Case Summary (G.R. No. L-13968)
Background of the Case
On January 11, 1956, an information for murder was filed against Uy, Pataueg, Sacang, and Cortez in the Court of First Instance of Isabela, due to the fatal incident involving Librado Pascual. The trial concluded with Uy found guilty of murder, sentenced to reclusion perpetua, while his co-defendants faced lesser charges.
Incident Details
The altercation began when Balbino Dulay, acting as the master of ceremonies, attempted to manage the crowd during a special dance. A confrontation escalated when Pataueg physically assaulted a man named Elpidio Pedro, leading to a brawl between the Pascual brothers and the three defendants. Uy and his companions were noted to be armed during the confrontation. The situation deteriorated when Librado Pascual, after being attacked by Pataueg and Sacang, was ultimately stabbed by Uy with a dagger.
Victim's Injuries and Death
After sustaining serious injuries, including a stab wound that penetrated his lung, Librado Pascual was transported to a clinic where he later succumbed to his injuries shortly after 1:20 a.m. on October 25, 1955. Dr. Angel P. Albano documented the injuries and conducted an operation before Librado's passing.
Evidence and Testimony
During the trial, Librado's ante mortem statement identified Sergio Pataueg and Alejo Uy as his attackers. Moreover, Domingo Paual, who testified for the defense, later claimed responsibility for the stabbing, but the court found his testimony unreliable and self-serving. Multiple eyewitness accounts corroborated the prosecution's case against Uy and established a coherent narrative of the events leading to Librado’s death.
Defense and Credibility of Witnesses
Uy contested the credibility of the witnesses, claiming a lack of motive for their testimony against him. However, the court found no substantial justification to doubt the reliability of these witnesses, especially since one of them was related to the deceased, which likely would not induce perjury.
Admissibility of Ante Mortem Statement
The defense also challenged the admissibility of Librado's ante mortem statement. Testimonies from Dr. Albano and Sgt. Ordonez established the circumstances under which the statement was made, indicating Librado's awareness of the impending death due to his severe injuries, thus validating the statement's admissibility.
Legal Evaluation and Rulings
The trial court convicted Uy of murder, classifying the crime as qualifying by treachery. However, upon further examination, it became evident that treachery could not be established as Librado was already engaged in a
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-13968)
Case Background
- On January 11, 1956, an information for murder was filed against Alejo Uy, Sergio Pataueg, Felix Sacang, and Ildefonso Cortez in the Court of First Instance of Isabela concerning the death of Librado Pascual.
- Following the trial, Cortez was acquitted, Pataueg and Sacang were convicted of slight physical injuries, while Uy was convicted of murder and sentenced to reclusion perpetua, indemnification of the heirs of Librado Pascual in the amount of P6,000.00, and one-fourth of the costs.
- Uy appealed to the Court of Appeals, which subsequently forwarded the record to the Supreme Court due to the penalty imposed.
Facts of the Case
- The incident occurred on the night of October 24, 1955, during a wedding dance at the yard of Juan Saguisi in Turod, Reina Mercedes, Isabela, which was well-lit and attended by many people.
- Balbino Dulay, acting as the master of ceremonies, initiated a special dance for municipal office candidates.
- Tensions arose when Elpidio Pedro attempted to disperse a crowd that was encroaching on the dancers, leading to a confrontation where Pataueg struck Pedro.
- The Pascual brothers, Ernesto and Remigio, intervened, resulting in a fistfight between them and the three residents from Banquero (Pataueg, Sacang, and Uy).
- Dulay observed Uy and Sacang brandishing weapons, prompting him to