Case Summary (G.R. No. 89376)
Incident Overview
On August 23, 1981, at approximately 10:00 AM, C2C Emmanuel Romero, a member of the Philippine Constabulary (PC), and Nicanor Lanuza, part of the Constabulary Home Defense Force (CHDF), were traveling in a passenger jeep. While unloading passengers near a barangay captain's house, the jeep was approached by Cordial and nine other individuals. Cordial, armed with an improvised knife, stabbed Romero, prompting Lanuza to shoot back, but he was overpowered and stabbed multiple times. Romero died at the scene due to severe injuries, including multiple gunshot wounds.
Arrest and Charges
Cordial was arrested on April 26, 1982, near Tabuco Bridge in Naga City. After being transported to the PC headquarters, he was investigated, during which he refused to sign a statement he claimed was fabricated by Lanuza. He was initially charged with murder alongside three unidentified accomplices. Following a preliminary investigation, Cordial was arraigned and pleaded not guilty, presenting an alibi as his defense.
Alibi Defense and Witness Testimonies
Cordial contended that he could not remember his whereabouts on the day of the incident due to the time elapsed, claiming he worked consistently as a truck laborer during that period. He presented two witnesses to support his alibi, but their testimonies primarily served to establish his character and work history instead of displacing the prosecution's evidence.
Trial Court Findings
The trial court analyzed the credibility of the prosecution's sole eyewitness, Nicanor Lanuza. Despite attempts by Cordial to challenge Lanuza's character and reliability, the trial court found Lanuza credible. Critical evidence pertained to the nature of the attack, which was found to lack the elements of treachery and evident premeditation, leading to the conviction for homicide rather than murder. The trial court ultimately sentenced Cordial to an indeterminate prison term.
Appellate Review
Upon review, the Intermediate Appellate Court affirmed the trial court's decision, also increasing the indemnity to the victim’s family. Cordial's motion for reconsideration was denied, prompting his petition for review on certiorari where he continued to challenge Lanuza's credibility.
Legal Analysis of Credibility
The Supreme Court evaluated the credibility attacks against Lanuza presented by Cordial. It noted that general character attac
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 89376)
Overview of the Case
- This case involves a petition for review on certiorari concerning the decision of the Court of Appeals that affirmed the Regional Trial Court's ruling.
- The petitioner, Bernardo M. Cordial, was found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of homicide and sentenced to an indeterminate prison term ranging from eight years and one day of prision mayor as the minimum to fourteen years, eight months, and one day of reclusion temporal as the maximum.
- The appellate court modified the initial decision by increasing the indemnity payable to the victim's heirs to P30,000.
Factual Background
- The incident occurred on August 23, 1981, involving C2C Emmanuel Romero and Nicanor Lanuza, both members of the Philippine Constabulary.
- Romero and Lanuza were riding a passenger jeep when Cordial, armed with an improvised knife, attacked Romero, resulting in his death.
- Lanuza attempted to intervene but was also attacked and became unconscious during the struggle.
- An autopsy on Romero revealed multiple gunshot wounds and stab wounds, leading to his death due to irreversible shock secondary to severe hemorrhage.
Arrest and Investigation
- Cordial was arrested eight months later, on April 26, 1982, near a bridge in Naga City.
- After his arrest, he was taken to the PC headquarters and later investigated, where he r