Cuyos vs. Garcia

 Summary of Facts:

Complex Crime - Cargo Truck Driver charged with homicide with multiple serious physical injuries and damage to property, through reckless imprudence filed before MTC

Issue:

Does MTC has jurisdiction over the subject matter?

Resolution:

Jurisdiction over the whole complex crime must logically be lodged with the trial court having jurisdiction to impose the maximum penalty imposable on an of ense; A complex crime must be prosecuted integrally, and not split into its component offenses. Since the maximum fine imposable for the crime charged in case at bar is P54,000 and the maximum imprisonment imposable (for homicide through reckless imprudence) is six years, the criminal charge falls outside the jurisdiction of the Municipal Trial Court and within the jurisdiction of the Regional Tnal Court.