GR L 1733; (April, 1950) (Digest)
G.R. No. L-1733; April 29, 1950
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. GABINO R. TUASON, defendant-appellant.
FACTS
Appellant Gabino R. Tuason, a Filipino citizen, was convicted of treason by the People’s Court based on several counts. Under counts 1 and 2, it was proven that on April 22, 1944, appellant, along with Japanese soldiers and Filipino collaborators, arrested and tied several individuals (Sotero Historia, the Fereyras, and Julian Javier) in Ugong Norte, Pasig, Rizal. They also arrested and tortured spouses Sixto Santos and Macaria Mendiola in barrio Rosario to extract information about guerrilla members, taking property and causing injuries. Under count 4, in December 1944, appellant arrested, tortured, and shot Celestino Reyes, a suspected guerrilla, who managed to escape. Under count 6, in February 1945, appellant participated in the arrest and torture of Sebastian Raymundo, who later died from the maltreatment. The prosecution presented multiple witnesses for each count.
ISSUE
Whether the evidence presented by the prosecution is sufficient to convict appellant Gabino R. Tuason of the crime of treason.
RULING
Yes, the conviction is affirmed. The Supreme Court held that the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses complied with the two-witness rule in treason cases, as each overt act was testified to by at least two witnesses. The Court found the witnesses credible and their testimonies consistent on material points, notwithstanding minor discrepancies in details, which were attributed to differences in observation or memory. The defense of denial and alibi offered by appellant and his witnesses could not prevail over the positive and credible testimonies of the prosecution witnesses who had no ill motive to testify falsely. The fact that other individuals (Eleno del Rosario and Guillermo Figueroa) were convicted of homicide for the death of Sebastian Raymundo does not exonerate appellant, as evidence showed they acted in concert. The trial court’s findings were upheld, and the sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of P10,000, and costs was affirmed.
AI Generated by Armztrong.