Case Digest (G.R. No. 188124)
Facts:
People of the Philippines v. Jonel Falabrica Serenas and Joel Lorica Labad, G.R. No. 188124, June 29, 2010, First Division, Perez, J., writing for the Court. The plaintiff-appellee is the People of the Philippines; the accused-appellants are Jonel Falabrica Serenas (alias “Joe-An”) and Joel Lorica Labad. The Court of Appeals had affirmed the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Parañaque’s conviction for murder as to both appellants; this appeal followed from the Court of Appeals’ decision.On 8 December 2002 at about 10:00 p.m., Nio Noel Ramos was stabbed on a bridge between the barangays of Sto. Niño and La Huerta, Parañaque City, after bringing his girlfriend, Dianne Charisse Gavino, home. Nio was found bloodied by his brother Cesar Ramos, who testified that Nio told him he was stabbed by “Joe-An.” Dianne initially gave an affidavit to police recounting prior threats she heard from a group that included Joe-An, but in court testified she saw the stabbing and identified the appellants. Police officers testified they proceeded to the scene, saw two men run, pursued them, and apprehended Joe-An and Joel hiding near a bangka under the bridge; the two were brought to the police station where Dianne identified them as the assailants. The medico-legal officer, Dr. Valentin Bernales, testified the victim sustained two fatal stab wounds and multiple contused abrasions.
The Information charged the two appellants with murder, alleging conspiracy, treachery and evident premeditation. At trial both appellants pleaded denial and alibi. The RTC (presided by Judge Raul E. De Leon) convicted both of murder and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua (with civil indemnity, moral and actual damages, attorney’s fees, and costs), giving full credence to Cesar’s account of the victim’s dying declaration and to Dianne’s testimony. On appeal, the Court of Appeals (Sundiam, J., with Abarintos and Tayag, JJ., concurring) affirmed but modified by awarding exemplary damages of P25,000 to the heirs. A notice of appeal was filed to bring the case to this Court; the parties adopted their Court of Appeals briefs before the Court.
The Supreme Court framed the issues as whether the testimony of witnesse...(Subscriber-Only)
Issues:
- Were the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses sufficient to prove the appellants’ guilt beyond reasonable doubt?
- Was the killing qualified by treachery and evident premeditation?
- Was conspiracy adequately proven as to ...(Subscriber-Only)
Ruling:
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Ratio:
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Doctrine:
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