G.R. No. L-78692 December 8, 1988
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. ANTONIO LAGAHAN Y RUBASTO, accused-appellant.

FACTS

The case stemmed from the killing of 84-year-old Lim Sy and the robbery of P7,000.00 from her residence in Quezon City in the early morning of May 2, 1985. The accused-appellant, Antonio Lagahan, was an employee at the Pag-asa Bakery managed by the victim’s grandson, Ramon Tan. On May 1, Lagahan obtained permission for a vacation and a cash advance before leaving the premises that evening. The victim was later found with fatal stab wounds, and the cash from a forcibly opened drawer was missing.
Prosecution evidence placed Lagahan near the crime scene at a restaurant hours after the incident, showing uneasy behavior. His live-in partner, Julita Mahilum, executed a statement that Lagahan confessed the crime to her, which he initially confirmed. Lagahan also executed a detailed written confession and participated in a crime re-enactment. During trial, he initially changed his plea to guilty but later recanted, claiming his admissions were due to suffering in jail and that he was forced to sign statements. He presented an alibi, stating he was in Marikina at the time.

ISSUE

Whether the guilt of the accused-appellant for the crime of Robbery with Homicide has been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

RULING

Yes, the Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The Court found the totality of evidence sufficient to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Lagahan’s extrajudicial confession, given voluntarily and with assistance, was corroborated by independent evidence, including the partner’s testimony and the crime re-enactment, making it admissible and credible. His alibi was inherently weak and could not prevail over the positive evidence placing him at the scene; accessibility between Marikina and Quezon City made his presence plausible.
The Court ruled that the homicide was committed by reason or on the occasion of the robbery, constituting the single, indivisible crime of Robbery with Homicide under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code. Lagahan’s claim that he killed due to maltreatment by the elderly victim was deemed incredible. His sudden departure after the incident constituted flight, indicative of guilt. The positive identification and the partner’s testimony, which carried weight due to their relationship, convincingly established that he took the money. Thus, all elements of the crime were proven, and his denial could not overcome the consistent and corroborated evidence of the prosecution.