G.R. No. 218804 - People vs. Quiapo

On the morning of March 7, 1947, Urbano Cruz, encargado of Arturo Eustaquio’s coconut grove in Latuan and Balagtasan, Zamboanga City, was informed by Lazaro Viernes (a guard) about three individuals stealing coconuts in the plantation.
Cruz called Ernesto Fargas, the truck driver for Eustaquio, and together with several laborers proceeded to the plantation to investigate.
Upon arrival, they observed three persons chopping coconuts. When approached, the individuals attempted to flee. Cruz fired a warning shot into the air to halt them. One person stopped and was apprehended — Moro Isnain, the appellant.

Moro Isnain acknowledged culpability during an investigation by Lt. Bucoy, the precinct commander, identifying his two confederates, Moros Addi and Akik, who remained at large.
In the justice of the peace court, Isnain pleaded guilty to the theft charge.
However, at trial in the Court of First Instance, he retracted his plea, claiming his presence was only due to thirst, asserting he only drank coconut water and did not intend theft — an assertion the court found unconvincing.
He admitted asking pardon from Lt. Bucoy, even to the extent of kissing his hand.

The stolen coconuts were valued at more than Thirty-Three Pesos (P33.76).
The theft was classified under Article 310 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, which prescribes a higher penalty for theft of coconuts, constituting qualified theft.

Whether Article 310 of the Revised Penal Code's classification of theft of coconuts as qualified theft, which imposes a heavier penalty than theft of other agricultural products such as rice and sugar, violates the constitutional guarantee of equal protection of the laws.

Whether the appellant’s admission and conduct established his guilt beyond reasonable doubt for the said qualified theft.