People v. Gregorio

Summary

This Supreme Court decision affirmed the conviction of five accused for kidnapping for ransom under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code. Jimmy Ting was abducted on October 8, 2002 in Meycauayan, Bulacan by armed men demanding P50 million ransom. He was held captive for six days in Ilocos Norte while his family negotiated and paid P1,780,000 ransom. PACER teams rescued Jimmy and arrested all five accused on October 14-15, 2002. The Supreme Court found all accused guilty as principals through conspiracy, rejecting their defense that they were merely escorting a VIP on vacation. The Court sentenced all to reclusion perpetua without parole eligibility, replacing the death penalty originally imposed due to RA 9346. The decision demonstrates the Court's strict approach to kidnapping for ransom cases and the application of conspiracy doctrine in criminal law. All accused were ordered to pay P300,000 total damages to the victim.