GR 254251; (May, 2022) (Digest)
G.R. No. 254251 . June 22, 2022.
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. DANILO CONDE Y MINA, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.
FACTS
The case stemmed from an Information charging Danilo Conde y Mina (accused-appellant) with Murder for killing Reynaldo Adlawan y Antonio on February 24, 2013, in San Mateo, Rizal. The prosecution presented three eyewitnesses: Jeffrey Atibagos, Rogelio Cabangisan, and Mary Jane Cabangisan. They testified that on the evening of February 24, 2013, they were drinking with accused-appellant and the victim. During their conversation, accused-appellant, without provocation, suddenly stabbed Reynaldo in the chest with a kitchen knife. Rogelio heard the victim say, “Pareng Danny, bakit mo ako sinaksak.” When Rogelio asked accused-appellant why he stabbed the victim, accused-appellant also attempted to stab Rogelio, who parried the attack. The victim was brought to the hospital but died. The defense presented accused-appellant’s denial and alibi, claiming he was invited to buy pulutan, got drunk at an ihawan, fell asleep at a waiting shed, and was later awakened and told he had stabbed Reynaldo.
ISSUE
1. Whether the Court of Appeals erred in affirming the trial court’s decision giving weight to the prosecution witnesses’ statements.
2. Whether the Court of Appeals erred in affirming the trial court’s decision disregarding the accused-appellant’s defense of denial and alibi.
RULING
The appeal is unmeritorious. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction for Murder. The factual findings of the trial court, affirmed by the Court of Appeals, are entitled to great weight and respect. The prosecution proved all elements of Murder beyond reasonable doubt: (a) a person was killed; (b) the accused killed him; (c) the killing was attended by treachery; and (d) the killing is not parricide or infanticide. The Court agreed with the Court of Appeals that the qualifying circumstance of treachery was present, as the attack was sudden and unexpected, depriving the victim of any chance to defend himself. However, evident premeditation was not proven. The defense of denial and alibi cannot prevail over the positive identification by credible eyewitnesses. The awards of civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages were increased to ₱100,000.00 each, and actual damages of ₱30,225.00 were awarded, all with legal interest.