Raymund Madali v People

August 2009
Facts: Raymund, 14 years old, and Rodel Madali, 16 years old, along with Jojo
Bernardino, were charged with homicide for the killing of AAA of Romblon.
Jovencio, a cousin of the victim who witnessed the killing, claims that on the night of
April 13, 1999 Raymund and Rodel Madali, Bernardino, AAA and him were gathered
near the National high school up in the hagdan-hagdan. Bernardino blindfolded AAA
with a handkerchief from Raymund. Bernardino gave the first blow using a coconut
frond, next by Raymund and when AAA wobbled, Rodel punched him while wearing
brass knuckles. All Jovencio could muster was say enough twice. Yet the three did not
stop but instead hanged AAA on the tree using the handkerchief and the dog chain.
Before leaving the area, Rodel threatened Jovencio to not tell anyone or else he will be
next. The corpse of AAA was found a few days later. The body was decomposing and
stinking.
Jovencio filed an information against the three but recanted it and refiled it again.
After the final judgement was pronounced, Bernardino filed for probation. Raymunds
case on the other hand was dismissed due to RA 9344 also known as Juvenile Justice and
Welfare Act of 2006 for being only 14 years old at the time of the commission of the
offense. Rodels case however, was sustained but was suspended pursuant to RA 9344.
Issue: Whether or not petitioners should be exempted from criminal liability.
Ruling: Yes, the petitioners should be exempted from criminal liability by virtue of RA
9344.
Petitioners should be exempt from criminal liability due to the provisions of RA 9344.
Although it was only passed on 2006, it can be applied to petitioners since laws favorable
to the accused can have retroactive effect. Section 38 of the act also provides for the
automatic suspension of sentence. The exemptions however, differ. Raymonds case is
dismissed for being only 15 years old at the time of the commission of the crime. Rodels
case was sustained since he was 16 at the time of the commission. His sentence was
however suspended. And since he acted with discernment, he shall be under an
intervention program.