Facts:

• The case involves the People of the Philippines as the plaintiff-appellee against Simplicio Realon and Eutropio Soliven, the accused-appellants, in a murder case leading to a death sentence.
• The incident occurred on April 13, 1969, at the Athletic Bowl in Burnham Park, Baguio City, during a rehearsal for an inaugural ceremony involving public school teachers.
• Realon shot Vicente Ramos, a fellow teacher, in the back of the head, resulting in Ramos's immediate death.
• Multiple witnesses, including teachers and bystanders, testified about the events surrounding the shooting.
• The accused were apprehended shortly after the incident, with a shotgun found nearby.
• The trial court convicted both accused of murder, qualified by treachery and aggravated by evident premeditation, sentencing them to death.
• The case was automatically reviewed by the Supreme Court.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court upheld the trial court's findings regarding the credibility of the prosecution witnesses.
• The Court affirmed that there was sufficient motive for Realon to kill Ramos.
• The Court ruled that the absence of certain witnesses did not adversely affect the prosecution's case.
• The Court found that conspiracy was not s...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court reasoned that the trial court was better positioned to assess witness credibility, leading to the affirmation of its findings.
• Realon's motive was established through evidence of a prior conflict with Ramos, indicating a basis for revenge.
• The absence of certain witnesses did not undermine the prosecution's case, as existing testimonies were sufficient to establish guilt.
• Although both ...continue reading