Case Summary (G.R. No. 170096-97)
Facts of the Case
Lorenzo Reodica, serving as the municipal treasurer of Bacuit in the Province of Palawan, was charged with the falsification of a public document related to the municipal payroll for July 1931. The charge stemmed from accusations that Reodica falsely certified that Cordero rendered services as municipal secretary during the period from July 23 to July 31, 1931, despite Cordero's absence from Bacuit for that timeframe.
Evidence and Procedural Background
The information presented against Reodica included a prepared payroll submitted by the municipal president, which detailed Cordero's supposed services. The payroll was accompanied by a letter from the municipal president authorizing the payment of Cordero's salary for the latter half of July. Furthermore, Cordero was clearly documented as having been granted leave from July 23 to July 31, which directly impacted the allegations against Reodica.
Legal Findings
The court noted that the municipal president, not Reodica, had certified that the services listed in the payroll were rendered. Reodica received the payroll already signed and approved for payment, thus bearing no direct responsibility in the alleged falsification. Although Reodica was accused of certifying the payroll incorrectly, the court found that he had not made any false claims, particularly concerning the actual payment which occurred on July 23, 1931, rather than July 31 as noted.
Ruling
The court concluded that Reodica should not be found guilty of the crime of falsification. The reasoning was based on the understanding that since Cordero had been granted leave during the period in question, the implication was that the salary he received was valid, regardless of payment timing. The alterations made in the payroll document did not impact the truthfulness or legal effects of the document in terms of Cordero’s compensation. In light of this assessment, the prior judgment was reversed, leading to Reodica's a
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 170096-97)
Case Overview
- The case involves Lorenzo Reodica, who was convicted by the Court of First Instance of Palawan for the falsification of a public document.
- The conviction resulted in an indeterminate penalty ranging from two years of prision correctional to eight years and one day of prision mayor.
- The issue at hand concerns the alleged falsification of a municipal payroll.
Factual Background
- In July 1931, Lorenzo Reodica served as the municipal treasurer of Bacuit, Province of Palawan.
- The information against him claimed that he falsified the municipal payroll by indicating that Sinforoso Cordero performed services as municipal secretary from July 23 to July 31, which was untrue since Cordero was absent during that time.
- Evidence presented included a prepared payroll and a letter from the municipal president authorizing the payment of Cordero's salary for the second half of July, alongside documents granting Cordero an eight-day leave.