Criminal Case Digest: People vs Miranda, 5 SCRA 1067

People vs Miranda, 5 SCRA 1067

Criminal Case Digest

Digested Cases

Criminal Law

Facts:

Mamerto Miranda was charged before the court of first instance of Quezon City with the crime of estafa thru falsification of commercial documents. The court finds that the evidence presented by the prosecution failed to prove guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. The prosecution has also failed to show that the accused had taken advantage of his position and abused the confidence reposed on him by the complainant. The court acquits the accused Mamerto Miranda of estafa, however, the court finds Miranda civilly liable and orders the accused to pay for the said amount.

Issue:
WON the accused is liable to pay for civil indemnity arising from a criminal liability.

Held:

When an accused, who has been charged with estafa, has been acquitted on the ground that his liability is civil in nature, no civil liability arising from the criminal charges may be imposed on him. In view of the foregoing, the portion of the decision appealed from, which orders the accused to pay P2,000.00 to the complainant is set aside, reserving the offended party the right to institute the corresponding civil action for the recovery of the said amount.