Case Digest (G.R. No. 114523-24)
Facts:
- The case is People vs. Loto, G.R. Nos. 114523-24.
- The accused is Paquito Loto; his brother Pepe Loto is still at large.
- They were charged with the murder of Felix Samson y Ganay and the wounding of Moises Samson y Ganay.
- The incident took place on January 3, 1991, in Phase IV, Barangay Ipil, Silang, Cavite, Philippines.
- The prosecution's case relied heavily on eyewitness testimonies, particularly from Moises Samson.
- Moises testified that he witnessed Paquito stab Felix with a stainless kitchen knife.
- Moises attempted to intervene and was subsequently stabbed by Pepe Loto.
- Felix succumbed to his injuries on January 16, 1991.
- Paquito claimed he was at home during the incident and alleged that Felix was the aggressor with a knife.
- The trial court acquitted Paquito of the charge related to Moises due to insufficient evidence.
- Paquito was convicted of murder concerning Felix and sentenced to Reclusion Perpetua, with damages awarded to Felix's heirs.
- Paquito appealed, challenging the credibility of the prosecution's witnesses.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court upheld the trial court's decision in its entirety.
- It confirmed Paquito Loto's conviction for the murder of Felix Samson, finding the prosecution's evidence credible and sufficient to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. ...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court highlighted the significance of eyewitness testimony, particularly from Moises and David Samson, who identified Paquito as the assailant.
- The Court determined that the trial court's conclusions were well-supported by evidence, stating that minor inconsistencies in witness testimonies did not diminish their credibility.
- It recognized that...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 114523-24)
Facts:
In the case of People vs. Loto, G.R. Nos. 114523-24, the accused, Paquito Loto, and his brother Pepe Loto (who remained at large), were charged with the murder of Felix Samson y Ganay and the wounding of his brother Moises Samson y Ganay. The incidents took place on January 3, 1991, in Phase IV, Barangay Ipil, Municipality of Silang, Province of Cavite, Philippines. The prosecution's case relied heavily on eyewitness testimonies, particularly from Moises Samson, who testified that he witnessed Paquito stab Felix with a stainless kitchen knife. Moises recounted his attempt to intervene during the attack, which led to him being stabbed by Pepe Loto. Despite receiving medical treatment, Felix succumbed to his injuries on January 16, 1991. In his defense, Paquito claimed he was at his residence during the incident and argued that Felix was the aggressor, allegedly armed with a knife. The trial court acquitted Paquito in the case involving Moises due to insufficient evidence but found him guilty of murder concerning Felix, sentencing him to Reclusion Perpetua and ordering him to pay damages to Felix's heirs. Following this decision, Paquito appeale...