Facts:

• The case involves The United States vs. Mohamad Ungal, where the defendant was charged with larceny of large cattle.
• The incident occurred on March 12, 1917, in Putat, Pansul, Sulu, Philippines.
• Mohamad Ungal allegedly took three cows and one carabao, valued at P140 (700 pesetas), from a Moro named Siba without consent.
• After his arrest, Ungal was tried and found guilty, receiving a sentence of one year, one month, and twenty-five days of presidio correccional.
• He was also ordered to return the stolen carabao and one vacuno or pay their value of P80, along with the costs of the proceedings.
• Ungal appealed, disputing his guilt and the requirement to return the two vacunos that were not recovered.
• The prosecution proved that the cattle were stolen, and two animals were found in Ungal's possession, but his explanation was unsatisfactory.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The court ruled that the defendant is guilty of larceny.
• The penalty was modified to six years and one day of presidio mayor, based on the total value of all stolen animals, not just those in the defendant's possession.
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Ratio:

• The court's decision relied on the principle that possession of stolen property, without a satisfactory explanation, implies guilt.
• This principle is supported by precedents indicating that possession of stolen goods serves as prima facie evidence of theft.
• The court emphasized that the presumption of guilt applies to the entire theft, not just the items found in possess...continue reading