Case Summary (G.R. No. 25702)
Facts of the Case
On the day of the incident, several individuals gathered in Jose Acebedo's rice field for a communal labor effort known as "daguiao," where food and alcoholic beverages, specifically tuba, were provided. Egmidio Deviente encountered the accused when he was invited to join the festivities and subsequently got involved in a drinking session. After being encouraged to participate in a finger contest, he refused and was later attacked by Evaristo Cabantug, who drew a bolo and inflicted a wound on Egmidio's calf. The fight escalated, resulting in multiple stab wounds inflicted by both Evaristo and Paulino Cabantug, ultimately leading to Egmidio’s death the following day.
Trial Court's Judgment
The trial court found both Evaristo and Paulino Cabantug guilty of homicide and sentenced them each to twelve years and one day of reclusion temporal. They were also ordered to jointly and severally indemnify the widow of the deceased in the sum of P500 and to bear the costs of the action. Melecio Cadiz, another accused, was acquitted.
Grounds for Appeal
The appellants presented various grounds for appealing the trial court's decision:
- They contested the court's finding of guilt for homicide, arguing that the evidence did not conclusively establish their culpability.
- Paulino Cabantug claimed the trial court failed to sufficiently consider his alibi.
- Evaristo Cabantug asserted that the circumstances of self-defense were overlooked.
- The appellants sought an outright acquittal based on the foregoing arguments.
Assessment of Witness Testimony
The appellate court analyzed the testimonies of witnesses, particularly focusing on the accounts provided by Jesus Deviente, who was 14 years old at the time, and Geronima Dasal, both of whom offered coherent and consistent narratives that corroborated one another regarding the sequence of events during the incident. The credibility of these witnesses was upheld as there was no apparent motive for them to fabricate their testimonies.
Defense Arguments Evaluated
Upon reviewing the defense of alibi presented by Paulino Cabantug, the appellate court concluded that the prosecution's evidence securely places him at the crime scene during the attack. Regarding Evaristo Cabantug's claim of self
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Case Citation
- Citation: 49 Phil. 482
- G.R. No.: 25702
- Date: October 21, 1926
Court Composition
- Justice: Villamor, J.
- Concurring Justices: Avancena, C.J., Johnson, Street, Ostrand, Johns, Romualdez, and Villa-Real, JJ.
Background of the Case
- Incident Date: July 26, 1925
- Location: Jose Acebedo's rice field, barrio of Entampilan, municipality of Panitan, Province of Capiz.
- Nature of Gathering: The gathering involved local individuals invited to engage in a communal work known as "daguiao," which is characterized by unpaid labor with provisions of food and drink (tuba).
Facts of the Case
- Participants, under the influence of tuba, engaged in a finger contest (juego al tornillo).
- Evaristo Cabantug initiated a challenge to Egmidio Deviente, who declined.
- Evaristo attacked Egmidio with a bolo, injuring him in the calf, prompting Egmidio to retaliate.
- A chaotic fight ensued, leading to multiple stabbings:
- Evaristo stabbed Egmidio in the shoulder.
- Paulino Cabantug also stabbed Egmidio in the side.
- Melecio Cadiz caused an injury to Egmidio’s hand.
- Egmidio Deviente succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Trial Court Proceedings
- The trial court found Evaristo Cabantug and Paulino Cabantug guilty of homicide.
- Sentences imposed:
- Twelve years and one day of reclusion temporal.
- Joint and several indemn