Case Digest (G.R. No. L-68731)
Facts:
- The case involves People vs. Bautista y Mercado (G.R. No. L-68731).
- A violent incident occurred on September 4, 1983, during a town fiesta in Macabebe, Pampanga.
- Accused: Romeo Bautista y Mercado and Jose Bautista y Mercado.
- Victim: Prospero Enriquez, Jr., who suffered multiple stab wounds.
- Another individual, Pablo Liangco, was injured but survived.
- An Information was filed on September 21, 1983, charging the Bautista brothers with murder, alleging treachery and premeditation.
- The Regional Trial Court convicted both brothers on September 3, 1984, sentencing them to reclusion perpetua and ordering damages to the victim's heirs.
- The trial court found the attack characterized by treachery and co-conspiracy.
- The case was appealed for a review of evidence and testimonies.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court upheld the trial court's acceptance of the prosecution witnesses' testimonies, particularly regarding Romeo Bautista's involvement.
- The Court found insufficient evidence to establish treachery, determining the act was homicide, not murder.
- The Court ...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court affirmed the credibility of prosecution witnesses, noting their consistent testimonies supported by police accounts.
- Minor inconsistencies in testimonies were deemed immaterial to the case's essential facts.
- Treachery requires a deliberate choice to ensure the victim's inability to defend themselves; the chaotic nature of the altercation indicated impulsive action...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. L-68731)
Facts:
The case of People vs. Bautista y Mercado (G.R. No. L-68731) involves a violent incident that took place on the evening of September 4, 1983, in the Poblacion of Macabebe, Pampanga, during the town fiesta. The two accused, Romeo Bautista y Mercado and Jose Bautista y Mercado, were charged with the murder of Prospero Enriquez, Jr., who sustained multiple stab wounds during a chaotic altercation near the Enver Restaurant. The incident also left Pablo Liangco injured, although he survived the ordeal. On September 21, 1983, an Information was filed against the Bautista brothers, accusing them of conspiring to kill Prospero with treachery and premeditation. Following a trial, the Regional Trial Court convicted both brothers on September 3, 1984, sentencing them to reclusion perpetua and ordering them to pay damages to the heirs of the victim. The trial court concluded that the attack was marked by treachery and that both brothers acted as co-conspirators in the murder. The case was subsequently appealed, prompting a review of the evidence and testimonies presented during the trial.
Issue:
- Did the trial court err in believing the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses regarding the involvement of the appellants in the stabbing of Prospero Enriquez, Jr.?
- Was there...