People v. Tubongbanua, G.R. No. 171271, Aug. 31, 2006

Crim Pro - Rule 110

Facts:

Elberto Tubongbanua was employed as a family drivery by Atty. Evelyn Sua-Kho since 1998. On February 12, 2001, he killed his employer Sua-Kho. An Information was charged against him which was later amended to include the aggravating circumstances of dwelling, and insult to the rank, sex and age of the victim. These amendments to the information were only made after the presentation by the prosecution of its evidence. The RTC found him guilty. Upon appeal, the CA affirmed the decision of the RTC but modified it with regard to the posited amendments. The amendments were disregarded.

Issue: Whether or not the CA erred in not allowing the amendments in the information regarding the aggravating circumstances of dwelling and insult or disregard of the respect due to rank, age or sex.

Held: Yes. Section 14, Rule 110 of the Rules of Court, provides that an amendment after the plea of the accused is permitted only as to matters of form, provided leave of court is obtained and such amendment is not prejudicial to the rights of the accused.  A substantial amendment is not permitted after the accused had already been arraigned.

The test as to whether an amendment is only of form and an accused is not prejudiced by such amendment is whether or not a defense under the information as it originally stood would be equally available after the amendment is made, and whether or not any evidence which the accused might have would be equally applicable to the information in one form as in the other; if the answer is in the affirmative, the amendment is one of form and not of substance.

Tested against these guidelines, the insertion of the aggravating circumstances of dwelling and insult or disregard of the respect due to rank, age, or sex of the victim is clearly a formal, not a substantial, amendment.  These amendments do not have the effect of charging another offense different or distinct from the charge of murder as contained in the original information.  They relate only to the range of the penalty that the court might impose in the event of conviction.  The amendment did not adversely affect any substantial right of appellant.

Besides, appellant never objected to the presentation of evidence to prove the aggravating circumstances of dwelling and insult or in disregard of the respect due to the offended party on account of rank, age or sex. Without any objection by the defense, the defect is deemed waived.