Facts:

• The case involves brothers Hector Vasquez and Renato Vasquez, accused of murdering Primo Dollete.
• The incident occurred on July 14, 1968, in Barangay Bangan-an, Panit-an, Capiz.
• The prosecution claimed the Vasquez brothers beat Dollete and drowned him in a river.
• Charges were formally filed against them on August 19, 1986, nearly eighteen years post-incident, due to procedural delays and missing records.
• A complaint was initially filed in 1968, but administrative issues hindered proper court transmission.
• The brothers were arrested but released on bail due to insufficient evidence at that time.
• During the trial, several witnesses testified to seeing the brothers assault Dollete.
• The defense argued that the brothers were in Iloilo City during the incident and that Dollete's death was accidental, resulting from a capsized banca.
• The trial court found the brothers guilty of murder, sentencing them to reclusion perpetua and ordering civil indemnity to Dollete's heirs on July 26, 1991.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court reversed the trial court's decision, acquitting both Hector and Renato Vasquez of murder.
• The Court determined that the prosecution did not prove their guilt b...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court reiterated that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution in criminal cases, requiring them to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Significant inconsistencies in the prosecution witnesses' testimonies undermined their credibility.
• The medical examina...continue reading