G.R. No.

93833 September 28, 1995

SOCORRO D. RAMIREZ, petitioner,

vs.
HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS, and ESTER S. GARCIA, respondents.

KAPUNAN, J.:

Facts:

A civil case for damages was filed by Ramirez in the RTC of Quezon City alleging that
the private respondent, Garcia, in a confrontation in the latter’s office, allegedly vexed, insulted
and humiliated her in a “hostile and furious mood” and in a manner offensive to the petitioner’s
dignity and personality.

Private respondent filed a criminal case for violation of R.A. No. 4200. Petitioner filed a
Motion to Quash the Information. The RTC granted the motion. CA promulgated its decision
declaring the trial court’s order as null and void.

Issue:
Whether the recording of a “Private Conversation” without the consent of both of the
party is a violation of R.A. 4200?

Ruling:

YES.

Legislative intent is determined personally from the language of the statue.

The petitioner’s contention that the phrase “private communication” in Sec. 1 of R.A. No.
4200 does not include “private conversations” narrows the ordinary meaning of the word
“communication” to a point of absurdity.

Hence, the petitioner violated R.A. No. 4200. Petition DENIED.