G.R. No. 310 : July 30, 1902
THE UNITED STATES, complainant-appellee, vs. JACINTO ASIAO, ET AL., defendants-appellants.

FACTS:
Late on the night of December 28 or early morning of December 29, 1897, a wooden trunk containing clothing, jewelry, and money was stolen from the house of Dolores del Rosario in Milaor, Camarines Sur. The thief/thieves entered by reaching through the nipa wall to open the street door’s bolt. Dolores woke up, discovered the trunk missing, and from her window saw two men running away with it. She claimed to recognize one as Jacinto Asiao and, because he lived with Atanasio Copendit, concluded both were the thieves. The trunk was later found damaged and emptied of money, though the clothing and jewelry were recovered. The accused were convicted of robbery in the lower court.

ISSUE:
Whether the evidence presented by the prosecution is sufficient to prove the guilt of Jacinto Asiao and Atanasio Copendit beyond reasonable doubt.

RULING:
No. The Supreme Court reversed the judgment of conviction and acquitted the defendants. The Court held that the evidence was insufficient to establish guilt. The sole identification by the complaining witness (Dolores del Rosario) of Jacinto Asiao on a dark night was deemed inadequate and unsupported. Furthermore, the testimony of a servant who identified Atanasio Copendit was contradictory, as the same witness admitted he could not recognize the individuals on the night of the incident due to darkness. Applying the presumption of innocence and the principle that any reasonable doubt must operate in favor of the accused, the Court found the prosecution’s evidence lacking. The defendants were acquitted, with costs de oficio. The order regarding insolvency was approved, and the lower court was directed to proceed in accordance with the law concerning the attached property of Copendit.