Facts:

• Case: People of the Philippines vs. Feliciano Munoz and Justo Millora, G.R. No. L-38016.
• Decision Date: September 10, 1983.
• Origin: Appeal from the Court of First Instance of Pangasinan, Branch XI, Criminal Case No. SCC-172.
• Accused: Feliciano Munoz (alias "Tony") and Justo Millora (alias "Tito").
• Charge: Murder of Ricardo Depacina on August 22, 1972, in San Carlos City, Pangasinan.
• Allegations: Both accused conspired to kill Depacina with evident premeditation and treachery.
• Incident Details: Munoz shot Depacina in the forehead while Millora was armed and ready.
• Aftermath: They transported Depacina's body in their patrol jeep to Calasiao, where it was later found.
• Trial Court Decision: Munoz found guilty and sentenced to death; Millora's sentence suspended due to minority.
• Arraignment: Both pleaded "Not Guilty" on March 28, 1973.
• Escape: Munoz escaped from prison on October 11, 1975.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's finding that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Feliciano Munoz shot Ricardo Depacina.
• The Court ruled that Munoz's confession was admissible and not obtained under duress.
• The Court held that the prosecution witnesses' testimonies were credible and not contradicted by the defense.
• The Court found s...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court upheld the trial court's decision based on the credibility of prosecution witnesses, particularly Narciso Rosal, who identified Munoz as the shooter.
• Minor inconsistencies in witness testimonies did not undermine their overall credibility, especially when they corroborated each other.
• Munoz's confession was deemed voluntary; he did not provide sufficient evidence of coercion, and the circumstances ...continue reading