Dinamling v. People

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed Ricky Dinamling's conviction for psychological violence under RA 9262 but modified the penalties. Dinamling was found guilty of inflicting mental and emotional anguish on his partner AAA through public humiliation, verbal abuse, and physical violence on two separate occasions in March 2007. The Court established that psychological violence under Section 5(i) of RA 9262 requires proof of mental or emotional anguish caused by acts such as public ridicule or humiliation. The victim's clear and credible testimony sufficed for conviction despite the lone witness nature. The Court rejected Dinamling's defenses of denial and alibi as inherently weak, noting he could not establish physical impossibility to commit the crimes. The pregnancy of the victim during commission was considered an aggravating circumstance requiring maximum penalties. The case clarifies that physical injuries are not elements of psychological violence crimes under RA 9262, and that the focus is on non-physical suffering. Both convictions were upheld with modified indeterminate sentences and additional penalties including fines and mandatory psychological counseling.