Facts:

• Florentino Reoveros was charged with murder in Criminal Case No. 4039-B at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 61, Gumaca, Quezon.
• The incident occurred on June 2, 1991, in Barangay Del Rosario, Buenavista, Quezon.
• Reoveros, along with two unidentified accomplices, allegedly attacked and shot Cipriano Bulfa, leading to Bulfa's death.
• The prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimony of Marivic Bulfa, the victim's wife and sole eyewitness.
• Marivic heard her husband’s nickname called three times and recognized Reoveros holding a firearm through a small opening in the door.
• After a brief exchange, her husband was shot multiple times, and Reoveros threatened Marivic before fleeing.
• The trial court convicted Reoveros of murder on May 19, 1994, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua and ordering damages to the victim's heirs.
• Reoveros appealed the conviction, asserting that the trial court erred in its judgment.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of Florentino Reoveros for murder, concluding that the trial court's judgment was correct.
• The Court found Marivic Bulfa's testimony cr...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court noted that the trial court is best positioned to assess witness credibility, having observed their demeanor during testimony.
• Marivic Bulfa's account was deemed clear and consistent, despite defense claims regarding the delay in reporting the incident.
• The Court recognized that fear for her safety and that of her family justified the delay, which did not undermine her cre...continue reading