G.R. No. L-2000; January 31, 1950
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. FRANCISCO DEDUYO, defendant-appellant.

FACTS

The appellant, Francisco Deduyo, was convicted of treason by the People’s Court and sentenced to life imprisonment, a fine, and costs. The conviction was based on three counts from an amended information. The evidence showed that during the Japanese occupation, as a member of the military police in Sariaya, Tayabas (now Quezon), he participated in the arrest, investigation, and torture of suspected guerrillas (Count 1); arrested and helped maltreat several individuals while confiscating property (Count 5); and arrested, delivered to Japanese soldiers, and robbed a person who subsequently disappeared (Count 14). The defense consisted of denials.

ISSUE

Whether the conviction of the appellant for the crime of treason is proper.

RULING

Yes, the conviction is proper. The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the People’s Court. The testimony of prosecution witnesses was credible and without motive to falsely incriminate the appellant. The defense of denial was unavailing. The Court rejected the plea for a mitigating circumstance based on alleged lack of culture and ignorance of the gravity of his acts, finding it inconsistent with his denials and the deliberate manner of his treasonable acts. The appealed decision was in accordance with the facts and the law.

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