Case Digest (G.R. No. 182920)
Facts:
- Michael Biglete y Camacho was charged with murder for the death of Arnel Alcos on August 27, 2001, in San Pablo City, Philippines.
- The Information alleged that Biglete shot Alcos with an unlicensed firearm, causing fatal injuries.
- Biglete evaded arrest for nearly three years until his capture on April 21, 2004.
- He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on May 6, 2004.
- The prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence, including witness testimonies from Susan Alcos and Victor Andaya.
- Witnesses reported seeing a motorcycle, later identified as belonging to Biglete, and its driver firing a gun at Arnel.
- An abandoned motorcycle and a revolver were found near the crime scene.
- Biglete claimed he was mauled and that his motorcycle was stolen, but his alibi was unsubstantiated.
- The Regional Trial Court (RTC) convicted him of murder on July 11, 2006, citing treachery and the use of a motor vehicle as aggravating factors.
- The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the RTC's decision on December 17, 2007, with modifications on qualifying circumstances and damages.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- Yes, the circumstantial evidence was sufficient to establish Biglete's guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
- The courts correctly recognized the qualifying circumstance of treachery but did not find evident premeditation.
- The awards for civil ...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court stated that circumstantial evidence can establish guilt if it meets specific criteria in Section 4, Rule 133 of the Rules of Court.
- Testimonies from Susan Alcos and Victor Andaya created a coherent narrative linking Biglete to the crime.
- Susan identified Biglete as the shooter, and Victor corroborated her account regarding the motorcycle's color and the driver's clothing.
- The combination of these testimonies, along with the discovery of the motorcycle and firearm, led to the conclusion of Biglete's guilt.
- The Court agreed with t...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 182920)
Facts:
The case involves the appellant, Michael Biglete y Camacho, who was charged with the crime of murder for the death of Arnel Alcos. The incident occurred on August 27, 2001, in San Pablo City, Philippines. The Information filed against Biglete alleged that he shot Alcos with an unlicensed firearm, resulting in fatal injuries. Following the incident, a warrant for Biglete's arrest was issued, but he evaded capture for nearly three years until his apprehension on April 21, 2004. During his arraignment on May 6, 2004, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution's case was built on circumstantial evidence. On the night of the shooting, Arnel was driving a passenger jeepney with his wife, Susan Alcos, when a motorcycle overtook them, and its driver fired a gun, hitting Arnel in the head. Witnesses, including Susan and Victor Andaya, corroborated the events, stating they saw a motorcycle, later identified as belonging to Biglete, and its driver holding a gun. The motorcycle was found abandoned near the scene, and a revolver was discovered alongside it.
Biglete later reported to the police that he had been mauled and his motorcycle stolen, but his alibi was not substantiated. The Regional Trial Court (RTC) found him guilty of murder on July 11, 2006, citing the presence of treachery and the use of a motor vehicle as aggravating circumstances. The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the RTC's decision on December 17, 2007, with modifications regarding the qualifying circumstances an...