G.R. No. L-8130; August 30, 1913
THE UNITED STATES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. URBANO GARIBOSO, defendant-appellant.

FACTS

Urbano Gariboso was charged with the crime of seduction under Article 443 of the Penal Code. The complaint was filed by Luisa Valdez, the mother of the offended party, Lorenza Sanchez, who was 15 years old. The complaint alleged that Gariboso, through intimidation and deceit, seduced Lorenza, who was living in his house and under his care, resulting in the birth of a child. During the trial, the defense moved to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction, arguing that the complaint was invalid because it was filed by the mother while the father was still living. The trial court denied the motion, convicted Gariboso, and sentenced him to imprisonment and other penalties. Gariboso appealed, assigning errors including the court’s jurisdiction and the sufficiency of the evidence.

ISSUE

Whether the trial court acquired jurisdiction over the case when the complaint for seduction was filed by the mother of the offended minor, despite the father being alive.

RULING

Yes, the trial court acquired jurisdiction. The law (Act No. 1773, amending the Penal Code) requires that a complaint for seduction be filed by the aggrieved party, her parents, grandparents, or guardian. The Court held that the statute does not give preference to the father over the mother; either parent may file the complaint. In this case, the father had left the home after learning of the incident, and the mother filed the complaint in his absence. Under these circumstances, the complaint was properly presented, vesting jurisdiction in the court. The Court also found the evidence sufficient to prove Gariboso’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt, affirming the trial court’s judgment.