G.R. No. 218244, June 13, 2018
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee vs. ARDIN CUESTA CADAMPOG, Accused-Appellant

FACTS

Ardin Cuesta Cadampog was charged with Murder for shooting Florencio Leonor Napoles on October 31, 2008, in Cebu City. The prosecution presented eyewitness Alicia Napoles, the victim’s wife, who testified that while having dinner, she heard gunshots and saw her husband fall. Peering through bamboo slats, she positively identified Ardin, whom she knew for two years, running from the scene while holding a firearm and wearing distinctive clothing. Her testimony was corroborated by Margie Tambagan, who heard the shots and later saw Ardin walking fast away from the area, and by Mark Francis Inguito, who encountered Ardin walking hurriedly near the time of the incident. The defense presented an alibi, claiming Ardin was at home and later helping his uncle butcher a pig during the evening in question.

ISSUE

The core issue is whether the prosecution proved Ardin’s guilt for the crime of Murder beyond reasonable doubt.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The Court upheld the positive identification by eyewitness Alicia Napoles as credible and sufficient to establish guilt. Her familiarity with Ardin, the illumination from a nearby light, and her clear view of his profile and clothing overcame the defense of alibi, which the Court found inherently weak. The Court emphasized that positive identification prevails over alibi, especially when the witness had no ill motive to falsely testify. Furthermore, the qualifying circumstance of treachery (alevosia) was correctly appreciated. The attack was sudden, executed through bamboo slats while the victim was having supper, depriving him of any opportunity to defend himself or retaliate, thereby ensuring the execution without risk to the aggressor. The crime was thus properly classified as Murder. The Court modified the awarded damages, increasing moral and exemplary damages to ₱75,000.00 each, in line with prevailing jurisprudence.