Facts:

• The accused-appellant, Ramon Navarro, was convicted by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 54, Alaminos, Pangasinan, for Murder with the Use of an Unlicensed Firearm.
• The incident occurred on the evening of August 28, 1987, along the highway in Palamis, Alaminos, Pangasinan.
• Navarro was accused of shooting Romeo Calizar with a .45 caliber handgun, resulting in Calizar's death.
• Two separate Informations were filed against Navarro: one for Murder (Criminal Case No. 3082-A) and another for Aggravated Illegal Possession of Firearm and Ammunitions (Criminal Case No. 3083-A).
• Navarro pleaded not guilty to both charges, and a joint trial ensued.
• The prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimony of Bob Regaspi, who witnessed the incident while driving a tricycle.
• Regaspi testified that he saw Navarro pull Calizar out of a jeep, kick him, and then shoot him three times.
• Despite the incident occurring at night, Regaspi claimed he could identify Navarro due to the illumination from the jeep and other passing vehicles.
• Regaspi did not report the crime immediately due to fear of Navarro, who was rumored to be a killer.
• Other prosecution witnesses included Demetria Calizar (the victim's wife), Dr. Maria Victoria Orfinada, PO3 Delfin Estabilla Flores, and SPO3 Romeo De Guzman.
• The defense presented several witnesses, including Mayor Leon Rivera, Rodolfo R. Aquino, PO3 Marciano Bacani, Rogelio Banogon, Leonora Arboleda, and Danilo Malapit.
• The defense aimed to discredit Regaspi's testimony and suggest alternative theories for the crime.
• The trial court found Navarro guilty beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua, ordering him to indemnify the victim's heirs with P100,000.00.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Ramon Navarro, finding no reversible error in...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court found that the inconsistencies pointed out by the defense in Regaspi's testimony were minor and did not affect his overall credibility.
• The Court noted th...continue reading