G.R. No. L-2307

FACTS:
The defendant-appellant, Chu Chang, was convicted by the trial court of the crime of corruption of minors under Article 444 of the Penal Code. The evidence established that a minor girl, who was in the employ of the accused as a servant, was living a life of prostitution in his house. While she initially entered this mode of life unwillingly, the record shows that she eventually gave her consent. The accused facilitated her prostitution for the purpose of satisfying the lust of other men.

ISSUE:
Whether the facts proven constitute the crime of corruption of minors under Article 444 of the Penal Code, specifically considering the elements of abuse of authority/confidential relations and the minor’s consent.

RULING:
Yes, the conviction is proper. The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the trial court.
1. On Abuse of Confidential Relations: The Court held that the relationship of master and servant constitutes a relation of confidence (confianza) under the law. By taking advantage of his position as master to facilitate the minor’s prostitution, the accused committed the offense with abuse of that confidence. It is thus unnecessary to determine if there was also an abuse of authority.
2. On the Minor’s Consent: The evidence conclusively proved that the minor was living in prostitution in the accused’s house. Although she was initially unwilling, she ultimately gave her consent and ceased to oppose the accused’s designs.

The penalty imposed by the lower court was affirmed.