The People of the Philippine Islands, plaintiff-appellee Vs.

Gregorio Santiago,
defendant-appellant
GR NO. 17584, March 9, 1922

Nature of the Action: Appeal from the decision of the trial court

Facts: Defendant was driving his car when he ran over Porfiro Parondo, a 7-year-
old boy, which instantly caused the latter’s death. He was then found guilty of
homicide with reckless imprudence, was sentenced to suffer one year and one day
or prision correccional, as well as to pay the costs of the trial. However, defendant
contended that Act No. 2886 is unconstitutional, and therefore, the trial court did
not have jurisdiction over his person and the complaint itself.

Issue: Whether or not Act No. 2886, under which the complaint in the present case
was filed, is valid and constitutional.

Ruling: The sentence appealed from is hereby affirmed, the appellant being

furthermore sentenced to the accessory penalties prescribed in article 61 of the
Penal Code, and to indemnify the heirs of the deceased in the sum of P1,000 and to
the payment of the costs of both instances.

Yes. Act No. 2996 is not violative of any constitutional provision, nor does it
partake of the same character as that of the provisions of the constitution; thus, the
court did not commit any of the errors assigned. Furthermore, its main purpose is
limited to criminal procedure inasmuch as its intention is to give to its provisions
the effect of law in criminal matters.