Case Summary (G.R. No. L-11797)
Charges and Proceedings
Eleuterio Beltran y Angeles faced charges in the Municipal Court of Manila for violating Rule IX, paragraph 2 of Ordinance No. 2646, which pertains to pedestrian traffic regulations, specifically jaywalking. The information filed against him alleged that he unlawfully crossed a street outside of designated pedestrian lanes at the southern approach of Jones Bridge. On trial, the Municipal Court found him guilty and imposed a fine of P15, along with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency. Beltran subsequently appealed the ruling to the Court of First Instance of Manila, where he maintained a plea of not guilty.
Trial Court's Findings
During the proceedings in the Court of First Instance, the trial court highlighted that on the day of the incident, Beltran crossed Magallanes Street at approximately 6 PM, moving from the southern approach of the Jones Bridge to Island No. 2 on a path not marked as a pedestrian lane. The absence of sign-posts in the vicinity of the crossing was acknowledged. Crucially, there was a properly marked pedestrian lane located nearby from the defined stopping point in front of the Post Office, yet the lane was not directly adjacent to Beltran’s path when he crossed.
Applicable Ordinance Provisions
The relevant provisions of Municipal Ordinance No. 2646 provided guidelines for pedestrian safety and crossing conduct. Rule IX, paragraph 2 mandates that pedestrians should cross streets at right angles and at points designated by city authorities for their safety. Furthermore, paragraph 3 outlines unlawful crossing in certain marked streets, specifically mentioning various areas within Manila where pedestrians should adhere to safety zones. It also states that until safety zones are properly marked, no prosecutions could be initiated for violations of these rules.
Court's Conclusion and Rationale
Upon review of the case, the higher court determined that the location where Beltran crossed Magallanes Street was not included among those streets listed in the first part of paragraph 3 of the Ordinance. Notably, a marked safety zone existed 45 to 75 meters away from where he crossed, which plays a significant role in the court's rationale. Given the legality of crossing at right angles as provided
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Case Overview
- The case involves Eleuterio Beltran y Angeles, who was charged with jaywalking under Rule IX, paragraph 2 of Ordinance No. 2646, also known as the Traffic Code, in the Municipal Court of Manila.
- The charge alleged that on May 24, 1956, Beltran unlawfully crossed the street outside of a designated pedestrian lane at the South approach of Jones Bridge.
Proceedings in the Municipal Court
- After trial, the Municipal Court found Beltran guilty of the charge and imposed a fine of P15 and costs, with the provision for subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency.
- Beltran appealed the decision to the Court of First Instance of Manila, where the case was docketed as crim. case No. 36853.
Arraignment and Defense
- Upon arraignment in the Court of First Instance, Beltran entered a plea of not guilty.
- Following the prosecution's presentation of evidence, the defense counsel requested five days to submit a motion to dismiss, which the court granted on the condition that the case would be submitted for decision on the question of law if the motion was denied.
Judgment in the Court of First Instance
- On December 12, 1956, the Court of First Instance upheld the Municipal Court's decision, affirming that Beltran'