Case Summary (G.R. No. 28593)
Facts of the Case
Fermin Marasigan faced charges of homicide for the fatal assault on Pedro de Chavez on March 24, 1927. The information stated that Marasigan, armed with an edged weapon and a piece of wood, inflicted several wounds on de Chavez that resulted in his death. The trial court convicted Marasigan of homicide, sentencing him to fourteen years, eight months, and one day of reclusion temporal, in addition to ordering him to indemnify the deceased's widow and pay court costs.
Grounds for Appeal
Marasigan contended that the trial court erred in its findings, primarily arguing that the prosecution failed to call several eyewitnesses to support its case. He further claimed that the evidence indicated that the deceased had initiated the aggression, rendering Marasigan's actions as self-defense. The appellant highlighted several factors, including a lack of motive and de Chavez's aggressive drunkenness, to challenge the trial court's findings.
Examination of Eyewitness Testimony
The court addressed the sufficiency of evidence based on eyewitness accounts. It pointed out that the prosecution had presented testimony from three eyewitnesses, which was deemed adequate to establish the occurrence of the act. The defense's assertion that the failure to call additional witnesses created a presumption of unfavorable testimony was dismissed, consistent with precedent that the prosecution is not obliged to call every eyewitness if sufficient evidence has already been presented.
Analysis of Self-Defense Claim
Marasigan’s claim of self-defense was critically examined in light of the trial court's established facts. The court noted that the events leading to the altercation began at a feast, where Marasigan refused a drink offered by de Chavez, leading to a confrontation. After a physical altercation commenced, Marasigan used a penknife to stab de Chav
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Case Overview
- The case concerns the appellant, Fermin Marasigan, who was charged with homicide following an incident on March 24, 1927, in Mangalang, Sariaya, Tayabas.
- The charge arose from the fatal assault on Pedro de Chavez, who sustained multiple wounds leading to his immediate death.
Charge and Trial Court Findings
- The information filed against the appellant detailed the nature of the assault, specifying:
- A piercing wound to the chest affecting the lung.
- A significant abdominal wound causing visceral protrusion.
- A serious wound to the neck.
- A surface wound on the forearm.
- A bruise on the left cheek bone.
- The trial court found Marasigan guilty of homicide, sentencing him to fourteen years, eight months, and one day of reclusion temporal, along with a P1,000 indemnity to the widow of the deceased and costs of the action.
Appellant's Allegations of Error
- The appellant claimed the trial court erred in its findings based on several points:
- Witness Testimony: The prosecution relied on testimonies from two relatives of the deceased, omitting certain disinterested eyewitnesses, raising concerns about the completeness of evidence.
- Assessment of Aggression: The defense argued that the court incorrectly determined that the deceased was the aggressor, overlooking factors such as:
- Lack of motive for Marasigan to harm the decease