Facts:

• Aniceto Cardona, also known as Palma, was charged with "robbery in an armed band with homicide" for an incident on April 22, 1901.
• A group of armed marauders attacked Hugo Millan's residence, stealing goods worth approximately P2,000, including 28 carabaos, and murdering Millan.
• The charge against Cardona was filed on April 28, 1915, over 14 years after the crime, initiated by Asuncion Millan, the victim's daughter.
• Cardona was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, along with accessory penalties.
• The prosecution relied on Asuncion Millan's testimony, claiming she witnessed Cardona shoot her father.
• Two other witnesses, employees of Millan, supported her account, with one witnessing the murder and the other identifying Cardona as part of the armed group.
• The defense questioned the credibility of the witnesses due to the long delay in prosecution and potential motives related to a land dispute between Cardona and Asuncion Millan.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court of the Philippines reversed the conviction of Aniceto Cardona, acquitting him of all charges and ordering his immediate release.
• The court determined that ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The court emphasized that the presumption of innocence must prevail unless the prosecution provides clear and convincing evidence of guilt.
• The significant delay in prosecution raised doubts about the motives of Asuncion Millan, especially given her prior land dispute with Cardona.
• The credibility of the witnesses was undermined by potential ulterior motives, which could lead to false accusations.
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