Case Summary (G.R. No. L-8320)
Facts of the Case
Sim Ben was charged with exhibiting indecent or immoral cinematographic films in his restaurant, a public establishment in Cebu City. He entered a plea of guilty during the arraignment on January 31, 1953, without the assistance of counsel despite being informed of his right to legal representation. The court interpreter provided a translation of the charges into the local dialect, and after confirming understanding, Sim Ben pleaded guilty. The fiscal recommended a fine of P200, but the court ultimately sentenced him to six months and one day of prision correccional, in addition to costs.
Arraignment and Plea
During the arraignment, the court informed Sim Ben of his right to counsel and inquired if he wished to have legal assistance. He declined this right and opted to have the information read to him in the absence of counsel. The court ensured that he understood the consequences of his guilty plea by ascertaining that he was aware of the potential penalties that could be imposed due to his plea.
Legal Analysis of the Plea and Sentence
Sim Ben argued that his plea was entered based on a promise from the fiscal that he would only receive a fine. However, the court noted that while the fiscal's recommendation supported Ben's claim, such a recommendation does not invalidate the guilty plea or the subsequent sentence. The law provides that a promise of leniency does not affect the validity of a sentence that the court deems appropriate based on the crime committed.
Conclusion
The appellate court affirmed the sentencing authority of the trial court,
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-8320)
Case Overview
- Court: Supreme Court of the Philippines
- Date: December 20, 1955
- Case Number: G.R. No. L-8320
- Parties Involved:
- Plaintiff/Appellee: The People of the Philippines
- Defendant/Appellant: Sim Ben
- Legal Context: Violation of paragraph 3, Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code concerning the exhibition of indecent or immoral cinematographic films.
Background of the Case
- Sim Ben was charged with exhibiting indecent films in his restaurant, a public venue in Cebu City.
- He entered a plea of guilty to the charges against him without legal counsel present, which became the focal point of his appeal.
Court Proceedings and Plea
- During the trial, the court informed the appellant of his right to counsel.
- Sim Ben explicitly stated he did not wish to have a lawyer present.
- The court allowed the information to be translated into the local dialect for better comprehension.
- After understanding the charges, Sim Ben pleaded guilty and acknowledged the potential consequences.
Sentencing
- The fiscal rec