Case Digest (G.R. No. 130613)
Facts:
People of the Philippines v. Artemio Aquino a.k.a. Artem and Ernesto Aquino a.k.a. Erning, G.R. No. 130613, October 05, 2000, the Supreme Court Second Division, Bellosillo, J., writing for the Court.The prosecution charged brothers Artemio Aquino (accused-appellant) and Ernesto Aquino with the murder of Ricardo Junio on July 29, 1984 in Sitio Parongking, Barangay San Miguel, Calasiao, Pangasinan. Ernesto was apprehended, tried and ultimately acquitted. Artemio remained at large until his arrest in December 1996 and was thereafter tried separately; this appeal concerns only Artemio.
At trial the principal prosecution witness, Eduardo Barte, testified that shortly before 6:00 p.m. on July 29, 1984 he saw Artemio approach Ricardo, who was seated on a bamboo bench, engage him in brief conversation, then stab him with a ten-inch bladed weapon. The wounded Ricardo stood, ran toward a makeshift bamboo bridge while Ernesto pursued him, fell from the bridge into the water, and was later found dead; Eduardo said he pulled the body out and placed it on the riverbank before notifying Ricardo’s wife. Artemio denied participation, asserting he was at home tending his children.
The Regional Trial Court, Branch 43, Dagupan City rendered a Decision dated May 23, 1997 (Judge Silverio Q. Castillo) finding the qualifying circumstance of treachery present and convicted Artemio of murder, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua ...(Pro-only)
Issues:
- Was the testimony of the prosecution witness Eduardo Barte sufficiently credible and probative to sustain conviction?
- Was the qualifying circumstance of treachery proven to elevate the killing to murder?
- Were the awards of actual damages (P38,700.00) to the heirs adequately proven...(Pro-only)
Ruling:
- (Pro-only)
Ratio:
- (Pro-only)
Doctrine:
- (Pro-only)