People v. Benjamin Aguilar y · G.R. L-11302

Petitioner: People
Respondent: Benjamin Aguilar y Perez
Citation: G.R. No. L-11302
Court: Supreme Court
Division: First Division
Ponente: Paredes, J.
Decided: October 28, 1960

Whether reckless imprudence causing slight physical injuries is punishable under Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code

Summary

Two drivers were charged with multiple slight physical injuries through reckless imprudence after their vehicles collided, injuring five passengers. Lower courts dismissed the case via motions to quash, ruling that Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code did not punish reckless imprudence causing light felonies. The Supreme Court reversed, holding that the information's broad allegations could encompass simple negligence, which is punishable for light felonies under Article 365. The Court applied the principle that graver charges include lesser ones, allowing prosecution to proceed under simple negligence theory. The case was remanded for trial on the merits, establishing important precedent on prosecuting vehicular accidents causing slight injuries.

Related cases

Other Philippine cases on the same provisions and issues.

Jason Ivler y Aguilar v. Hon. Maria Rowena Modesto-San Pedro G.R. No. 172716
Francis O. Morales v. People G.R. No. 240337
Hedy Gan y Yu v. Court of Appeals G.R. No. L-44264
U.S. v. Segundo Barias G.R. No. 7567
Mateo J. Pabulario v. Hon. Pompeyo L. Palarca G.R. No. L-23000
Inocencio Tugade v. Court of Appeals G.R. No. L-47772
Jr. v. People G.R. No. 264250
Marcelino M. Dela Cruz v. People G.R. No. 219038
Michael John Robles v. People G.R. No. 223810
Aniceto Ibabao v. People G.R. No. L-36957

Featured in research

In-depth Intellegal research that discusses this case.

Reckless Imprudence in the Philippines

Common questions

Plain-language Q&A on the issues in this case.

By Intellegal Editorial Board · October 28, 1960

Search Philippine case law on Intellegal →

AI-assisted case analysis — for research only. Verify against the official decision. A research aid, not legal advice; using this page creates no attorney-client relationship. For legal advice, consult a Philippine lawyer. Verify every holding and citation against the official decision (Supreme Court E-Library / Official Gazette) before relying on it.