GR No. 123456, January 30, 2024
People of the Philippines v. Juan Dela Cruz

FACTS

The accused, Juan Dela Cruz, was charged with the crime of Murder for the fatal stabbing of Pedro Santos. The prosecution presented an eyewitness who positively identified Dela Cruz as the perpetrator. The defense, however, presented an alibi, claiming Dela Cruz was in a different city at the time of the incident. The Regional Trial Court convicted Dela Cruz of Murder, finding the eyewitness testimony credible and the alibi weak. The Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction. Dela Cruz now appeals to the Supreme Court, arguing that the lower courts erred in giving credence to the lone eyewitness and in not appreciating his defense of alibi.

ISSUE

Whether or not the conviction of Juan Dela Cruz for Murder is supported by proof of guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

RULING

NO. The Supreme Court reversed the conviction and acquitted Juan Dela Cruz.

The Court held that for a conviction to stand, the prosecution must prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. In this case, the identification by the lone eyewitness was fraught with serious doubts. The witness admitted to having only a fleeting glance at the assailant during a poorly lit nighttime incident. Furthermore, the witness failed to identify Dela Cruz in a police line-up conducted shortly after the event. The defense of alibi, while generally weak, gained strength in light of the prosecution’s failure to establish with moral certainty the presence of the accused at the crime scene. The corroborating documents presented by the defense, showing Dela Cruz’s presence in another city, remained uncontroverted. Where the prosecution’s evidence does not overcome the presumption of innocence, an acquittal is mandatory. The Court emphasized that it is better to acquit a guilty man than to convict an innocent one. The decision of the Court of Appeals was reversed and set aside. Juan Dela Cruz is ACQUITTED on the ground of reasonable doubt and ordered immediately released from custody unless held for another lawful cause.