Facts:

• Accused-appellant Wilfredo Morales was convicted of murder based on the positive identification of witnesses, despite his defense of alibi.
• The case was decided on February 13, 1995, by the Second Division of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, with Justice Regalado as the ponente.
• On December 3, 1987, Carmelita Legaspi witnessed appellant, Wilfredo Morales, walking along Kapalaran Street in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, armed with a short firearm.
• Morales approached Rogelio Lodo, who was lying on a table in front of his house, and shot him twice without warning.
• The first shot hit Lodo on the right thigh, causing him to fall to the ground, and the second shot hit him in the body.
• Lodo tried to run away, but Morales pursued him until Lodo eventually fell down.
• After the incident, Morales threatened Legaspi and then fled the scene.
• Lodo was taken to a nearby hospital but died as a result of the gunshot wounds.
• Legaspi's testimony was corroborated by Rebecca Maraya, a first cousin of the victim.
• Maraya testified that she saw Morales approach Lodo and shoot him from a distance of about five meters.
• She also mentioned that there was light coming from Lodo's house, which allowed her to see the incident clearly.
• Maraya fell unconscious after witnessing the shooting.
• During the trial, Morales denied the accusations against him and presented an alibi defense.
• He claimed that he was not at the scene of the crime on the date and time in question because he was in Cavite, working as a construction worker.
• However, he failed to provide any corroboration or details about his employment in Cavite.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court held that the trial court's factual findings should be respected, as it had the opportunity to observe the witnesses and assess their credibility.
• The court found that Legaspi and Maraya positively identified Morales as the perpetrator of the crime, and their testimonies were consistent with the circumstances of the shooting.
• The court also rejected Morales' defense of alibi, as he failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove that he was not present at the scene of the crime.
• The court ruled that Morales was guilty of murder, qualified by treachery, and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua with all its accessory penalties....(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Cou...continue reading