Case Summary (A.C. No. 7231)
Factual Background
The facts emerged from witness testimonies that, prior to June 12, 1942, the Provincial Government of Batangas had an inventory of approximately 500 steel wheelbarrows stored in a bodega of the old provincial government building. Many of these wheelbarrows were defective, but the individual wheels remained usable. Upon returning to duty around June 1942, clerk Eustaquio Casenas discovered the disappearance of about 100 wheelbarrow wheels. The defendant, Geronimo Macalindong, allegedly claimed to have purchased ten wheelbarrow wheels during a public auction and solicited assistance from Laureano Ilagan and Eduardo Bombeta to retrieve these wheels from the provincial building. Witnesses testified that Macalindong distributed some of the wheels as compensation to his helpers.
Evidence Presented
The prosecution’s case relied on the testimony of several witnesses, including employees from the district engineer’s office and local law enforcement who confirmed the theft and the suspicious circumstances surrounding Macalindong's actions. The wheels, valued at P10 instead of P135 as initially alleged, were presented as evidence during the trial, supporting the claim that a theft had occurred. Conversely, the defense asserted that Macalindong had legitimately purchased the wheels from Ilagan and Bombeta, challenging the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses.
Credibility of Witnesses
In evaluating witness credibility, the court took into account contradictions between the testimonies of the prosecution's witnesses and an independent witness, Marciano Ebreo, regarding the timing of the wheelbarrow thefts. The defense argued that the discrepancies raised reasonable doubt about the testimony given by Ilagan and Bombeta. The court, however, determined that despite the contradictions, the prosecution’s witnesses were credible and presented a coherent account of the events leading to the theft.
Legal Findings
The verdict from the trial court found Macalindong guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of theft under Article 309 of the Revised Penal Code, specifically noting that no aggravating or mitigating circumstances were present, which influenced the chosen penalty. The lower court sentenced him to a medium degree of arresto mayor, amounting to two months and one day, alongside accessory penalties and indemnification to the Provincial Government of Batangas for the stolen items.
Dissenting Opinion
Justice Perfecto presented a dissenting opinion emphasizing the insufficiency of evidence to convict Macalindong. He noted the implausibil
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Case Overview
- This case involves an appeal by Geronimo Macalindong against a decision rendered by the Court of First Instance of Batangas.
- The trial court found Macalindong guilty of theft, specifically of ten wheelbarrow wheels valued at approximately P10, despite the prosecution alleging a value of P135.
- The penalty imposed was four months and one day of arresto mayor, along with accessory penalties and costs.
Facts of the Case
- Prior to June 12, 1942, the Provincial Government of Batangas owned around 500 steel wheelbarrows, which were stored in a bodega at the old provincial government building.
- Many of these wheelbarrows had defective chassis, but their wheels were still usable.
- Eustaquio Casenas, a clerk in the district engineer's office, discovered the disappearance of about 100 wheels and wheelbarrows upon returning to duty.
- On June 12, 1942, Macalindong requested assistance from Laureano Ilagan and Eduardo Bombeta to remove ten wheelbarrow wheels from the provincial building, claiming to have purchased them at a public auction.
- The wheels were taken to Sebio's Hotel, where Macalindong compensated Ilagan and Bombeta with two wheels each, keeping six for himself.
- The removal of the wheels involved entering the provincial building through a hole in the rear wall.
- Testimonies indicated that one of the wheels was found in Macalindong's possession.
Prosecution's Evidence
- Witnesses for the prosecution included Ilagan, Bombeta, Casenas, and police officials.
- Testimony established that the wheels had a market