Case Digest (G.R. No. 258527) Core Legal Reasoning Model
Core Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
This case involves the appeal of David Maningding (accused-appellant) who was charged with murder under Criminal Case No. 2006-0688-D before the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 44 in Dagupan City. The incident occurred on September 13, 2006, at around 10:25 PM in Barangay Anolid, Mangaldan, Pangasinan, where Maningding allegedly stabbed Marlon Muyalde (victim) with a bladed weapon in the armpit, inflicting a fatal wound that caused his death. The victim was the brother-in-law of the accused. Maningding pleaded not guilty at arraignment, and during trial, the prosecution presented multiple witnesses including Aladino Jorge (eyewitness and store-owner), Dr. Virgilio De Guzman (medical expert who conducted the autopsy), Rommel Muyalde (victim's brother and eyewitness), and Gloria Muyalde (victim’s wife who testified on damages). The accused offered his own testimony claiming self-defense, stating that he was invited to drink by the victim but refused, and that the victim suddenl Case Digest (G.R. No. 258527) Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
# Background of the Case
The case involves an appeal by David Maningding (accused-appellant) from the June 25, 2010 Decision of the Court of Appeals (CA), which affirmed the January 29, 2009 Decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Dagupan City. The RTC convicted Maningding of murder for the stabbing death of Marlon Muyalde on September 13, 2006, in Barangay Anolid, Mangaldan, Pangasinan.
# Prosecution’s Version of Facts
- Testimony of Aladino Jorge: Aladino, a sari-sari store owner, testified that on the night of the incident, he witnessed the accused arrive and stab Marlon Muyalde without provocation. Marlon had greeted the accused, but the latter remained silent and suddenly stabbed Marlon in the armpit. Aladino was about one meter away from the incident and positively identified the accused in court.
- Testimony of Dr. Virgilio De Guzman: The physician who conducted the autopsy testified that Marlon died from hypovolemic shock due to a single stab wound that penetrated his liver and diaphragm. The wound was 14 inches deep and caused by a sharp object.
- Testimony of Rommel Muyalde: Rommel, the victim’s brother, corroborated Aladino’s account. He stated that the accused arrived, ignored their greetings, and suddenly stabbed Marlon. Rommel also testified that there was no prior altercation or provocation.
- Testimony of Gloria Muyalde: Gloria, the victim’s wife, testified about the financial impact of Marlon’s death, including burial expenses and lost income. She stated that Marlon was a farmer and bottle trader who earned PhP 300 daily.
# Defense’s Version of Facts
The accused claimed self-defense, alleging that the victim had attempted to stab him first. He testified that he was invited to drink by the victim, who then embraced him and tried to pull a knife. The accused claimed he grabbed the knife and, in the struggle, accidentally stabbed the victim. He ran away upon seeing blood.
Issues:
- Whether the RTC erred in convicting the accused of murder.
- Whether the accused’s claim of self-defense is valid.
- Whether treachery was present in the commission of the crime.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
- Testimony of Aladino Jorge: Aladino, a sari-sari store owner, testified that on the night of the incident, he witnessed the accused arrive and stab Marlon Muyalde without provocation. Marlon had greeted the accused, but the latter remained silent and suddenly stabbed Marlon in the armpit. Aladino was about one meter away from the incident and positively identified the accused in court.
- Testimony of Dr. Virgilio De Guzman: The physician who conducted the autopsy testified that Marlon died from hypovolemic shock due to a single stab wound that penetrated his liver and diaphragm. The wound was 14 inches deep and caused by a sharp object.
- Testimony of Rommel Muyalde: Rommel, the victim’s brother, corroborated Aladino’s account. He stated that the accused arrived, ignored their greetings, and suddenly stabbed Marlon. Rommel also testified that there was no prior altercation or provocation.
- Testimony of Gloria Muyalde: Gloria, the victim’s wife, testified about the financial impact of Marlon’s death, including burial expenses and lost income. She stated that Marlon was a farmer and bottle trader who earned PhP 300 daily.