GR 184182; (October, 2008) (Digest)
G.R. No. 184182, October 17, 2008
People of the Philippines, appellee, vs. Alfredo M. Papa, appellant.
FACTS
On January 5, 2004, appellant Alfredo M. Papa was charged with Murder before the RTC of Quezon City. The Information alleged that on January 1, 2004, with intent to kill, qualified by evident premeditation and treachery, he attacked, assaulted, and stabbed Vilma Alpuerto y De Jesus, causing her death. Appellant pleaded not guilty. The prosecution’s principal witnesses were the victim’s daughters, Jenelyn and Jobelle Alpuerto. Jobelle testified that she was sleeping beside the victim when an inebriated appellant arrived, kicked and boxed the sleeping victim, and then stabbed her repeatedly before leaving. The prosecution presented the victim’s death certificate and funeral expense receipts. Appellant admitted stabbing the victim but claimed he acted in defense of a relative, alleging the victim threatened to kill their common child during an argument. The RTC found appellant’s version not credible, gave credence to the prosecution’s eyewitness accounts, and appreciated treachery as a qualifying circumstance, but disregarded evident premeditation for lack of proof. The RTC convicted appellant of Murder and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua, ordering him to pay civil indemnity, actual, and moral damages. The CA modified the damages, awarding temperate damages in lieu of actual damages.
ISSUE
Whether the Court of Appeals correctly affirmed the conviction of appellant Alfredo M. Papa for the crime of Murder.
RULING
Yes. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, finding no reason to disturb the findings of the RTC as affirmed by the CA. The eyewitness accounts of the victim’s daughters were found more plausible than appellant’s incredible version. Appellant was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of Murder. The Court modified the damages awarded to conform with recent jurisprudence. The CA decision was affirmed with modification: appellant is sentenced to reclusion perpetua and ordered to pay the heirs of Vilma Alpuerto y de Jesus ₱75,000 as civil indemnity ex delicto, ₱50,000 as moral damages, and ₱25,000 as temperate damages.