Case Digest (G.R. No. 144090)
Facts:
People of the Philippines v. Michael Maguing y Saligumba, G.R. No. 144090, June 26, 2003, Supreme Court Third Division, Panganiban, J., writing for the Court. The appellant, Michael Maguing y Saligumba, was charged by information dated August 18, 1993 with murder for the fatal shooting of Crisanto Saul on August 12, 1993 in Cainta, Rizal; the Information alleged conspiracy with an unindicted John Doe and that the perpetrators were armed and employed treachery.At arraignment on February 8, 1994, appellant pleaded not guilty. After trial, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Antipolo, Rizal (Branch 74) rendered a December 1, 1997 Decision convicting appellant of murder (qualified by abuse of superior strength), sentencing him to reclusion perpetua, and ordering indemnity, actual and moral damages and costs. The RTC credited the prosecution eyewitnesses, especially the victim’s wife, who at trial identified appellant as the shooter and pointed to a tattooed letter “M” between his thumb and forefinger.
Appellant testified to an alibi, saying he worked at his uncle’s house on the date of the killing and was corroborated by two witnesses. The prosecution’s version (as presented in its brief) was that two masked intruders burst into a gathering at about 11:30 p.m.; one pointed a gun at the victim and shot him, and the victim’s wife later identified the shooter by the tattoo on his right hand. The police post-mortem confirmed death from a penetrating gunshot wound to the left eye.
Appellant appealed the RTC conviction to this Court; briefs were filed and the case was deemed submitted...(Subscriber-Only)
Issues:
- Was the identity of the appellant as the perpetrator established beyond reasonable doubt?
- Did the trial court err in crediting the prosecution witnesses and disregarding the defense evidence?
- Did the prosecution prove appellant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt?
- If appellant were guilty, was the proper crime mu...(Subscriber-Only)
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)