Facts:

• On June 30, 1986, three decomposed bodies were found in Barangay Tuaco, Basud, Camarines Norte.
• The victims were identified as Alexander Sy, Augusto Gabo, and Frisco Marcellana, showing signs of foul play.
• An information for robbery with multiple homicide was filed against Adolfo Quinones, Alfredo Aban, Zaldy Civico, Ronilo Canaba, Amado Conda, Jr., Santiago Solarte, Armando Buitre, and one John Doe.
• During arraignment on November 13, 1986, some accused pleaded not guilty, but later, Conda, Canaba, and Quinones changed their pleas to guilty.
• Conda later withdrew his guilty plea and re-entered a plea of not guilty.
• The prosecution presented evidence that the victims were intercepted and killed by the accused, who stole valuables from them.
• The victims were reported to have significant cash and items, including a handgun.
• Conda implicated others, leading to the apprehension of Solarte.
• Quinones and Canaba provided extra-judicial statements identifying weapons used in the crime.
• Despite claims of torture by Quinones, the trial judge found no evidence of coercion.
• The trial court convicted all accused (except Solarte and Buitre) based on the evidence.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The trial court's conviction for robbery with multiple homicide was incorrect; it should have been robbery with homicide.
• The penalty was modified to a single term of reclusion perpetua for robbery with homicide.
• The extra-judicial confessio...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court ruled that the trial court erred in convicting the accused of robbery with multiple homicide, as the Revised Penal Code does not recognize this charge.
• The correct charge is robbery with homicide, regardless of the number of victims.
• The penalty for robbery with homicide is reclusion perpetua, imposed only once, irrespective of the number of victims.
• The Court noted that discu...continue reading