Case Summary (G.R. No. 124452)
Charges and Arraignment
On March 21, 1995, an information was filed against Pablito Tambis for murder, describing the violent act that led to the death of Leonardo Tagsa. The charge included allegations of premeditation, treachery, and abuse of superior strength. Upon arraignment on October 10, 1995, Tambis pleaded guilty, prompting the trial court to ensure that he fully understood the implications of his plea.
Evidence and Testimonies
Evidence presented included testimonies from witnesses who observed the altercation and Tambis' actions following the murder. Prosecution witness Agapito Dano observed Tambis with two bolos and later saw him publicly displaying the victim's severed head. Another witness, Edgar Regis, corroborated Dano's account, detailing the violent behavior Tambis exhibited while puncturing a motorcycle's tires to prevent someone from reporting the crime.
Accused's Defense
In his defense, Tambis acknowledged knowing the victim and admitted to the killing, though he cited intoxication as a reason for his actions. He claimed to have been unaware of his actions during the commission of the crime, although he later confessed to decapitating the victim. His defense was ultimately unpersuasive against the circumstantial evidence provided by the prosecution.
Trial Court's Decision
On January 23, 1996, the trial court found Pablito Tambis guilty of murder and imposed the death penalty, citing the heinous nature of the crime. The judge expressed concern over the accused's potential threat to society, grounding the decision in the applicability of Republic Act No. 7659, which categorizes certain crimes as heinous.
Automatic Review and Legal Arguments
The conviction was subject to automatic review due to the death sentence. Tambis did not contest his guilt but argued that the trial court failed to adequately address mitigating and aggravating circumstances leading to the death penalty. His primary defense was his claim of intoxication and his assertion that the crime's nature did not warrant such a harsh penalty.
Mitigating and Aggravating Circumstances
The reviewing court determined that two mitigating circumstances, voluntary surrender and a plea of guilty, warranted a reduction in the penalty. Conversely, the aggravating circumstance of abuse of s
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 124452)
Overview of the Case
- The case involves the conviction of Pablito Tambis y Baliong for the murder of Leonardo Tagsa y Bibat, resulting in a death sentence by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 51, Carmen, Bohol.
- The trial court sentenced the accused to death and ordered him to pay P50,000.00 as indemnity and P28,000.00 for actual damages to the victim's heirs.
- The case was automatically reviewed by the Supreme Court.
Facts of the Case
- The murder took place on December 25, 1994, in barangay Hagbuaya, municipality of Catigbian, Bohol.
- Pablito Tambis was armed with three long sharp-pointed bolos and attacked the physically handicapped victim, Leonardo Tagsa.
- The attack was characterized by treachery, abuse of superior strength, and cruelty, leading to Tagsa's instant death.
- Witnesses testified to seeing Tambis carrying the severed head of Tagsa and publicly displaying it, which compounded the horror of the crime.
Proceedings and Testimonies
- Pablito Tambis pleaded guilty to the murder charge on October 10, 1995.
- The trial court conducted a thorough inquiry regarding the voluntariness and comprehension of his guilty plea.
- Prosecution witnesses included Agapito Dano and Edgar Regis, who provided critical evidence linking Tamb