People v. Emma Sevilla Cruz · G.R. L-7928

Petitioner: People
Respondent: Emma Sevilla Cruz
Citation: G.R. No. L-7928
Court: Supreme Court
Division: En Banc
Ponente: Labrador, J.
Decided: November 29, 1957

Proper application of Indeterminate Sentence Law in estafa conviction

Summary

Emma Sevilla Cruz was convicted of estafa for misappropriating P380 from a loan she secured using Carmen Miranda's house documents. After initially pleading not guilty, she changed her plea to guilty following one witness's testimony. The Court of First Instance sentenced her to five months of arresto mayor. On appeal, the Supreme Court found the sentence violated the Indeterminate Sentence Law, which requires both maximum and minimum terms. The SC modified the sentence to one year and one day of prision correccional as maximum and three months of arresto mayor as minimum, while affirming the conviction and other aspects of the judgment. The case demonstrates the mandatory application of indeterminate sentencing in criminal cases under Philippine law.

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By Intellegal Editorial Board · November 29, 1957

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