G.R. No. 123456
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. JUAN DELA CRUZ, Accused-Appellant.

Ponente: J. Reyes

FACTS

Accused-appellant Juan Dela Cruz was charged with the crime of Robbery with Homicide under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code. The prosecution alleged that on January 15, 2015, Dela Cruz, armed with a knife, entered the house of the victim, Pedro Santos, with intent to rob. During the robbery, Santos resisted, and Dela Cruz stabbed him multiple times, causing his death. Dela Cruz then took cash and jewelry worth ₱50,000.

During trial, the prosecution presented an eyewitness, Maria Reyes, who testified that she saw Dela Cruz fleeing the scene of the crime with a bloodied knife and a bag. The defense, however, presented an alibi, claiming that Dela Cruz was in a different city attending a family gathering at the time of the incident. The trial court found Dela Cruz guilty beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole, and ordered him to pay civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages to the heirs of the victim.

Dela Cruz appealed, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt and that the trial court erred in giving credence to the testimony of the eyewitness, which he claimed was inconsistent and unreliable.

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ISSUES

1. Whether the prosecution proved the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
2. Whether the trial court erred in convicting the accused based on the testimony of the eyewitness.

RULING

1. On the first issue: The Supreme Court AFFIRMED the conviction. The prosecution successfully proved all the elements of Robbery with Homicide:
– Taking of personal property belonging to another;
– With intent to gain;
– With violence or intimidation against persons;
– Homicide was committed as a consequence or on the occasion of the robbery.

The Court found that the eyewitness testimony, coupled with the physical evidence (the bloodied knife and stolen items recovered from Dela Cruz), established his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The alibi presented by the defense was weak and could not prevail over the positive identification by the eyewitness.

2. On the second issue: The Supreme Court held that the trial court did not err in relying on the eyewitness testimony. The alleged inconsistencies in the testimony were minor and did not affect the core of her account. The Court emphasized that testimonial evidence, when credible and consistent on material points, is sufficient to sustain a conviction.

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DISPOSITIVE PORTION

WHEREFORE, the appeal is DISMISSED. The Decision of the Regional Trial Court finding accused-appellant Juan Dela Cruz GUILTY of Robbery with Homicide and sentencing him to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole is AFFIRMED with MODIFICATION. Accused-appellant is ordered to pay the heirs of Pedro Santos the following:
– Civil indemnity: ₱75,000;
– Moral damages: ₱75,000;
– Exemplary damages: �₱75,000; and
– Interest at 6% per annum on all damages from finality of judgment until fully paid.

SO ORDERED.