Case Summary (G.R. No. 146641-43)
Allegations and Charges
The Information filed on August 14, 1991, charged Lago and four others with robbery with homicide. It detailed how the accused, armed with a bladed weapon, entered Raymundo's home, stole cash and jewelry worth P92,000.00, and fatally stabbed the victim in the process. After pleading not guilty during his arraignment on February 23, 1994, Lago was subsequently tried in court.
Summary of Prosecution's Evidence
The prosecution presented several eyewitnesses, including Rosana Capacillo and Ramon Bernardo, who testified about seeing suspicious individuals around Raymundo's house on the day of the crime. The testimonies indicated the involvement of Lago and his co-conspirators in the robbery. Cozette Aragon, one of the accomplices, provided critical testimony detailing the conspiracy and roles of each participant during the crime, as well as the fatal stabbing executed by Jayson Diadid.
Defense’s Argument
Lago's defense contended that he was merely accompanying Aragon for a benign purpose unrelated to robbery or homicide. He admitted being present during the planning stage but claimed he did not conspire to kill. He testified he left the scene upon hearing groaning sounds from the victim’s room, thus distancing himself from the crime.
Trial Court’s Findings
The RTC found Reyderick Lago guilty of robbery with homicide, concluding he was a co-conspirator in the offense. The court emphasized that evidence sufficiently proved conspiracy among Lago and his companions, establishing their collective responsibility for the ongoing crime. The trial court noted that the violent nature of the crime, evidenced by the 21 stab wounds inflicted on the victim, established intent beyond mere robbery.
Legal Principles Applied
The court relied on Philippine law concerning conspiracy, which states that when two or more persons agree to commit a felony, the actions of any one participant can be attributed to all. The necessary elements of conspiracy were met, and a homicide committed in the course of a robbery implicates all participants as principals to the crime.
Appellate Review
In his appeal, Lago challenged the sufficiency of the evidence against him. However, the appellate court affirmed the lower court's decision, reiterating that the prosecution had convincingly established Lago's involvement i
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 146641-43)
Case Background
- This case revolves around the appeal of Reyderick Lago against the decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Pasig, Metro Manila, which found him guilty of robbery with homicide.
- The RTC's decision, dated February 28, 1995, sentenced Lago to reclusion perpetua and ordered him to indemnify the heirs of the victim, Benjamin Raymundo, in various amounts totaling P135,600.00.
Charges and Information
- The Information dated August 14, 1991, charged Lago and four others with robbery with homicide, detailing that they conspired to break into the house of Benjamin Raymundo armed with a bladed weapon.
- The accusation specified that during the robbery, they stabbed Raymundo, resulting in his death.
Prosecution's Version of Events
- Eyewitness Rosana Capacillo observed a man, later identified as Rainier Lisbog, exiting Raymundo’s house shortly before the crime was discovered.
- Testimonies from Ramon Bernardo and Cozette Aragon provided insight into the events leading up to the crime, including the planning and execution of the robbery.
- The medical examination revealed that Raymundo sustained 21 stab wounds, leading to his death from severe hemorrhage.
Defense's Narration
- Reyderick