Case Summary (G.R. No. L-6585)
Trial Court Findings
The Court of First Instance of Leyte found Libria guilty of murder, citing treachery as an aggravating circumstance. As a consequence, he was sentenced to reclusion perpetua and ordered to indemnify Idloy’s heirs in the amount of P4,000. The court established that the guilt of Libria was proven beyond a reasonable doubt through sufficient evidence provided during trial.
Sequence of Events
The incident began with a confrontation during the fiesta where Idloy, believing that Campo was responsible for collecting money, demanded cash from him. When Campo denied this, Idloy resorted to violence. This pattern of aggressive behavior continued when Idloy physically confronted Libria during a dance. Two weeks later, Libria sought revenge against Idloy, confronting him with a carbine and ultimately shooting him multiple times, leading to Idloy’s death.
Evidence and Testimony
The case included testimonies from Campo and his wife, who supported the prosecution's narrative. Campo witnessed the shooting, and his initial involvement in the case raised questions about the credibility of his testimony. However, the trial court found that the evidence established Libria’s presence at the scene and his direct involvement in the murder, effectively undermining his claims of an alibi.
Defense and Alibi
Libria attempted to deny his involvement by asserting an alibi, claiming he was busy making copra and later attending a drinking party. The trial court rejected this defense, finding that his alibi was not credible considering the established facts of his actions and presence at the murder scene.
Determination of Penalty
The trial court's sentence of reclusion perpetua was questioned by the Solicitor General, who argued for the maximum penalty of death. However, the court found that while evident premeditation and treachery were present, the killing occurred several days after the provocation, which reduced the i
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-6585)
Case Citation
- 95 Phil. 398
- G.R. No. L-6585
- Date: July 16, 1954
Parties Involved
- Plaintiff and Appellee: The People of the Philippines
- Defendant and Appellant: Pedro Libria
Background of the Case
- Pedro Libria was convicted of murder by the Court of First Instance of Leyte.
- The trial court found Libria guilty with the aggravating circumstance of treachery.
- Sentencing included reclusion perpetua, indemnity to the heirs of the victim Jaime Idloy amounting to P4,000, and costs.
Facts of the Case
- The incident occurred during the barrio fiesta in Buri, Leyte, involving a game of monte.
- Jaime Idloy confronted Esteban Campo over alleged misconduct regarding money collections and subsequently fought him.
- Idloy later assaulted Libria during the dance, showcasing a pattern of aggressive behavior.
- Approximately two weeks later, on June 12, 1950, Libria, armed with a carbine, sought revenge against Idloy.
- Campo, initially accused as a co-defendant, was discharged to testify against Libria.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Crime
- Libria visited Campo's house to invite him to confront Idloy.
- Campo accompanied Libria, motivated by fear but potentially harboring a desire for revenge.
- They located Idloy at Paulino Verzosa's house, where Libria fired upon Idloy as he descended