Case Digest (G.R. No. 188610)
Facts:
People of the Philippines v. Albert Sanchez y Galera, G.R. No. 188610, June 29, 2010, the Supreme Court First Division, Velasco Jr., J., writing for the Court. The criminal informations charged Albert Sanchez y Galera with two counts of murder (Crim. Case Nos. 06-8245-MK and 06-8246-MK) and two counts of frustrated murder (Crim. Case Nos. 06-8247-MK and 06-8248-MK) for a January 27, 2006 attack on the De Leon family in Marikina City. Sanchez pleaded not guilty; the prosecution presented eyewitness testimony (John Ray, Jelyn, Jeane), medico-legal evidence (Dr. Arnel Marquez), and arresting officers; the defense waived presentation of evidence.The Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 272, Marikina City, rendered judgment on July 23, 2007 finding Sanchez guilty of two counts of murder (qualified by treachery and evident premeditation) and two counts of frustrated murder, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua for each murder count and to indeterminate terms for the frustrated-murder counts, and awarding indemnities, actual and moral damages to the victims and heirs.
Sanchez appealed to the Court of Appeals (CA). In CA-G.R. CR-H.C. No. 02902 the CA, by Decision dated February 27, 2009, affirmed the RTC decision with modification—raising civil indemnities in the two murder cases to P75,000 and reducing the moral damages awarded in those cases. Sanchez filed a timely Notice of Appeal to the Supreme Court on March 12, 2009; by Resolution of September 16, 2009 the Court accepted the appeal and required supplemental briefs, but the parties elected to submit the case on the records.
The case reached the Court on Sanchez’s contention that the prosecution fa...(Pro-only)
Issues:
- Was the prosecution able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the killings were attended by the qualifying circumstances of treachery and evident premeditation?
- Are the penalties and civil awards imposed by the courts below proper in view of applicable law, including the abolit...(Pro-only)
Ruling:
- (Pro-only)
Ratio:
- (Pro-only)
Doctrine:
- (Pro-only)