Criminal Law Digests - July 2000 - Philippine Law Reviewers

6/22/2016
CriminalLawDigestsJuly2000|PhilippineLawReviewers
PhilippineLawReviewers
CriminalLawDigestsJuly2000
JAN24
PostedbyMagz
PEOPLEV.AGAPITOLISTERIO
G.R.NO.122099
Theaccusedwasconvictedofmurderandfrustratedmurdercommiedwithconspiracy.Heassailsthetestimonyofthewitnessas
insucienttoconvicthimofhercrimecharged.
HELD:
Itiswellseledthatwitnessesaretobeweighed,notnumbered,suchthatthetestimonyofasingle,trustworthyandcrediblewitness
couldbesucienttoconvictanaccused.Thetrialcourtfoundthewitnesstestimonyascandidandstraightforward.Courtdefertothe
lowercourtsndingsconsistentwiththeprinciplethatthetrialjudgeisthebestandthemostcompetentpersonwhocanweighand
evaluatethetestimonyofwitnesses.
Conspiracywasalsoproven.Aconspiracyexistswhentwoormorepersonscometoanagreementconcerningthecommissionofafelony
anddecidetocommitit.Toestablishtheexistenceofaconspiracy,directproofisnotessentialsinceitmaybeshownbyfactsand
circumstancesfromwhichmaybelogicallyinferredtheexistenceofacommondesignamongtheaccusedtocommittheoensecharged,
oritmaybededucedfromthemodeandmannerinwhichtheoensewasperpetrated.Ifthereisachainofcircumstancestothateect,
conspiracycanbeestablished.
https://lawphilreviewer.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/criminallawdigestsjuly2000/
PEOPLEV.ELMERYPARRAGUIRE
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PEOPLEV.ELMERYPARRAGUIRE
G.R.NO.124391
Accusedwasconvictedofrapingamentallyretardedgirl.Appellantcontendsthatthetrialcourtneveracquiredjurisdictionoverthecase
becausethecomplainantwassignedandledbythechiefofpoliceandnotbythecomplainant.
HELD:
PursuanttoSection5,Rule110oftheRulesonCriminalProcedure,theoendedpartycaninitiateaprosecutionforrapeevenifsheisa
minor,unlesssheisincompetentorincapableofdoingsoupongroundsotherthanherminority.Althoughthevictiminthiscaseisno
longeraminor,itisundisputedthatsheisamentalretardateandsueringfromphysicaldeformity.Nowomanwouldcomeoutinthe
open,informtheauthoritiesoftheinjusticedonetoher,unlessherpurposeistoredressthewrongdoneagainstherhonor.Oncethe
violationofthelawbecomesknownthroughadirectoriginalparticipationinitiatedbythevictim,therequirementofArt344oftheRPCto
theeectthattheoenseofrapeshallnotbeprosecutedexcerptuponacomplaintledbytheoendedpartyorherparentsaresatised.
SaidprovisionisnotdeterminativeofthejurisdictionofcourtsovertheprivateoensesbecausethesameisgovernedbytheJudiciary
law,nottheRPC.ThecomplaintrequiredinArt344isbutaconditionprecedenttotheexercisebytheproperauthoritiesofthepowerto
prosecutetheguiltyparties.Thecomplaintsimplystartstheprosecutoryproceedingbutdoesnotconferjurisdictiononthecourttotry
thecase.
PEOPLEV.KENNETHCANEDO
G.R.NO.128382
Accusedwasconvictedofmurder.
HELD:
Accusedacquiedonreasonabledoubt.Therecordsdonotshowhowwitnessdescribedappellantandwhichdescriptionenabledan
anonymouspersontopointatappellantastheonewhostabbedthevictim.Intheabsenceofthesecriticaldetailsofdescription,we
cannotadjudgewhethertheappellantwascorrectlyandproperlyidentied.Further,thecrimewascommiedwhenadancewasbeing
held.Theghtwasarumble,participatedinbyalotofpeople.Allthesescircumstancesshouldmaketheidenticationofappellant
dicultandweshouldbeextracarefulinevaluatingwitnesstestimony.Positiveidenticationofmalefactorsshouldnotbedisregarded
justbecausethenameofsomeofthemweresuppliedtotheeyewitness.Butinsuchcases,thedescriptionofthecriminalwasdetailedand
edtheaccused.Intheinstantcase,thesereliabledetailswhichcouldprovideagoodindexforidenticationaremissing.
PEOPLEV.PETRONILCASTILLO
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PEOPLEV.PETRONILCASTILLO
G.R.NO.130205
Accusedwasconvictedofrapingthe9yearolddaughterofhisliveinpartner.Heassailsthecredibilityoftestimonysincethereare
inconsistencieswiththeexecutedadavit.
HELD:
Althoughthereareomissionsintheadavit,suchomissionsdidnotdiminishnoraecthercredibilityasawitness.Exparteadavits
aregenerallyconsideredincompleteandinaccurateandwillthusnotprevailoverawitnessstatementsonthestand.
PEOPLEV.ORLIESULTAN
G.R.NO.130594
Accusedwasconvictedofcarnappingwithhomicide.Appellantsdefenseisalibianddenial.Theyalsocontentthattheiridenticationin
thepolicelineupwasaviolationoftheirconstitutionalrightandthusinadmissible.
HELD:
Alibisaregenerallyconsideredwithsuspicionandarealwaysreceivedwithcaution,notonlybecausetheyareinherentlyweakand
unreliable,butalsobecausetheycaneasilybefabricated.Ergo,foralibitoserveasabasisforacquial,theaccusedmustestablishbyclear
andconvincingevidence(a)hispresenceatanotherplaceatthetimeoftheperpetrationofthecrimeand(b)thatitwouldbephysically
impossibleforhimtohaveheratthesceneofthecrime.Sinceaccusedwasunabletopresentwitnessestocorroboratehistestimony,his
alibicannotbeappreciated.
Inresolvingtheadmissibilityofandrelyingonoutofcourtidenticationofsuspects,courtshaveadoptedthetotalityofcircumstances
testwheretheyconsiderthefollowingfactors:(1)hewitnessopportunitytoviewthecriminalatthetimeofthecrime;(2)thewitness
degreeofaentionatthattime;(3)theaccuracyofanypriordescriptiongivenbythewitness;(4)thelevelofcertaintydemonstratedby
thewitnessattheidentication;(5)thelengthoftimebetweenthecrimeandtheidenticationand(6)thesuggestivenessofthe
identicationprocedure.Applyingthis,therewasnoviolationofconstitutionalright.Thewitnessespositivelyidentiedthe3accused
insidethejail.The3accusedwereinthecompanyofotherinmates.Thus,theywereinagroup.
PEOPLEV.ROBERTARANETA
G.R.NO.137604
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G.R.NO.137604
Theaccusedwasconvictedofthecrimeofmurder.Heanchorshisdefenseonmistakenidentityanddenialandalibi.
HELD:
TheappellantsclaimthatwitnesswasmistakeninnaminghimasGilbertAranetaandnotRobertAranetadoesnotdestroyher
credibilityandisnotsucienttoexculpatehim.ForevenassumingthattheaccusedrealnameisRobert,itissucientthatshewas
positiveastohisphysicalidentityasaparticipantintheshootingofhersonfromherpersonalknowledgeforpurposesofidentifyinghim
inthepresentcase.Giventhepositiveidenticationmadebytheloneprosecutionwitness,theappellantsuncorroborateddefenseof
denialandalibimustfail.However,treacheryandevidentpremeditationwerenotestablished,therefore,thecrimecommiedcanonlybe
homicide,notmurder.Abuseofsuperioritywashoweverestablished.Consideringthatthevictimwhenassaultedwasunarmed,hewas
thereforenomatchtohis3adversarieswhowereallarmedwithhandguns.Ourjurisprudenceisexempliedbytheholdingthatwhere3
armedpersonsaackedthedefenselessvictimbuttherewasnoproofastohowtheaackcommenceandtreacherywasnotproved,the
factthattherewere3armedassailantswouldconstituteabuseofsuperiorstrength.
PEOPLEV.ROSENDOMENDEZ
G.R.NO.132546
Accusedwasfoundguiltyofrapinghis16yearoldstepdaughter.Heassailsthedefectiveinformation.
HELD:
Thefailureoftheinformationtostatethattheaccusedrapedthevictimthroughforceorintimidationisnotafatalomissioninthiscase
becausethecomplaintallegedtheultimatefactthattheaccusedrapedthevictimbymeansofforce.Soattheoutset,theappellantcould
havereadilyascertainedthathewasbeingaccusedofrapecommiedthroughforce,achargethatsucientlycomplieswithArt335.
However,sincetheinformationallegesthatthevictimwashisdaughter,whenintruththeactualrelationshipoftheappellantwiththe
victimisthatofstepfatherandstepdaughter,theappellantcanbeheldliableonlyforsimplerape.
PEOPLEV.BERNARDINOCARANGUIAN
G.R.NO.124514
Accusedwasconvictedofmurder.Heassailscredibilityofwitnessandinterposedalibiasdefense.
HELD:
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HELD:
Theprosecutionfailedtoprovebeyondreasonabledoubtthatitwasappellantwhoperpetratedthekilling.Theinformationgivenbythe
witnessesattheidentityofappellantishearsay.Thehearsayrulebarsthetestimonyofawitnesswhomerelyreciteswhatsomeoneelse
hastoldhim,whetherorallyorinwriting.Section36ofRule130providesthatawitnesscantestifyonlytothosefactswhichheknowsof
hispersonalknowledgethatis,whicharederivedfromhisownperception,exceptasotherwiseprovidedintherules.Infact,thewitness
testimonyisevendoubleormultiplehearsaysinceitisbaseduponthirdhandinformationrelatedtothewitnessbysomeonewho
hearditfromothers.Multiplehearsayisnomorecompetentthansinglehearsay.
PEOPLEV.FERNANDODIASANTA
G.R.NO.128108
Accusedwasconvictedofthecrimeofrapecommiedagainsthis12yearolddaughter.Heinterposedalibiaddefense.
HELD:
Establishedistherulethattestimoniesofrapevictimsespeciallyofchildvictimsaregivenfullweightandcredit.Wellseledistherule
thatwhenawoman,moresoifsheisaminor,saysthatshehasbeenrapes,shesaysineectallthatisnecessarytoprovethatrapewas
commied.Consideringthecategoricalandunequivocaltestimoniesofthevictimandaneyewitness,appellantsalibiandselfserving
denialcannotprosper.
PEOPLEV.RAELITOLIBRANDO
G.R.NO.132251
Theaccusedwereconvictedofmurder.Appellantspointoutthattheyhavenoreasontoassaultthedeceasedsincetheyhadneverany
quarrelwiththevictim.Theyalsoassailthecredibilityofthechildwitness.
HELD:
Whileitistruethattheyhavenomotivetoassaultthedeceased,nevertheless,itishornbookknowledgethatcrimeshavebeenaributed
topersonswhoappeartohavenoreasonsforcommiingthemaslongastheyhavebeenclearlyidentiedastheoenders.Motivegains
importanceonlywhentheidentityoftheculpritissuspect.Itisalsowellestablishedthatanychildregardlessofagecanbecompetent
witnessifhecanperceiveandcanmakeknownhisperceptionstoothersandthatheiscapableofrelatingtruthfullyfactsforwhichheis5/22
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witnessifhecanperceiveandcanmakeknownhisperceptionstoothersandthatheiscapableofrelatingtruthfullyfactsforwhichheis
examined.Thechildscompetenceasawitnessare:(a)capacityofobservation;(b)capacityofrecollection;(c)capacityofcommunication.
Thechildslonetestimonyissucienttosustainaconviction.
PEOPLEV.ROBERTFIGUEROA
G.R.NO.134056
AccusedwasconvictedofviolatingSec14AoftheDangerousDrugsActof972Unauthorizedmanufactureofregulateddrugs.He
contendsthatsincehisallegedcoconspiratorwasacquiedduetoinsuciencyofevidencetoprovethatsheconspiredwithhim,he
shouldlikewisebeacquied.
HELD:
Onceaconspiracyisestablished,theactofoneistheactofall,andeachoftheconspiratorsisliableforthecrimescommiedbytheother
conspirators.Itfollowsthenthatiftheprosecutionfailstoproveconspiracy,theallegedconspiratorsshouldbeheldindividually
responsiblefortheirownrespectiveacts.Accordingly,appellantscriminalliabilityinthiscasemustbejudgedonthebasisofhisown
actsasestablishedbythequantumofproofrequiredincriminalcases.
PEOPLEV.EVANGELINEORDONO
G.R.NO.12959314353335
Accusedwasconvictedof2countsofillegalrecruitmentand2countsofestafa.
HELD:
Tobeconvictedforillegalrecruitment,2elementsmustconcur:(1)theoenderhasnovalidlicenseorauthorityrequiredbylawtoenable
onetolawfullyengageinrecruitmentandplacementofworkers;and(2)heundertakeseitheranyactivitywithinthemeaningof
recruitmentandplacement.The2elementswereproven.Thetestimoniesofcomplainantcorroboratedeachotherandwereburessed
byotherprosecutionwitnesses.
Theelementsofestafaare:(1)theaccuseddefraudedanotherbyabuseofcondenceorbymeansofdeceit;and(2)damageorprejudice
capableofpecuniaryestimationiscausedbyoendedparty.Thesewerealsoestablishedinthecase.
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PEOPLEV.MEYNARDPANGANIBAN
G.R.NO.133028
Accusedwasconvictedofestafa.Appellantcontendsthathisconvictionshouldbereversedbecausetheelementoffraudordeceitwas
notproven.Heinsiststhatthestoppaymentorderwasmadeingoodfaithandwasnotmeanttoevadepaymentofthedebt.
HELD:
Despitehisdenialsduringtestimony,itisobviousthatappellantwasawareatthetimehemadethepostdatedchecksforseveralcreditors
thathewouldhaveseveraldebtsmaturingatthesametime,ofwhicharerecoverablefromthesamebankaccount.Thenknowingthatthe
balanceisnotsucienttocovercomplainantscheck,heimmediatelyorderedthedraweebanktostopitspayment.Thesecircumstances,
takentogether,indicateappellantsintenttodeceiveanddefraudatthetimeheissuedthecheck.Theindeterminatesentencelawmust
alsobeapplied.
PEOPLEV.LEONCIOALIVIANO
G.R.NO.133985
Accusedwasconvictedofrapinga7yearoldgirl.Heinterposeddenialandassailstheadmissibilityofthemedicalcerticatesincethe
doctorwhoprepareditwasnotpresented.
HELD:
Concededly,thesubjectmedicalcerticatecannotbegivenanyprobativevalue.Itisseledthatsinceamedicalcerticateinvolvesan
opinionofonewhomustrstbeestablishedasanexpertwitness,itcouldnotbegivenweightnorcreditunlessthedoctorwhoissuedit
bepresentedincourttoshowhisqualications.Inanycase,medicalcerticateisnotindispensabletoprovethecommissionofrape.Itis
merelyacorroborativeevidence.Thelonetestimonyofthecomplainantwhichiscredibleandfreefromseriousandmaterial
contradictionsissucienttowarranttheconvictionofappellant.
PEOPLEV.LUDIGARIOCANDELARIO
G.R.NO.125550
Accusedwasconvictedofthecrimeofrobberywithmultiplerape.Oneoftheaccusedisayouthoenderandwasthusplacedunderthe7/22
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Accusedwasconvictedofthecrimeofrobberywithmultiplerape.Oneoftheaccusedisayouthoenderandwasthusplacedunderthe
custodyofDSWD,RegionalRehabilitationCenterforYouth.DSWDrecommendedthatthecaseoftheaccusedbedismissedandhis
custodybetransferredtohisfatheraftertakingintoaccounttheminorsperformanceintherehabilitationcenter.
HELD:
TheFinalReportandRecommendationoftheDSWDshouldbereferredtotheRTCforitsappropriateactionanddisposition.Wherethe
DSWDrecommendsthedischargeofayouthfuloender,itisthetrialcourtbeforewhomthereportandrecommendationissubjectto
judicialreview.Recommendationaloneisnotsucienttowarrantthereleaseofayouthfuloender.Theyouthfuloenderhoweveris
nottobetriesanewbythetrialcourt.Theinquiryisnotacriminalprosecutionbutisratherlimitedtothedeterminationoftheoenders
propereducationandhismoralandsocialtnesstorejointhecommunity.
PEOPLEV.FEDERICOULGASAN
G.R.NO.13182426
Accusedwasconvictedof3countsofrapecommiedagainstan11yearoldgirl.Accusedinterposeddenialandalibi.Heassailsthe
credibilityofwitness.
HELD:
Awitnesswhotestiedinacategorical,straightforward,spontaneousandfrankmannerandremainedconsistentoncrossexaminationis
acrediblewitness.Whentheaccusedwaspositivelyidentiedbythevictimwhoharborednoillmotiveagainsttheaccused,thedefense
ofalibimustfail.Forthedefenseofalibitoprosper,itisessentialthathecanshowphysicalimpossibilityforhimtobeatthelocus
criminis.Inthecaseatbar,itispossibleforappellanttobepresentatthesceneofthecrime.
PEOPLEV.ROLDANBOHOL
G.R.NO.130587
Accusedwasconvictedofkidnappingwithmurder.Heinterposedalibiasdefense.
HELD:
Foralibitobetenable,accusedmustestablishbyclearandconvincingevidencethathewassomewhereelsewhenthecrimewas
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Foralibitobetenable,accusedmustestablishbyclearandconvincingevidencethathewassomewhereelsewhenthecrimewas
commiedandthatitwasphysicallyimpossibleforhimtobeatthecrimesceneatthetimeofthecommissionofthecrime.Here,the
allegedplacewheretheaccusedwasatthetimeofthecrimewasonly40metersfromtheplacewherethevictimwasshot.Itwasnot
physicallyimpossibleforhimtobeatthesceneofthecrimeatthetimeoftheshooting.
PEOPLEV.MARCOSMUCAM
G.R.NO.137276
Accusedwasconvictedofrobberywithhomicide.Hequestionssuciencyofevidencetowarrantconviction.
HELD:
Asarule,thetrialcourtsassessmentofthecredibilityofwitnessesandtheirtestimoniesisbindingonappellatecourts,absentanyfactor
circumstanceofweightandsubstancethatmayhavebeenoverlooked,misapprehendedormisapplied.Inthiscase,thecourtaquo
commiedseriouslapseswhichwarranttheacquialoftheappellant.
PEOPLEV.ERNESTODELACRUZ
G.R.NO.118967
Accusedwasconvictedofmurder.Defenseinterposeddenialandalibi.Hequestionscredibilityofsolewitnessandtestimoniesbeing
insucienttosustainconviction.Hepointsinconsistenciesbetweenthewitnesstestimonyandherdeclarationsduringpreliminary
investigation.
HELD:
Thetestimonyofasolewitness,iffoundconvincingandcrediblebythetrialcourtissucienttosupportandingofguiltbeyond
reasonabledoubt.Declarationsatthepreliminaryinvestigationwhichareconductedtodeterminetheexistenceofaprobablecauseandto
securetheinnocentagainsthasty,maliciousandoppressiveprosecution,shouldnotbeequatedwithtestimoniesbeforethecourt.While
transcriptsofapreliminaryinvestigationmayformpartoftherecordsofthecase,testimonytakenatthetrialonthemeritsofthecase
wheretheadversepartyhasthefullopportunitytocrossexaminethewitnessandtoferretoutthetruth,deservesmorecredence.
Similarly,swornstatementsthataretakenexpartearegenerallyincompleteandtherefore,discrepanciesbetweenstatementsmadeonthe
witnessstandandthoseinanadavitsaregenerallysubordinatedinimportanceinopencourtdeclarationsbecausetheyareoftentimes
notinsuchastateastoaordhimafairopportunityofnarratinginfulltheincidentwhichtranspired.
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PEOPLEV.ALBERTOANTONIO
G.R.NO.128900
Accusedwasconvictedofmurder.Hequestionscredibilityofwitnessbecausethelaersrststatementdieredwithhissucceeding
statementsandhistestimonyinopencourt.
HELD:
Adavitsorstatementstakenexpartearegenerallyconsideredincompleteandinaccurate.Thus,bynature,theyareinferiortotestimony
givenincourtandwheneverthereisinconsistencybetweentheadavitandthetestimonyofawitnessincourt,thetestimonycommands
greaterweight.Moreover,inconsistenciesbetweenthedeclarationoftheaantinhisswornstatementsandthoseinopencourtdonot
necessarilydiscreditsaidwitness.Previousstatementscannotserveasbasesforimpeachingthecredibilityofawitnessunlesshis
aentionwasrstdirectedtothediscrepanciesandhewasthengivenanopportunitytoexplainthem.Itisonlywhennoreasonable
explanationisgivenbyawitnessinreconcilinghisconictingdeclarationsthatheshouldbedeemedimpeached.
Further,inanappeal,wheretheculpabilityorinnocenceofanaccusedwouldhingeontheissueofcredibilityofwitnessesandthe
veracityoftheirtestimonies,ndingsoftrialcourtareentitledtoandgiventhehighestdegreeofrespect.Therewasnotreachery.Itisnot
onlythesuddenaackthatqualiesakillingintomurder.Theremustbeaconsciousanddeliberateadoptionofthemodeofaackfora
specicpurpose.Alltheevidenceshowswasthattheincidentwasanimpulsekilling.Itwasaspurofthemomentcrime.Asuddenand
unexpectedaackwouldnotconstitutealevosiawheretheaggressordidnotconsciouslyadoptamodeofaackintendedtopenetratethe
homicidewithoutrisktohimself.
PEOPLEV.ROLANDOBAYBADO
G.R.NO.132136
Accusedwasconvictedforrapinghisowndaughter.Heinterposedalibiasdefense,.Informationhoweverfailedtoallegetheminorityof
thecomplainant.
HELD:
Forevidencetobebelieved,itmustnotonlyproceedfromthemouthofacrediblewitnessbutmustbecredibleinitselfsuchasthe
commonexperienceandobservationofmankindcanapproveasprobableunderthecircumstances.Thetesttodeterminethevalueofthe
testimonyofawitnessiswhethersuchisinconformitywithknowledgeandconsistentwiththeexperienceofmankind.Whateveris
repugnanttothesestandardsbecomesincrediblethatliesoutsidepfjudicialcognizance.Inthiscase,thetestimonyofappellantbarely 10/22
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repugnanttothesestandardsbecomesincrediblethatliesoutsidepfjudicialcognizance.Inthiscase,thetestimonyofappellantbarely
meetstheminimumstandardofcredibility.Accusedhoweverisguiltyonlyofsimplerapeastherewasnoallegationastotheminorityof
thecomplainant.
PEOPLEV.VALENTINMATIBAG
G.R.NO.110515
Accusedwasconvictedofmurder.Statementsfrom2witnessesweretaken.However,only1witneswaspresented.
HELD:
Theirextrajudicialstatementofthewitnesswhowasnotplacedinthewitnessstandshouldnotbeconsideredbecauseitdeprivedthe
defenseofitsrighttocrossexamination.Theveracityofherstatements,nothavingbeenascertained,shouldnothavebeengivenany
probativevalueatall.Bethatasitmay,hertestimonyismerelycorroborativeanditsexclusionwillnotaectthendingofguiltofthe
accused.
PEOPLEV.BERNARDODAROY
G.R.NO.118942
Theaccusedwasconvictedofmurder.Defensequestionsthecredibilityofwitnesses.
HELD:
WellentrenchedisthetenetthatthisCourtwillnotinterferewiththetrialcourtsassessmentofthecredibilityofthewitnessesabsentany
indicationorshowingthatthetrialcourthasoverlookedsomematerialfactsorgravelyabuseditsdiscretion.Themaerofassigning
valuestodeclarationsatthewitnessstandisbestandmostcompetentlyperformedorcarriedoutbyatrialjudge,who,unlikeappellate
magistrate,canweighsuchtestimonyinlightoftheaccusedsbehavior,demeanor,conductandaitudeatthetrial.
PEOPLEV.ANICETAAQUINO
G.R.NO.130742
11/22
Accusedwasconvictedofestafa.Trialcourtfoundconspiracyontheactsoftheaccusedappellantoffacilitatingandinitiatingthemeeting
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Accusedwasconvictedofestafa.Trialcourtfoundconspiracyontheactsoftheaccusedappellantoffacilitatingandinitiatingthemeeting
betweentheother2accusedandthecomplainantandinconvincingthelaertosellricetotheformerandfollowingituptillthedelivery
ofthesame.
HELD:
Courtisnotconvincedthatconspiracytodefraudcomplainantwasproven.Aconspiracyexistswhen2ormorepersonscometoan
agreementconcerningthecommissionofafelonyanddecidetocommitit.Itistheunityofpurposeandintentioninthecommissionofa
crime.Toestablishconspiracy,theremustbeproofthat2ormorepersonsagreedtocommitthecrime.However,mereknowledge,
acquiescenceoragreementtocooperateisnotenoughtoconstituteoneasaconspirator,absentanyactiveparticipationinthecommission
ofthecrime,withaviewtothefurtheranceofthecommondesignandpurpose.Andtobehebasisofconviction,conspiracymustbe
proveninthesamemannerasanyelementofthecriminalctitself.Thesamedegreeofproofrequiredtoestablishthecrimeisnecessaryto
supportandingofthepresenceofconspiracy,thatis,itmustbeshowntoexistsclearlyandconvincinglyasthecommissionofthe
oenseitself.
PEOPLEV.BETHBANZALES
G.R.NO.132289
Accusedwasfoundguiltyofillegalrecruitmentinlargescale.Defensechallengesthesuciencyoftheprosecutionsevidence.
HELD:
DespitenonpresentationofPOEAocertotestify,thePOEAcerticationwillsucetoprovethatshehasnopermittoengageinthe
business.POEAcerticationisapubicdocumentissuedbyapublicocerintheperformanceofanocialduty,hence,itisaprimafacie
evidenceofthefactsthereinstated.Publicdocumentsareentitledtopresumptionofregularity,consequently,theburdenofproofrests
uponhimwhoallegesthecontrary.
PEOPLEV.ANTHONYMELCHORPALMONES
G.R.NO.136303
Theaccusedwereconvictedofmurder.Defenseinterposedalibiasdefense.Theconvictionofthe2accusedwasbasedlargelyonthe
allegeddyingdeclarationofthevictimmadeto2witnessesoftheprosecutionandtheapparentweaknessoftheirdefense.
HELD:
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HELD:
Dyingdeclarationisoneoftheexceptionstotheruleofinadmissibilityofhearsayevidence.Therequirementare:(1)itmustconcernthe
crimeandthesurroundingcircumstancesofthedeclarantsdeath;(2)atthetimeitwasmade,thedeclarantwasunderaconsciousnessof
impendingdeath;(3)thedeclarantwascompetentasawitness;(4)thedeclarationwasoeredinacriminalcaseformurder,homicideor
parricidewherethedeclarantwasthevictim.Intheinstantcase,itwasnotestablishedbytheprosecutionthatthestatementsofthe
declarantweremadeundertheconsciousnessofimpendingdeath.Noprooftothiseectwaseverpresentedbytheprosecution.
Neithermaytheallegedstatementsbeadmissibleaspartoftheresgestae.Resgestaereferstothoseexclamationsandstatementsmade
byeithertheparticipants,victims,orspectatorstoacrimeimmediatelybefore,during,orafterthecommissionofacrimewhenthe
circumstancesaresuchthatthestatementsweremadeasaspontaneousreactionorueranceinspiredbytheexcitementoftheoccasion
andstherewasnoopportunityforthedeclaranttodeliberateandtofabricateafalsestatement.Inordertoadmitthestatementsas
evidencepartofresgestae,theelementofspontaneityiscritical.
PEOPLEV.ROLANDOCARDEL
G.R.NO.105582
Theaccusedwereconvictedofmurder.Theyboxedandstabbedasnatcherwhowascaughtwhilerunningwiththeloot.Conspiracy,
treacheryandabuseofsuperiorstrengthwerefoundbythetrialcourt.Defenseinterposedalibi.
HELD:
Thedefenseofalibicannotprevailoverthepositiveidenticationoftheappellantsbytheprosecutionwitnesses.Conspiracywasnot
proven.Theexistenceofconspiracyisneverpresumed.Itisaxiomaticthattheprosecutionmustestablishconspiracybeyondreasonable
doubt.Hence,appellantwillbeseparatelyadjudgedaccordingtotheextentoftheirindividualparticipationinthecommissionofthe
crimechargedintheinformation.
Treacherywasalsonotpresent.Thefactthatthevictimhadastabwoundatthebackisnot,initself,indicativeoftreachery.Where
treacheryisalleged,themannerofaackmustbeproven.Itcannotbepresumedorconcludedmerelyonthebasisoftheresultingcrime.
Also,theappellantdoesnotappeartohaveconsciouslyadoptedthemodeofaacktofacilitatethekillingofthevictimwithoutriskto
himself.Thestabbingwastheresultofarashandimpetuousimpulseofthemoment,ratherthanfromadeliberateactofwill,thus
negatingtheexistenceoftreachery.
Abuseofsuperiorstrengthmaynotbeappreciatedtoqualifythekillingtothecrimeofmurderforthereasonthatthesameisnotalleged
intheinformation.Ithasbeentherulethatqualifyingcircumstancesmustbeproperlypleadedintheindictment.
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PEOPLEV.ARIELPEDROSO
G.R.NO.125128
Theaccusedwasconvictedofrobberywithhomicide.HewassentencedbythetrialcourttosuerthepenaltyofReclusionPerpetuato
death.
HELD:
UnderArt.63oftheRevisedPenalCode,ifanaccusedisfoundguiltyofafelonyforwhichthelawprescribesapenaltycomposedof2
indivisiblepenalties,thetrialcourtjudgehastoimposeoneortheother,notboth.Sincenoaggravatingcircumstancewasallegedinthe
informationandsinceneitherwasanymitigatingcircumstanceestablishedbythedefense,thelesserpenaltyofReclusionPerpetuashould
beimposed.
PEOPLEV.DOMINADORGUILLERMO
G.R.NO.111292
Theaccusedwereconvictedofmurder.Defenseinterposedalibi.
HELD:
Prosecutionwitnessinconsistenciesaremorethanenoughtoengendersomedoubtastotheguiltoftheappellants.Theonusprobandi
inestablishingtheguiltofanaccusedforacriminaloenselieswiththeprosecution.Theburdenmustbedischargedbyitonthestrength
ofitsownevidenceandnotontheweaknessoftheevidenceforthedefenseorthelackofit.Proofbeyondreasonabledoubt,orthat
quantumofproofsucienttoproduceamoralcertaintythatwouldconvinceandsatisfytheconscienceofthosewhoaretoactin
judgment,isindispensabletoovercometheconstitutionalpresumptionofinnocence.Theoverridingconsiderationisnotwhetherthe
courtdoubtstheinnocenceoftheaccusedbutwhetheritentertainsareasonabledoubtastohisguilt.
PEOPLEV.LIBERATOGIGANTO,SR.
G.R.NO.123077
Theaccusedwereconvictedofmurder.Thedefenseinterposedalibi.Convictionwasrenderedbasedonthetestimonyofheeyewitness.
14/22
HELD:
6/22/2016
HELD:
Trialcourtreliedontheweaknessofthedefenseratherthanonthestrengthoftheprosecutionevidence,byemphasizingthatalibiisa
weakdefense.Itisseledthatwheretheevidenceoftheprosecutionisitselffeeble,particularlyastotheidentityoftheaccusedasthe
authorofthecrime,thedefenseofalibiassumesimportanceandacquirescommensuratestrength.Therulethatalibimustbe
satisfactorilyprovenwasneverintendedtochangetheburdenofproofincriminalcases,otherwise,theaccusedwouldbeputinthe
dicultpositionofprovinghisinnocenceevenwheretheprosecutionsevidenceisvagueandweak.Theprosecutioncannotprotfrom
theweaknessoftheappellantsalibi.Itmustrelyonthestrengthofitsevidenceandestablishtheguiltoftheaccusedbeyondreasonable
doubt.
PEOPLEV.ERNSTGEORGHOLZER
G.R.NO.132323
Theaccusedwereconvictedofestafa.Appellantscontendthattheirliabilityisonlycivilandnotcriminalsincethecheckwasissuedonly
tosecuretheloantheyobtainedfromcomplainantandthattherewasnodeceitontheirpartbecausetheydulyinformedthecomplainant
thatthecheckwasnotyetfunded.
HELD:
Theelementsofestafainvolvedinthiscaseare:(1)theoenderhaspostdatedorissuedacheckinpaymentofanobligationcontractedat
thetimeofthepostdatingorissuance;(2)atthetimeofpostdatingorissuanceofsaidcheck,theoenderhasnofundsinthebankorthe
fundsdepositedwerenotsucienttocovertheamountofthecheck;(3)thepayeehasbeendefrauded.Thedrawerofthedishonored
checkisgiven3daysfromreceiptofthenoticeofdishonortodeposittheamountnecessarytocoverthecheck.Otherwise,aprimafacie
presumptionofdeceitwillarisewhichmustthenbeovercomebytheaccused.Inthiscase,noevidenceofdeceitaccompaniedtheissuance
ofthecheck.Theprosecutionpresentedevidencetoshowthatanoticeofdishonorhadbeensenttoappellant.Thecomplainantactually
knewatthetimeoftheissuanceofthecheckthatitwasnotfundedandthatthemoneytocoveritwasstilltocomefromSwi erland.
PEOPLEV.JIMMYANTONIO
G.R.NO.128149
Theaccusedwasfoundguiltyof3countsofrape.Appellantsmakeissueofthetrial;courtsrelianceonthevictimstestimony.
HELD:
Credible,naturalandconvincingtestimonyofthevictimissucientbasistoconvict.Theinconsistenciespointedoutcannotoverthrow15/22
6/22/2016
Credible,naturalandconvincingtestimonyofthevictimissucientbasistoconvict.Theinconsistenciespointedoutcannotoverthrow
thetrialcourtsconviction.Foradiscrepancyintestimonytoacquit,suchmustrefertosignicantfactscrucialtotheguiltorinnocenceof
theaccused.Inconsistenciesirrelevanttotheelementsofthecrimearenotgroundstoreversetheconviction.Further,appellantswereat
largefor5years.Flightindicatesguilt.Accusedsactsofnotconfrontingtheiraccusergoesagainsttheprinciplethattherstimpulseof
aninnocentmanwhenaccusedwithwrongdoingistoexpresshisinnocenceattherstopportunetime.
PEOPLEV.ALEJANDROSURILLA
G.R.NO.129164
Theaccusedwasfoundguiltyofthecrimeofrapecommiedagainsthis14yearolddaughter.
HELD:
Thereare3guidingprinciplesinrapecases:(1)anaccusationforrapecanbemadewithfacility;itisdiculttoprovebutmoredicult
forthepersonaccused,thoughinnocenttodisprove;(2)inviewoftheintrinsicnatureofthecrimeofrapewhereonly2personsare
usuallyinvolved,thetestimonyofthecomplainantmustbescrutinizedwithextremecaution;and(3)theevidencefortheprosecution
muststandorfallonitsownmeritsandcannotbeallowedtodrawstrengthfromtheweaknessoftheevidenceforthedefense.Here,the
trialcourtsndingastothecredibilityofthecomplainantstestimonydeserverespect.Further,theaccusedescapedfromjailandwas
onlyrecaptured.Flightisanimpliedadmissionofguiltandhisdesiretoevaderesponsibilitytherefore.Deathpenaltyhowevercannotbe
imposedbecauserelationshipofcomplainantwiththeaccusedwasnotallegedintheinformation.
PEOPLEV.SALVACIONCAPARAS
G.R.NO.133568
AccusedwasfoundguiltyofviolatingtheDangerousDrugsActof1072.Appellantquestionsjudgmentofconvictionbecausetherewas
noshowingthatasaleofprohibiteddrugtookplace.Shearguesthattheprosecutionhasfailedtoestablishthatmoneyorspecically
markedmoneywaspaidorexchangedhandsbetweenherandthesupposedposeurbuyer.Shetheorizesthatinacontractofsale,the
paymentofthecontractpriceisessentialtoconsummatethetransaction.Consideringthattherewasnopaymentmade,thecontractof
salewasnotconsummatedandinevitably,theaccusedcannotbeconvictedfortheillegalsaleofprohibiteddrug.
HELD:
UnderSec4,theactofsellingoractingasbrokerinasaleofmarijuanaandotherprohibiteddrugsconsummatesthecrime.Itpunishes 16/22
6/22/2016
UnderSec4,theactofsellingoractingasbrokerinasaleofmarijuanaandotherprohibiteddrugsconsummatesthecrime.Itpunishes
themereactofdeliveryofprohibiteddrugsaftertheoertobuybytheentrappingocerhasbeenacceptedbytheseller.Theabsenceof
themarkedmoneydoesnotcreateahiatusintheevidencefortheprosecutionaslongasthesaleofthedangerousdrugsisadequately
provenandthedrugsubjectofthetransactionispresentedbeforethecourt.Ineveryprosecutionfortheillegalsaleofdangerousdrugs,
whatismaterialandindispensableisthesubmissionofproofthatthesaleofillicitdrugtookplacebetweenthesellerandtheposeur
buyer.
PEOPLEV.ROLANDMOLINA
G.R.NO.13477778
Accusedwasfoundguiltyofmurderandfrustratedmurder.Accuseddeniedcommissionofthecrimeandimputedthesametoanother
person.
HELD:
Asweighedagainstthepositiveidenticationofaccusedbyoneofhisvictims,whichwasfurthercorroboratedbyaneyewitnesstothe
scene,andtheabsenceofanyshowingofillmotiveontheirpartotherthantheirquestforjustice,appellantsdenialofthecommissionof
thecrimeandimputationofthesametoanotherpersonisdemolishedtoobscurity.Besides,theimputationofthecrimetoanother
malefactorwasheardofonlyduringhistestimony,andwasneverraisedbeforethepoliceauthoritiesduringtheinvestigation.Clearly,
hisbaredenialamountstonothingmorethannegativeandselfservingevidenceundeservingofweightinlaw.Astotheamountof
damages,prevailingjurisprudencesetsthecivilindemnityfordeathintheamountofP50,000,whichcanbeawardedwithoutneedof
furtherproofotherthanthedeathofthevictim.Withrespecttoactualdamages,thecourtcanonlygrantsuchamountforexpensesifthey
aresupportedbyreceipts.Moraldamagesmayberecoveredincriminaloensesresultinginphysicalinjuriesbuttheremustbeafactual
basisfortheaward.Astoexemplarydamages,therebeingoneaggravatingcircumstance,exemplarydamagesintheamountofP30,000
maybeawardedinbothmurderandfrustratedmurdercasepursuanttoArt2230oftheNewCivilCode.
PEOPLEV.FEDERICOCAMPANER
G.R.NO.130500&143834
Theaccusedwasfoundguiltyof2countsofrapeagainsthis15yearolddaughterofhiscommonlawspouse.
HELD:
Inevaluatingthecredibilityofrapevictims,thecourthasrepeatedlyheldthatitisnotunnaturalforinconsistenciestocreepintothe
17/22
6/22/2016
Inevaluatingthecredibilityofrapevictims,thecourthasrepeatedlyheldthatitisnotunnaturalforinconsistenciestocreepintothe
testimonyofarapevictim,especiallyonewhoisoftenderage,asthewitnessisnarratingthedetailsofaharrowingexperience.Solongas
thetestimonyisconsistentonmaterialpoints,slightlyconictingstatementswillnotunderminethewitnesscredibilitynortheveracityof
hertestimony.Onthecontrary,thesemistakesinfactstrengthen,ratherthanweaken,thecomplainantscredibilityastheyerasesuspicion
thatthetestimonyisrehearsed.However,deathcannotbeimposedsincetherelationshipofthecomplainantwiththeaccusedwasnot
allegedintheinformation.
PEOPLEV.MARCELINOSANJUAN
G.R.NO.11244950
Accusedwasconvictedof(1)robberywithrapeand(2)highwayrobbery.Hecontendsthatsincehedidnoteefromhisresidence,he
shouldbeexonerated.
HELD:
Itistruethattheightofanaccusediscompetentevidenceagainsthimtendingtoestablishhisguilt.However,nolawnorjurisprudence
holdsthatnonightperseisconclusiveproofofhisinnocence.Further,foralibitobevalidlyinvoked,theaccusedmustnotonlyprove
thathewassomewhereelsewhenthecrimewascommiedbutmustalsoestablishthatitwasphysicallyimpossibleforhimtobeatthe
locuscriminisatthetimeofthecommissionofthecrime.
PEOPLEV.RICARDOTORTOSA
G.R.NO.116739
Accusedwasconvictedofmurder.Hequestionsthecredibilityofwitnesses.
HELD:
Thetrialcourtdidnoterringivingfullfaithandcredittothetestimoniesoftheprosecutionwitness.Therecordisbereftofanyevidence
toshowthatthewitnesseshadimpropermotivetotestifyfalselyagainstappellantandtheruleiswellseledthatabsentevidence
showinganyreasonormotiveforaprosecutionwitnesstoperjure,thelogicalconclusionisthatnosuchimpropermotiveexists,andthat
thetestimonyisworthyoffullfaithandcredit.
PEOPLEV.JAIMEBALACANO
18/22
6/22/2016
PEOPLEV.JAIMEBALACANO
G.R.NO.127156
Accusedwasfoundguiltyofthecrimeofrapecommiedagainsthis14yearoldstepdaughter.Hecontendsthatthereisreasonable
doubtastohisguilttowarranthisacquial.
HELD:
Reasonabledoubtisnotamereguessthattheappellantmayormaynotbeguilty.Itissuchadoubtthatareasonablemanmay
entertainafterafairreviewandconsiderationoftheevidence.Itisastateofmindengenderedbyinsucientproof.But,timeandagain,
theCourthasruledthatthelonetestimonyofthevictimmaysucetoconvicttherapist.Whenavictimsaysshehasbeenraped,shesays
ineectallthatisnecessarytoshowthatrapehasbeencommiedandifhertestimonymeetsthetestofcredibility,theaccusedmaybe
convictedonthebasisthereof.Further,absenceofthreatsdoesnotnegatethechargeofrape.Althoughitistruethattherewereno
physicalinjuriesfoundinthevictimsbody,inrapecases,absenceofbodilythreatsdoesnotmaerwherethereisanexistingrelationship
betweentheappellantandthevictim,resultingtomoralascendancyoftheformeroverthelaer.
PEOPLEV.RAMILSAMOLDE
G.R.NO.128551
Accusedwasconvictedofmurder.Accusedexecutedanextrajudicialconfession.Healsoadmiedinopencourttothecommissionofthe
crime.
HELD:
Extrajudicialconfessionofaccusedisnotadmissibleinevidence.Hewasnotinformedofhisconstitutionalrightbeforehisstatements
weretaken.However,hisopencourttestimonyisenoughtoconvicthim.Hissubsequentallegationthathewasgivenmoneytoaccept
culpabilitydeservesscantconsideration.Judicialconfessionconstitutesevidenceofahighorder.Thepresumptionisthatnosaneperson
woulddeliberatelyconfesstothecommissionofacrimeunlesspromptedtodosobytruthandconscience.Further,accusedwentinto
hiding.Flighthasbeenheldtobeanindicationofguilt.
PEOPLEV.ERICBAID
G.R.NO.129667
Accusedwasconvictedofrapecommiedagainstamentalpatient.Hecontendsthatascomplainantisschizophrenic,hertestimony
19/22
6/22/2016
Accusedwasconvictedofrapecommiedagainstamentalpatient.Hecontendsthatascomplainantisschizophrenic,hertestimony
shouldnothavebeengivencredencebythetrialcourt.Further,hecontendsthatvictimconsentedwiththesex.
HELD:
Notwithstandinghermentalillness,complainantshowedthatshewasqualiedtobeawitness.Shecouldperceiveandwascapableof
makingknownherperceptionstoothers.Hertestimonyindicatesthatshecouldunderstandquestionsparticularlyrelatingtotheincident
andcouldgiveherresponsiveanswerstothem.Althoughcomplainantherselfadmiedthatsheagreedtohavesexwithhimafterhegave
herastickofcigaree,itshouldbestressedthatcomplainantwasinnopositiontogiveherconsent.AccusedistobeconvictedunderArt
335par2,rapeofawomandeprivedofreasonorotherwiseunconscious.Thephrasedeprivedofreasonhasbeenconstruedtoinclude
thosesueringfrommentalabnormalityordeciencyorsomeotherformofmentalretardation,thosewhoarefeeblemindedalthough
coherent.
PEOPLEV.ANTONIODELATONGGA
G.R.NO.133246
Accusedwasconvictedofmurder.Defensearguesthatprosecutionfailedtoestablishtheidentityoftheassailant.
HELD:
Thendingofthetrialcourtastothecredibilityofthewitnessesdeservesrespect.Further,thedefenseofalibiissoweak.Inorderto
prosper,itmustbesoconvincingastoprecludeanydoubtthattheaccusedcouldnothavebeenphysicallypresentattheplaceofthe
crimeoritsvicinityatthetimeofthecommissionofthecrime.Further,treacherywasproperlyappreciated.Thefactthatthevictimhad
beenforewarnedbysomebodyagainstpossibleaackdoesnotnegatethepresenceoftreachery.Whatisimportantisthatthevictimwas
aackedevenbeforeheandhiscompanionscouldgetoutofthetricycle.Themodeofaackensuredthecommissionofthecrimewithout
risktotheaccused.
PEOPLEV.OSCARMANSUETO
G.R.NO.135196
Theaccusedwasconvictedofmurder.Defenseinterposeddenialandalibi.
HELD:
Alibiisaninherentlyweakdefense,easytofabricateandhighlyunreliable.Forsaiddefensetoprosper,heaccusedmustnotonlyprove20/22
6/22/2016
Alibiisaninherentlyweakdefense,easytofabricateandhighlyunreliable.Forsaiddefensetoprosper,heaccusedmustnotonlyprove
thathewasatsomeotherplaceatthetimethecrimewascommiedbutthatitwasphysicallyimpossibleforhimtobeatthelocus
criminisatthetimeoftheallegedcrime.However,thiswasnotshownhere.
Source:
CriminalLawDigests
AteneoCentralBarOperations2001
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