AmadoAlvaradoGarciavs.

PeopleofthePhilippines
G.R. No. 171951, 28 August 2009
FACTS:
The Fozes were having a drinking spree at their apartment when Chy asked them to quiet down to which
Garcia commented that Chy was being arrogant and that one day he would lay a hand on him. Two days
later, the group decided to drink at a store owned by Chys sister, Esquibel. Chy was about to come out
of his house and upon being summoned, Garcia suddenly punched him. Chy continued to parry the
blows and when he found an opportunity to escape, he ran home and phoned his wife to call the police
regarding the mauling. He also complained of difficulty in breathing. He was found later unconscious on
the kitchen floor, salivating. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. The autopsy confirmed
that Chy died of myocardial infarction.
ISSUE
whether or not petitioner is liable for the death of Manuel Chy
RULING
a person committing a felony is responsible for all the natural and logical consequences resulting from it
although the unlawful act performed is different from the one he intended; 36 "el que es causa de la causa
es causa del mal causado" (he who is the cause of the cause is the cause of the evil caused). Thus, the
circumstance that petitioner did not intend so grave an evil as the death of the victim does not exempt him
from criminal liability. Since he deliberately committed an act prohibited by law, said condition simply
mitigates his guilt in accordance with Article 13(3) of the Revised Penal Code. Nevertheless, said
circumstance must be appreciated in favour of the petitioner. The fact that the physical injuries he
inflicted on the victim could not have naturally and logically caused the actual death of the victim, if the
latters heart is in good condition.