Jeffrey F. Roxas v. People

Summary

Jeffrey F. Roxas was convicted of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide for causing a victim's death through negligent motor vehicle operation. The Supreme Court denied his petition for review on certiorari but modified the penalty computation. Under Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code, reckless imprudence causing death with automobile law violation warrants prision correccional medium and maximum periods. The aggravating circumstance of failing to render on-the-spot aid increased the penalty to prision mayor. Applying the Indeterminate Sentence Law and proper penalty computation rules under Articles 64-65 RPC, the Court imposed a modified indeterminate sentence of 4 years 1 day prision correccional minimum to 8 years 8 months prision mayor maximum. The Court also awarded civil indemnity of P50,000, exemplary damages of P50,000, while affirming actual damages of P350,000 and moral damages of P50,000, all with 6% annual legal interest from finality until full payment.