GR 130611; (April, 2000) (Digest)
G.R. No. 130611 ; April 6, 2000
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff, vs. REMEGIO SUZA, FLORENCIO SUZA, DANILO SUZA, accused, DANILO SUZA, accused-appellant.
FACTS
On March 19, 1991, in Dueñas, Iloilo, Teresita Dañucop was robbed and killed. An information charged Danilo Suza and his two brothers, Remegio and Florencio (both at large), with Robbery with Homicide. The prosecution alleged that the accused, conspiring and helping one another, took cash and jewelry from the victim. On the occasion of the robbery, they hogtied her, gagged her, and stabbed her, causing her death. The prosecution’s eyewitness, Patricio Panerio, testified that while passing near a sugarcane plantation, he heard noises, investigated, and saw the three accused with the victim. He witnessed Danilo Suza stab the victim twice in the chest and Florencio Suza slash her throat. The defense presented alibi, claiming Danilo was at a dance hall.
ISSUE
The core issue is whether the prosecution proved the guilt of accused-appellant Danilo Suza for the crime of Robbery with Homicide beyond reasonable doubt.
RULING
The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The Court found the testimony of eyewitness Patricio Panerio credible, positive, and categorical. He had no ill motive to falsely testify and provided a detailed account of the crime, which the trial court found natural and convincing. His proximity to the event (about five arms length) and the illumination from a nearby dance hall allowed for a clear view, making his identification of Danilo Suza as a direct participant reliable. The defense of alibi was rightly rejected as it was not physically impossible for Danilo to have been at the crime scene. The Court upheld the finding of conspiracy, as the coordinated actions of the three brothers in restraining, stabbing, and killing the victim demonstrated a common criminal purpose. The taking of the victim’s personal properties, established through her brother’s testimony regarding her occupation and the missing items, completed the elements of Robbery with Homicide. The penalty of reclusion perpetua and the awarded damages were affirmed.