Case Digest (G.R. No. 121039-45) Core Legal Reasoning Model
Core Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
In People of the Philippines vs. Mayor Antonio L. Sanchez, et al. (G.R. Nos. 121039–45, October 18, 2001), the Supreme Court reviewed the conviction by Branch 70 of the Pasig City Regional Trial Court of Mayor Antonio L. Sanchez, George Medialdea, Zoilo Ama, Baldwin Brion, Luis Corcolon, Rogelio Corcolon, and Pepito Kawit for seven counts of rape with homicide committed at Erais Farm, Laguna, against students Eileen Sarmenta and Allan Gomez. On April 1, 1995, the Pasig RTC rendered judgment of reclusion perpetua for each count, plus an award of actual, moral, and exemplary damages. Sanchez and co-accused promptly sought reconsideration of the trial court’s findings and the “gargantuan” damages, raising issues on prejudicial publicity, witness credibility (Aurelio Centeno and Vicencio Malabanan), inconsistent statements, and the alibi offered by Sanchez’s 13-year-old daughter. After the Office of the Solicitor General filed its comment on December 6, 1999, the case was raffled on Case Digest (G.R. No. 121039-45) Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
- Parties and Background
- The People of the Philippines (plaintiff-appellee) charged Mayor Antonio L. Sanchez, George Medialdea, Zoilo Ama, Baldwin Brion, Luis Corcolon, Rogelio Corcolon, and Pepito Kawit (accused-appellants) with seven counts of rape with homicide.
- Branch 70, Pasig City RTC convicted them, imposing reclusion perpetua for each count and ordering each to pay ₱700,000.00 as civil indemnity.
- Motions for Reconsideration and Procedural History
- Appellants Sanchez, Ama, Brion, and Kawit filed motions for reconsideration before this Court; the OSG filed its Comment on December 6, 1999.
- After Justice Martinez’s retirement, the motions were raffled to the ponente on September 18, 2001.
- Key contentions:
- Sanchez claimed trial by publicity, lack of witness credibility, a daughter’s alibi, and excessive damages.
- Ama, Brion, and Kawit alleged impeaching prior inconsistent statements of prosecution witnesses and presented independent exculpatory evidence.
Issues:
- Procedural Issue
- Whether appellants raised new issues or merely re-litigated matters already decided by the trial court and this Court.
- Substantive Issues
- Trial by prejudicial publicity and the requirement of actual prejudice.
- Credibility of prosecution witnesses Aurelio Centeno and Vicencio Malabanan.
- Validity and weight of the alibi testimony of Sanchez’s 13-year-old daughter.
- Legality and quantum of civil, moral, and other damages awarded.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)