Case Digest (G.R. No. 173791)
Facts:
People of the Philippines v. Pablo Amodia, G.R. No. 173791, April 07, 2009, Supreme Court Second Division, Brion, J., writing for the Court.The prosecution charged Pablo Amodia (accused-appellant) together with three others with killing Felix Olandria by beating and stabbing him on or about November 26, 1996 in Makati City. The Information (filed February 28, 1997) alleged that the four assailants conspired, were armed, and took advantage of superior strength to overpower and stab the victim. Pablo was arrested June 5, 1998; the other accused remained at large.
At the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 38, Makati City (Criminal Case No. 97-289), Pablo moved to quash the Information on grounds of mistaken identity and staleness of the arrest warrant, which the RTC denied. He pleaded not guilty and proceeded to trial. The prosecution presented eyewitnesses Romildo Ceno and Luther Caberte, police testimony and an autopsy report by Dr. Antonio Bertido establishing three fatal stab wounds. The eyewitnesses, who knew the victim and the accused as neighbors, testified that Pablo held the victim’s right hand while others struck and stabbed him. The defense offered an alibi: Pablo and family witnesses (Elma and Elias Amodia) testified he was at his sister’s or brother’s house at the relevant times, and documentary exhibits were presented; Elias’s testimony was ultimately stipulated.
The RTC convicted Pablo of murder as principal by conspiracy and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua plus civil damages (RTC Decision dated July 19, 1999). On appeal the Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed with modification (CA decision dated May 4, 2006): affirming conviction and reclusion perpetua, adjusting damag...(Subscriber-Only)
Issues:
- Was Pablo’s guilt proven beyond reasonable doubt despite his alibi?
- Did the prosecution prove the existence of conspiracy such that Pablo can be held liable as pr...(Subscriber-Only)
Ruling:
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Ratio:
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Doctrine:
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