Facts:

• The case involves People of the Philippines vs. Crisologo Empacis, G.R. No. 95756, decided on May 14, 1993.
• The Regional Trial Court of Cebu City indicted five individuals, including Crisologo Empacis, for robbery with homicide under Article 294 (1) of the Revised Penal Code.
• The incident occurred on September 16, 1986, at around 9:00 PM in Barangay Kanguha, Municipality of Dumanjug, Province of Cebu.
• The indictment alleged that the accused, armed with carbines and bladed weapons, conspired to attack Fidel Saromines, resulting in his death and the theft of P12,000.00.
• During the trial, one accused, Romualdo Langomez, was absent and at large.
• The trial continued with the remaining accused, and Carlito Antiga died from a gunshot wound during the proceedings.
• Crisologo Empacis was convicted, while Zacarias Solis and Bebe Antiga were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
• The trial court sentenced Empacis to death on October 24, 1989, which was later commuted to reclusion perpetua following the abolition of the death penalty under the 1987 Constitution.
• Empacis was also ordered to pay the heirs of the victim P30,000.00 as death indemnity.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Crisologo Empacis, finding sufficient evidence to support the trial court's decision.
• The Court upheld the trial court's appreciation of aggravating circumstances, including dwelling, nighttime, craft or fraud, and superior strength.
• The Court modified the indemnity awarded ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court found the prosecution's evidence credible, particularly the testimonies of the victim's widow and son, supported by other evidence, including the post-mortem report.
• Empacis' defense was deemed inconsistent and lacking credibility, as he attempted to portray himself as a protector of the victim w...continue reading