Case Summary (G.R. No. 142262)
Background Facts
On September 7, 1995, Danilo Cayubit submitted a Sinumpaang Salaysay before the ParaAque City Prosecutor, accusing Biong of attempted murder occurring over four years prior. Cayubit alleged that he was abducted by Biong, along with police officers Captain Tible and Jun Alcantara, and was assaulted using threats of violence, during which Biong attempted to kill him.
Indictment and Charges
Biong was indicted on January 19, 1996, in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of ParaAque for attempted murder, alleging he had abducted Cayubit with intent to kill, employing treachery and evident premeditation. The prosecution aimed to demonstrate this through Cayubit's testimony.
Prosecution's Case
Cayubit's account detailed a morning confrontation where Biong forced him into a vehicle, stripped him of his clothes, and attempted to shoot him at two locations, including the vicinity of a disco pub and within a residence. The prosecution presented Cayubit's testimony as clear and credible, arguing it proved Biong's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defense's Arguments
Biong denied the charges, asserting he was on police duty during the timeframe in question. He claimed to have been involved with the investigation of the Vizconde massacre and referenced his subsequent suspension and eventual dismissal from the police service due to alleged negligence related to this case.
Trial Court's Findings
On February 24, 1997, the RTC convicted Biong, asserting Cayubit's testimony was credible and substantial. The trial court concluded that the prosecution had demonstrated Biong's guilt based on Cayubit's decisive identification and consistent narrative despite Biong’s denial.
Appeal to the Court of Appeals
Biong appealed, contending that the trial court failed to recognize inconsistencies in Cayubit's testimony, thus depriving him of a fair assessment. The Court of Appeals, however, upheld the trial court’s decision, asserting that no substantial inconsistencies existed and reaffirming the reliability of Cayubit's account.
Supreme Court Analysis
Upon reviewing the case, the Supreme Court held that while testimonies by prosecution witnesses are typically given deference, the reliability and credibility of Cayubit’s account were lacking due to numerous inconsistencies and contradictions. The Court emphasized on the necessity of the prosecution proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which it found had not been accomplished in this instance.
Verdict
The Supreme Court granted Bi
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 142262)
Case Overview
- The case revolves around the accusation of attempted murder against Gerardo Biong, stemming from an incident on June 30, 1991, where Danilo Cayubit, the complainant, alleges he was abducted and assaulted by Biong.
- Cayubit, who was serving a prison sentence for homicide, executed a sworn statement (Sinumpaang Salaysay) detailing the events leading to Biong's indictment.
- The case is significant due to its connections to the infamous Vizconde massacre and the subsequent implications of political influence and credibility of witness testimonies.
Background Facts
- On September 7, 1995, Cayubit charged Biong with attempted murder, claiming the incident occurred over four years prior.
- Cayubit was previously implicated as a member of the Akyat Bahay Gang, which was involved in the Vizconde massacre.
- The sworn statement described a harrowing experience where Biong allegedly kidnapped Cayubit at gunpoint, stripped him, and attempted to kill him.
Allegations Against Biong
- Date and Circumstances of the Incident: The alleged attempted murder occurred in the early hours of June 30, 1991, in Parañaque.
- Details of the Abduction: Cayubit claims he was forcibly taken by Biong and two police officers, Captain Tible and Jun Alcantara, who were complicit in the act.
- Assault Description: Biong allegedly stripped Cayubit, handcuffed him, and attempted to shoot him multiple times, with the intervention of Tible and Alcantara preventing the act.
- Connection to the Vizconde Case: The case is intricately linked to the Vizconde massacre, with implications of collusion among law enforcement and political figures.
Prosecution's Case
- Witness Testimony: The prosecution relied on Cayubit&#