Title
People vs. Gonzalez
Case
G.R. No. L-3161
Decision Date
Jan 22, 1907
Defendants in a lesiones case receive reduced imprisonment and joint liability for indemnity due to the injury duration and lack of mitigating factors.
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Case Digest (G.R. No. L-3161)

Facts:

  • Defendants: Juan Gonzalez, Juan Fermo, and Zacarias Talento.
  • Charged with lesiones (physical injuries) in the Court of First Instance of Ambos Camarines.
  • Incident date: December 12, 1905, in Capalonga.
  • Juan Gonzalez confronted Carlos Calero and his five companions, requesting a private conversation about a recent election.
  • An altercation occurred, leading Gonzalez to strike Calero with a cane.
  • Other defendants joined in the assault, using canes and other instruments, causing multiple wounds to Calero.
  • Testimony from Dr. Narciso San Agustin indicated Calero needed eight to ten days of medical attention.
  • Calero testified he resumed normal activities after three days, being incapacitated only on December 13, 14, and 15.
  • The lower court found the defendants guilty under Article 418 of the Penal Code, considering the aggravating circumstance of superiority.
  • Sentenced to four months and one day of arresto mayor and a joint indemnity of 6 pesos to Calero.
  • Defendants appealed; two co-defendants did not.

Issue:

  • (Unlock)

Ruling:

  • The court ruled that the defendants should be punished under Article 587 of the Penal Code, which is more appropriate for the case.
  • The court ordered the defendants to...(Unlock)

Ratio:

  • The court assessed the evidence, finding Calero's testimony more credible than that of Dr. San Agustin regarding the injury duration.
  • Calero's ability to return to normal activities after three days indicated the injuries did not incapacitate him for more than seven days, making Article 587 applicable.
  • Article 587 prescribes a lesser penalty of arresto menor for injuries causing incapacity for one to seven days.
  • The court ackn...continue reading

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