only if it is
taken as a last resort and with the least possible prejudice to another. If there is another way to
avoid the injury without causing damage or injury to another or, if there is no such other way but
the damage to another may be minimized while avoiding an evil or injury to one’s self, then such
course should be taken. - People of the Philippines vs. Arturo Punzalan, Jr., G.R. No. 199892,
December 10, 2012
A person who invokes self-defense has the burden of proof. He must prove all the elements of self-
defense. However, the most important of all the elements is unlawful aggression on the part of the
victim. Unlawful aggression must be proved first in order for self-defense to be successfully
pleaded, whether complete or incomplete. - People of the Philippines vs. Gary Vergara y Oriel
and Joseph Inocencio y Paulino, G.R. No. 177763, July 3, 2013
AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES
To take advantage of superior strength is to use force out of proportion to the means available to
the person attacked to defend himself.
Tying the victim hog-style after rendering him immobilized constituted outraging or scoffing at the
corpse of the victim.
For voluntary surrender to be appreciated, it must be spontaneous, in such a manner that it shows
the intent of the accused to surrender unconditionally to the authorities, either because he
acknowledges his guilt or because he wishes to save them the trouble and expense of finding and
capturing him. People of the Philippines vs. Ramon Regalario, Marciano Regalario, Sotero
Regalario, Bienvenido Regalario and Noel Regalario, G.R. No. 174483, March 31, 2009
It is basic in our penal law that treachery is present when the offender employs means, methods or
forms which tend directly and especially to insure the execution of the crime, without risk to
himself arising from the defense which the offended party might make. - People of the Philippines
vs. Joseph Asilan y Tabornal, G.R. No. 188322, April 11, 2012
When the victim was stabbed by accused, the latter inside the trial, judicial notice can be taken that
when the tricycle driver is seated on the motorcycle, his head is usually higher or at the level of the
roof of the side car which leaves his torso exposed to the passengers who are seated in the side car.
Hence, there was no way for Jesus to even be forewarned of the intended stabbing of his body both
from the people seated in the side car and those seated behind him. Thus, treachery is present.
There is treachery when the means, methods, and forms of execution gave the person attacked no
opportunity to defend himself or to retaliate; and such means, methods, and forms of execution
were deliberately and consciously adopted by the accused without danger to his person. What is
decisive in an appreciation of treachery is that the execution of the attack made it impossible for the
victim to defend himself.
Furthermore, in a case of special complex crime of carnapping with homicide, there must be proof
not only of the essential elements of carnapping, but also that it was the original criminal design of
the culprit and the killing was perpetrated in the course of the commission of the carnapping or on
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the occasion thereof. - People of the Philippines vs. Joel Aquino y Cendana, G.R. No. 201092,
January 15, 2014
The accused, charged for the felony of murder, questions the appreciation of the qualifying
circumstance of abuse of strength when the same was not in the Information. The Court ruled that
even if abuse of superior strength was properly alleged and proven in court, it cannot serve to
qualify or aggravate the felony at issue since it is jurisprudentially settled that when the
circumstance of abuse of superior strength concurs with treachery, the former is absorbed in the
latter. - People of the Philippines vs. Marcelino Dadao, Antonio Sulindao, Eddie Malogsi
(deceased) and Alfemio Malogsi, G.R. No. 201860, January 22, 2014
TREACHERY
The essence of the qualifying circumstance of treachery is the suddenness, surprise and the lack of
expectation that the attack will take place, thus, depriving the victim of any real opportunity for
self-defense while ensuring the commission of the crime without risk to the aggressor. - People of
the Philippines vs. Dante Jadap, G.R. No. 177983, March 30, 2010
There is treachery when the offender commits any of the crimes against persons, employing means,
methods, or forms in the execution, which tend directly and specially to insure its execution,
without risk to the offender arising from the defense which the offended party might make. -
People of the Philippines vs. Samson Escleto, G.R. No. 183706, April 25, 2012
Treachery is present when the offender commits any of the crimes against persons, employing
means, methods, or forms in the execution, which tend directly and specially to insure its execution,
without risk to the offender arising from the defense which the offended party might make. -
People of the Philippines vs. Ramil Rarugal alias "Amay Bisaya," G.R. No. 188603, January 16,
2013
The manner by which appellant deliberately rolled the grenade on the ground towards the dance
floor packed with the unsuspecting revelers, leaving one dead and scores wounded in the aftermath
of the sudden blast was accompanied with treachery. There is treachery when the offender
commits any of the crimes against the person, employing means, methods or forms in the execution
thereof which tend directly and especially to insure its execution, without risk to himself arising
from the defense which the offended party might make. - People of the Philippines vs. Ramil
Mores, G.R. No. 189846, June 26, 2013
For the defense of alibi to prosper, the accused must prove not only that he was at some other place
at the time of the commission of the crime, but also that it was physically impossible for him to be at
the locus delicti or within its immediate vicinity.
The essence of treachery is that the attack is deliberate and without warning, done in a swift and
unexpected manner, affording the hapless, unarmed and unsuspecting victim no chance to resist or
escape. - People of the Philippines vs. Lito Hatsero, G.R. No. 192179, July 3, 2013
Treachery exists when the offender commits any of the crimes against the person, employing
means, methods or forms in the execution thereof which tend directly and specially to insure its
execution, without risk to himself arising from the defense which the offended party might make.
The essence of treachery is the sudden and unexpected attack by the aggressor on unsuspecting
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victims, depriving the latter of any real chance to defend themselves, thereby ensuring its
commission without risk to the aggressor, and without the slightest provocation on the part of the
victims. - People of the Philippines vs. Gerry Sabangan and Noli Bornasal, G.R. No. 191722,
December 11, 2013
EXEMPTING CIRCUMSTANCES
A person who acts under the compulsion of an irresistible force, like one who acts under the
impulse of an uncontrollable fear of equal or greater injury, is exempt from criminal liability
because he does not act with freedom. An act done by me against my will is not my act. The force
contemplated must be so formidable as to reduce the actor to a mere instrument who acts not only
without will but against his will. A threat of future injury is not enough. - People of the Philippines
vs. Nelida Dequina y Dimapanan, Joselito Jundoc y Japitana & Nora Jingabo y Cruz, G.R. No.
177570, January 19, 2011
For the defense of Bulagao that he was suffering from mental retardation be given credit, There
must be a showing from the findings of the psychologist that Bulagao had the same mental or
psychological condition at the time of the said incidents. The RTC noted that the psychological
examination of Bulagao was conducted more than a couple of years after the dates of the
complained of incidents. Even assuming that accused-appellant was of such mental state at the
time of the incidents, the psychologist testified that accused-appellant had the capacity to discern
right from wrong. - People of the Philippines vs. Aniceto Bulagao, G.R. No. 184757, October 5,
2011

MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES
When the prosecution fails to prove the exact date of the commission of the offense and there is a
question whether the accused reached the age of majority at the time of the commission, such
question shall be resolved in favor of the accused and therefore shall benefit from the mitigating
circumstance of minority. People of the Philippines vs. Richard O. Sarcia, G.R. No. 169641,
September 10, 2009
PAROLE
No jurisprudence in criminal law is more settled than that alibi is the weakest of all defenses, for it
is easy to contrive and difficult to disprove, and for which reason it is generally rejected.
Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9346 provides that persons convicted of offenses punished with
reclusion perpetua, or whose sentences will be reduced to reclusion perpetua, shall not be eligible
for parole under Act No. 4103, otherwise known as the Indeterminate Sentence Law, as amended. -
People of the Philippines vs. Vicente Candellada, G.R. No. 189293, July 10, 2013
BOOK II (Articles 114-365, RPC) and related Special Laws
FALSIFICATION BY PUBLIC OFFICER, EMPLOYEE OR NOTARY OR ECCLESIASTICAL MINISTER
In the falsification of public or official documents, whether by public officials or by private persons,
it is unnecessary that there be present the idea of gain or the intent to injure a third person; the
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principal thing punished is the violation of the public faith and the destruction of the truth as
therein solemnly proclaimed. - Romeo D. Lonzanida vs. People Of The Philippines, G.R. No.
160243-52, July 20, 2009
COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT OF 2002
When all the elements of the crimes charged were present thereby establishing the guilt beyond
reasonable doubt of the accused, no error has been committed in the court’s decision of conviction.
In fact, settled is the principle that findings of the trial courts which are factual in nature are
accorded respect when no glaring errors; gross misapprehension of facts; and speculative, arbitrary
and unsupported conclusions can be gathered from such findings. The rule finds an even more
stringent application where said findings are sustained by the Court of Appeals. - People of the
Philippines vs. Joseph Serrano and Anthony Serrano, G.R. No. 179038, May 6, 2010
Tuan was charged with illegal possession of prohibited drugs and contended that he should not be
convicted to such crime due to discrepancies and testimony of the witnesses. The court ruled that
Discrepancies and inconsistencies in the testimonies of witnesses referring to minor details, and
not in actuality touching upon the central fact of the crime, do not impair their
credibility. Testimonies of witnesses need only corroborate each other on important and relevant
details concerning the principal occurrence. - People of the Philippines vs. Estela
Tuan y Baludda, G.R. No. 176066 August 11, 2010
The failure of the arresting police officers to comply with said DDB Regulation No. 3, Series of 1979
is a matter strictly between the Dangerous Drugs Board and the arresting officers and is totally
irrelevant to the prosecution of the criminal case for the reason that the commission of the crime of
illegal sale of a prohibited drug is considered consummated once the sale or transaction is
established. - People of the Philippines vs. Chito Gratil y Guelas, G.R. No. 182236, June 22,
2011
In the crime of sale of dangerous drugs, the prosecution must be able to successfully prove the
following elements: (1) identities of the buyer and seller, the object, and the consideration; and (2)
the delivery of the thing sold and the payment therefor. The conspicuous variance in the
testimonies for the prosecution casts serious doubt on the arresting teams due care in the custody
of the confiscated illegal drug. We declared that the failure of the prosecution to offer the testimony
of key witnesses to establish a sufficiently complete chain of custody of a specimen of shabu, and
the irregularity which characterized the handling of the evidence before it was finally offered in
court, fatally conflicts with every proposition relative to the culpability of the accused. - People of
the Philippines vs. Edwin Ulat y Aguinaldo @ Pudong, G.R. No. 180504, October 5, 2011
In a buy-bust operation, the violator is caught in flagrante delicto and the police officers conducting
the operation are not only authorized, but duty-bound, to apprehend the violator and to search him
for anything that may have been part of or used in the commission of the crime. - People of the
Philippines vs. Gregg C. Buenaventura, G.R. No. 184807, November 23, 2011
Legaspi claims that she was instigated into committing the crime as charged, as she was the one
approached by San Andres, who was then looking to buy shabu cannot stand. To use instigation as a
defense, the accused must prove with sufficient evidence that the government induced him to
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commit the offense. Legaspi was never forced, coerced, or induced to source the prohibited drug.
Unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the members of the buy-bust operation team
were inspired by improper motive or did not properly perform their duty, their testimonies on the
operation deserve full faith and credit. - People of the Philippines vs. Nenita Legaspi y Lucas,
G.R. No. 173485, November 23, 2011
Prior surveillance is not required for a valid buy-bust operation, especially if the buy-bust team is
accompanied to the target area by their informant. Furthermore, the failure of the police officers to
use ultraviolet powder on the buy-bust money is not an indication that the buy-bust operation was
a sham. The use of initials to mark the money used in a buy-bust operation has been accepted by
the SC. - People of the Philippines vs. Benjamin Amansec y Dona, G.R. No. 186131, December
14, 2011
Unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the members of the buy-bust team were inspired
by any improper motive or were not properly performing their duty, their testimonies on the buy-
bust operation deserve full faith and credit. Settled is the rule that in cases involving violations of
the Dangerous Drugs Act, credence is given to prosecution witnesses who are police officers, for
they are presumed to have performed their duties in a regular manner, unless there is evidence to
the contrary suggesting ill motive on the part of the police officers or deviation from the regular
performance of their duties. - People of the Philippines vs. Marcos Sabadlab y Narciso @ "Bong
Pango” G.R. No. 186392, January 18, 2012
In cases involving violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act, credence is given to prosecution witnesses
who are police officers on the ground that they are presumed to have performed their duties in a
regular manner. The exception is when there is evidence to the contrary suggesting ill motive on
the part of the police officers or deviation from the regular performance of their duties. In the case
at bar, accused-appellant’s only evidence of ill motive on the part of the NBI operatives is his own
testimony of frame-up and extortion, a very common defense in dangerous drugs cases. We have
held that such defense is viewed with disfavor, for it can be easily concocted. To substantiate such a
defense, therefore, the evidence must be clear and convincing. - People of the Philippines vs.
Arnel Clarite y Salazar, G.R. No. 187157, February 15, 2012
The Court stresses that the ‘objective’ test in buy-bust operations demands that the details of the
purported transaction must be clearly and adequately shown. This must start from the initial
contact between the poseur-buyer and the pusher, the offer to purchase, the promise or payment of
the consideration until the consummation of the sale by the delivery of the illegal drug subject of
the sale. The manner by which the initial contact was made, whether or not through an informant,
the offer to purchase the drug, the payment of the ‘buy-bust’ money, and the delivery of the illegal
drug, whether to the informant alone or the police officer, must be the subject of strict scrutiny by
courts to insure that law-abiding citizens are not unlawfully induced to commit an offense. - People
of the Philippines vs. Rosemarie Magundayao y Alejandro alias "Rose," G.R. No. 188132,
February 29, 2012
It is settled that Sec. 86 of Republic Act No. 9165 does not invalidate operations on account of the
law enforcers’ failure to maintain close coordination with the PDEA. - People of the Philippines vs.
Jesusa Figueroa y Coronado, G.R. No. 186141, April 11, 2012
Illegal possession of prohibited or regulated drugs is committed when the following elements
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concur: (1) the accused is in possession of an item or object which is identified to be a prohibited

drug; (2) such possession is not authorized by law; and (3) the accused freely and consciously
possessed the said drug. - People of the Philippines vs. Jimmy Biyala Velasquez, G.R. No.
177224, April 11, 2012
This Court has already ruled in several cases that the failure of the arresting officer to comply
strictly with Section 21 of Republic Act No. 9165 is not fatal. It will not render the arrest of the
accused illegal or the items seized or confiscated from him inadmissible. What is of utmost
important is the preservation of the integrity and the evidentiary value of the seized items, as the
same would be utilized in the determination of the guilt or innocence of the accused.
Also, in every prosecution for the illegal sale of prohibited drugs, the presentation of the drug, i.e.,
the corpus delicti, as evidence in court is material. In fact, the existence of the dangerous drug is
crucial to a judgment of conviction. It is, therefore, indispensable that the identity of the prohibited
drug be established beyond doubt. Even more than this, what must also be established is the fact
that the substance bought during the buy-bust operation is the same substance offered in court as
exhibit. The chain of custody requirement performs this function in that it ensures that unnecessary
doubts concerning the identity of the evidence are removed.
Finally, the Court acknowledged that a testimony about a perfect chain is not always the standard
as it is almost always impossible to obtain an unbroken chain. The Court stresses that what is of
utmost importance is the preservation of the integrity and the evidentiary value of the seized items.
- People of the Philippines vs. Maricar Brainer y Mangulabnan, G.R. No. 188571, October 10,
2012
The elements that should be proven in both the sale and possession of dangerous drugs intrinsically
include the identification of what was seized by police officers to be the same item examined and
presented in court. This identification must be established with moral certainty and is a function of
the rule on the chain of custody. - People of the Philippines vs. Meriam Guru y Kazan, G.R. No.
189808, October 24, 2012
This Court has reviewed and scrutinized in detail the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses and
found glaring inconsistencies that relate to the identity of the prohibited drug allegedly confiscated
from Del Rosario. The patent inconsistency between the testimonies of PO2 Mendoza and PO3
Besmonte necessarily leads us to doubt that the plastic sachet of shabu identified in court is the
same one allegedly seized from Del Rosario. In light of the foregoing, we find merit in Del Rosario’s
claim that the prosecution failed to discharge its burden of proving his guilt beyond reasonable
doubt. The dangerous drug itself, the shabu in this case, constitutes the very corpus delicti of the
offense and in sustaining a conviction under Republic Act No. 9165, the identity and integrity of the
corpus delicti must definitely be shown to have been preserved. This requirement necessarily
arises from the illegal drug’s unique characteristic that renders it indistinct, not readily identifiable,
and easily open to tampering, alteration or substitution either by accident or otherwise. Thus, to
remove any doubt or uncertainty on the identity and integrity of the seized drug, evidence must
definitely show that the illegal drug presented in court is the same illegal drug actually recovered
from the accused-appellant; otherwise, the prosecution for possession under Republic Act No. 9165
fail. - People of the Philippines vs. Ronald Del Rosario, G.R. No. 188107, December 5, 2012
It may be gleaned that to establish the chain of custody in a buy-bust operation is as follows: first,
the seizure and marking, if practicable, of the illegal drug recovered from the accused by the
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apprehending officer; second, the turnover of the illegal drug seized by the apprehending officer to
the investigating officer; third, the turnover by the investigating officer of the illegal drug to the
forensic chemist for laboratory examination; and fourth, the turnover and submission of the
marked illegal drug seized from the forensic chemist to the court. We agree with the finding of the
Court of Appeals. A perusal of the records of the case revealed that after the dangerous drugs were
seized from Lapasaran, the same were marked “RML” and “RML1” by the buy-bust team. PO1 Saez
and PO2 Maglana then turned over “RML” and “RML1” to investigating officer P/SInsp. Obong, who
in turn, delivered the same to the PNP Crime Laboratory for examination. Based on the Physical
Science Report timed, dated and signed by Forensic Chemist Bonifacio, “RML” and RML1” tested
positive for the presence of shabu. Lastly, both sachets were then presented and turned over by
P/SInsp. Bonifacio to the court. The Certificate of Inventory, request for laboratory examination
and the consequent testimonies in Court leaves no doubt in the Court’s mind that the chain of
custody rule was duly followed. - People of the Philippines vs. Renato Lapasaran, G.R. No.
198820, December 10, 2012
When prosecuting an illegal possession of dangerous drugs case, the following elements must be
established: (1) the accused is in possession of an item or object, which is identified to be a
prohibited drug; (2) such possession is not authorized by law; and (3) the accused freely and
consciously possessed the drug; With regards to Chain of Custody, unless there is a showing of bad
faith, ill will, or proof that the evidence has been tampered or meddled with, the presumptions that
the integrity of such evidence had been preserved and that the police officers who handled the
seized drugs had discharged their duties properly and with regularity remain. - People of the
Philippines, vs. Malik Manalao y Alauya, G.R. No. 187496, February 06, 2013
The elements that must be established for the successful prosecution of illegal sale of dangerous
drugs, viz: (1) the identity of the buyer and the seller, the object, and consideration; and (2) the
delivery of the thing sold and the payment for the same. What is material is the proof that the
transaction or sale actually took place, coupled with the presentation in court of the corpus delicti.
The delivery of the contraband to the poseur-buyer and the receipt of the marked money
consummate the buy-bust transaction between the entrapping officers and the accused. The chain
of custody of the seized drugs in a buy-bust operation had been sufficiently established when there
was proof of the following: first, the seizure and marking, if practicable, of the illegal drug recovered
from the accused by the apprehending officer; second, the turnover of the illegal drug seized by the
apprehending officer to the investigating officer; third, the turnover by the investigating officer of
the illegal drug to the forensic chemist for laboratory examination; and fourth, the turnover and
submission of the marked illegal drug seized from the forensic chemist to the court. - People of the
Philippines vs. Linda Alviz y Yatco and Elizabeth De La Vega y Bautista, G.R. No. 177158,
February 06, 2013
A testimony about a perfect chain is not always the standard as it is almost always impossible to
obtain an unbroken chain." The arresting officers’ failure to conduct a physical inventory and to
photograph the items seized from De Jesus will not render his arrest illegal or the items confiscated
from him inadmissible in evidence as they were able to nonetheless preserve the integrity and the
evidentiary value of the said items. This is what is of utmost importance as the seized items are
what would be used in the determination of De Jesus’ guilt or innocence.
What is significant is that the links in the chain of custody were all accounted for by the
prosecution, from the time the items were confiscated from De Jesus, up to the time they were
presented in court during trial as proof of the corpus delicti. In any case, unless De Jesus can show
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that there was bad faith, ill will, or tampering with the evidence, the presumption that the integrity
of the evidence has been preserved, and that the police officers discharged their duties properly
and with regularity, will remain. - People of the Philippines vs. Victor De Jesus y Garcia, G.R. No.
198794, February 06, 2013
Noncompliance with Section 21(1), Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 regarding chain of custody,
does not necessarily render the arrest illegal or the items seized inadmissible because what is
essential is that the integrity and evidentiary value of the seized items are preserved which would
be utilized in the determination of the guilt or innocence of the accused. - People of the
Philippines vs. Lolita Quesido y Badarang, G.R. No. 189351, April 10, 2013
Denial or frameup is a standard defense ploy in most prosecutions for violation of the Dangerous
Drugs Law. As such, it has been viewed by the court with disfavor for it can just as easily be
concocted.
When the accused is charged with the sale of illicit drugs, the following defenses cannot be set up:
(1) that facilities for the commission of the crime were intentionally placed in his way; or (2) that
the criminal act was done at the solicitation of the decoy or poseurbuyer seeking to expose his
criminal act; or (3) that police authorities feigning complicity in the act were present and
apparently assisted in its commission. - People of the Philippines vs. Marilyn Aguilar y
Manzanillo, G.R. No. 191396, April 17, 2013
“Marking” of the seized items “immediately after seizure and confiscation” may be undertaken at
the police station rather than at the place of arrest for as long as it is done in the presence of an
accused in illegal drugs cases. - People of the Philippines vs. Dante L. Dumalag, G.R. No. 180514,
April 17, 2013
When, of all the individuals who came into direct contact with or had physical possession of the
shabu allegedly seized from the accused, only the arresting officer testified for the specific purpose
of identifying the evidence, and his testimony miserably failed to demonstrate an unbroken chain as
it ended with his identification of the money and seized items he marked and documents he signed,
then the requirement of chain of custody is broken. In effect, the custodial link ended with the
arresting officer when he testified that he brought the seized items, together with the accused, to
the police station. Such a break in the chain of custody is fatal to the prosecution’s case, and the
accused must be acquitted. - People of the Philippines vs. Arturo Enriquez y Delos Reyes, G.R.
No. 197550, 25 September 2013
The failure to strictly comply with Sec. 21(1), Art. II of R.A. 9165 does not necessarily render an
accused’s arrest illegal or the items seized or confiscated from him inadmissible. What is of utmost
importance is the preservation of the integrity and the evidentiary value of the seized items,
as these would be utilized in the determination of the guilt or innocence of the accused.
Consistency with the “chain of custody” rule requires that the “marking” of the seized items –
to truly ensure that they are the same items that enter the chain and are eventually the ones
offered in evidence – should be done (1) in the presence of the apprehended violator (2)
immediately upon confiscation. Thus, even if the police officers failed to immediately make an
inventory and marking of the seized sachet of shabu at the place where the accused was
apprehended does not destroy the integrity and evidentiary value of said sachet of shabu, if the
chain of custody could be continuously traced from its receipt by the arresting officer, the transfer
to the police laboratory for examination, it being kept in police custody awaiting trial, and its
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presentation as evidence before the RTC. - People of the Philippines vs. Giovanni Ocfemia y
Chavez, G.R. No. 185383, September 25, 2013
While the accused may not be convicted of illegal sale of shabu due to the absence of all the
elements of the crime, they may still be convicted for illegal delivery of shabu if all its elements are
present and proven by the prosecution. The accused may also be convicted for illegal possession of
dangerous drugs as the crime of illegal sale of dangerous drugs necessarily includes the crime of
illegal possession of dangerous drugs. - People of the Philippines vs. Michael Maongco y
Yumonda and Phans Bandali y Simpal, G.R. No. 196966, October 23, 2013
The testimonies of the police officers who conducted the buy-bust operations are credible when
they are consistent in establishing the elements of illegal sale of shabu, despite their consistencies
on peripheral matters. In addition, objections to the alleged violation to the chain of custody rule
must be made during trial and not first time on appeal, otherwise the objection must be denied. -
People of the Philippines vs. Marilyn Santos and Arlene Valera, G.R. No. 193190, November
13, 2013
Non-compliance with Section 21 does not necessarily render the arrest illegal or the items seized
inadmissible because what is essential is that the integrity and evidentiary value of the seized items
are preserved which would be utilized in the determination of the guilt or innocence of the accused.
The failure to take photographs and to make an inventory of the seized evidence, and the lack of
participation of the representatives from the media, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and any
elected public official in the operation will not render the evidence seized as inadmissible. - People
of the Philippines vs. Marissa Castillo, G.R. No. 190180, November 27, 2013
In dangerous drugs cases, the failure of the police officers to make a physical inventory and to
photograph the sachets of shabu, as well as to mark the sachets at the place of arrest, do not render
the seized drugs inadmissible in evidence or automatically impair the integrity of the chain of
custody of the said drugs. What is of utmost importance is the preservation of the integrity and the
evidentiary value of the seized items, as these would be utilized in the determination of the guilt or
innocence of the accused. - People of the Philippines vs. Asir Gani and Normina Gani, G.R. No.
198318, November 27, 2013
What determines if there was, indeed, a sale of dangerous drugs in a buy-bust operation is proof of
the concurrence of all the elements of the offense, to wit: (1) the identity of the buyer and the seller,
the object, and the consideration; and (2) the delivery of the thing sold and the payment therefor,
which the prosecution has satisfactorily established. - People of the Philippines vs. Roselito
Taculod y Elle, G.R. No. 198108, December 11, 2013
When the prosecution was able to establish the elements for conviction for the crime of illegal sale
of regulated or prohibited drugs, illegal possession of regulated and prohibited drugs and the guilt
of the accused, the Court must affirm the decision of trial court and the CA.
As to imposition of penalties in illegal sale of regulated or prohibited drugs, illegal possession of

regulated and prohibited drugs, as provided by law, it shall depend on the amount sold and
possessed by the accused. - People of the Philippines vs. Donald Vasquez y Sandigan, G.R. No.
200304, January 15, 2014
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For there to be illegal sale of dangerous drugs, the following elements must be present: (1) the
identity of the buyer and the seller, the object and the consideration of the sale; and (2) the delivery
to the buyer of the thing sold and receipt by the seller of the payment therefor. Thus, upon delivery
of the illicit drug to the buyer and the receipt of the payment by the seller, illegal sale of dangerous
drugs is committed. - People of the Philippines vs. Joselito Morate y Tarnate, G.R. No. 201156,
January 29, 2014
In cases of illegal sale of regulated and prohibited drugs, it is necessary that the identity and
integrity of the seized drugs and other related articles have been preserved from the time they
were confiscated from the accused until their presentation as evidence in court. The following links
must be established in the chain of custody in a buy-bust situation: first, the seizure and marking, if
practicable, of the illegal drug recovered from the accused by the apprehending officer; second, the
turnover of the illegal drug seized by the apprehending officer to the investigating officer; third, the
turn over by the investigating officer of the illegal drug to the forensic chemist for laboratory
examination; and fourth, the turn over and submission of the marked illegal drugs seized from the
forensic chemist to the court. When the seizing officer (the poseur-buyer) failed to mark the seized
illegal drugs and it was only when the drugs were turned over to the investigating officer that they
were marked, there is already failure on the part of the prosecution to establish the evidence’s
chain of custody and the Court can no longer consider or even safely assume that the integrity and
evidentiary value of the confiscated dangerous drug were properly preserved. - People of the
Philippines vs. Hermanos Constantino, Jr. y Binayug, a.k.a. "Jojit,"G.R. No. 199689, March 12,
2014
MURDER
The Court held that while there were indeed discrepancies in the testimony of the prosecution
witnessed, they are not sufficient to negate the guilt of accused. As long as the testimony jibes on
material points, the slight clashing statements neither dilute the credibility nor the veracity of their
testimony. - People of the Philippines vs. Darwin Bernabe Garcia, G.R. No. 185726, October
16, 2009
Unlawful aggression is a condition sine qua non, without which there can be no self-defense,
whether complete or incomplete. - People of the Philippines vs. Alberto Tabarnero and Gary
Tabarnero, G.R. No. 168169, February 24, 2010
Donald Pais was killed by the accused appellants however, the latter denied such allegations. The
court ruled that for the defense of alibi to prosper, the accused must prove not only that he was at
some other place at the time of the commission of the crime, but also that it was physically
impossible for him to be at the locus delicti or within its immediate vicinity. - People of the
Philippines vs. Roberto Asis and Julius Pearanda, G.R. No. 177573, July 7, 2010
Basic is the rule that in order to affirm the conviction of an accused person, the prosecution must
establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. A finding of guilt must rest on the strength of the
prosecution’s own evidence, not on the weakness or even absence of evidence for the defense.
People of the Philippines vs. Rosendo Rebucan y Lamsin, G.R. No. 182551, July 27, 2011
Page 12 of 27
The Court agrees with Cleofe and Leonardo that alibi is indeed a good defense and could certainly
exculpate a person accused of a crime. However, this is true only if the accused’s alibi strictly meets
the following requisites: 1. His presence at another place at the time of the commission of the crime;
and 2. The physical impossibility of his presence at the scene of the crime. - People of the
Philippines vs. Cleofe Baroquillo y Villanueva and Leonardo Mahilum y Cañete, G.R. No.
184960, August 24, 2011
In a number of cases, surveyed in People v. Rivera, we ruled that treachery cannot be appreciated
simply because the attack was sudden and unexpected. We can not presume that treachery was
present merely from the fact that the attack was sudden. The suddenness of an attack, does not of
itself, suffice to support a finding of alevosia, even if the purpose was to kill, so long as the decision
was made all of a sudden and the victim's helpless position was accidental. . . . While it appears that
the attack upon the victim was sudden, the surrounding circumstances attending the stabbing
incident, that is, the open area, the presence of the victim’s families and the attending eyewitnesses,
works against treachery. If accused-appellant wanted to make certain that no risk would come to
him, he could have chosen another time and place to stab the victim. - People of the Philippines
vs. Vicente Vilbar, G.R. No. 186541, February 1, 2012
There is treachery or alevosia when the offender commits any of the crimes against the person,
employing means, methods or forms in the execution thereof which tend directly and specially to
insure its execution, without risk to himself arising from any defense which the offended party
might make. The testimonial evidence gathered in this case clearly indicates that the victims who
were simply engaged in conversation in a private residence were caught entirely by surprise with
the assailants’ swift, deliberate and unexpected attack using multiple firearms thereby negating the
possibility for the victims to escape or defend themselves. - People of the Philippines vs.
Diosdado Camat and Mamerto Dulay, G.R. No. 188612, July 30, 2012
To hold the accused liable for murder, the prosecution must prove that: (1) a person was killed; (2)
the accused killed him; (3) the killing was attended by any of the qualifying circumstances
mentioned in Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code; and (4) the killing is neither parricide nor
infanticide. - People of the Philippines vs. Mark Joseph Zapuiz y Ramos "Jaymart," G.R. No.
199713, February 20, 2013
Factual findings of the trial court, when affirmed by the CA, are generally conclusive upon the
Supreme Court when supported by evidence on record. Thus, when the trial court gave credence to
the testimony of the witnesses who saw that the accused and his son set fire on the victim’s house
and later shoot the victim and the CA affirmed the trial court’s findings, the SC will affirm the
conviction of the accused for murder.
The essence of evident premeditation is that the execution of the criminal act must be preceded by
cool thought and reflection upon the resolution to carry out the criminal intent during a space of
time sufficient to arrive at a calm judgment. When the time it took the accused and his son to device
their plan, plot where the gasoline should be poured, and procure the gasoline and the firearms, as
well as the time it took to go to Antonio Ardet’s house, and even the time when they waited for
Antonio Ardet to come out of the house, all afforded the accused sufficient opportunity to reflect
upon the consequences of his act to kill his brother-in-law and his determination to commit the
cold-blooded deed from the time of its conception until it was carried out, it clearly shows that the
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accused and his son had a previously and carefully crafted plan to kill the victim. - People of the
Philippines vs. Gary Alinao, G.R. No. 191256, September 18, 2013
To successfully prosecute the crime of murder, the following elements must be established: (1) that
a person was killed; (2) that the accused killed him or her; (3) that the killing was attended by any
of the qualifying circumstances mentioned in Article 248of the Revised Penal Code; and (4) that the
killing is not parricide or infanticide. The essence of treachery is that the attack is deliberate and
without warning, done in a swift and unexpected way, affording the hapless, unarmed and
unsuspecting victim no chance to resist or escape. In order for treachery to be properly
appreciated, two elements must be present: (1) at the time of the attack, the victim was not in a
position to defend himself; and (2) the accused consciously and deliberately adopted the particular
means, methods, or forms of attack employed by him. These elements are extant in the facts of this
case and as testified to by Roger above-quoted.
In conspiracy, the act of one is the act of all. It does not need to be proven by direct evidence and
may be inferred from the conduct – before, during, and after the commission of the crime –
indicative of a joint purpose, concerted action, and concurrence of sentiments as in conspiracy.
For the defense of alibi to prosper, the accused must prove the following: (i) that he was present at
another place at the time of the perpetration of the crime; and (ii) that it was physically impossible
for him to be at the scene of the crime during its commission. Physical impossibility involves the
distance and the facility of access between the crime scene and the location of the accused when the
crime was committed. The accused must demonstrate that he was so far away and could not have
been physically present at the crime scene and its immediate vicinity when the crime was
committed. - People of the Philippines, vs. Rolando Las Piñas, Jimmy Delizo and Merwin Las
Piñas, G.R. No. 191723, July 23, 2014
HOMICIDE
It is axiomatic that a person who invokes accident must prove that he acted with due care. This was
belied by the conduct of the Lanuza when he allegedly received the shotgun from the private
complainant. As he himself admitted, he received the shotgun by placing his pointer finger, also
known as the trigger finger because it is used to squeeze the trigger, inside the trigger guard and
over the trigger itself. Worse, he did so while the barrel of the gun was pointed at the private
complainant. - People of the Philippines vs. Rodel Lanuza y Bagaoisan, G.R. No. 188562,
August 17, 2011
SLIGHT PHYSICAL INJURIES
Villacorta is not totally without criminal liability. He is guilty of slight physical injuries under Article
266(1) of the Revised Penal Code for the stab wound he inflicted upon Cruz. Although the charge in
the instant case is for murder, a finding of guilt for the lesser offense of slight physical injuries may
be made considering that the latter offense is necessarily included in the former since the essential
ingredients of slight physical injuries constitute and form part of those constituting the offense of
murder. - People of the Philippines vs. Orlito Villacorta, G.R. No. 186412, September 7, 2011
RAPE
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Courts usually give greater weight to the testimony of a girl who is a victim of sexual assault,
especially a minor, as in this case, because no woman would be willing to undergo a public trial and
put up with the shame, humiliation and dishonor of exposing her own degradation were it not to
condemn an injustice and have the offender apprehended and punished.
It is enough that there is the slightest penetration of the male organ into the female sex organ. The
mere touching by the male organ of the labia of the pudendum of the woman’s private part is
sufficient to consummate rape. It was therefore consummated rape which accused-appellant
committed. - People of the Philippines vs. Mario Castro, G.R. No. 172874, December 17, 2008
In the prosecution of criminal cases, especially those involving the extreme penalty of death,
nothing but proof beyond reasonable doubt of every fact necessary to constitute the crime with
which an accused is charged must be established. Qualifying circumstances or special qualifying
circumstances must be proved with equal certainty and clearness as the crime itself; otherwise,
there can be no conviction of the crime in its qualified form. As a qualifying circumstance of the
crime of rape, the concurrence of the victim’s minority and her relationship to the accused-
appellant must be both alleged and proven beyond reasonable doubt. - People of the Philippines
vs. Joselito A. Lopit, G.R. No. 177742, December 17, 2008
The gravamen of the crime of rape is carnal knowledge of a woman through force, threat, or
intimidation against her will or without her consent; the exact time of its commission is not an
essential element to the crime. - People of the Philippines vs. Jaime Cadag Jimenez, G.R. No.
170235, April 24, 2009
The mere touching by the male organ of the labia of the pudendum of the woman’s private part is
sufficient to consummate rape. - People of the Philippines vs. Jessie Mariano, G.R. No. 168693,
July 19, 2009
In cases of rape, the force and intimidation is viewed from the perspective of the victim. There need
not be physical force provided that the victim succumbed to the act out of fear. Furthermore, the
sweetheart theory as a defense does not carry any weight when it is not accompanied by
independent proof. - People of the Philippines vs. Alberto Buban, G.R. No. 172710, October 30,
2009
The sweetheart defense, being an affirmative defense, must be established with convincing
evidence—by some documentary and/or other evidence like mementos, love letters, notes, pictures
and the like. In this case, there was no evidence offered to prove that what transpired between
accused and victim was consensual. - People of the Philippines vs. Ricardo Grande, G.R. No.
170476, December 23, 2009
It has consistently been held that no family member would expose a fellow family member to the
ignominy of a rape trial or to the shame and scandal of having to undergo such an ordeal merely to
satisfy their alleged motive if the charge is not true. - People of the Philippines vs. Herminigildo
Salle Sobusa, G.R. No. 181083, January 21, 2010
It is doctrinally settled that the factual findings of the trial court, especially on the credibility of the
rape victim, are accorded great weight and respect and will not be disturbed on appeal. - People of
the Philippines vs. Marlon Barsaga Abella, G.R. No. 177295, January 6, 2010
Page 15 of 27
No parent would expose his or her own daughter to the shame and scandal of having undergone
such debasing defilement of her chastity if the charges were not true. - People of the Philippines
vs. Manuel Bagos, G.R. No. 177152, January 6, 2010
AAA was raped by Romeo but the latter denied such accusation. The court ruled that In order that
the defense of alibi may prosper, the appellant must prove both the presence of the appellant in
another place at the time of the commission of the offense and the physical impossibility of him
being at the scene of the crime. People of the Philippines vs. Romeo Republo, G.R. No. 172962
July 8, 2010
AAA a ten year old girl was raped by Nelson Balunsat who is her first cousin. Nelson denied
allegation. It is settled that when the victims testimony is corroborated by the physicians finding of
penetration, there is sufficient foundation to conclude the existence of the essential requisite of
carnal knowledge. Laceration, whether healed or fresh, is the best physical evidence of forcible
defloration. - People of the Philippines vs. Nelson Balunsat y Balunsat, G.R. No. 176743, July
28, 2010
AAA was raped by Magayon but the latter denied such allegation. The court ruled that a rape victim,
who testifies in a categorical, straightforward, spontaneous and frank manner, and remains
consistent, is a credible witness. Moreover, when the offended parties are young and immature
girls, as in this case, where the victim was only nine years old at the time the rape was committed,
courts are inclined to lend credence to their version of what transpired, not only because of their
relative vulnerability, but also because of the shame and embarrassment to which they would be
exposed by court trial, if the matter about which they testified were not true. - People of the
Philippines vs. Teddy Magayon, G.R. No. 175595 July 28, 2010
A certification from the Local Civil Registrar as to the date of birth of a victim of rape is sufficient
evidence to prove minority of a victim. - People of the Philippines vs. Edgardo Ogarte, G.R. No.
182690, May 30, 2011
Rape is committed by having carnal knowledge of a woman under the instances provided for in the
law. With the intrinsic nature of the said crime, only two parties, namely the victim and the accused,
are usually involved. As such, accused’s defense of denial will not stand as against the victim’s
positive identification and credible testimony. This is especially so when it is qualified by minority
and relationship and the victim has no improper motive in purporting the accused as the
perpetrator. Moreover, in rape committed by a father or a person recognized by the victim as her
father, the prosecution need not prove the elements of force and intimidation as the same was
substituted by the former’s moral ascendancy and influence over the latter. - People of the
Philippines vs. Romeo Miranda y Michael, G.R. No. 176634, April 5, 2010
The spontaneity with which the victim has detailed the incidents of rape, the tears she has shed at
the stand while recounting her experience, and her consistency almost throughout her account
dispel any insinuation of a rehearsed testimony. The eloquent testimony of the victim, coupled with
the medical findings attesting to her non-virgin state, should be enough to confirm the truth of her
charges. - People of the Philippines vs. Benjamin Padilla y Untalan, G.R. No. 182917, June 8,
2011
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The Court has repeatedly held that the date of the commission of rape is not an essential element of
the crime. It is not necessary to state the precise time when the offense was committed except when
time is a material ingredient of the offense. In statutory rape, time is not an essential element. What
is important is that the information alleges that the victim was a minor under twelve years of age
and that the accused had carnal knowledge of her, even if the accused did not use force or
intimidation on her or deprived her of reason. - People of the Philippines vs. Noel Dion, G.R. No.
181035, July 4, 2011
For the defense of alibi to prosper, the accused must prove not only that he was at some other place
at the time of the commission of the crime, but also that it was physically impossible for him to be at
the locus delicti or within its immediate vicinity. - People of the Philippines vs. Arnel Manjares,
G.R. No. 185844, November 23, 2011
The date of the commission of the rape is not an essential element of the crime of rape, for the
gravamen of the offense is carnal knowledge of a woman. Inconsistencies and discrepancies in
details which are irrelevant to the elements of the crime are not grounds for acquittal. - People of
the Philippines vs. Henry Arpon y Juntilla, G.R. No. 183563, December 14, 2011
It has long been established that the testimony of a rape victim, especially a child of tender years, is
given full weight and credit. A rape victim who testifies in a categorical, straightforward,
spontaneous and frank manner, and remains consistent, is a credible witness. Furthermore, this
Court has repeatedly ruled that matters affecting credibility are best left to the trial court because
of its unique opportunity to observe that elusive and incommunicable evidence of the witness'
deportment on the stand while testifying, an opportunity denied the appellate courts which usually
rely only on the cold pages of the mute records of the case. In incestuous rape of a minor, it is not
necessary that actual force and intimidation be employed. The moral ascendancy of appellant over
the victim, his daughter, renders it unnecessary to show physical force and intimidation. - People
of the Philippines vs. Daniel Ortega, G.R. No. 186235, January 25, 2012
Denial and alibi are inherently weak defenses and constitute self-serving negative evidence which
cannot be accorded greater evidentiary weight than the positive declaration of a credible witness.
Between the positive assertions of the [victim] and the negative averments of the [appellant], the
former indisputably deserve more credence and are entitled to greater evidentiary weight. - People
of the Philippines vs. Paterno Sarmiento Samandre, G.R. No. 181497, February 22, 2012
Mere denial, without any strong evidence to support it, can scarcely overcome the positive
declaration by the victim of the identity and involvement of appellant in the crimes attributed to
him. - People of the Philippines vs. Melecio De Los Santos, Jr., G.R. No. 186499, March 21, 2012
Although the rape of a person under 18 years of age by the common-law spouse of the victim's
mother is punishable by death, this penalty cannot be imposed on the offender because his
relationship was not what was alleged in the Informations. Thus, the offender is guilty only of three
counts of simple rape, punishable by reclusion perpetua for each count. - People of the
Philippines vs. Roger Tejero, G.R. No. 187744, June 20, 2012
Even if the alleged romantic relationship were true, this fact does not necessarily negate rape for a
man cannot demand sexual gratification from a fiance and worse, employ violence upon her on the
pretext of love because love is not a license for lust. - People of the Philippines vs. Marcial
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Bayrante y Boaquina, G.R. No. 188978, June 13, 2012
The Court held that actual force or intimidation need not be employed in incestuous rape of a minor
because the moral and physical dominion of the father is sufficient to cow the victim into
submission to his beastly desires. The absence of violence or offer of resistance would not affect the
outcome of the case because the overpowering and overbearing moral influence of the father over
his daughter takes the place of violence and offer of resistance required in rape cases committed by
an accused who did not have blood relationship with the victim. - People of the Philippines vs.
Antonio Osma, Jr. y Agaton, G.R. No. 187734, August 29, 2012
Following a long line of jurisprudence, full penetration of the female genital organ is not
indispensable. It suffices that there is proof of the entrance of the male organ into the labia of the
pudendum of the female organ. Any penetration of the female organ by the male organ, however
slight, is sufficient. Penetration of the penis by entry into the lips of the vagina, even without
rupture or laceration of the hymen, is enough to justify conviction for rape.
Furthermore, in establishing the age of the victim, bare testimony of the victim’s mother or a
member of the family would suffice only if the victim is alleged to be below seven years of age and
what is sought to be proved is that she is less than 12 years old.
Finally, the defense of alibi to prosper, the accused must prove not only that he was at some other
place at the time of the commission of the crime, but also that it was physically impossible for him
to be at the locus delicti or within its immediate vicinity. Physical impossibility refers not only to
the geographical distance between the place where the accused was and the place where the crime
was committed when the crime transpired, but more importantly, the facility of access between the
two places. - People of the Philippines vs. Alejandro Viojela y Asartin, G.R. No. 177140,
October 17, 2012
After a careful review of the records of this case, we are persuaded that appellant is indeed guilty of
qualified rape. In People v. Pruna, 390 SCRA 577 (2002), we formulated a set of guidelines that will
serve as a jurisprudential benchmark in appreciating age either as an element of the crime or as a
qualifying circumstance in order to address the seemingly conflicting court decisions regarding the
sufficiency of evidence of the victim’s age in rape cases. The Pruna guidelines are as follows: 1. The
best evidence to prove the age of the offended party is an original or certified true copy of the
certificate of live birth of such party. 2. In the absence of a certificate of live birth, similar authentic
documents such as baptismal certificate and school records which show the date of birth of the
victim would suffice to prove age. 3. If the certificate of live birth or authentic document is shown to
have been lost or destroyed or otherwise unavailable, the testimony, if clear and credible, of the
victim’s mother or a member of the family either by affinity or consanguinity who is qualified to
testify on matters respecting pedigree such as the exact age or date of birth of the offended party
pursuant to Section 40, Rule 130 of the Rules on Evidence shall be sufficient under the following
circumstances: a. If the victim is alleged to be below 3 years of age and what is sought to be proved
is that she is less than 7 years old; b. If the victim is alleged to be below 7 years of age and what is
sought to be proved is that she is less than 12 years old; c. If the victim is alleged to be below 12
years of age and what is sought to be proved is that she is less than 18 years old. 4. In the absence of
a certificate of live birth, authentic document, or the testimony of the victim’s mother or relatives
concerning the victim’s age, the complainant’s testimony suffice provided that it is expressly and
clearly admitted by the accused. 5. It is the prosecution that has the burden of proving the age of the
offended party. The failure of the accused to object to the testimonial evidence regarding age shall
Page 18 of 27
not be taken against him. 6. The trial court should always make a categorical finding as to the age of
the victim. - People of the Philippines vs. Edgar Padigos, G.R. No. 181202, December 5, 2012
To raise the crime of simple rape to qualified rape, the twin circumstances of minority of the victim
and her relationship to the offender must concur. When a father commits the odious crime of rape
against his own daughter, his moral ascendancy or influence over the latter substitutes for violence
and intimidation. The absence of violence or offer of resistance would not affect the outcome of the
case because the overpowering and overbearing moral influence of the father over his daughter
takes the place of violence and offer of resistance required in rape cases committed by an accused
who did not have blood relationship with the victim. - People of the Philippines vs. Anastacio
Amistoso y Broca, G.R. No. 201447, January 9, 2013
Gravamen of the offense of rape is sexual intercourse with a woman against her will or without her
consent. We also previously declared that when a victim is threatened with bodily injury as when
the rapist is armed with a deadly weapon, such as a knife or bolo, such constitutes intimidation
sufficient to bring the victim to submission to the lustful desires of the rapist. Thus, appellant’s
succeeding in having non-consensual sexual intercourse with ABC through intimidation using a
knife plainly constitutes the crime of rape. Delay in reporting an incident of rape is not an indication
of a fabricated charge and does not necessarily cast doubt on the credibility of the complainant Not
all rape victims can be expected to act conformably to the usual expectations of everyone. - People
of the Philippines vs. Antonio Basallo y Asprec, G.R. No. 182457, January 30, 2013
In dealing with cases for rape, this Court has often acknowledged that there is often a want of
witnesses. Due to its intimate nature, rape is usually a crime bereft of witnesses, and, more often
than not, the victim is left to testify for herself. Thus, in the resolution of rape cases, the victim’s
credibility becomes the primordial consideration. . Inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony do not
impair her credibility, especially if the inconsistencies refer to trivial matters that do not alter the
essential fact of the commission of rape. The testimonies of child-victims of rape are to be given full
weight and credence. Reason and experience dictate that a girl of tender years, who barely
understands sex and sexuality, is unlikely to impute to any man a crime so serious as rape, if what
she claims is not true. - People of the Philippines vs. Jonathan "Uto" Veloso y Rama, G.R. No.
188849, February 13, 2013
When the victim is under eighteen (18) years of age and the offender is a parent, ascendant, step
parent, guardian, relative by consanguinity or affinity within the third civil degree, or the common-
law-spouse of the parent of the victim. The elements of the crime charged against accused-appellant
are: (a) the victim is a female over 12 years but under 18 years of age; (b) the offender is a parent,
ascendant, stepparent, guardian, relative by consanguinity or affinity within the third civil degree,
or the common-law spouse of the parent of the victim; and (c) the offender has carnal knowledge of
the victim either through force, threat, or intimidation. - People of the Philippines vs. Edmundo
Vitero, G.R. No. 175327, April 3, 2013
In rape committed by close kin, such as the victim’s father, stepfather, uncle, or the commonlaw
spouse of her mother, it is not necessary that actual force or intimidation be employed. Moral
influence or ascendancy takes the place of violence and intimidation.
The sweetheart theory, as a defense, necessarily admits carnal knowledge, the first element of rape.
- People of the Philippines vs. Alberto Deligero y Bacasmot, G.R. No. 189280, April 17, 2013
Page 19 of 27
Romeo Bustamante was accused of raping his minor daughter. There were no other witnesses and
the prosecution was not able to establish the element of force and intimidation. In convicting the
accused, the Supreme Court held that in a prosecution for rape, the accused may be convicted solely
on the basis of the testimony of the victim that is credible, convincing, and consistent with human
nature and the normal course of things. The Court also ruled that the moral ascendancy of an
accused over the victim renders it unnecessary to show physical force and intimidation since, in
rape committed by a close kin, such as the victim’s father, stepfather, uncle, or the common law
spouse of her mother, moral influence or ascendancy takes the place of violence or intimidation. -
People of the Philippines vs. Romeo Bustamante y Aliganga, G.R. No. 189836, June 5, 2013
The Revised Penal Code, as amended, punishes the rape of a mentally disabled person regardless of
the perpetrator’s awareness of his victim’s mental condition. However, the perpetrator’s knowledge
of the victim’s mental disability, at the time he committed the rape, qualifies the crime and makes it
punishable by death under Article 266B, paragraph 10. - People of the Philippines vs. Moises
Caoile, G.R. No. 203041, June 5, 2013
Article 266A(1)(d) provides the definition of the crime of statutory rape, the elements of which are:
(1) that the offender had carnal knowledge of a woman; and (2) that such a woman is under twelve
years of age or is demented. As a special qualifying circumstance of the crime of rape, the
concurrence of the victim’s minority and her relationship to the accused must be both alleged and
proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Full penetration of the vaginal orifice is not an essential ingredient, nor is the rupture of the hymen
necessary, to conclude that carnal knowledge took place; the mere touching of the external genitalia
by a penis that is capable of consummating the sexual act is sufficient to constitute carnal
knowledge.
A mere denial, without any strong evidence to support it, can scarcely overcome the positive
declaration by the victim of the identity and involvement of appellant in the crimes attributed to
him. - People of the Philippines vs. Ricardo Pamintuan y Sahagun, G.R. No. 192239, June 5,
2013
The only subject of inquiry on statutory rape is the age of the woman and whether carnal
knowledge took place. - People of the Philippines vs. Ricardo Piosang, G.R. No. 200329, June 5,
2013
Accused-appellant Abel Diaz was convicted of the crime of rape. His appeal boils down to a question
of credibility of the prosecution’s primary witness, the private complainant Mara. He argues that
the failure of Mara to make an outcry during the two hours he allegedly stayed in her room makes
her testimony not credible. In rejecting his contention the Supreme Court ruled that the precise
duration of the rape is not material to and does not negate the commission of the felony. When one
is being raped, forcibly held, weak and in great pain, and in shock, she cannot be reasonably
expected to keep a precise track of the passage of time down to the last minute. - People of the
Philippines vs. Abel Diaz, G.R. No. 200882, June 13, 2013
What is material to the prosecution for illegal sale of dangerous drugs is the proof that the
transaction or sale actually occurred, coupled with the presentation in court of the substance seized
as evidence. With respect to illegal possession of dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs
Page 20 of 27
constitutes prima facie evidence of knowledge or animus possidendi sufficient to convict an

accused in the absence of a satisfactory explanation of such possession. - People of the Philippines
vs. Mercidita T. Resurreccion, G.R. No. 188310, June 13, 2013
Inconsistencies in a rape victim’s testimony do not impair her credibility, especially if the
inconsistencies refer to trivial matters that do not alter the essential fact of the commission of rape.
It is not uncommon for a rape victim to initially conceal the assault against her person for several
reasons, including that of fear of threats posed by her assailant. A rape charge only becomes
doubtful when the victim’s inaction or delay in reporting the crime is unreasonable or unexplained.
- People of the Philippines vs. Roman Zafra y Serrano, G.R. No. 197363, June 26, 2013
If the testimony of the rape victim is clear, consistent and credible to establish the crime beyond
reasonable doubt, a conviction may be based on it, notwithstanding its subsequent retraction. Mere
retraction by a prosecution witness does not necessarily vitiate her original testimony. Thus, an
affidavit of retraction of the father of the victim unsubstantiated by clear and convincing evidence
cannot prevail over the positive declaration made by the victim herself. - People of the Philippines
vs. Carlito Espenilla, G.R. No. 192253, September 18, 2013
Minor inconsistencies in the testimony of the rape victim, who was a minor, does not warrant a
finding of exculpating reasonable doubt when it fails to establish beyond doubt the innocence of the
appellant for the crime charged since the credibility of a rape victim is not diminished, let alone
impaired, by minor inconsistencies in her testimony. - People of the Philippines vs. Jade
Cuaycong y Remonquillo, G.R. No. 196051, October 2, 2013
When the rape victim’s testimony which identified the accused as the rapist is clear, categorical,
consistent and credible, the defense of alibi will crumble and the accused shall be held liable. Thus,
if the victim was able to identify the accused in the police station as the rapist and during trial, he
will be convicted for rape even if the rapist covered his face with his clothes and despite the
incident taking place in the dark of night. - People of the Philippines vs. Michael Espera y
Cuyacot, G.R. No. 202868, October 2, 2013
It is jurisprudentially settled that in a prosecution for rape, the accused may be convicted solely on
the basis of the testimony of the victim that is credible, convincing and consistent with human
nature and the normal course of things. Furthermore, it is likewise settled that the factual findings
of the trial court, especially when affirmed by the Court of Appeals, are entitled to great weight and
respect, if not conclusiveness, since the trial court was in the best position as the original trier of the
facts in whose direct presence and under whose keen observation the witnesses rendered their
respective versions of the events that made up the occurrences constituting the ingredients of the
offense charged. Thus, the testimony of a rape victim who is 15-year old girl which recounted the
ordeal she experienced at the hands of her own father, if delivered in a straightforward and
convincing manner, is sufficient to convict the accused. - People of the Philippines vs. Ricardo M.
Vidaña, G.R. No. 199210, October 23, 2013
When a rape victim is paralyzed with fear, she cannot be expected to think and act coherently. Her
failure to take advantage of an opportunity to escape does not automatically vitiate the credibility
of her account. Rape victims, especially child victims, should not be expected to act the way mature
individuals would when placed in such a situation. The fact that AAA was not able to escape when
she had the opportunity to do so, her continued visit to their home after the incident, and her delay
Page 21 of 27
in filing the complaint does not at all contradict her credibility. - People of the Philippines vs.
Daniel Alcober, G.R. No. 192941, November 13, 2013
In rape cases, the accused may be convicted based solely on the testimony of the victim, provided
that such testimony is credible, natural, convincing, and consistent with human nature and the
normal course of things. Rape victims are not expected to make an errorless recollection of the
incident, so humiliating and painful that they might be trying to obliterate it from their memory,
thus, a few inconsistent remarks in rape cases will not necessarily impair the testimony of the
offended party. - People of the Philippines vs. Welmo. Linsie y Binevidez, G.R. No. 199494,
November 27, 2013
In a prosecution for rape, the accused may be convicted solely on the basis of the testimony of the
victim that is credible, convincing, and consistent with human nature and the normal course of
things. The very nature of the crime of rape, conviction or acquittal depends almost entirely on the
credibility of the complainant’s testimony because of the fact that, usually, only the participants can
directly testify as to its occurrence.
Physical resistance need not be established when intimidation is brought to bear on the victim and
the latter submits out of fear — the failure to shout or offer tenuous resistance does not make
voluntary the victim’s submission to the criminal acts of the accused.
A love affair does not justify rape for a man does not have the unbridled license to subject his
beloved to his carnal desires against her will. - People of the Philippines vs. Dalton Laurian, Jr. y
Pugsot, G.R. No. 199868, December 11, 2013
It is a well-established rule that testimonies of rape victims, especially child victims, are given full
weight and credit. When a woman, more so if she is a minor, says she has been raped, she says, in
effect, all that is necessary to prove that rape was committed. Youth and immaturity are generally
badges of truth. Courts usually give greater weight to the testimony of a girl who is a victim of
sexual assault, especially a minor, particularly in cases of incestuous rape, because no woman
would be willing to undergo a public trial and put up with the shame, humiliation and dishonor of
exposing her own degradation were it not to condemn an injustice and to have the offender
apprehended and punished. - People of the Philippines vs. Lino Paldo, G.R. No. 200515,
December 11, 2013
It is jurisprudentially settled that when a woman says she has been raped, she says in effect all that
is necessary to show that she has been raped and her testimony alone is sufficient if it satisfies the
exacting standard of credibility needed to convict the accused. Thus, in this jurisdiction, the fate of
the accused in a rape case, ultimately and oftentimes, hinges on the credibility of the victim’s
testimony. In this regard, the Court defers to the trial court’s assessment of the credibility of
victim’s testimony, most especially, when it is affirmed by the Court of Appeals.
Furthermore, it is not absurd nor contrary to human experience that the victim gave birth ten (10)
months after the alleged sexual assault as there may be cases of long gestations. - People of the
Philippines vs. Mervin Gahi, G.R. No. 202976, February 19, 2014
When through evidence, the accused is guilty of ‘rape through sexual assault’ but the information
charged against him is ‘rape through carnal knowledge’, the accused cannot be found guilty of rape
by sexual assault even though it was proven during trial. This is due to the material differences and
Page 22 of 27
substantial distinctions between the two modes of rape; thus, the first mode is not necessarily
included in the second, and vice-versa. Consequently, to convict the accused of rape by sexual
assault when what he was charged with was rape through carnal knowledge, would be to violate his
constitutional right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him. However,
the accused, on the said information, may be convicted of the lesser crime of acts of lasciviousness. -
People of the Philippines vs. Bernabe Pareja y Cruz, G.R. No. 202122, January 15, 2014
When the accused asserts that the cover of darkness and lack of lighting inside the "kamalig" where
the crime took place, utterly diminished victim’s ability to identify him or anyone for that matter, is
downright erroneous. The victim never claimed to have seen her attacker inside the "kamalig."
What was testified was the fact that the victim saw appellant Jastiva when he walked past her by
the open door of the "kamalig" and his face was finally illuminated by the moonlight. The Court
have held that wicklamps, flashlight, even moonlight and starlight may, in proper situations, be
sufficient illumination, making the attack on the credibility of witnesses solely on this ground
unmeritorious. Furthermore, in other cases the Court ruled, “If identification of persons is possible
even by the light of stars, with more reason that one could identify persons by moonlight.” - People
of the Philippines vs. Aurelio Jastiva, G.R. No. 199268, February 12, 2014
Under Section 3(b), Article I of Republic Act No. 7610, the term "child abuse" is defined as the
maltreatment of a child, whether habitual or not, which includes the physical abuse of a child,
among other acts. In this case, AAA positively identified the accused-appellant as the person who
kicked her in the buttocks, hit her head with a hammer, and smashed her head on the wall on.
Because of the said brutal and inhumane acts of the accused-appellant, AAA suffered bruises and
contusions in different parts of her body. Furthermore, the Court finds no cogent reason to
disbelieve AAA’s testimony, which was corroborated by the medical findings of Dr. Rivamonte and
Dr. Arellano that the victim’s hymen had "complete healed lacerations at 1, 3, 6, 9 o’clock positions."
Jurisprudence provides that the eloquent testimony of the victim, coupled with the medical findings
attesting to her non-virgin state, should be enough to confirm the truth of her charges of rape. -
People of the Philippines vs. Hermenigildo Delen y Esco Billa, G.R. No. 194446, April 21,
2014
Impregnation of a woman is not an element of rape. - People of the Philippines vs. Joel Abat y
Cometa, G.R. No. 202704, April 2, 2014
Jurisprudence instructs that when the credibility of a witness is of primordial consideration, as in

this case, the findings of the trial court, its calibration of the testimonies of the witnesses and its
assessment of the probative weight thereof, as well as its conclusions anchored on said findings are
accorded respect if not conclusive effect. This is because the trial court has had the unique
opportunity to observe the demeanor of a witness and was in the best position to discern whether
they were telling the truth. - People of the Philippines vs. Renato Dela Cruz, G.R. No. 192820,
June 4, 2014
Pregnancy is not an essential element of rape. Whether the child which the rape victim bore was
fathered by the accused, or by some unknown individual, is of no moment. What is important and
decisive is that the accused had carnal knowledge of the victim against the latter's will or without
her consent, and such fact was testified to by the victim in a truthful manner. Thus, when the victim,
a 17-year old girl who was the house helper of the sister of the accused, categorically and
consistently testified that the accused had carnal knowledge of her while pointing a gun in her
Page 23 of 27
mouth, the courts will give credence to her testimony and convict the accused regardless of the
pregnancy of the victim.
Inconsistencies and discrepancies in details which are irrelevant to the elements of the crime are
not grounds for acquittal. As long as the inaccuracies concern only minor matters, the same do not
affect the credibility of witnesses. Truth-telling witnesses are not always expected to give error-free
testimonies considering the lapse of time and treachery of human memory. Inaccuracies may even
suggest that the witnesses are telling the truth and have not been rehearsed.
Authorities in forensic medicine agree that the determination of the exact date of fertilization is
problematic. The exact date thereof is unknown; thus, the difficulty in determining the actual
normal duration of pregnancy. Pregnancy is not an essential element of the crime of rape. Whether
the child which the rape victim bore was fathered by the accused, or by some unknown individual,
is of no moment. What is important and decisive is that the accused had carnal knowledge of the
victim against the latter's will or without her consent, and such fact was testified to by the victim in
a truthful manner. - People of the Philippines vs. Democrito Paras, G.R. No. 192912, June 4,
2014
To convict an accused for statutory rape, two elements must be proven: 1.) the victim is a female
under 12 years of age or is demented; and the offender has carnal knowledge of the victim. Thus,
where the prosecution was able to present a 7-year old girl’s credible, positive and categorical
testimony relative to the circumstances surrounding her rape; and the physical evidence consistent
with victim’s assertion that she was raped, the accused must be held guilty of statutory rape. -
People of the Philippines vs. Renato Besmonte, G.R. No. 196228, June 4, 2014
The Court differentiated the terms "deprived of reason" and "demented," as follows, the term
demented refers to a person who has dementia, which is a condition of deteriorated mentality,
characterized by marked decline from the individual's former intellectual level and often by
emotional apathy, madness, or insanity. On the other hand, the phrase deprived of reason under
paragraph 1 (b) has been interpreted to include those suffering from mental abnormality,
deficiency, or retardation. Thus, AAA, who was clinically diagnosed to be a mental retardate, can be
properly classified as a person who is "deprived of reason," and not one who is "demented." -
People of the Philippines vs. Leonardo Cataytay y Silvano, G.R. No. 196315, October 22, 2014
JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE ACT OF 2006
In determining the age for purposes of exemption from criminal liability under R.A. 9344, Section 6
thereof clearly refers to the age as determined by the anniversary of one’s birth date, and not the
mental age of the accused. Thus, a person who is eighteen years old at the time of the commission of
the crime of rape is not exempt from criminal liability despite having a mental age of nine years old.
- People of the Philippines vs. Milan Roxas y Aguiluz, G.R. No. 200793, June 4, 2014
KIDNAPPING
While one of the essential elements of this crime (Art 270 - Kidnapping and failure to return a
minor) is that the offender was entrusted with the custody of the minor, what is actually being
punished is not the kidnapping but the deliberate failure of that person to restore the minor to his
parents or guardians. - People of the Philippines vs. Aida Marquez, G.R. No. 181440, April 13,
2011
Page 24 of 27
ROBERRY
A truth-telling witness is not always expected to give an error-free testimony considering the lapse
of time and the treachery of human memory. What is primordial is that the mass of testimony jibes
on material points, the slight clashing of statements dilute neither the witnesses’ credibility nor the
veracity of his testimony. Variations on the testimony of witnesses on the same side with respect to
minor, collateral, or incidental matters do not impair the weight of their united testimony to the
prominent facts. Inconsistencies on minor and trivial matters only serve to strengthen rather than
weaken the credibility of witnesses for they erase the suspicion of rehearsed testimony.
The deprivation required by Article 267 means not only the imprisonment of a person, but also the
deprivation of his liberty in whatever form and for whatever length of time. It involves a situation
where the victim cannot go out of the place of confinement or detention or is restricted or impeded
in his liberty to move. In other words, the essence of kidnapping is the actual deprivation of the
victim’s liberty, coupled with indubitable proof of the intent of the accused to effect such
deprivation. - People of the Philippines vs. Alberto M. Basao alias "Dodong," Jovel S. Apole,
Melquiades L. Apole, Estrelita G. Apole, Rolando A. Apole alias "Bebot," Vicente C. Salon,
Jaime Tandan, Renato C. Apole alias "Boboy," Rolando M. Ochivillo alias "Allan," Lorenzo L.
Apole, John Doe, Peter Doe and Mike Doe, Jovel S. Apole, Rolando A. Apole, and Renato C.
Apole, G.R. No. 189820, October 10, 2012
In robbery with homicide, the original criminal design of the malefactor is to commit robbery, with
homicide perpetrated on the occasion or by reason of the robbery. The intent to commit robbery
must precede the taking of human life. The homicide may take place before, during or after the
robbery. It is only the result obtained, without reference or distinction as to the circumstances,
causes or modes or persons intervening in the commission of the crime that has to be taken into
consideration. There is no such felony of robbery with homicide through reckless imprudence or
simple negligence. The constitutive elements of the crime, namely, robbery and homicide, must be
consummated.
It is immaterial that the death would supervene by mere accident; or that the victim of homicide is
other than the victim of robbery, or that two or more persons are killed or that aside from the
homicide, rape, intentional mutilation, or usurpation of authority, is committed by reason or on the
occasion of the crime. Likewise immaterial is the fact that the victim of homicide is one of the
robbers; the felony would still be robbery with homicide. - People of the Philippines vs. Welvin
Diu y Kotsesa, and Dennis Dayaon y Tupit, G.R. No. 201449 , April 3, 2013
B.P. 22
The elements of violation of B.P. Blg. 22 are: (1) making, drawing, and issuance of any check to
apply on account or for value; (2) knowledge of the maker, drawer, or issuer that at the time of
issue he does not have sufficient funds in or credit with the drawee bank for the payment of the
check in full upon its presentment; and (3) subsequent dishonor of the check by the drawee bank
for insufficiency of funds or credit, or dishonor for the same reason had not the drawer, without any
valid cause, ordered the bank to stop payment. - Liberata Ambito and Basilio Ambito vs. People
of the Philippines, G.R. No. 127327, February 13, 2009
ESTAFA
Page 25 of 27
The receipt by the drawer of the notice of dishonor is not an element of the offense. The
presumption only dispenses with the presentation of evidence of deceit if such notification is
received and the drawer of the check failed to deposit the amount necessary to cover his check
within three (3) days from receipt of the notice of dishonor of the check.
The elements of Estafa by means of deceit, whether committed by false pretenses or concealment,
are the following (a) that there must be a false pretense, fraudulent act or fraudulent means; (b)
That such false pretense, fraudulent act or fraudulent means must be made or executed prior to or
simultaneous with the commission of the fraud; (c) That the offended party must have relied on the
false pretense, fraudulent act or fraudulent means, that is, he was induced to part with his money or
property because of the false pretense, fraudulent act or fraudulent means; (d) That as a result
thereof, the offended party suffered damage. - Jude Joby Lopez vs. People of the Philippines, G.R.
No. 166810. June 26, 2008
It is elementary that denial, if unsubstantiated by clear and convincing evidence, is negative and
self-serving evidence which has far less evidentiary value than the testimony of credible witnesses
who testify on affirmative matters. - People of the Philippines vs. Virginia Baby P. Montaner,
G.R. No. 184053, August 31, 2011
It is settled that a person may be charged and convicted separately of illegal recruitment and Estafa.
Roderick’s contention that he cannot be convicted of estafa because the element of deceit is lacking
is without merit, as private complainants were able to establish, through their positive and credible
testimonies, that appellant acted in conspiracy with his co-accused to mislead private complainants
into believing that appellant and his co-accused, for a fee, can deploy private complainants abroad
for employment. - People of the Philippines vs. Angelita I. Daud, Hanelita M. Gallemit and
Roderick Gallemit y Tolentino, G.R. No. 197539, June 2, 2014

ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT
To constitute illegal recruitment in large scale three (3) elements must concur: (a) the offender has
no valid license or authority required by law to enable him to lawfully engage in recruitment and
placement of workers; (b) the offender undertakes any of the activities within the meaning of
"recruitment and placement" under Art. 13, par. (b), of the Labor Code, or any of the prohibited
practices enumerated under Art. 34 of the same Code (now Sec. 6, RA 8042); and, (c) the offender
committed the same against three (3) or more persons, individually or as a group.
There are three ways of committing estafa under the above-quoted provision: (1) by using a
fictitious name; (2) by falsely pretending to possess power, influence, qualifications, property,
credit, agency, business or imaginary transactions; and (3) by means of other similar deceits. Under
this class of estafa, the element of deceit is indispensable. - People of the Philippines vs. Grace
Calimon and Aida Comila, January 29, 2009, G.R. No. 175229
The offense of illegal recruitment is malum prohibitum where the criminal intent of the accused is
not necessary for conviction, while estafa is malum in se where the criminal intent of the accused is
crucial for conviction. - People of the Philippines vs. Dolores Ocden, G.R. No. 173198, June 1,
2011
Page 26 of 27
The elements of estafa are: (a) that the accused defrauded another by abuse of confidence or by
means of deceit, and (b) that damage or prejudice capable of pecuniary estimation is caused to the
offended party or third person. Both elements are present, Ochoa’s deceit was evident in her false
representation to private complainants that she possessed the capability to send said private
complainants to Taiwan/Saudi Arabia for employment. Clearly deceived by Ochoa’s words and
actions, private complainants were persuaded to hand over their money to Ochoa to pay for their
placement and medical fees. Sadly, private complainants were never able to leave for work abroad,
nor recover their money. People of the Philippines vs. Rosario "Rose" Ochoa, G.R. No. 173792,
August 31, 2011
It was not necessary for the prosecution to prove that Roderick himself received the placement fees
from complainants and issued receipts for the same, given the finding of the existence of conspiracy
among Roderick and his co-accused Hanelita and Daud to convict Roderick of Illegal recruitment in
large scale. Direct proof of previous agreement to commit a crime is not necessary. It may be
deduced from the mode and manner in which the offense was perpetrated, or inferred from the acts
of the accused which point to a joint purpose and design, concerted action and community of
interest. And Between the categorical statements of the private complainants, on the one hand, and
the bare denial of appellant, on the other hand, the former must perforce prevail. - People of the
Philippines vs. Angelita I. Daud, Hanelita M. Gallemit and Roderick Gallemit y Tolentino, G.R.
No. 197539, June 2, 2014
LIBEL
Malice connotes ill will or spite and speaks not in response to duty but merely to injure the
reputation of the person defamed, and implies an intention to do ulterior and unjustifiable
harm. Malice is present when it is shown that the author of the libelous remarks made such
remarks with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard as to the truth or falsity
thereof. - Isagani M. Yambot, Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, Jose Ma. D. Nolasco, Artemio T.
Engracia, Jr. and Volt Contreras vs. Hon. Artemio Tuquero in his capacity as Secretary of
Justice, and Escolastico U. Cruz, Jr., G.R. No. 169895, March 23, 2011
Page 27 of 27

Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) : Criminal Law

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Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Criminal Law

BOOK 1 (Articles 1-99, RPC)

Conspiracy is always predominantly mental in composition because it consists primarily of a

BOOK II (Articles 114-365, RPC) and related Special Laws

FALSIFICATION BY PUBLIC OFFICER, EMPLOYEE OR NOTARY OR ECCLESIASTICAL MINISTER

COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT OF 2002

concur: (1) the accused is in possession of an item or object which is identified to be a prohibited

As to imposition of penalties in illegal sale of regulated or prohibited drugs, illegal possession of

SLIGHT PHYSICAL INJURIES

Bayrante y Boaquina, G.R. No. 188978, June 13, 2012

constitutes prima facie evidence of knowledge or animus possidendi sufficient to convict an

Jurisprudence instructs that when the credibility of a witness is of primordial consideration, as in

JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE ACT OF 2006

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