Case Digest (G.R. No. L-32702)
Facts:
- The case "People vs. Abejuela" involves David and Ramon Abejuela, charged with murdering rural policeman Blas Pacete.
- Incident occurred on November 6, 1968, during a benefit dance at Barrio Sinabuagan, Valencia, Bukidnon.
- Dance organized by Barrio Captain Melanio Laindag, with Pacete present to maintain order.
- Dance attended by about 80 people, including David Abejuela and Petronilo Lozano.
- During an intermission, Pacete left to urinate near the gate where Ramon Abejuela and Angel Agbayani arrived on a carabao.
- Pacete asked Agbayani to remove the carabao, leading to a confrontation.
- David Abejuela intervened, resulting in a physical altercation.
- Ramon Abejuela shot Pacete from behind with a "paltik" pistol, hitting his left leg.
- David also attempted to shoot Pacete but missed.
- The commotion caused people to flee, and Lozano fired indiscriminately, hitting another person.
- The Abejuela brothers and their companions fled and hid after the incident.
- Pacete was given first aid and taken to the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital, dying on December 6, 1968, due to his injuries.
- The Court of First Instance of Bukidnon found David and Ramon Abejuela guilty of murder.
- David received a life sentence and Ramon was sentenced to death.
- David did not appeal; the decision for him became final.
- Ramon appealed, leading to this mandatory review.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's decision, finding Ramon Abejuela guilty of murder.
- The Court upheld the finding of treachery and conspiracy.
- The Court ruled that the alleged negligence of the doctor did not absolve the defendants of responsibility.
- The death ...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court found the trial court correctly assessed the evidence and testimonies, establishing David and Ramon Abejuela's responsibility for Pacete's murder.
- Trial judges are in the best position to evaluate witness credibility, and their findings should not be overturned unless there is clear oversight.
- Prosecution witnesses' testimonies were credible, ...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. L-32702)
Facts:
The case "People vs. Abejuela" involves the defendants David and Ramon Abejuela, who were charged with the murder of rural policeman Blas Pacete. The incident occurred on the evening of November 6, 1968, during a benefit dance held in the cockpit at Barrio Sinabuagan, Valencia, Bukidnon. The dance was organized by the barrio council of Lumbayao, Valencia, Bukidnon, led by Barrio Captain Melanio Laindag. Blas Pacete was present to maintain peace and order. The dance started at around 9:00 PM and was attended by approximately 80 people, including David Abejuela and Petronilo Lozano. During an intermission, Pacete left the dance hall to urinate near the gate of the cockpit. At this point, Ramon Abejuela and Angel Agbayani arrived on a carabao. A confrontation ensued when Pacete asked Agbayani to remove the carabao tied near the gate. David Abejuela intervened, leading to a physical altercation. Ramon Abejuela then shot Pacete from behind with a "paltik" pistol, hitting his left leg. David also attempted to shoot Pacete but missed. The commotion caused people to flee, and Lozano fired indiscriminately, hitting another person. After the incident, the Abejuela brothers and their companions fled and hid. Pacete was given first aid and taken to the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital the next day, but he died on December 6, 1968, due to his injuries. The Court of First Instance of Bukidnon found both David and Ramon Abejuela guilty of murd...