Source: https://www.scribd.com/document/296757555/1a-Sison-v-PP
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 08:06:06+00:00

Document:
PHILIPPINES and COURT OF APPEALS, respondents.
RICHARD DE LOS SANTOS, and JOSELITO TAMAYO , accusedappellants.
production and testiﬁed as to the circumstances under which they were produced.
NOT ESTABLISHED IN CASE AT BAR. — For death caused in a tumultuous aﬀray to apply. But his attackers continued to pursue him relentlessly. ELEMENTS. Sumilang tried to save him from his assailants but they continued beating him. — As the lower courts found. They took advantage of their superior strength and excessive force and frustrated any attempt by Salcedo to escape and free himself. The deliberate . Each of the conspirators is liable for all acts of the others regardless of the intent and character of their participation. Photographs. There was no confusion and tumultuous quarrel or aﬀray. a concerted eﬀort to bring about the death of Salcedo. Confusion may have occurred because of the police dispersal of the rallyists. in the course of which some person is killed or wounded and the author thereof cannot be ascertained. At the time they were committing the crime. because the act of one is the act of all. ID. can be identiﬁed by the photographer or by any other competent witness who can testify to its exactness and accuracy. Salcedo pleaded for mercy but they ignored his pleas until he ﬁnally lost consciousness. but this confusion subsided eventually after the loyalists ﬂed to Maria Orosa Street. therefore. either by the testimony of the person who made it or by other competent witnesses. if it can be called a quarrel. hitting Sumilang in the process. and (6) that the person or persons who inﬂicted serious physical injuries or who used violence can be identiﬁed. PROPERLY APPRECIATED IN CASE AT BAR. nor was there a reciprocal aggression at this stage of the incident. ID... EXISTENCE INFERRED FROM ACTS INDICATING CONCERTED ACTION OR COMMUNITY OF PURPOSE. 3. DEATH CAUSED IN A TUMULTUOUS AFFRAY. Where a conspiracy existed and is proved. (5) it cannot be ascertained who actually killed the deceased. their actions impliedly showed a unity of purpose among them. prop himself against the pavement and wipe off the blood from his face. (3) these several persons quarrelled and assaulted one another in a confused and tumultuous manner. — We ﬁnd however the existence of a conspiracy among appellants. 4. The quarrel in the instant case. it must be established that: (1) there be several persons. was between one distinct group and one individual. QUALIFYING CIRCUMSTANCES. ABUSE OF SUPERIOR STRENGTH. the victim's assailants were numerous by as much as ﬁfty in number and were armed with stones with which they hit the victim.facie. CONSPIRACY.. There was a time when Salcedo was able to get up. taking turns in inﬂicting punches. A tumultuous aﬀray takes place when a quarrel occurs between several persons and they engage in a confused and tumultuous aﬀray. 5. CRIMINAL LAW. ID. It was only a while later after said dispersal that one distinct group identiﬁed as loyalists picked on one defenseless individual and attacked him repeatedly. kicks and blows on him. Salcedo could not defend himself nor could he ﬁnd means to defend himself. (4) someone was killed in the course of the aﬀray. after which the court can admit it subject to impeachment as to its accuracy. a showing as to who among the conspirators inﬂicted the fatal wound is not required to sustain a conviction. They followed Salcedo from the Chinese Garden to the Rizal Monument several meters away and hit him mercilessly even when he was already fallen on the ground. (2) that they did not compose groups organized for the common purpose of assaulting and attacking each other reciprocally.
the attack on Salcedo was sudden and unexpected but it was apparently because of the fact that he was wearing a yellow t-shirt or because he allegedly ﬂashed the "Laban" sign against the rallyists. Criminal Case No." It was not preceded by cool thought and reflection. Marcos." supporters of deposed President Ferdinand E. and Criminal Case No.. 86-49007 and 86-49008 against Oliver Lozano and Benjamin Nuega as well as Annie Ferrer . Criminal Case No. several informations were ﬁled in court against eleven persons identiﬁed as Marcos loyalists charging them with the murder of Salcedo. CANNOT BE APPRECIATED ABSENT PROOF THAT THE ATTACK ON THE VICTIM WAS DELIBERATE AND CONSCIOUSLY CHOSEN TO INSURE ASSAILANTS' SAFETY FROM ANY DEFENSE THE VICTIM COULD HAVE MADE. Evident premeditation cannot be appreciated in this case because the attack against Salcedo was sudden and spontaneous." From August to October 1986.and prolonged use of superior strength on a defenseless victim qualiﬁes the killing to murder.. Aquino was being openly challenged in rallies. was overtaken by them. 86-48538 against Joselito Tamayo y Ortia. Nilo Pacadar y Abe and Joel Tan y Mostero. demonstrations and other public fora by "Marcos loyalists. Salcedo had the opportunity to sense the temper of the rallyists and run away from them but he. — The qualifying circumstance of evident premeditation was alleged in the information against Joselito Tamayo. CANNOT BE APPRECIATED WHERE ATTACK ON VICTIM WAS SUDDEN AND SPONTANEOUS AND NOT PRECEDED BY COOL THOUGHT AND REFLECTION. taunting them into mauling him. 86-47617 against Romeo Sison y Mejia. On July 27. a known "Coryista. 86-48931 against Rolando Fernandez y Mandapat. True. ID. There is no proof that the attack on Salcedo was deliberately and consciously chosen to ensure the assailants' safety from any defense the victim could have made. is the sudden and unexpected attack without the slightest provocation on the part of the person being attacked. This was the time when the newlyinstalled government of President Corazon C. J : p The case before us occurred at a time of great political polarization in the aftermath of the 1986 EDSA Revolution. 8647790 against Richard de los Santos y Arambulo. EVIDENT PREMEDITATION. — Treachery as a qualifying circumstance cannot be appreciated in the instant case. ID. Tension and animosity between the two (2) groups sometimes broke into violence. TREACHERY. cdlex DECISION PUNO. Criminal Case No. spurred by the raging animosity against the so-called "Coryistas. 1986.. unfortunately. ID. The essence of treachery. 86-47322 was ﬁled against Raul Billosos y de Leon and Gerry Nery y Babazon. 7. Criminal Case No.. ID. As the appellate court well found. it resulted in the murder of Stephen Salcedo. Also ﬁled were Criminal Cases Nos. 6.
the crowd ﬂed towards Maria Orosa Street and the situation later stabilized. No permit could be produced. Annie Ferrer was arrested by the police. recited prayers and delivered speeches in between. a cigarette vendor. Banculo saw Ranulfo Sumilang. Despite this setback. arrived and asked the leaders for their permit. Ranulfo Sumilang and Renato Banculo.. a rally was scheduled to be held at the Luneta by the Marcos loyalists. then Deputy Superintendent of the Western Police District. The loyalist leaders asked for thirty minutes but this was refused. an electrician at the Luneta. saw the loyalists attacking persons in yellow. 1986. they saw Annie Ferrer. habulin iyan. The prosecution established that on July 27. But the maulers . Bugbugin ang mga nakadilaw! " The loyalists replied "Bugbugin!" A few minutes later. Atty. and the police oﬃcers who were at the Luneta at the time of the incident. including two eyewitnesses." Renato took oﬀ his yellow shirt. There. Marcos pa rin. jogging around the fountain. Pabalikin si Marcos. 1 At about 4:00 P. Eventually. a popular movie starlet and supporter of President Marcos. Sumilang tried to pacify the maulers so he could extricate Salcedo from them. Colonel Dula Torres thereupon gave them ten minutes to disperse. They caught Salcedo and boxed and kicked and mauled him. Manila. Salcedo tried to extricate himself from the group but they again pounced on him and pummelled him with ﬁst blows and kicks hitting him on various parts of his body. The cases were consolidated and raﬄed to the Regional Trial Court.charging them in accomplices to the murder of Salcedo. Phase III of the Luneta. the loyalists started an impromptu singing contest. Earlier. they applied for a permit to hold the rally but their application was denied by the authorities. sige gulpihin ninyo!" The police then pushed the crowd." Atty. In support of their testimonies. a small group of loyalists converged at the Chinese Garden. Nuega added " Sige.M. Somebody then shouted "Kailangang gumanti tayo ngayon!" A commotion ensued and Renato Banculo. All of the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and trial ensued accordingly. Cory iyan!" The man in the yellow t-shirt was Salcedo and his pursuers appeared to be Marcos loyalists. The prosecution presented twelve witnesses. the color of the "Coryistas. Branch XLIX. the prosecution likewise presented documentary evidence consisting of newspaper accounts of the incident and various photographs taken during the mauling. Led by Oliver Lozano and Benjamin Nuega. Colonel Edgar Dula Torres. rush to Salcedo's aid. and used tear gas and truncheons to disperse them. Lozano turned towards his group and said " Gulpihin ninyo ang lahat ng mga Cory inﬁltrators. The loyalists scampered away but some of them fought back and threw stones at the police. both members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. Pabalikin si Marcos. They approached her and informed her of their dispersal and Annie Ferrer angrily ordered them. 2 He then saw a man wearing a yellow t-shirt being chased by a group of persons shouting "Iyan. three thousand of them gathered at the Rizal Monument of the Luneta at 2:30 in the afternoon of the scheduled day. "Gulpihin ninyo ang mga Cory hecklers!" Then she continued jogging around the fountain chanting "Marcos pa rin.
left side.0 x 4. Hematoma.8 x 4. right side. face." He sustained various contusions. Contused-abrasions: 6. right elbow.0 x 1. pinna.8 cm. frontal region. and when he tried to stand.. lips. subdural. left ear. Hemorrhage.0 x 2. Accused Joselito Tamayo boxed Salcedo on the left jaw and kicked him as he once more fell. Sison repeatedly boxed him. .5 cm..0 x 2. scalp. Sumilang ﬂagged down a van and with the help of a traﬃc oﬃcer.1 cm. boxing him with stones in their ﬁsts... Lacerated wounds: 2. Fractures. lacerated wounds and skull fractures as revealed in the following post-mortem findings: "Cyanosis.. Salcedo pleaded for his life exclaiming "Maawa na kayo sa akin. right knee.5 x 2..5 cm. 4." He cried: "Pulis. left parietal region.0 x 2. both sides. 6 Sumilang saw accused Gerry Neri approach the victim but did not notice what he did. mauling Sumilang in the process. brought Salcedo to the Medical Center Manila but he was refused admission. Tulungan ninyo ako . 4 Accused Nilo Pacadar punched Salcedo on his nape.0.. They backed oﬀ a while and Sumilang was able to tow Salcedo away from them. He sat on some cement steps 8 and then tried to ﬂee towards Roxas boulevard to the sanctuary of the Rizal Monument but accused Joel Tan and Nilo Pacadar pursued him.. right anterior cranial fossa.pursued Salcedo unrelentingly. 5. occipital region.0 x 4. nose. Wala bang pulis?" 9 The mauling resumed at the Rizal Monument and continued along Roxas Boulevard until Salcedo collapsed and lost consciousness. 3 Salcedo tried to stand but accused Joel Tan boxed him on the left side of his head and ear. left elbow. over the left eyebrow.. 2.0 cm. Cory Iyan. 1. 7 Salcedo somehow managed to get away from his attackers and wipe off the blood from his face. Banculo saw accused Romeo Sison trip Salcedo and kick him on the head. 6.0 cm. right posterior cranial fossa. and 3. right side. right cheek. Accused Richard de los Santos also boxed Salcedo twice on the head and kicked him even as he was already fallen.. congested.. extensive.0 cm.0 cm. So they took him to the Philippine General Hospital where he died upon arrival. and nailbeds. Salcedo died of "hemorrhage. frontal region. 5. 3. right side.5 cm. But accused Raul Billosos emerged from behind Sumilang as another man boxed Salcedo on the head. Somebody gave Sumilang a loyalist tag which Sumilang showed to Salcedo's attackers. right temporal region. 6. pulis. Abrasions: 4. left suprascapular region. shouting: "Iyan.0 x 2. 5. Other visceral organs. left side.2 cm. intracranial traumatic.4 cm. occipital bone..0 x 2. upper lip. skull. frontal region.0 x 3. abrasions.2 cm. Patayin!" 5 Sumilang tried to pacify Pacadar but the latter lunged at the victim again.
14 Romeo Sison. Richard de los Santos and Joselito Tamayo guilty as principals in the crime of murder qualiﬁed by treachery and sentenced them to 14 years 10 months and 20 days of reclusion temporal as minimum to 20 years of reclusion temporal as maximum. For their defense. Annie Ferrer was likewise convicted as an accomplice.' Criminal Case No. 15 He claimed to be aﬄicted with hernia impairing his mobility. for persons who could give information leading to the arrest of the killers. This prompted President Aquino to order the Capital Regional Command and the Western Police district to investigate the incident. cooperated with the police. Accused Joselito Tamayo testiﬁed that he was not in any of the photographs presented by the prosecution 12 because on July 27. 21 The other accused. were apprehended and investigated. including Ranulfo Sumilang and Renato Banculo. he cannot run normally nor do things forcefully. several persons. was allegedly at his oﬃce near the Luneta waiting for some pictures to be developed at that time. he was in his house in Quezon City." 10 The mauling of Salcedo was witnessed by bystanders and several press people. then Police Chief. speciﬁcally Attys. the trial court rendered a decision ﬁnding Romeo Sison. about 1/2 filled with grayish brown food materials and fluid. 1986. 19 His face was in the pictures because he shouted to the maulers to stop hitting Salcedo. 17 He said that he merely watched the mauling which explains why his face appeared in some of the photographs.000. A reward of ten thousand pesos (P10. According to him. Gerry Nery. Joel Tan. and on the basis of their identiﬁcation. including the accused. a commercial photographer. judgment is hereby rendered in the aforementioned cases as follows: 1. Rolando Fernandez. The dispositive portion of the decision reads as follows: "WHEREFORE.00) was put up by Brigadier General Alfredo Lim. 11 Several persons. Lozano and Nuega and Annie Ferrer opted not to testify in their defense. The press took pictures and a video of the event which became front-page news the following day. 16 Richard de los Santos admits he was at the Luneta at the time of the mauling but denies hitting Salcedo. Oliver Lozano and Benjamin Nuega. 86- . the maulers however ignored him. he saw Salcedo being mauled and like Richard de los Santos. In 'People versus Raul Billosos and Gerry Nery. 20 Joel Tan also testiﬁed that he tried to pacify the maulers because he pitied Salcedo. On December 16. Nilo Pacadar admits that he is a Marcos loyalist and a member of the Ako'y Pilipino Movement and that he attended the rally on that fateful day. the principal accused denied their participation in the mauling of the victim and oﬀered their respective alibis. merely viewed the incident. 1988. however. both local and foreign. 13 Gerry Neri claimed that he was at the Luneta Theater at the time of the incident.Stomach. capturing national and international attention. found that the prosecution failed to prove the guilt of the other accused and thus acquitted Raul Billosos. 18 Unlike the other accused. Nilo Pacadar. The court.
the Court ﬁnds that the Prosecution failed to prove the guilt of the two (2) Accused beyond reasonable doubt for the crime charged and hereby acquits them of said charge.47322. The Accused Romeo Sison. 86-49008. there being no other extenuating circumstances. the Court ﬁnds that the Prosecution failed to prove the guilt of the Accused beyond reasonable doubt for the crime charged and hereby acquits them of said charge. 6 7. as Maximum. as Minimum. deﬁned in Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code. TEN (10) MONTHS AND TWENTY (20) DAYS of Reclusion Temporal. hereby imposes on each of them an indeterminate penalty of from FOURTEEN (14) YEARS. 86-49007 . In 'People versus Joselito Tamayo. the Court hereby imposes on him an indeterminate penalty of from FOURTEEN (14) YEARS. the Court ﬁnds the Accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt as principal. jointly and . . the Court ﬁnds the Accused Romeo Sison. to TWENTY (20) YEARS of Reclusion Temporal as Maximum. to TWENTY (20) YEARS of Reclusion Temporal. as Maximum. In 'People versus Richard de los Santos. et al.' Criminal Case No.' Criminal Case No. In 'People versus Rolando Fernandez. Richard de los Santos.' Criminal Case No. . the Court ﬁnds the said Accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt. TEN (10) MONTHS and TWENTY(20) DAYS of Reclusion Temporal. 86-48538 . 86-47790 . 86-48931 . as Minimum. 3 4.. 86-47617. et al. Joel Tan. there being no other mitigating or aggravating circumstances. as Maximum. as principals for the crime of Murder. as accomplice to the crime of Murder under Article 18 in relation to Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code and hereby imposes on her an indeterminate penalty of NINE (9) YEARS and FOUR (4) MONTHS of Prision Mayor.' Criminal Case No.' Criminal Case No. for the crime of 'Murder' deﬁned in Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code and hereby imposes on him an indeterminate penalty of from FOURTEEN (14) YEARS. the Court ﬁnds that the Prosecution failed to prove the guilt of the Accused for the crime charged beyond reasonable doubt and hereby acquits him of said charge. Joselito Tamayo and Annie Ferrer are hereby ordered to pay. Nilo Pacadar. of Reclusion Temporal. FIVE (5) MONTHS and ELEVEN (11) DAYS of Reclusion Temporal. guilty beyond reasonable doubt. TEN (10) MONTHS and TWENTY (20) DAYS. the Court ﬁnds the Accused Richard de los Santos guilty beyond reasonable doubt as principal for the crime of Murder deﬁned in Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code and. In 'People versus Annie Ferrer. In 'People versus Oliver Lozano. 2. Nilo Pacadar and Joel Tan.. as Minimum to TWELVE (12) YEARS. as Minimum.' Criminal Case No. In 'People versus Romeo Sison. 5. to TWENTY (20) YEARS OF Reclusion Temporal. and.
CONSIDERING that the penalty of Reclusion Perpetua has been imposed in the instant consolidated cases. as a consequence. The Petition for Bail of the Accused Joel Tan. the said cases are now hereby certiﬁed to the Honorable Supreme Court for review." 24 . The appellate court found them guilty of murder qualiﬁed by abuse of superior strength.00 as moral and exemplary damages. Romeo Sison and Joselito Tamayo is denied for lack of merit. modiﬁed the decision of the trial court by acquitting Annie Ferrer but increasing the penalty of the rest of the accused. but convicted Joselito Tamayo of homicide because the information against him did not allege the said qualifying circumstance. Romeo Sison. The dispositive portion of the decision reads: "PREMISES CONSIDERED. 3. The Warden of the City Jail of Manila is hereby ordered to release the Accused Gerry Nery." 22 On Appeal. Accused-appellant Joselito Tamayo y Oria is hereby found GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of Homicide with the generic aggravating circumstance of abuse of superior strength and. the Court of Appeals 23 on December 28. an indeterminate penalty of TWELVE (12) YEARS of prision mayor as Minimum to TWENTY (20) YEARS of reclusion temporal as Maximum is hereby imposed upon him. The bail bonds posted by the Accused Oliver Lozano and Benjamin Nuega are hereby cancelled.00 as actual damages and the amount of P30. the decision appealed from is hereby MODIFIED as follows: 1. The period during which the Accused Nilo Pacadar. Richard de los Santos and Joselito Tamayo had been under detention during the pendency of these cases shall be credited to them provided that they agreed in writing to abide by and comply strictly with the rules and regulations of the City Jail.000. Joel Tan y Mostero and Richard de los Santos are hereby found GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt of Murder and are each hereby sentenced to suﬀer the penalty of Reclusion Perpetua. and one-half (1/2) of the costs of suit. except for Joselito Tamayo.000. Raul Billosos and Rolando Fernandez from the City Jail unless they are being detained for another cause or charge. Joel Tan. The petition for Bail of the Accused Rolando Fernandez has become moot and academic.severally. to the heirs of Stephen Salcedo the total amount of P74. Nilo Pacadar y Abe. to reclusion perpetua. 2. Accused-appellants Romeo Sison y Mejia. 1992. Accused-appellant Annie Ferrer is hereby ACQUITTED of being an accomplice to the crime of Murder.
AND NONSEQUITUR CONCLUSIONS. AND EVEN THE DISPUTED DECISION OF THE TRIAL COURT. G. SUSPICIOUS AND INCONCLUSIVE TESTIMONIES OF PROSECUTION WITNESS RANULFO SUMILANG. THE ADMITTED CAUSE OF THE HEMORRHAGE RESULTING IN THE DEATH OF THE DECEASED. ALL CONTRARY TO THE RULES OF EVIDENCE. . Before this Court. SURMISES. Nos. accused-appellants assign the following errors: "I THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS GRAVELY ERRED WHEN IT NOTED THAT THE ACCUSED FAILED TO CITE ANYTHING ON RECORD TO SUPPORT THEIR AVERMENT THAT THERE WERE NO WITNESSES WHO HAVE COME FORWARD TO IDENTIFY THE PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATH OF STEPHEN SALCEDO. appellants contend that: "I THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS GRAVELY ERRED IN REACHING A CONCLUSION OF FACT UTILIZING SPECULATIONS. 114931-33 was certiﬁed to us for automatic review of the decision of the Court of Appeals against the four accused-appellants sentenced to reclusion perpetua.R." 25 In their additional brief.Petitioners ﬁled G. III THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS LIKEWISE ERRED IN FINDING THE ACCUSED GUILTY WHEN THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO PROVE THAT ANY OF THE ACCUSED CARRIED A HARD AND BLUNT INSTRUMENT. II THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS GRAVELY ERRED IN GIVING CREDENCE TO THE UNRELIABLE. 108280-83 under Rule 45 of the Revised Rules of Court inasmuch as Joselito Tamayo was not sentenced to reclusion perpetua. V THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS GRAVELY ERRED IN FINDING THAT THE CRIME COMMITTED IS MURDER AND NOT DEATH (HOMICIDE) CAUSED IN A TUMULTUOUS AFFRAY. DOUBTFUL. Nos. IV THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS GRAVELY ERRED IN FINDING THAT THERE EXISTS CONSPIRACY AMONG THE PRINCIPAL ACCUSED.R. TO UPHOLD THE VALIDITY OF THE VERY SAME JUDGMENT.
we cannot disturb the way trial courts calibrate the credence of witnesses considering their visual view of the demeanor of witnesses when on the witness stand. 27 Ranulfo Sumilang was evasive and unresponsive prompting the trial court to reprimand him several times. On the whole." "W" TO "W-13. even before announcement of any rew ard. Ranulfo Sumilang and Renato Banculo. 30 The fact that Banculo executed three sworn statements does not make them and his testimony incredible. 32 This is not enough reason to reject Sumilang's testimony for he did not exhibit this undesirable conduct all throughout his testimony. the testimonies of these two witnesses are suspect because they surfaced only after a reward was announced by General Lim." 26 Appellants mainly claim that the Court of Appeals erred in sustaining the testimonies of the two prosecution eyewitnesses. his testimony was correctly given credence by the trial court despite his evasiveness at some instances." TO "V-48. they can best appreciate ." "O." "V. On the contrary. The sworn statements were made to identify more suspects who were apprehended during the investigation of Salcedo's death. the evidence shows that Sumilang reported the incident to the police and submitted his sworn statement immediately two hours after the mauling. much less that both or either of them ever received such reward from the government." "P. As trial courts. 31 The records show that Sumilang was admonished several times by the trial court on the witness stand for being argumentative and evasive. 29 He informed the police that he would cooperate with them and identify Salcedo's assailants if he saw them again." "G. According to them. III THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS GRAVELY ERRED IN CONCLUDING THAT CONSPIRACY EXISTED IN THE CASE AT BAR DISREGARDING ALTOGETHER THE SETTLED JURISPRUDENCE ON THE MATTER. Except for compelling reasons. IV THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS GRAVELY ERRED IN RULING THAT THE CRIME COMMITTED WAS MURDER. 28 There is no proof that Banculo or Sumilang testiﬁed because of the reward announced by General Lim." ALL OF WHICH WERE NOT PROPERLY IDENTIFIED. he mistakenly identiﬁed a detention prisoner in another case as accused Rolando Fernandez. because they are unreliable. On the witness stand.II THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS ERRED IN ADMITTING EXHIBITS "D. NOT DEATH (HOMICIDE) IN TUMULTUOUS AFFRAY SIDESTEPPING IN THE PROCESS THE FACTUAL GROUNDS SURROUNDING THE INCIDENT. doubtful and do not deserve any credence. Renato Banculo even submitted three sworn statements to the police geared at providing a new or improved version of the incident.
Identiﬁcation by Pat.the verbal and non-verbal dimensions of a witness' testimony. 44 Mr. Magazine. LLpr Banculo's mistake in identifying another person as one of the accused does not make him an entirely untrustworthy witness. 46 and the Malaya. Their positive identiﬁcation of all petitioners jibe with each other and their narration of the events are supported by the medical and documentary evidence on record. 36 The fatal injury of intracranial hemorrhage was a result of fractures in Salcedo's skull which may have been caused by contact with a hard and blunt object such as ﬁstblows. 33 It does not make his whole testimony a falsity." 39 Exhibit "O" is the Joint Aﬃdavit of Pat. "W-1" to "W-13" are photographs of Salcedo and the mauling published in local newspapers and magazines such as the Philippine Star. Bautista. therefore. 37 Appellants do not deny that Salcedo was mauled. Bautista is a surplusage. the police intelligence operatives who witnessed the rally and subsequent dispersal operation." "G." "W. 38 Appellants also contend that although the appellate court correctly disregarded Exhibits "D. 43 Exhibits "W". If appellants wanted to impeach the said aﬃdavit. testiﬁed that the victim had various wounds on his body which could have been inﬂicted by pressure from more than one hard object. Flores properly identiﬁed Exhibit "O" as his sworn statement and in fact gave testimony corroborating the contents thereof. when presented in evidence. 47 The admissibility of these photographs is being questioned by appellants for lack of proper identiﬁcation by the person or persons who took the same. Pat." "V-1" to "V-48. 34 We sustain the appellate and trial court's ﬁndings that the witnesses' testimonies corroborate each other on all important and relevant details of the principal occurrence. Dr." "W-1" to "W-13." and "P. 41 — as he was being chased by his assailants 42 and as he sat pleading with his assailants. they should have placed Pat. Roberto Garcia. kicked and punched. must be identiﬁed by the photographer as to its production and . and Ms. Exhibits "V. The rule in this jurisdiction is that photographs. Flores on the witness stand. kicks and a blunt wooden instrument." "V." it erroneously gave evidentiary weight to Exhibits "O. In the court's discretion. Sumilang in fact testiﬁed that Salcedo was pummelled by his assailants with stones in their hands. Flores and Pat. Perfect testimonies cannot be expected from persons with imperfect senses. kicks and blows from rough stones. the Joint Aﬃdavit merely reiterates what the other prosecution witnesses testiﬁed to. 45 Philippine Daily Inquirer. 35 The contusions and abrasions found could have been caused by punches." "V-1" to "V-48" are photographs taken of the victim as he was being mauled at the Luneta — starting from a grassy portion to the pavement at the Rizal Monument and along Roxas Boulevard. the medico-legal oﬃcer of the National Bureau of Investigation. 40 Besides. An honest mistake is not inconsistent with a truthful testimony. the testimony of a witness can be believed as to some facts but disbelieved with respect to the others.
is shown merely running after the victim. including Atty. Nilo Pacadar and Joel Tan identiﬁed themselves therein and gave reasons for their presence thereat. Atty. they were unequivocally identiﬁed by Sumilang and Banculo. 49 and its admissibility is determined by its accuracy in portraying the scene at the time of the crime. Nilo Pacadar and Joel Tan could be readily seen in various belligerent poses lunging or hovering behind or over the victim. We rule that the use of these photographs by some of the accused to show their alleged non-participation in the crime is an admission of the exactness and accuracy thereof. can be identiﬁed by the photographer or by any other competent witness who can testify to its exactness and accuracy. Atty. either by the testimony of the person who made it or by other competent witnesses. While the pictures did not record Sison and Tamayo hitting Salcedo. Alfredo Lazaro. when the accused presented their evidence. 54 However. 61 Appellants' denials and alibis cannot overcome their eyeball identification. "V-1" to "V-48" to prove that his clients were not in any of the pictures and therefore could not have participated in the mauling of the victim. objected to their admissibility for lack of proper identiﬁcation. 55 The photographs were adopted by appellant Joselito Tamayo and accused Gerry Neri as part of the defense exhibits. That the photographs are faithful representations of the mauling incident was aﬃrmed when appellants Richard de los Santos. Lazaro. Dumayas represented all the other accused per understanding with their respective counsels. not until Atty. 53 This court notes that when the prosecution oﬀered the photographs as part of its evidence. therefore. however. although aﬄicted with hernia. 59 Appellant Romeo Sison appears only once and he. Lazaro to the admissibility of the photographs is anchored on the fact that the person who took the same was not presented to identify them. 57 The objection of Atty. the prosecution used the photographs to cross-examine all the accused who took the witness stand. And at this hearing. LexLibris Appellants claim that the lower courts erred in ﬁnding the existence of conspiracy among the principal accused and in convicting them of murder . appellants. after which the court can admit it subject to impeachment as to its accuracy. The photographs did not capture the entire sequence of the killing of Salcedo but only segments thereof. 58 An analysis of the photographs vis-a-vis the accused's testimonies reveal that only three of the appellants. through counsel Atty. Lazaro appeared at the third hearing and interposed a continuing objection to their admissibility. Jr. The absence of the two appellants in the photographs does not exculpate them. is not the only witness who can identify the pictures he has taken. Richard de los Santos.testiﬁed as to the circumstances under which they were produced. 50 The photographer. who were absent. 51 The correctness of the photograph as a faithful representation of the object portrayed can be proved prima facie. 56 No objection was made by counsel for any of the accused. namely. At subsequent hearings. 48 The value of this kind of evidence lies in its being a correct representation or reproduction of the original. counsel for accused Joselito Tamayo and Gerry Neri used Exhibits "V". Winlove Dumayas. 52 Photographs. 60 Appellant Joselito Tamayo was not identiﬁed in any of the pictures.
if it can be called a quarrel. But his attackers continued to pursue him relentlessly. — When. it must be established that: (1) there be several persons." For this article to apply. (5) it cannot be ascertained who actually killed the deceased. kicks and blows on him. and it cannot be ascertained who actually killed the deceased. not composing groups organized for the common purpose of assaulting and attacking each other reciprocally. but this confusion subsided eventually after the loyalists ﬂed to Maria Orosa Street. There was no confusion and tumultuous quarrel or aﬀray. (2) that they did not compose groups organized for the common purpose of assaulting and attacking each other reciprocally. Death in a tumultuous aﬀray is deﬁned in Article 251 of the Revised Penal Code as follows: "Art. Salcedo could not defend himself nor could he ﬁnd means to defend himself. taking turns in inﬂicting punches. They followed Salcedo from the Chinese Garden to the Rizal Monument several meters away and hit him mercilessly even when he was already fallen on the ground. nor was there a reciprocal aggression at this stage of the incident. such person or persons shall be punished by prision mayor. (4) someone was killed in the course of the aﬀray. but the person or persons who inﬂicted serious physical injuries can be identiﬁed. 63 The quarrel in the instant case. while several persons. They took advantage of their superior strength and excessive force and frustrated any attempt by Salcedo to escape and free himself. Sumilang tried to save him from his assailants but they continued . (3) these several persons quarrelled and assaulted one another in a confused and tumultuous manner. in the course of which some person is killed or wounded and the author thereof cannot be ascertained. If it cannot be determined who inﬂicted the serious physical injuries on the deceased. 62 A tumultuous aﬀray takes place when a quarrel occurs between several persons and they engage in a confused and tumultuous aﬀray. was between one distinct group and one individual. Death caused in a tumultuous aﬀray . prop himself against the pavement and wipe oﬀ the blood from his face. not death in tumultuous affray. and in the course of the aﬀray someone is killed. the penalty of prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods shall be imposed upon all those who shall have used violence upon the person of the victim. 251. It was only a while later after said dispersal that one distinct group identiﬁed as loyalists picked on one defenseless individual and attacked him repeatedly.qualified by abuse of superior strength. 64 As the lower courts found. There was a time Salcedo was able to get up. and (6) that the person or persons who inﬂicted serious physical injuries or who used violence can be identified. the victim's assailants were numerous by as much as ﬁfty in number 65 and were armed with stones with which they hit the victim. Confusion may have occurred because of the police dispersal of the rallyists. quarrel and assault each other in a confused and tumultuous manner.
67 Each of the conspirators is liable for all acts of the others regardless of the intent and character of their participation. 1986 for employment in Saudi Arabia. 1986. P30.000. 2. There is no proof that the attack on Salcedo was deliberately and consciously chosen to ensure the assailants' safety from any defense the victim could have made. because the act of one is the act of all.00 as moral and exemplary damages.00 as actual damages. At the time he died on July 27. the attack on Salcedo was sudden and unexpected but it was apparently because of the fact that he was wearing a yellow t-shirt or because he allegedly flashed the "Laban" sign against the rallyists. a showing as to who among the conspirators inﬂicted the fatal wound is not required to sustain a conviction. 71 IN VIEW WHEREOF. a concerted eﬀort to bring about the death of Salcedo. spurred by the raging animosity against the so-called "Coryistas. 69 The reckless disregard for such a young person's life and the anguish wrought on his widow and three small children. 70 warrant an increase in moral damages from P30. 66 The qualifying circumstance of evident premeditation was alleged in the information against Joselito Tamayo. the decision appealed from is hereby aﬃrmed and modified as follows: 1. The essence of treachery is the sudden and unexpected attack without the slightest provocation on the part of the person being attacked. unfortunately.beating him. hitting Sumilang in the process.000. Salcedo was twenty-three years old and was set to leave on August 4. dctai We ﬁnd however the existence of a conspiracy among appellants.00 must also be awarded for the death of the victim.000. Treachery as a qualifying circumstance cannot be appreciated in the instant case.00. Salcedo had the opportunity to sense the temper of the rallyists and run away from them but he. 68 The trial court awarded the heirs of Salcedo P74.00 to P100. At the time they were committing the crime. Accused-appellant Joselito Tamayo is found GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of Homicide with the generic aggravating circumstance of abuse of superior strength and. taunting them into mauling him.000. As the appellate court well found. The deliberate and prolonged use of superior strength on a defenseless victim qualifies the killing to murder. Nilo Pacadar. was overtaken by them. as a consequence. Joel Tan and Richard de los Santos are found GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt of Murder without any aggravating or mitigating circumstance and are each hereby sentenced to suﬀer the penalty of reclusion perpetua. and one half of the costs of the suit. he is sentenced to an indeterminate penalty of TWELVE (12) YEARS of prision mayor as minimum to TWENTY (20) . True. Salcedo pleaded for mercy but they ignored his pleas until he ﬁnally lost consciousness. Accused-appellants Romeo Sison.000. Where a conspiracy existed and is proved. The indemnity of P50." It was not preceded by cool thought and reflection. Evident premeditation cannot be appreciated in this case because the attack against Salcedo was sudden and spontaneous. their actions impliedly showed a unity of purpose among them.
All accused-appellants are hereby ordered to pay jointly and severally the heirs of Stephen Salcedo the following amounts: (a) P74. pp.YEARS of reclusion temporal as maximum. pp. and (c) P50. pp. LLjur Footnotes 1. 319. 5-6. p. concur. 33.. Exhibit "X-5". Records. pp. 297. 5. 296-A. Id.J . 302." Records. 6. p. Exhibit "LL. 10. 7. Francisco.. 53. TSN of Oct. Narvasa. 1988. pp.. 249. TSN of April 20. 12. 254. p. TSN of December 1. . JJ . 4. Exhibits "OO" and "PP". TSN of September 26. Id. Exhibit "B". 90. 1987. Costs against accused-appellants. Exhibit "QQ". Exhibit "4". 9.. 227. 295. (b) P100. 47-48. Records. Records.000. 3. Records.000. 1988. pp. Records. 15.. 17-39.00 as actual damages. 15. 13. 1988. Exhibit "2". Id. 14. p. pp. Exhibits "NN" and "SS". Records. 11. pp. is on leave. 40. 4. 3.. 8. Records. Exhibit "E".00 as indemnity for the death of the victim. Records. 3. 83. p. 16. 2. 7-10. pp. TSN of April 13. J . 329. 22-23. 1988. C. 298.00 as moral damages. p. p. 296-A.000. Regalado and Mendoza. SO ORDERED. p.
R. People v. Exhibit "I". Petition. 10-11. pp. TSN of December 1. Nos. 31.R. Exhibits "L. 1988. 77-78. Court of Appeals. TSN of March 14. Exhibit "O".. Nos. 27. 10501-10502. Exhibit "I. pp." Records. 302. 220-221.R.R. 32-33. Records. 20. G. 654-655. Court of Appeals. People v. pp. pp. pp. 36. 262-265. 25-27. 207. 108280-83. 21. 1988. TSN of April 13. 299. 50-51. 22. TSN of February 13. Id. G. 48-49. Records. 9. Exhibits "V. TSN of November 9. Id. Records. Additional Brief for Appellants. pp. pp. 57. 77. 48-49. Rollo. p. 276-278. 19. pp. 1988. Rollo. 1988. 44. 1987." "M. 24. 108280-83." "V-1" to "V-23". pp. 292-301. 2. 1988. 1988. 4-15. pp. pp.. 235 SCRA 328 . 217 SCRA 103 . pp. 114931-33. pp. TSN of November 14. Records. Decision. pp.. 41. 108280-83. Id. Exhibit "V-25". Records. pp. Decision. 10130-10131. Id. CR Nos. 1988. 258. Dulay. 37. Rollo. pp. Rollo. pp. p. Caneja. p. 59-61. 1988. 23. 25. 229 SCRA 596 . pp. 297. 42-44. . G. 29. 258. pp. 1987.R. 114931-33. Nos.R. pp. 35. Nos. p. 34. G. 33. 30. 32. 34. 1516. 426-428. Rollo. pp. 28. 42. Lagunsad v. TSN of April 20. G. 70. 38. 25. CA-G. 67. p. Petition. 55-56. 40. 32-33. 5-6. pp. 39. Additional Brief for Appellants. pp. 29-30.. pp. 5-7. 7-8. pp." and "N". 18.17. TSN of March 7. p. TSN of April 13. p. 67. Records. Nos. TSN of November 14. Records. 26. 15-16. pp.
61. 50. 227 SCRA 534 . Underhill. pp." "V-8. 42-50. p." "V-9. Exhibit "E. 23-26. Court of Appeals. 253. 33. Part I. People v. supra. 58. Records. Exhibit "W-4". 239 SCRA 469 . 48. People v. 302-304." "K" and "F". 45. 317. TSN of November 14. City of Manila v. p. 51. 254 and 262. City of Manila v. pp. 313 and 319. Vda. 216-217 . The Revised Rules of Court in the Philippines. 40 Phil. Exhibit "V-24. pp. 10 Phil. VII Francisco. 6-10. 1988. pp. Tan v. TSN of November 9. 53." "V-12. Cabangis. 314-315. 206 SCRA 662 . Exhibits "V-1. TSN of December 1. TSN of September 26. 4 Martin. People v. Exhibits "E" and "L. Sun Insurance. Records. 954. p. pp. 47. p." Records. The Chamberlayne Trial Evidence. Records. 1988. 1987. A Treatise on the Law on Criminal Evidence. 38-50. Exhibit "W-1". Ribadajo. 114-123. Revised Rules on Evidence. People v. Abapo. 10-13.""V-15" to "V-18. Exhibit "W-2". 212 . 436 . 52.43. 35. 66. 25-26. cf. 1988. pp.. 57. p. 255 and 260. Francisco. 59. II Reyes. supra. 55. 46. Records. 44. p." "V-26. 1988. 142 SCRA 637 . Id. Exhibits "W" and "W-6". 61 . Alcantara. Tandoc. 2-3. 1 Underhill. 316. 5-6. Exhibit "W-3". 957 .. supra. 65. pp. 617 cited in 4 Martin. 63. TSN of November 9. 1988. 62. Records. United States v. 51 Phil. TSN of April 13. 314. 107 . 1988." 60. TSN of July 29. supra. Buela . Records. pp. de Ramos v. . Cabangis. 54. Id. pp." and "V-28". Records. pp." "V-13. 49. pp. 81 SCRA 393 . 151 ." "V-2. p. 64. Revised Penal Code. 56.
Dasig. 230 SCRA 486 . Galit. 68. 239 SCRA 159 . TSN of June 25. pp. People v. 221 SCRA 550 . pp. 232 SCRA 619 . People v. 217 SCRA 571 . Pandiano. . People v. 237 SCRA 52 . People v. TSN of June 25. People v. 70.67. People v. Timple. 1987. 1987. 12-15. 71. Article 2206. Magalang. 10-13. Civil Code. 69. Cobre .
Complaint, LegalForce, Inc. v. UpCounsel, Inc. et al.
Punjab and Haryana High Court- Transfer Case wife plea was rejected and Neelam Kanwar v. Devinder Singh Kanwar, 2000 (4) All Instant Judgment 129 & Sumita Singh v. Kumar Sanjay, AIR 2002 SC 396 were overruled.

References: v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v.