Case Summary (G.R. No. 6801)
Factual Antecedents
On July 21, 2006, an Information was filed in court charging Zulieta with Murder, alleging that he stabbed Labando in the chest using a Batangas knife, resulting in Labando's immediate death. Zulieta pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on November 3, 2006. The absence of a pre-trial stipulation led to a full trial on the merits.
Summary of Facts
The prosecution's case began with the testimony of SPO1 Apolinario Ubilas, who investigated the stabbing incident. He reported that Labando was declared dead on arrival at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center. The prosecution's key witness was Bryan Pascua, who testified that he witnessed Zulieta stab Labando after an unprovoked approach. Medical evidence from Dr. Francisco Romulo C. Villaflor confirmed a fatal stab wound to Labando's heart. The defense, led by Zulieta and his wife, claimed he was asleep at home during the incident, asserting alibi as their primary defense.
Ruling of the Regional Trial Court
On October 24, 2007, the RTC found Zulieta guilty of Murder with treachery as an aggravating circumstance and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua. They ordered Zulieta to pay the heirs of Labando civil and moral damages amounting to Php100,000 and costs of suit.
Ruling of the Court of Appeals
On August 13, 2009, the CA affirmed the RTC's decision with modifications. It increased the awarded damages to include Php25,000 as exemplary damages, alongside the civil and moral damages previously decreed.
Assignment of Error
Zulieta appealed, asserting that the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and argued that even if he had been present at the crime scene, treachery was not established due to a lack of prior warning or provocation.
Our Ruling
The appeal was dismissed as it lacked merit. The Court found Zulieta's alibi to be weak and uncorroborated, while witness Pascua's identification of Zulieta was deemed credible and reliable. Furthermore, the Court affirmed the finding of treachery, highlighting that the attack was sudden and unprovoked, leaving Labando with no opportunity to defend himself.
Credibility and Review of Evidence
The Court acknowledged that factual findings and credibility assessments by the trial court should be afforded respect unless shown to be erroneous. It determined that the trial court thoroughly reviewed the evidence and maintained that Zulieta was responsible for Labando's death.
Penalty and Damages
Under Article 248 of the Revised P
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Case Background
- This case revolves around the appeal of Andy Zulieta, also known as aBogarts, who was convicted of murder by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Cagayan de Oro City.
- The RTC's judgment was delivered on October 24, 2007, while the Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the decision with modifications on August 13, 2009.
- The conviction was based on the events that transpired on June 13, 2006, when Zulieta allegedly stabbed Armand Labando, Jr. using a Batangas knife.
Factual Antecedents
- An Information was filed on July 21, 2006, charging Zulieta with murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.
- The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 PM in Sto. NiAo, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, resulting in Labando's immediate death due to stab wounds.
- Zulieta pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on November 3, 2006, and the case proceeded to trial without any stipulation of facts during the pre-trial.
Summary of Evidence
Prosecution Witnesses:
- SPO1 Apolinario Ubilas: Investigated the stabbing incident and confirmed that Labando was dead on arrival at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center.
- Bryan Pascua: Eyewitness who testified that Zulieta stabbed Labando after a sudden confrontation. He described the situation leading to the stabbing and positively identified Zulieta as the assailant.
- Dr. Francisco Romulo C. Villaflor: Conducted an autopsy and confirmed that the stab wound was fatal, penetrating the right