Facts:

• The case People vs. Dianos was decided by the Supreme Court of the Philippines on October 7, 1998.
• The accused, Romeo Dianos, was involved in a violent incident on December 31, 1990, during a New Year’s Eve celebration in Cypress Point Village, Irisan, Baguio City.
• Dianos faced multiple charges: murder, attempted murder, and frustrated murder, linked to the deaths of Teresita Ortiz and Ricardo Pablo, and injuries to Zaldy Ortiz, Virgilio Ortiz, and Lizette Ortiz.
• The prosecution presented five separate informations, alleging Dianos used an M-16 armalite rifle during the incident, motivated by a land dispute.
• Witnesses reported Dianos was in military camouflage and threw a grenade before the shooting.
• The Regional Trial Court of Baguio City convicted Dianos on May 10, 1994, imposing various penalties and damages.
• Dianos appealed, questioning the credibility of prosecution witnesses and the evidence against him.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the Regional Trial Court's decision, finding Dianos guilty beyond reasonable doubt of murder, attempted murder, and frustrated murder.
• The Court upheld the credibility of the prosecution witnesses, dismissing Dianos’ claims regarding lack of motive and the significance of the paraffin test. ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court emphasized that assessing witness credibility is primarily the trial court's responsibility, finding no substantial reason to doubt the prosecution witnesses' testimonies, despite their familial ties to the victims.
• Familial relationships do not inherently undermine credibility unless clear evidence of ulterior motives is present...continue reading