Case Summary (G.R. No. L-4497)
Case Background
Originally charged with treason in two counts before the People's Court, the case was transferred to the Court of First Instance of Ilocos Norte following the dissolution of the former. Subsequent amendments to the information led to the defendant being charged with a total of eleven counts. The defense raised an objection regarding the additional counts due to the lack of preliminary investigation, which was overruled.
Verdict and Sentencing
Peralta was ultimately found guilty on counts 6 and 7, resulting in a sentence of reclusion perpetua, a fine of P10,000, and the payment of costs. The appellant contested the judgment, focusing specifically on the credibility of the witnesses and the procedures leading to the additional counts.
Testimony and Evidence
The offenses outlined in counts 6 and 7 detailed the unlawful arrests of Lino Ratuita and Segundo Rubio, along with the alleged maltreatment inflicted by Peralta and his accomplices. The prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimonies of the victims, which included corroborative accounts from other witnesses such as Urbano Guerrero and Monico Caldito. Ratuita testified that he was assaulted by Peralta and subsequently released after paying him P200.
Defense Arguments
The defense attempted to discredit the testimonies by highlighting minor inconsistencies, such as the inability of Ratuita to recall the names of all policemen involved during his arrest. They also questioned Pedro Balatico's recollection of events. However, the court noted that memory lapses could occur given the passage of time since the events.
Credibility of Witnesses
The court underscored the credibility of the prosecution witnesses, noting their familiarity with Peralta and their consistent testimonies regarding the events. The lower court emphasized that the defense's negative testimony held no weight compared to the positive and direct evidence presented by the prosecution.
Legal Procedures and Preliminary Investigation
Despite the defense's claim regar
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-4497)
Case Background
- The case originated with the accusation of treason against Isidro Peralta, initially charged with two counts before the People's Court.
- Following the abolition of the People's Court, the case was transferred to the Court of First Instance of Ilocos Norte, where the alleged crimes occurred.
- The information against Peralta was amended twice, resulting in a total of eleven counts of treason being filed.
- The defense objected to the additional counts due to the lack of a preliminary investigation, but the objection was overruled by the court.
Trial Proceedings
- After a trial, Isidro Peralta was convicted of counts 3, 4, 6, 7, and 10, leading to a sentence of reclusion perpetua, a fine of P10,000, and the payment of costs.
- The appeal focused primarily on counts 6 and 7, which revolved around the arrests and treatment of Lino Ratuita, Segundo Rubio, and Pedro Balatico.
Key Incidents Described in Counts 6 and 7
- Count 6 details an incident on the morning of August 25, 1942, where Lino Ratuita and Segundo Rubio were bathing in a river when they were arrested by Peralta and five policemen.
- Ratuita was struck unconscious by Peralta with the butt of a rifle, and Rubio suffered the same fate. Both were then taken to the presidencia.
- Rat