G.R. No. L-6968, August 27, 1912
THE UNITED STATES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. BASILIO CASTRO, ET AL., defendants-appellants.

FACTS

Basilio Castro and Ramon Matic were charged with robbery committed on the night of March 12-13, 1911, on board the launch Bolinao, anchored in Manila Bay. The robbers broke open a locked trunk belonging to Policarpio Caudal and stole various items valued at P132.60. The trial court acquitted Ramon Matic but convicted Basilio Castro. The prosecution presented evidence that part of the stolen property was found in the possession of Castro’s sister and wife, and a witness testified to seeing Castro wearing one of the stolen items (a stickpin). A police officer, Fausto Duque, testified that Castro voluntarily confessed to committing the robbery with Matic and Arsenio Salvacion (who had already been convicted). Castro denied the confession and any involvement in the crime. The trial court, believing the prosecution’s evidence, convicted Castro and imposed a penalty considering the aggravating circumstances of nocturnity and his prior convictions for theft.

ISSUE

Whether the evidence presented by the prosecution is sufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the guilt of Basilio Castro for the crime of robbery.

RULING

Yes. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The Court found the testimony of prosecution witnesses credible and sufficient to establish Castro’s guilt. The evidence included: (1) the recovery of stolen items from the houses of Castro’s sister and wife; (2) the testimony of Maximo Guillermo, who saw Castro wearing one of the stolen pieces of jewelry; and (3) the voluntary confession made by Castro to police officer Fausto Duque. The Court rejected the defense’s claim that Duque’s testimony was inadmissible or conflicted with another officer’s testimony, finding no irreconcilable contradiction. The combination of Castro’s possession of stolen goods and his voluntary confession provided proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The penalty imposed by the trial court was upheld.