Title: People vs.

Hirang y Rodriguez
Case: G.R. No. 223528
Ponente: REYES, J
Decision Date: Jan 11, 2017

Jeffrey Hirang's appeal against his conviction for qualified trafficking in persons is denied as the
prosecution successfully proves his guilt beyond reasonable doubt through testimonies and evidence,
resulting in the affirmation of his life imprisonment sentence and the awarding of moral and exemplary
damages to the victims.

Facts:

The case involves the appeal of defendant-appellant Jeffrey Hirang y Rodriguez (Hirang) from the
decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) affirming his conviction for violation of Section 6 of Republic Act
(R.A.) No. 9208, also known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. Hirang was charged before
the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Pasig City with qualified trafficking in persons for recruiting,
transporting, and providing minors for the purpose of prostitution. The victims testified that Hirang
recruited them and promised them a good time and financial gain if they accompanied him in meeting his
Korean friends. The victims were later sold to Korean customers for sexual activities. The prosecution
presented testimonies from the victims, investigators, and forensic chemist to establish the elements of the
crime.

Issue: The main issues raised in the case are: (1) whether the prosecution was able to prove beyond
reasonable doubt the guilt of Hirang for the crime charged; and (2) whether Hirang should be acquitted
due to the alleged violation of his rights under R.A. No. 7438.

Ruling:

The Court affirms Hirang's conviction for qualified trafficking in persons. The prosecution was able to
establish the elements of the crime through the testimonies of the victims and other witnesses. The alleged
inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies were minor and did not negate Hirang's unlawful activity.
The defense of instigation raised by Hirang was not valid as he had been engaged in the illegal activities
leading young women to prostitution prior to the entrapment operation. The failure of the arresting
officers to inform Hirang of his Miranda rights did not warrant his acquittal as he voluntarily entered a
plea and participated in the trial without raising the issue. The penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of
P2,000,000.00 imposed by the RTC and CA is affirmed. The victims are also entitled to moral damages of
P500,000.00 each and exemplary damages of P100,000.00 each.

Ratio:

The Court held that the prosecution was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt the guilt of Hirang for
qualified trafficking in persons. The testimonies of the victims and other witnesses established the
elements of the crime, including the recruitment and transportation of the victims for sexual activities and
exploitation. The alleged inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies were minor and did not negate
Hirang's unlawful activity. The defense of instigation was not valid as Hirang had been engaged in the
illegal activities prior to the entrapment operation. The failure to inform Hirang of his Miranda rights did
not warrant his acquittal as he voluntarily entered a plea and participated in the trial without raising the
issue. The penalty imposed by the RTC and CA is affirmed, and the victims are entitled to moral and
exemplary damages.