G.R. No. L-30067 - B.F. Goodrich Philippines, Inc. vs. Reyes, Sr.

The case involves the criminal charge of Murder against Ybo Lastimosa.
The incident occurred on November 17, 2012, in Cansojong, Talisay City, Cebu.
The charge alleges that Lastimosa, armed with a firearm, shot and killed Ildefonso Vega, Jr., with treachery and evident premeditation.

Lastimosa pleaded not guilty upon arraignment.
The Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Cebu City convicted Lastimosa of Homicide, not Murder, sentencing him to an indeterminate prison term and ordering damages to the victim's heirs.
The RTC relied on testimony from eyewitnesses (CaAeda and Cortes) and the victim's wife, Dureza, who testified regarding the incident and the victim’s death.
The prosecution introduced a photocopy of the victim's death certificate, which the court admitted for identification but did not expressly discuss its admissibility.

Eyewitness CaAeda saw Lastimosa shoot Ildefonso three times while Ildefonso was on his motorcycle.
Cortes corroborated CaAeda’s account, observing from six meters away.
Dureza testified about discovering her husband’s death at the hospital and the expenses incurred.

Lastimosa and his live-in partner Paquit denied the incident, asserting an alibi that Lastimosa was at home in Cebu City at the time.
Lastimosa claimed no recent interaction with the victim and denied involvement in the crime.

The CA affirmed guilt but elevated the conviction to Murder, reasoning that treachery was proven.
The CA upheld the admission of the photocopy of the death certificate and rejected challenges to the credibility of prosecution witnesses.

Lastimosa challenged the sufficiency of evidence, the credibility of witnesses, and the failure to prove treachery.
The prosecution maintained that the elements of Murder were sufficiently proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Whether the prosecution proved the guilt of Ybo Lastimosa beyond reasonable doubt.
Whether the Court of Appeals erred in convicting Lastimosa of Murder despite insufficient proof of treachery.
Whether the photocopy of the death certificate was admissible and had probative value.
Whether the prosecution witnesses’ testimonies were credible and reliable.
Whether the Information sufficiently alleged the qualifying circumstances of treachery and evident premeditation.