Case Digest (G.R. No. 137036)
Facts:
People of the Philippines v. Hernando De Mesa and Two (2) John Does, G.R. No. 137036, March 14, 2001, the Supreme Court First Division, Puno, J., writing for the Court.The People of the Philippines (plaintiff-appellee) charged Hernando De Mesa (accused-appellant), together with two John Does, with murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code as amended by RA 7659 for the October 15, 1996 killing of Barangay Chairman Patricio Motas in San Pablo City. A warrant of arrest issued March 3, 1997 showed the appellant could not be found; an alias warrant issued August 29, 1997; he was arrested in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro on February 14, 1998 and detained at San Pablo City Jail on March 1, 1998. Appellant was arraigned March 23, 1998 and pleaded not guilty; trial then proceeded in the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 32, San Pablo City.
At trial the prosecution relied on eyewitness testimony placing the appellant near the scene minutes after the shooting carrying a long firearm, testimony that one companion heard the appellant boast the victim would surely be dead, medical evidence of multiple gunshot wounds to the victim’s back, witness statements and investigative steps by the police, and testimony establishing prior threats and enmity between appellant and the barangay chairman. The defense offered an alibi — appellant and his wife said he spent the day harvesting fruits, returned home, ate, watched television and fell asleep before 8:00 p.m. — and claimed later flight from the barangay because unidentified armed men had harassed their home.
The RTC convicted appellant of murder, imposed reclusion perpetua, and ordered indemnities and damages. Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court seeking reversal on two main poin...(Subscriber-Only)
Issues:
- Was the evidence sufficient to convict appellant of the crime charged?
- Were the aggravating circumstances of treachery, nighttime, and commission in contempt of or with assault to public authorities...(Subscriber-Only)
Ruling:
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Ratio:
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Doctrine:
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