G.R. No. 230356 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, VS. ERIC VARGAS Y JAGUARIN AND GINA BAGACINA, ACCUSED, ERIC VARGAS Y JAGUARIN, ACCUSED-.DECISION - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

WHEREFORE, finding the accused Eric J. Vargas GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of Murder defined and penalized under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, he is hereby sentenced to suffer the penalty of Reclusion Perpetua . Death of the victim having occurred due to the crime, Maryjane A. Belen, the widow of the victim is entitled to moral damages of PhP 50,000 and PhP 100,000.00 in exemplary damages. There being no receipts presented as to the actual expenses incurred by the family of the victim, no actual or compensatory damages can be awarded. However, jurisprudence allows the award of temperate damages considering that, as records show, the victim underwent medical treatment before his demise. For this, the court awards the widow of the victim the amount of PhP75,000.00 as temperate damages. All monetary awards shall earn an interest of six percent (6%) per annum from the finality of judgment until fully paid. Costs against the accused. SO ORDERED.