Reset

There are 8 results on the current subject filter

People vs. XXX65439

13th November 2023

ak529192
G.R. No. 265439
Primary Holding
The accused, a minor who acted with discernment, is guilty of two counts of statutory rape, not qualified statutory rape, when the qualifying circumstance of relationship within the third civil degree is not specifically alleged in the Information, even if the victim is his niece. Furthermore, two penetrations committed without a significant interval constitute only one count of rape.
Background
The case arose from accusations that XXX265439, then 17 years old, raped his 9-year-old niece, AAA265439, on three separate occasions in February 2010. The relationship between the accused and the victim (uncle-niece) and the victim's age were central to the charges.
2025 BarOps Criminal Law

People vs. Yap

4th October 2023

ak900951
G.R. No. 255087
Primary Holding
The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt all elements of Sections 3(e) and 3(g) of Republic Act No. 3019; a mere violation of procurement laws or contractual terms, without establishing the requisite criminal intent (manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence) or the specific harm (undue injury, unwarranted benefit, or a manifestly and grossly disadvantageous contract), is insufficient for conviction. The accused's constitutional right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation prevents conviction based on facts not alleged in the Information.
Background
In preparation for the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu in December 2006, the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), a government-owned and controlled corporation, sought to upgrade its firefighting capabilities by purchasing one unit of an Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Vehicle (ARFFV) through limited source bidding. This procurement process, the subsequent contract, and related payments became the subject of criminal charges against MCIAA officials and the supplier's representative.
2025 BarOps Criminal Law

People vs. Abdul Azis Y Sampaco a.k.a. Mohammad Macapundag Guimbor and Alibair Macadato Y Macadato

30th August 2023

ak970044
G.R. No. 258873
Primary Holding
A warrantless arrest _in flagrante delicto_ is lawful when police officers, from a close distance, observe overt acts indicating that the accused are committing or attempting to commit a crime, such as the handling and exchange of suspected illegal drugs; the subsequent search incidental to such lawful arrest is valid, and the seized items are admissible. Substantial compliance with the chain of custody rule under Section 21 of Republic Act No. 9165, as amended, is sufficient if the integrity and evidentiary value of the seized drugs are preserved, and justifiable grounds for non-compliance (such as safety concerns and unavailability of all required witnesses despite diligent efforts) are established, especially when dealing with a substantial quantity of drugs that negates the likelihood of planting or tampering.
Background
The case arose from an anti-drug operation called "Oplan Galugad" conducted by police operatives in Caloocan City. This operation was part of the broader governmental campaign against illegal drugs, targeting areas known for drug activities. The accused-appellants were apprehended during this specific operation.
2025 BarOps Criminal Law

People vs. Nuñez

14th August 2023

ak001850
G.R. No. 263706
Primary Holding
The recruitment of minors for sexual exploitation, evidenced by acts such as bringing them to a hotel, negotiating terms for sexual services with a decoy officer, and receiving payment, constitutes the consummated crime of qualified trafficking in persons under Republic Act No. 9208, especially when the victims' minority and the large-scale nature of the crime (three victims) are established; a minor's consent in such circumstances is legally irrelevant, and a defense of denial cannot overcome positive identification and evidence from a valid entrapment operation.
Background
The case arose from an information received by the Philippine National Police Regional Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (PNP-RATTF) about a woman named "Faith" (later identified as the accused-appellant) offering minors for sex. This led to an entrapment operation planned and executed in Cebu City, involving a decoy police officer posing as a representative of an American customer interested in procuring minors for sexual exploitation.
2025 BarOps Criminal Law

People vs. Delos Reyes

14th August 2023

ak686082
G.R. No. 264958
Primary Holding
The actual deprivation of the victim's liberty, coupled with the indubitable proof of the accused's intent to effect such deprivation, and the victim being a minor, are sufficient to constitute the crime of serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code.
Background
The case arose from an incident where the accused-appellant, Jonnel Delos Reyes, allegedly detained a 15-year-old minor, AAA264958, between October 23 and October 25, 2014, in Bataan. This detention was purportedly part of the minor's initiation into the Triskellion Fraternity, during which he was subjected to acts that deprived him of his liberty and constituted child abuse.
2025 BarOps Criminal Law

Axel Tria y Cipriano vs. People

2nd August 2023

ak532384
G.R. No. 255583
Primary Holding
The commission of robbery through the use of information and communications technologies, such as demanding money in exchange for deleting compromising photos posted online, subjects the offender to a penalty one degree higher than that provided for by the Revised Penal Code, pursuant to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
Background
The case arose from a soured romantic relationship between petitioner Axel Tria y Cipriano (Tria) and private complainant AAA. After their relationship deteriorated, Tria allegedly posted nude photos of AAA online and demanded money from her in exchange for their deletion, leading to criminal charges for robbery and online libel.
2025 BarOps Criminal Law

People vs. Karen Aquino y Gabriel, Rey Rosal y Bobis, Jeffrey Dela Cruz y Sanchez, and Ericson Mariano y Peraldal

31st July 2023

ak197701
G.R. No. 263264
Primary Holding
The Supreme Court held that trafficking in persons may be committed with or without the victims' consent, and that when committed by three or more persons conspiring together, it qualifies as "trafficking committed by a syndicate" under Section 6(c) of R.A. No. 9208, warranting the penalties of life imprisonment and a fine of not less than PHP 2,000,000.00.
Background
The case arose from incidents between January 5, 2017 and February 1, 2017, where two minors, BBB263264 (13 years old) and AAA263264 (14 years old), were recruited through Facebook, transported to various locations, and made to engage in sexual acts with different men in exchange for money. The victims stayed with Aquino and Rosal for approximately one month and were subjected to sexual exploitation almost daily until they decided to leave and report the incidents to authorities.
2025 BarOps Criminal Law

People vs. Custodio

14th June 2023

ak683442
G.R. No. 251741
Primary Holding
The failure of police officers to conduct the inventory and taking of photographs of seized dangerous drugs at the place of seizure, or to provide a justifiable reason for conducting it elsewhere (such as at the nearest police station or office of the apprehending team), constitutes a significant breach in the chain of custody, warranting the acquittal of the accused.
Background
The case arose from a buy-bust operation conducted on October 19, 2015, in Dumaguete City, where accused-appellant Chris John Custodio y Argote, also known as "Bolongkoy," was arrested for allegedly selling and possessing shabu. The operation was initiated based on information from a confidential informant.
2025 BarOps Criminal Law