Case Digest (G.R. No. 134596)
Facts:
The case involves Raymund Ardonio as the petitioner and the People of the Philippines as the respondent. The events transpired on April 4, 1991, in the Municipality of Lemery, Province of Iloilo, Philippines, during a fiesta celebration where a dance was being held. At approximately 1:00 a.m., a violent altercation erupted outside the dancehall involving Emmanuel Balano and Allan Ardonio, who had previously quarreled inside the venue. Witnesses observed Raymund Ardonio, along with Lito Ardonio and Elmer Calubia, attacking Emmanuel. Raymund was specifically noted to have pulled Emmanuel aside and shot him, resulting in Emmanuel falling face down. Following the incident, the assailants fled the scene, while Adolfo Ardonio, the father of Raymund and Allan, was seen holding a firearm nearby.
Raymund Ardonio was subsequently charged with homicide. During the trial, he pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented evidence, including eyewitness accounts from Liezl Vitala and Salv...
Case Digest (G.R. No. 134596)
Facts:
Background of the Case
- The case involves petitioner Raymund Ardonio, who was convicted of Homicide by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Iloilo City, Branch 24, in Criminal Case No. 36560. The conviction was affirmed by the Court of Appeals (CA) in CA-G.R. CR No. 18956.
Incident Details
- On April 4, 1991, during a fiesta celebration in Barangay Northwest Zone, Lemery, Iloilo, a dance was held. At around 1:00 a.m., a violent commotion occurred outside the dancehall involving Emmanuel Balano and Allan Ardonio, who had earlier engaged in an altercation inside the dancehall.
- Three individuals—Lito Ardonio, Elmer Calubia, and Raymund Ardonio—were seen ganging up on Emmanuel Balano. Raymund Ardonio pulled Emmanuel towards the side of the fence and shot him, causing his death. The assailants then fled the scene.
- Adolfo Ardonio, the father of Allan and Raymund, was seen holding a long firearm during the incident.
Prosecution's Evidence
- Prosecution witnesses Liezl Vitala and Salvador Castor positively identified Raymund Ardonio as the shooter. They testified that they witnessed the incident and saw Raymund shoot Emmanuel Balano.
- The prosecution emphasized that there was no evidence of ill motive on the part of the witnesses to falsely accuse Raymund.
Defense's Evidence
- Raymund Ardonio denied involvement in the shooting and claimed he was not present at the scene. He testified that he heard a gunshot, saw Emmanuel lying on the ground, and was informed that his brother Allan had shot Emmanuel.
- Raymund’s father, Adolfo Ardonio, and Elvis Calubia corroborated his alibi, stating that Raymund was at his grandfather’s house during the incident.
Trial Court's Decision
- The RTC found Raymund Ardonio guilty of Homicide, ruling that his alibi could not overcome the positive identification by credible witnesses. However, the court ruled out the qualifying circumstances of treachery and abuse of superior strength.
- Raymund was sentenced to 14 years, 8 months, and 1 day to 17 years and 4 months of imprisonment, with additional damages awarded to the victim’s heirs.
Court of Appeals' Decision
- The CA affirmed the RTC’s decision, finding no reason to doubt the credibility of the prosecution witnesses. The court also noted that Raymund’s defenses of denial and alibi were weak and could not prevail over the positive testimonies of the eyewitnesses.
Issue:
- Whether the lower courts erred in convicting Raymund Ardonio despite the presence of evidence raising reasonable doubt as to his guilt.
- Whether the failure of the police to arrest Raymund, despite his alleged presence during his brother Allan’s arrest, casts reasonable doubt on his guilt.
- Whether the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses were credible and sufficient to establish Raymund’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)