Title
People vs Garcia
Case
G.R. No. L-4366
Decision Date
Feb 28, 1908
Defendant entered a house at occupant's invitation; Supreme Court reversed conviction, ruling consent negated charge of forcible entry.

Case Summary (G.R. No. L-4366)

Background of the Case

Juan Garcia was arrested and subsequently tried in the Court of First Instance of Bulacan. He was found guilty, sentenced to four months and one day of imprisonment (arresto mayor), fined 325 pesetas, and potentially subjected to subsidiary imprisonment for insolvency. Garcia appealed the decision, leading to a review by the court.

Evidence Considered by the Court

Upon review, the evidence presented indicated unequivocally that Garcia entered the house without the express permission of Manuel Villariba. However, critical to the case was the fact that Garcia entered the dwelling at the invitation of Marciana Villariba, who resided in the house. This detail became pivotal in determining the legal standing of Garcia’s actions.

Legal Findings and Precedents

The court referenced prior jurisprudence, particularly U.S. vs. Agas, which establishes that if a defendant enters a dwelling upon the request of an occupant, they cannot be held liable for allanamiento de morada. The court reiterated that mere presumption of an entry being against the owner's will is insufficient; concrete evidence of a lack of consent from the owner must be established.

Conclusion of the Court

In light of the evidence and established legal principles, the court concluded that Marciana Villariba’s invitation to Garcia nullifie

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