Facts:

• Godofredo Inguito, also known as Gudong, was accused of murder alongside Bienvenido Auguis (alias Benido) and Salvador Petallino (alias Badoy).
• The incident took place on January 7, 1979, in Bato, Leyte, where the accused allegedly conspired to kill Epifanio Cajis (Panyong Cajes).
• The prosecution's information, filed on February 20, 1979, by Assistant Provincial Fiscal Joventino P. Isidro, stated that the accused attacked Cajis with wooden sticks and a stainless kitchen knife, causing fatal injuries.
• The trial court, Court of First Instance of Baybay, Leyte, convicted the three based on their extra-judicial confessions and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua, along with an order to indemnify the victim's heirs.
• Inguito appealed the conviction, initially to the Court of Appeals, but it was later transmitted to the Supreme Court due to the nature of the penalty.
• During the trial, Inguito claimed his confession was coerced, alleging he was mauled and threatened by police, leading him to sign the confession without understanding it.
• The trial court dismissed his claims, resulting in his conviction.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court reversed the trial court's conviction of Godofredo Inguito, acquitting him of the murder charge.
• The Court found the extra-judicial confessions to be null and void due to coercion and intimidation, making them inadmissible as evidence...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court stated that confessions obtained through coercion, force, or intimidation are inadmissible under Article IV, Section 20 of the 1973 Constitution, which guarantees the right to remain silent and to counsel.
• Inguito's confession was obtained without legal counsel and under duress, as he faced threats of further violence.
• The Court emphasiz...continue reading