9 People Vs BASE

5/13/2016
PeoplevsBase:109773:March30,2000:J.YnaresSantiago:FirstDivision
FIRSTDIVISION
[G.R.No.109773.March30,2000]
PEOPLEOFTHEPHILIPPINES,plaintiffappellee,vs.ELBERTOBASE,accusedappellant.
DECISION
YNARESSANTIAGO,J.:
IntheearlymorningofFebruary8,1990,agroupofmenarrivedattheresidenceofJulianitoLunayTagle,BarangayCaptain
ofNamunga,Rosario,Batangas.Oneoftwomenwhointroducedthemselvesaspolicemenallegedlylookingforacertain
HernandezsuddenlyshotJulianitointheheadwitha.45caliberpistolandimmediatelyafter,theyspedawayinanownertype
jeep.Slxsc
AccusedappellantElbertoBasewasamongthoseidentifiedonboardthejeepand,togetherwithConradoGuno,Frederick
LazaroandEduardoPatrocinio,wereindictedforMurderwithDirectAssaultUponaPersoninAuthorityinaSecondAmended
Information[1]allegingthat
Thatonoraboutthe8thdayofFebruary1990,atabout7:00oclockinthemorning,inBarangayNamunga,
MunicipalityofRosario,ProvinceofBatangas,Philippines,andwithinthejurisdictionofthisHonorableCourt,the
abovenamedaccused,armedwithacaliber.38revolverand.45caliberpistol,conspiringandconfederating
together,actingincommonaccordandmutuallyhelpingoneanother,withtreacheryandevidentpremeditation
andbymeansofamotorvehiclewhichisatopdownownertypejeepcoloredgreenwithPlateNo.UVCFU178,
andwithoutjustifiablecause,didthenandtherewilfully,unlawfullyandfeloniouslyattack,assaultandshootwith
thesaid.45caliberpistol,suddenlyandwithoutwarning,oneJulianitoLunayTagleknowntothemtobean
electedBarangayCaptain(PunongBarangay)ofthesaidMunicipalitywhileintheperformanceofhisofficial
dutiesorontheoccasionthereof,orinconnectiontherewith,therebyinflictinguponthelatter[a]gunshotwound,
1x1cm.,lefttemporalregion,2cm.abovetheleftear,entrywithcontusioncollar,inwards,upwardsand
backwards,withexitatrightoccipitalregionandwithavulsionofbrain,completefractureofskull,whichdirectly
causedhisdeath.
Contrarytolaw.
Uponarraignment,accusedElbertoBaseandConradoGunopleadednotguilty[2]tothecrimecharged.FrederickLazaroand
EduardoPatrociniohaveremainedatlarge.
http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2000/mar2000/109773.htm
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Trialthereafterensuedafterwhichthecourtaquorenderedjudgment,thedispositiveportionofwhichreadsasfollows:
WHEREFORE,inviewoftheforegoing,theCourtfindsaccusedElbertoBaseguiltybeyondreasonabledoubtof
Murder,andheisherebysentencedtosufferthepenaltyofreclusionperpetuatoindemnifytheheirsofthe
deceased50,000.00forthedeathofJulianitoLunathetotalsumofP40,000.00asactualdamagesandthe
amountofP100,000.00,bywayofmoraldamages.
ItappearingthataccusedElbertoBaseisadetentionprisoner,thepreventiveimprisonmenthehadundergone
shouldbetakenintoconsiderationinthecomputationofhissentence.Sclaw
AndforfailureonthepartoftheprosecutiontoprovetheguiltofaccusedConradoGunobeyondreasonable
doubtofthechargeagainsthimintheInformation,heisherebyACQUITTED.
SOORDERED.[3]
Dissatisfied,accusedElbertoBaseinterposedthisappealallegingthat
I
THECOURTERREDINCONVICTINGACCUSEDAPPELLANTELBERTOBASEOFTHECRIMEOFMURDER
ONTHEBASISOFHISALLEGEDEXTRAJUDICIALCONFESSIONDESPITEITSINADMISSIBILITY.
II
THETRIALCOURTERREDINFINDINGACCUSEDAPPELLANTGUILTYBEYONDREASONABLEDOUBT
OF[THE]CRIMEOFMURDER.
Theprosecutionsversionoftheincidentadoptedthetrialcourtsfactualnarrationofwhattranspiredthus:
xxxaround7:00oclockinthemorningofFebruary8,1990threemenarrivedintheresidenceofJulianitoLunain
Namunga,Rosario,Batangas.OnewasidentifiedtobecalledApplewhoknockedatthedoorandthepersonwho
accompaniedhistwoothercompanions.AfterAppleleft,JulianitoLunawhowastheBarangayCaptainofthe
placetogetherwithhiswifeandsonArvinwentoutandJulianitoLunatalkedwiththetwomenwhointroduced
themselvesaspolicemenandwerelookingforoneHernandez.
JulianitotoldthetwomenthathedidnotknowthemantheywerelookingforandtoldArvintoaccompanythetwo
mentooneKaPrado.Atthatjuncturethemanarmedwitha.45pistolshotJulianitooncehittingthelatteronhis
headandJulianitosprawledontheground.
AftertheshootingthetwomenrantowardstheirtopdownownerjeepcoloredgreenparkedontheNational
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HighwayinfrontoftheresidenceofJulianitoLunaandthereafterspedawaytowardsthedirectionofthe
PoblacionofIbaan,Batangas.Sclex
JulianitoLunawasrushedtoalocalhospitalinRosario,Batangaswhowasgivenfirstaidandatatimewhenhe
wasabouttobebroughttoManila,heexpiredduetoagunshotwound,1x1cm.lefttemporalregion,2cm.
abovetheleftear,entrywithcontusioncollar,inwards,upwardsandbackwards,withexitatrightoccipitalregion
andwithavulsionofbraincompletefractureofskull,whichdirectlycausedhisdeath.
Earlyreportshavingreachedthe217thPCCo.inMasaya,Rosario,BatangasateamofPCandPoliceelements
wasimmediatelydispatchedtotrackdowntheassassinsofJulianitoLunaandinduetimethemotorvehicleof
theassassinswasrecoveredinthepremisesofthehouseofMrs.AmeliaQuizoninBarangayLodlod,LipaCity
alreadyparkedbutwithouttheassassins.
Themotorvehiclewasbroughttothecampofthe217thPCCo.,butwasimmediatelyreturnedtotheplacebased
uponanotionthattheassassinswouldcomebacktotheplacetorecoverthesamevehicle.
Asexpected,notlongthereafterElbertoBaseoneoftheaccusedarrivedinthepremisesofthehouseofMrs.
AmeliaQuizoninordertorecoverthetopdownownertypejeepanditwasthenwhenhewascollaredbyateam
ofPCsoldierswhowereallincivilianclothesandbroughttothecamptogetherwiththemotorvehicle.
InthecampinalineupofseveralpeopleElbertoBasewaspositivelyidentifiedbyAmeliaQuizonasoneofthe
passengersofthejeepwhoparkedthejeepinherpremisesandalsothepersonwhotriedtorecoverthejeep
whenhewasfinallycollaredbythePCsoldiers.WhatmadehersorememberBaseisthescaronthefaceofthe
latter.
ItwasalsoestablishedthatbeforethevehicleinquestionwasbroughttoLodlod,LipaCitybytheassassins,the
latterpassedbythehouseofthebrotherofLeoValeinSanJose,Batangas,andbecausethebrotherofLeoVale
wasnotthere,LeoValewasrequestedbythepassengersofthejeeptoaccompanythemtothehouseofthe
husbandofAmeliaQuizoninLodlod,LipaCity,towhichrequestLeoValeacceded.
AndinalineupofseveralpeopleLeoValepositivelyidentifiedaccusedElbertoBaseasoneofthepassengersof
thejeepwhomheaccompaniedtoLodlod,LipaCity,andwhichidentificationhereiteratedwhenhetestifiedin
Court.Healsoidentifiedthesubjectvehicle,whichthepassengersboardedandleftinthepremisesofthe
residenceofAmeliaQuizon.Xlaw
TheownerofthejeepinvolvedwithPlateNo.UVCPU170whichtheassassinsusedwasestablishedtobethat
ofLoretoAngelesofParaaque,MetroManila.ItwasestablishedthatonFebruary7,1990accusedFrederick
LazaroknowntohimasapolicemenofParaaquetogetherwithaccusedEduardoPatrocinioborrowedfromhim
thesaidvehicletellinghimthathewasgoingtoCarmen,Pangasinan,towhichrequestheaccededand
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promisinghimtoreturnsaidjeepthefollowingday.
Whileinthecampofthe217thPCCompanyElbertoBaseexecutedawrittenSwornStatementwiththe
assistanceandpresenceofAtty.RomeoReyesofRosario,Batangas,whotestifiedincourt,totheeffectthathe
assistedtheaccusedintheexecutionofhisstatement,bytellingElbertoBaseofhisconstitutionalrightsbefore
saidexecution.Hefurthertestifiedthatthroughouttheproceedingshewaspresentandtheaccusedreadthe
contentsofhisstatementbeforeswearingtothetruthofthesame.
AperusalofthestatementofElbertoBaseshowsthathewaswellawareoftheintendedplottokillJulianitoLuna,
byadmittingthataweekbeforethekillinghewaswiththeassassinssurveilingtheresidenceofJulianitoLuna.
HealsoadmittedtobewithaccusedFrederickLazaroandPatrociniowhenthejeepinquestionwasborrowedby
thetwoandwaswithaccusedLazaroandPatrociniowhentheyleftKalayaan,PasayCityinproceedingtoSan
Juan,BatangasthatdaywhenJulianitoLunawasshot.
AccusedBasealsoadmittedthathewasleftonashedinIbaan,BatangaswhenFrederickLazaroandPatrocinio
returnedtoRosarioandwhentheycameback,hewasfetchedandwaswiththemingoingtoSanJose,
BatangasinthehouseofoneJuneValeandlateroninBarangayLodlod,LipaCitywheretheyleftthejeepinthe
premisesofthehouseofAmeliaQuizon.AndfinallyBaseadmittedinhisstatementthathewastoldtorecover
thejeepinLodlod,LipaCity.
Accusedappellantdeniedhavinganythingtodowiththefatalshootingofthevictimandalleges,insum,thathewastorturedto
admitthecrime.Asculledfromhistestimony,ataround5:00to6:00p.m.intheafternoonofFebruary8,1990,hehadjust
disembarkedatthebusstopatMataasnaLupa,LipaCityaftervisitinghisuncleMauroEspina,hissisterinlawPerlaRonquillo
andOpringEspinainMaricaban,PasayCity.[4]Fromthere,heintendedtoproceedonboardajeepneytotheterminalnearthe
marketinLipaCity.[5]Xsc
However,heneverreachedhisdestinationbecausehewaspickedupbythreearmedmenincivilianclotheswhotoldhimto
comealongwiththemastheywouldaskhimsomequestions.[6]HewasbroughttoLodlod,LipaCityatthehouseofAmelia
Quizon.[7]UpontheirarrivalatQuizonsplace,agunwaspokedataccusedappellantandhewasorderedtoliedownfacingthe
ground.[8]Ashelaythus,hewastrussedupattheneck,boundhandandfootwithabacaropewithhishandstiedbehindhis
back.[9]Hewasthenloadedonatopdownjeepandbroughttothe217thPCCompanyDetachmentinRosario,Batangas.[10]
UpontheirarrivalatthePCDetachment,accusedappellantwasbroughttotheCAFGUbarracksandtherehewasmauled,
poundedwithgunbarrelsandgunbutts[11]byfifteen(15)persons[12]andforcedtoadmittotheshootingofthevictim.[13]Asa
resultofthemauling,hislipsbledandhebrokeatooth.[14]Tounderscorejusthowtightlyhiscaptorsboundhim,accused
appellantlikewiseshowedthecourtaquoascaronhisleftarmallegedlycausedbythetyingoftherope.[15]
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Ashislipsbledbecauseofthebeating,accusedwipeditacrossthelegofhistrouserspointingtoadarkstainontheleftlegof
hispantshewaswearingincourt[16]whichwasallegedlycausedbybrushinghisbloodiedlipsthereon.[17]Afterwipinghis
bloodiedmouth,thephysicalabusecontinueddespiteaccusedsentreatiesandprotestationsastowhyhewasbeingbeaten
up.[18]HeeveninformedthemthathewasaBarangayCouncilmember,tonoavail.[19]Afterhewasmanhandled,hewas
interrogatedbySgt.RomuloMercadowhosatbyatypewriterandtookdownhisstatements.[20]
Accusedappellant,however,claimedthatalthoughSgt.Mercadoaskedhimquestions,thelatterdidnottakedownaccuseds
realanswersandinsteadthesaidinvestigatortypedwhathewantedtotypetherein.[21]Accusedfurthertestifiedthathewas
notgivenanyopportunitytoreadinwholeorinpartthetypewrittenstatement[22]andthatitwasonlyuponarrraignmentthathe
cametoknowthatthewrittenstatementtakenfromhimwhichhewasforcedtosignwasactuallyaconfession.[23]Scmis
WithregardtothemannerinwhichthecustodialinterrogationwasconductedandtheSwornStatement[24]wasexecuted,
accusedappellanttestifiedthathispleastohisinterrogatorsthattheyobservehisconstitutionalrightswentunheeded.[25]He
likewiseclaimedthatalthoughtheswornstatementboretheattestingsignatureofAtty.RomeoReyes,heneitherknewnorsaw
Atty.Reyesatthe217thPCDetachmentonFebruary8,1990.[26]Accusedappellantdeniedthetheknewhiscoaccused
ConradoGuno,FrederickLazaroandEduardoPatrocinio.[27]HelikewisedeniedknowingLeoValleandErlindaAngeles.[28]
ThecruxofaccusedappellantsappealhingesontheadmissibilityoftheSwornStatementdatedFebruary8,1990.In
challengingitsprobativevalue,heinsistsinsumthatthedocumentisinadmissibleinevidencebecauseitwasexecutedin
violationofhisconstitutionalrights,firstlyhisrighttocounselofhisownchoice.
Wedisagree.
Section12,ArticleIIIoftheConstitutionembodiesthemandatorysafeguardsaffordedapersonunderinvestigationforthe
commissionofacrimeandtheconcomitantdutyoftheStateanditsagenciestoenforcesuchmandate.Itdeclaresthat:
SEC.12.(1).Anypersonunderinvestigationforthecommissionofanoffenseshallhavetherighttoremainsilent
andtohavecompetentandindependentcounselpreferablyofhisownchoice.Ifthepersoncannotaffordthe
servicesofcounsel,hemustbeprovidedwithone.Theserightscannotbewaivedexceptinwritingandinthe
presenceofcounsel.
(1).....Notorture,force,violence,threat,intimidationoranyothermeanswhichvitiatethefreewill
shallbeusedagainsthim.Secretdetentionplaces,solitary,incommunicado,orothersimilarforms
ofdetentionareprohibited.
(2).....Anyconfessionoradmissionobtainedinviolationofthisorsection17hereofshallbe
inadmissibleinevidenceagainsthim.Missc
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(3).....Thelawshallprovideforpenalandcivilsanctionsforviolationsofthissectionaswellas
compensationtoandrehabilitationofvictimsoftortureorsimilarpractices,andtheirfamilies.
Numerousdecisions[29]ofthisCourtrulethatforanextrajudicialconfessiontobeadmissible,itmustbe:1.]voluntary2.]made
withtheassistanceofcompetentandindependentcounsel3.]expressand4.]inwriting.[30]
Themantleofprotectionaffordedbytheabovequotedconstitutionalprovisioncoverstheperiodfromthetimeapersonis
takenintocustodyfortheinvestigationofhispossibleparticipationinthecommissionofacrimeorfromthetimeheissingled
outasasuspectinthecommissionoftheoffensealthoughnotyetincustody.[31]Theexclusionaryruleispremisedonthe
presumptionthatthedefendantisthrustintoanunfamiliaratmosphererunningthroughmenacingpoliceinterrogation
procedureswherethepotentialityforcompulsion,physicalorpsychologicalisforcefullyapparent.[32]
However,theruleisnotintendedasadeterrenttotheaccusedfromconfessingguiltifhevoluntarilyandintelligentlysodesires
buttoprotecttheaccusedfromadmittingwhatheiscoercedtoadmitalthoughuntrue.[33]Itmustberememberedinthisregard
thatwhiletherighttocounselisimmutable,theoptiontosecuretheservicesofcounseldeparteisnotabsolute.[34]Indeed
Thephrase"competentandindependent"and"preferablyofhisownchoice"wereexplicitdetailswhichwere
addeduponthepersistenceofhumanrightslawyersinthe1986ConstitutionalCommissionwhopointedout
caseswhere,duringthemartiallawperiod,thelawyersmadeavailabletothedetaineewouldbeoneappointed
bythemilitaryandthereforebeholdentothemilitary.[35]Sc
xxx............................xxx............................xxx
Withal,theword"preferably"underSection12[1],Article3ofthe1987Constitutiondoesnotconveythe
messagethatthechoiceofalawyerbyapersonunderinvestigationisexclusiveastoprecludeotherequally
competentandindependentattorneysfromhandlinghisdefense.Iftherulewereotherwise,then,thetempoofa
custodialinvestigationwillbesolelyinthehandsoftheaccusedwhocanimpede,nay,obstructtheprogressof
theinterrogationbysimplyselectingalawyerwhoforonereasonoranother,isnotavailabletoprotecthis
interest.Thisabsurdscenariocouldnothavebeencontemplatedbytheframersofthecharter.
Whiletheinitialchoiceincaseswhereapersonundercustodialinvestigationcannotaffordtheservicesofalawyerisnaturally
lodgedinthepoliceinvestigators,theaccusedreallyhasthefinalchoiceashemayrejectthecounselchosenforhimandask
foranotherone.Alawyerprovidedbytheinvestigatorsisdeemedengagedbytheaccusedwhereheneverraisedany
objectionagainsttheformersappointmentduringthecourseoftheinvestigationandtheaccusedthereaftersubscribestothe
veracityofhisstatementbeforetheswearingofficer.[36]
Verily,tobeaneffectivecounsel"[a]lawyerneednotchallengeallthequestionsbeingpropoundedtohisclient.Thepresence
ofalawyerisnotintendedtostopanaccusedfromsayinganythingwhichmightincriminatehimbut,rather,itwasadoptedin
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ourConstitutiontoprecludetheslightestcoercionaswouldleadtheaccusedtoadmitsomethingfalse.[37]Thecounsel,
however,shouldneverpreventanaccusedfromfreelyandvoluntarilytellingthetruth."[38]
AcircumspectscrutinyoftherecordsleavesthisCourtunconvincedofaccusedappellantsclaimthathewasnotadequately
assistedbycounselduringhiscustodialinterrogation.Noteworthyarethefollowingexcerptsofthetestimonyofthe
interrogatingofficer,Sgt.RomuloMercado:
ATTY.CRESCINI:
Q......Now,inconnectionwithyourinvestigationofthedeathofJulianitoLuna,doyourememberif
youeverinvestigatedaperson,acertainpersoninthenameofElbertoBaseyMalasmas?
WITNESS:
A......Yes,sir.Misspped
Q......Now,doyourecallifhegaveawrittenstatement?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Yes,butthatwrittenstatementwhichtheaccusedElbertoBasegaveyou,willyoubeableto
recognizeit?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Iamshowingyoutheoriginalofawrittenstatementconsistingoffourpages,andfoundinthe
possessionofthepublicprosecutor,pleasegooverthiswrittenstatementandtellusifyou
recognizeit?
WITNESS:
A......IwastheonewhotookthisthatiswhyIknowtheaffidavit.
Q......Itwouldappearfromthefaceofthisstatementonpageoneandagainonpage4thatElberto
BasewasassistedbyalawyerinthepersonofAtty.RomeoT.Reyes,isthatcorrect?
A......Yes,sir.
xxx............................xxx............................xxx
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ATTY.CRESCINI:
Q......Allthesestatementsappearstobeinquestionandanswerform,pleasetellthecourtwho
propoundedthosequestions?
WITNESS:
A......Yes,sir.
Q......andtheanswersappearingthere,whoseanswerswerethose?
A......ThoseweretheanswersofElbertoMalasmas,(sic)sir.
xxx............................xxx............................xxx
Q......Thequestionsandanswer[s]appearstobeinFilipino.Beforeyoureduce[d]thestatementin
writing,didyouexplainorascertainfromhimwhatlanguageordialecthewasconversantmost?Scslx
WITNESS:
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Whatlanguagedidheprefertobeaskedofhim?
A......Tagalog,sir.
Q......Letmeinviteyourattentiontothequestionappearingonpage2,"NaritosiAtty.RomeoT.
Reyesnamaarinamingibigaysaiyo.Naismobanaasistihnakaniya?"Didyouaskhimthat
question?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Andtheaswerhereappearingis"Opo."Whogavethatanswer?
A......Elberto,sir.
xxx............................xxx............................xxx
ATTY.CRESCINI:
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Q......Thefirstpagealsopurportstoshowthatyouhavereadandexplain[ed]totheaffiantElberto
BaseyMalasmashiscontitutionalrights.Didyouactuallyreadthattohim?
WITNESS:
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Nowthereappearsonpage3markedasExhibit"B2"thislastquestion,thelastquestion,
"Nakahandakabanglagdaanatsumpaanangsalaysaynaito?"Thisiscontinuedtopage4,did
youreallyaskhimthatquestion?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Andtheanswerishereis"Opo".Whogavethatanswer?
A......ElbertoBase,sir.
xxx............................xxx............................xxx
ATTY.CRESCINI:Mesm
Q......Iwillnowaddressyourattentiontothesignatureappearingonpage1abovethetypewritten
nameElbertoBaseyMalasmasandbelowtheinformationregardinghisconstitutionalrightsand
secondsignaturepurportstobethatofElbertoBaseyMalasmasalsoonpage1andafterhewas
offeredtheserviesofAtty.Romeot.Reyesandafterhehasalsoexpressedhisconsenttobe
assistedbyAtty.Reyes,whosesignature[s]arethosebothlegiblyreadingElbertoBase?
A......ThosearethesignaturesofElbertoBase,sir.
xxx............................xxx........................................................xxx
ATTY.CRESCINI:
Q......WhydoyouknowthatthosesignaturesmarkedinevidenceasExhibits"V6","V7"and"V8"
arethesignaturesofElbertoBase?
WITNESS:
A......Iwaspresentwhenheaffixedhissignatures,sir.
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Q......DuringtheentireinvestigationyouwereconductingofthewitnessBase,wasAtty.Reyes
whomyoudelegatedtoassistElbertoBasepresent?
WITNESS:
A......Hewasthere,sir.
Q......Iwillinviteyourattentiontothesignatureappearingonpageoneabovethetypewrittenname
RomeoT.Reyes,oppositethatofElbertoBase,aswellasanothersignatureonthelastpage,below
thephrase,"assistedby"andabovethetypewrittennameAtty.RomeoT.Reyes.Whosesignatures
arethose?
A......ThosearethesignaturesofAtty.Reyes.
Q......Whydoyousayso?
A......Whenhesignedthat,wewerefacingeachother.
xxx............................xxx............................xxx
ATTY.CRESCINI:
Q......BeforeElbertoBasesignedhisstatementmarkedasExhibits"V"to"V3"respectively,didyou
givehimtheopportunitytoreadthesame?
WITNESS:Slx
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Andafterreadingitout,didhesignhisstatement?
A......Hewasinfrontofus,IandAtty.Reyeswhenheaffixedhissignature.
Q......Didhesignitvoluntarily?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......ThisstatementpurportstohavebeensubscribedandsworntobeforeCaptainEdmonZaide,
AdministeringOfficeronFebruary8,1990.Doyouknowthatasafact?
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A......Iknowthat,sir.
Q......Whydoyouknowthat?
A......BecauseCapt.Zaidewasalsothere.Wewerefacingeachother."[39]
Sgt.Mercadoremainedsteadfastandunwaveringwithregardtotheregularityintheconductoftheinvestigationdespite
repeatedattemptsofdefensecounseltothrowhimofftrackoncrossexamination:
Q......Now,Mr.Witness,youaretheinvestigatorwhoconductedaninvestigationonElbertoBase,is
thatcorrect?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Howlonghaveyoubeenaninvestigator?
A......Moreorlesseightyears,sir.
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Q......Andapproximately,beforeFebruary8,1990,doyourmemberhowmanyinvestgationshave
youconducted?
WITNESS:
A......Icannotrememberanymore,sir.
Q......AboutonehundredMr.Witness?
A......Less,sir.
Q......Now,inyourinvestigationconductedMr.Witness,wouldyouagreewithmethatitisyour
procedurethatbeforeproceedingwiththeinvestigation,youusuallyreducedintowritingtherightsof
theaccusedtobeinvestigated?Sppedx
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Andasamatteroffact,theright[s]werealsoreducedtointowritingwhenyouinvestigated
ElbertoBase,correct?
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A......Yes,sir.
Q......Now,Mr.Witness,soyouwouldagreewithmethatbeforeyoustartedtoinvestigateMr.
ElbertoBase,thoserightsoftheaccusedwerealreadyreducedintowriting?
A......No,sir.
Q......Sowhendidyoureducethat(sic)rightsintowriting?
WITNESS:
A......Whenhewasinfrontofme,sir.
Q......Now,Mr.Witness,InoticedthatinyourinvestigationconductedonElbertoBase,thereis
alreadyanameofacertainAtty.RomeoT.Reyes.DoyouknowthisAtty.RomeoT.Reyes?Onthe
topportionofthatinvestigationyouconductedonElbertoBase?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Howlonghaveyouknownhim?
A......Moreorlesssevenmonths,sir.
Q......AndyouknowAtty.Reyesverywell?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Now,Mr.Witness,InoticedthatthereisasuperimpositionofthenameRomeoT.Reyeson
thenameprintedasConradoReyes.Willyoupleaseexplainthesignificanceofthatwrittenname
RomeoT.ReyesontheprintednameConradoT.Reyes?
WITNESS:
A......ItwassuperimposedbecauseIthoughthewasAtty.ConradoReyes.Jospped
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Q......SoyouwilladmitthatyoudonotknowthatwellAtty.RomeoT.Reyes?
A......IknowhimverywellbutIdonotknowhisfirstname.
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Q......Alright,InoticedthatbeforeyouconductedtheinvestigationonElbertoBase,thenameAtty.
RomeoT.Reyeswasalreadytypewrittenonthetopportionofyourswornstatement.Isthatcorrect
?
A......WhenhewasinfrontofmeandIwastypingthatinvestigation,thatwasthetimeIputthe
nameAtty.RomeoT.Reyes.
Q......SoyouwillagreewithmethatevenbeforeyoustartedtheinvestigationofElbertoBase,Atty.
Reyesnamewasalreadyindicatedatthestartofthesalaysay?
ATTY.CRESCINI:
Objection,YourHonor.Misleading.Alreadyanswered.
COURT:
Sustained.
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Q......Youwillagreewithmethatbeforeyoureducedtherightsoftheaccusedintowriting,during
thecustodialinvestigationthenameRomeoT.Reyeswasalreadyplacedontheswornstatement?
ATTY.CRESCINI:
Sameobjection.
COURT:
Sustained.
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Q......Now,Mr.Witness,InoticedthattherewereseveralsignaturesonthisExhibit"V"forthe
prosecutionmarkedasExhibits"V6","V7",V9"onpage1andonExhibit"V3"submarkings"V8",
"V10"and"V11"and"V12",nowwillyoupleaseseeforyourselfthesemarkings.Now,these
signaturesmarkedas"V5","V6","V7"and"V9"and"V10","V11"and"V12"wereaffixedbythe
respectivenamesappearingthereinsimultaneously?
WITNESS:Manikx
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A......Yes,sir.
Q......AndthesepersonssignedoraffixedtheirsignaturesafterthisstatementofElbertobasewas
typewritten,isitnot,Mr.Witness?
A......Yes,sir.
COURT:
Q......Wherewasthisstatementtaken?
A......Inourheadquarters,sir.
Q......Wherewasthat?
A......AtBarangayMasaya,Rosario,Batangas.
Q......AndAtty.Reyeshappenedtobethere?
A......Wehavehimcalled(sic).
Q......DidyoucallAtty.ReyesbeforeyouinvestigatedthisBase?
A......Yes,sir.
COURT:
Q......Atthetimethatyouinform[ed]theaccusedofhisconstitutionalrightsparticularlyhisrighttobe
assistedbycounsel,didyoupersonallyinformhimthatbeforeyouinvestigatehim,hehastheright
tobeassistedbycounselofhischoice?
WITNESS:
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Anddidheinformyouthathewillbeassistedbycounsel?
A......Hetoldmehecouldnotsecureaservices(sic)ofalawyerduringthattime.
Q......Butdidheinformyou[of]thenameofhislawyerwhomhewantedtorepresenthim?Nexold
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A......No,sir.
Q......HowdidthenameofAtty.Reyescomeintothepicture?
A......Becauseweknowthatsaidstatementwillnotbeacceptableincourtiftheaccusedistobe
investigatedandisnotassistedbyalawyer,thatiswhywehaveAtty.Reyescalledandpresented
himtothewitnessifhewillacceptAtty.Reyes.
COURT:
Q......AnddidtheaccusedaccepttheservicesofAtty.Reyeswhenyoutoldhimthat?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......DidAtty.Reyesfirstconferwiththeaccused?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Duringallthetime?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......WasthereanoccasionwhenAtty.Reyeswouldadvisetheaccusednottoanswerany
questionthatyouprofounded?
A......Icannotremember,sir.
Q......Isthereanyoccasionwhenthewitnessfirstask[ed]theopinionofAtty.Reyeswhetherhe
shouldanswerthequestionornot?
A......Yes,sir.
COURT:
Proceed.
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Q......YouwilladmitMr.WitnessthatAtty.Reyesnamecameintothepicturebecauseofyour
knowledgethatthisstatementwouldnotbeacceptabletocourt(sic)iftheaccusedisnotassisted
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bycounselisitnot?
WITNESS:Misox
A......Yes,sir.Ifheisasuspect.
Q......So,didIgetyourightMr.WitnessthattheassistanceofAtty.RomeoT.Reyesisthroughyour
insistenceandnotthrutherequestoftheaccused?
ATTY.CRESCINI:
Objection,Yourhonor.Thereisnoshowingofinsistenceonthepartofthewitness.It
assumesafactnottestified.
COURT:
Reformyourquestion.
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Q......DoIgetyourightMr.WitnessthatAtty.RomeoT.Reyesnamewasbroughttothe217thPC
CompanytoassisttheaccusedElbertoBasebecauseofyourknowledgethatthisstatementisnot
acceptabletocourtifnotassistedby[a]lawyer?
ATTY.CRESCINI:
ObjectionYourHonor.Alreadyanswered.
COURT:
Q......ItwasuponyourinitiativeandnottheaccusedthattheservicesofAtty.Reyes[wassecured]
toassisthiminyourinvestigation?
WITNESS:
A......Yes,sir.
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Q......Soitisnottheaccused,wouldyouagreewithme,itwasyouwhorequested?
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ATTY.CRESCINI:
ObjectionYourHonor.Alreadyanswered.
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Thisisonlyafollowupquestion.Sppedjo
COURT:
Reformandmakeitclear.
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Q......Accordingtoyouawhileago,itisuponyourinitiativethatAtty.RomeoT.Reyeswenttothe
217thPCCompanytoassisttheaccused?
WITNESS:
A......Icalledforhim.Iwasnotyetsureifhewillassisttheaccusedbecausehewasnotsureifthe
accusedwillcommitandtheaccusedconsented.
Q......Didtheaccusedconsented(sic)?
A......Heconsented.
Q......Now,Mr.Witness,whatwasthecondition,bodyandmindoftheaccusedatthetimehewas
beinginvestigated?
A......Hewasingoodcondition,sir.
Q......Areyousureofthat?
A......Yes,sir.[40]
EvenmorerevealingonthevoluntarinessinthetakingofaccusedappellantsstatementisthefollowingtestimonyofAtty.
RomeoT.Reyeswhowaswiththeaccusedandassistedhimduringthetakingthereof:
ATTY.CRESCINI:
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Q......Now,onthatdate,sometimeatabout8:00intheevening,doyourecallhavingbeen
requestedtoassistto(sic)apersonundercustodialinvestigation?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Andcanyourecallthenameofthatpersonwhomyouassisted?
A......IthinkElbertoBase.
Q......Andifyouseethatpersonandhavingsorequested,didyouaccommodatetherequestto
assisthim?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......WhoinparticularrequestedyoutogiveassistancetoElbertoBase?Maniks
A......IwasmadetounderstandthatIwasinvitedbythecompanycommanderofthe217thPC
CompanyinBarangayNamunga,Rosario,Batangasandtheinvitationwasextendedbya
policemanandtwo(2)PCsoldierswhosenameIcannolongerrecall.
Q......Butyoucanrecallthenameofthecompanycommanderofthe217thPCCompany?
A......Well,Iunderstandheisnolongertheexecutiveofficerwhoattendedmeandbroughtmeto
theplacewhereBasewas.Icantrecallthename.
Q......Didyougotothe217thPCCompany?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Wereyouabletoseethatperson,ElbertoBase?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Whereinparticulardidyouseehim?
A......HewasattheinvestigationroomatthetimeIarrived.
Q......Ifyouseehimagain,willyoubeabletoidentifyhim?
A......Yes,sir.
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Q......WillyoulookinsidethisCourtroomandpointtohimifheispresent?
A......Mr.Baseistheonewearingamaongtypeshirt.
Q......AboutwhattimeintheeveningofFebruary8,1990didtheygotoyouwhenyouwenttothe
headquarterstoassisthim?Oldmisox
A......Theteamthatinvitedmearrivedpast7:30intheevening,afterhavingoursupper.
Q......Wereyouabletotalktohim?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Whatabout?
A......Well,ItoldhimaboutthegravityoftheoffenseofwhichheisbeinginvestigatedandalsoI
informedhimofhisconstitutionalright.
Q......Fromwhominparticulardidyoucometoknowaboutthematterandgravityofhisoffense?
A......TheincidentthattookplacewasapublicknowledgeinRosarioandIwasapprisedofthefacts
andcircumstancessurroundingthecommissionoftheoffenseandIinformedMr.Basethatyouare
beinginvestigatedofaverygraveoffense.
Q......InwhatlanguagedidyouconferwithMr.Basemoreparticularlyasfarasadvisinghimofhis
constitutionalrightisconcerned?
A......InTagalog,sir.Manikan
Q......Andaftersoadvisinghimaboutthegravityoftheoffenseforwhichheisbeinginvestigatedas
wellashisconstitutionalright,whatdidMr.Basetellyou?
A......Well,heinsiststhatheiswillingtogiveavoluntarystatement.
Q......Anddidheinfactgiveastatement?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Wereyoupresentduringthetakingofhisstatement?
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A......Yes,sir.
Q......DoyouknowifafterthetakingofthestatementifMr.Baseisgiventheopportunitytoread
suchwrittenstatement?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Iamshowingtoyoutheoriginalofthestatementthatpurportstobethewrittenstatementof
ElbertoBaseconsistingoffour(4)pages,andmayIinviteyourattentiontoasignatureappearing
abovethetypewrittennameAtty.RomeoReyes,doyourecognizethatsignature?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Whosesignatureisthat?
A......Thatismysignature,sir.
ATTY.CRISCINI:Scncm
MayIplaceonrecordthatthewitnesshasidentifiedExh."B9".MayIalsoinviteyour
attentiontoaninitialappearingonthelefthandmarginatthebottomofpage2.Whose
initialisthat?
A......Thatismyinitial,sir.
Q......Howaboutthisinitialonpage3attheleftbottomportion,whoseinitialisthat?
A......Thatismyinitial.
Q......Andfinally,Iaddressyourattentiontothelastpagetothesignatureappearingabovethe
typewrittenname,RomeoReyes,whosesignatureisthat?
A......Thatismysignature.
Q......Doyouknowwhyyouwererequiredbytheinvestigatortoaffixyoursignaturesoneachandall
pages?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Why?
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A......JusttoshowthatIwaspresentwhenthestatementoneachandeverypageweretaken.
Q......Iaddressyourattentiontothesignaturesappearingonpage2abovethetypewrittenname
ElbertoBasemarkedasExhibits"B6"and"B7",soyouknowwhosesignaturesarethose?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Whosesignaturesarethose?
A......ThosearethesignaturesofElbertoBase.
Q......MayIalsoinviteyourattentiontothesignatureappearingonthefourthpagemarkedasExh.
"B8"abovethetypewrittennameElbertoBase,whosesignatureisthat?
A......ThatisthesignatureofElbertoBase.
Q......WhydoyouknowthatExhibits"B6","B7"and"B8"arethesignaturesoftheaccused?
A......IwaspresentwhenthosesignatureswereaffixedbyElbertoBase.Ncmmis
Q......ItalsoappearsthatthisstatementwassworntoonFebruary8,1990beforeCapt.Eduardo
Zayde,wereyoupresentwhenthiswasswornto?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Now,letusgobacktothetakingofthestatement.HowdidElbertoBasegivethisstatement?
A......Hegaveitinthevernacular.
Q......Andthemannerinwhichhegavethisstatement?
A......Casualmanner.
Q......Wasitvoluntary?
A......Voluntary.
Q......Theveryfirstportionofthisstatement,Exh."B",startedwithanarrationbytheinvestigatorfor
someoftheconstitutionalrightsofElbertoBase.Wereyoupresentwhenthiswasdone?
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A......Yes,sir.
Q......Andalltheanswers,wasinthevernacular,werethesegivenbyElberto?
A......Yes,sir.
ATTY.CRISCINI:
Thatwillbeall,YourHonor,justtwoadditionalquestions.
Q......TestifyingbeforethisHonorableCourtinhisdefense,theaccusedElbertoBaseallegednot
onlythathewasnotassistedbylawyer,thatnolawyerwaspresentedandhealsomanifestedthat
hewasintheinvestigationroomandeveninthecoursethereofhewasmaltreatedandthathislips
werewounded,hehadabrokentoothandabrokenboneattheback.Now,inthecourseofyour
stayingatthe217thPCCompany,hesaidyouarrivedataround7:00untiltheconclusionofhis
statement,didyounoticeanymaltreatmentofthisaccusedElbertoBase?
A......Idont(sic)noticeanything.
Q......UptowhattimedidyoustaythereAtty.ReyesattheheadquartersofthePC?Ncm
A......Istayedtherepast12:00oclock.
Q......Fromthattimeofyourarrivalsometimeat7:20intheeveninguntilyourdepartureatpast
12:00oclockdidyounoticeanyforceexertedorappliedonthepersonofElbertoBaseinthecourse
oftheinvestigation?
A......ThereisnoforceexertedagainstBase.
Q......Didyounoticeanyinjuryin(sic)hisperson?
A......Ididnotnoticeanyinjury,sir.[41]
LikeSgt.Mercado,Atty.Reyesremainedconstantandsteadfastdespiteintensegrillingbydefensecounseloncross
examination:
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Q......Alright,yousaidonFebruary8,1990ataround7:30p.m.ateamfromthe217thPCCompany
cametoyourhouse,isthatcorrect?
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A......Yes,sir.
Q......Howmanypersonscametoyourhousethen?
A......Ithinkmorethanfive(5).
Q......Youcannotsayeventhenumberofthesepersonswhocametoyourhouse?
A......Icannotbecause7:30wasdarkanditwasablackoutduringthattimetheyarrived.
Q......Andthesepersonswhocametoyourhouse,didyouallowthemtoenteryourhouse?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Howmanypersons?
A......Ithinkthree(3).
Q......Doyouknowthesepersonswhoenteredyourhouse?
A......Icannolongerrememberthename,butIamverysuretherewasone(1)policemanwhowas
withthem.
xxx............................xxx........................................................xxx
Q......Now,themomentthesethree(3)perosnsenteredyourhouse,whatwastheirpurposeingoing
toyourhouse,didtheyinformyouwhatwastheirpurposeingoingtoyourhouse?Sdaamiso
A......Yes,sir.
Q......What?
A......Theyextendedtomeaninvitationtogotothecampofthe217thPCCo.inBarangay
Namunga,Rosario,Batangas.
Q......So,thethreepolicemen,whatdoyoumeanbyextendedtoyouaninvitation?
A......Iwastoldthatthecompanycommanderisrequestingmypresence.
Q......Now,beforethisincidenthappened,beforeyouwereinvitedtothe217thPCCo.doyou
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alreadyknowthisincident?
A......Yes,sir,theyinformedme.
Q......Beforeyouwereinformedbythesepolicemenwhocametoyourhouseareyouawarealready
ofthisincidentofthekillingofJulianitoLuna?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Sincewhenhaveyoubeenawareofthisincident,Mr.Witness?
A......Sincetheverymorning,thatwasthenewsalreadyintown.
xxx............................xxx............................xxx
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Q......Youwentwiththemtothe217thPCCompany?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Whatvehicledidyouusegoingtothatheadquarters?
A......P.C.vehicle.
xxx............................xxx............................xxx
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Q......Now,whathappenedwhenyouarrivedatthe217thPCCompany?Scsdaad
A......IwasintroducedtoElbertoBase.
Q......Whathappenedaftertheintroduction?
A......Well,Iwastold,thatElbertoBasewillgiveavoluntarystatement.Iaskedtheinvestigating
officerinthepersonofCaptainZayde,ifIcanbeallowedtotalktoElbertoBasebeforetheactual
takingofhisstatement.
Q......So,Mr.Witness,whenyousaidthatyoubeallowedtotalkwithMr.Basebeforetheactual
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takingofthestatement,whenyouarrivedthere,therewasnostatementyettaken?
A......Nostatementyet.
Q......Now,Mr.Witness,whointroducedyoutoMr.ElbertoBase?
A......Thecompanycommander,whosenameIforgotandCapt.Zaydetheinvestigatingofficer.
Q......Andwherewasthatintroductionmade?
A......Intheinvestigationroom.
Q......Whowerepresentintheinvestigationroom?
A......Mr.Base,Capt.ZaydeandaPCofficeralsowhoisinfrontofthetypewriter.
Q......Whatwasthatpersondoinginfrontofthetypewriter?
A......Well,hewasthenreadytotakethestatementofMr.Base.
Q......Doyouknowthispersonwhoisinfrontofthetypewriter?
A......Ya,yes.
Q......Whatisthename,Mr.Witness?
A......AcertainSgt.Mercado.
Q......Howaboutyou,doyouknowifheknowsyou,thisSgt.Mercado?
A......Beforetheincident,Idontthinkso.
Q......Now,thisSgt.Mercado,isnotincludedinthepersonwhofetchedyouinyourhouse?
A......Icouldnotremember.SupremaX
Q......Now,whenyourequestedthatyoufirsttalkwithMr.ElbertoBase,wereyourrequestgranted?
A......Yes,sir.
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Q......WheredidyoutalkwithMr.ElbertoBase?
A......Well,insidetheinvestigationroomalso.
Q......AndinsidetheinvestigationroomasidefromyouandMr.ElbertoBasewhileyouweretalking
thereat,wasthereanypersoninside?
A......Capt.Zaydewasoutintheroom.
Q......Howaboutthepersonwhowastyping?
A......Hewasstillthere.
Q......Asidefromthepersonwhowasinfrontofthetypewriter,wasthereanotherpersoninsidethe
investigationroom?
A......Therewasnone.
Q......Andtheaccusedwhilehewasintheinvestigationroomnotinhandcuffs?
A......Hewasnothandcuff(sic).
Q......Now,yousaidthatyouarrivedthereat8:30intheeveningofFebruary8,1990,andaccording
toyoutheinvestigationofficerhave(sic)notyettakenthestatementofElbertoBase,isthat
correct?
A......ActuallytherewerepapersalreadyinthetypewriterandIrequestedhimtostartalloveragain.
Q......Andwhowasthatpersonyouinformedtostartalloveragain?
A......Sgt.Mercado.
Q......Anddidhestartalloveragain?Sdaad
A......Yes,sir,afterIhaveconferredwithMr.ElbertoBase.
Q......IamshowingtoyouthisallegedExtraJudicialStatementwhichwastakenonFebruary8,
1990,at217thPCCompanyataround8:00p.m.inthepresenceofAtty.RomeoReyes.Wouldyou
kindlytellthisHonorableCourtifyourstatementawhileagothatyourrequestfromSgt.Mercadoto
startalloveragainwasfollowed?
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A......Yes,sir.
Q......So,actuallythestartofthegivingofthestatementoftheaccusedElbertoBasecommenced
after8:30?
ATTY.CRESCINI:
Objection,ifyourHonor,please,thewitnessdidnotfixtheperiodatexactly8:30,he
saidaround8:30.Soitsinthatneighborhood.Itwouldbeorshouldbearound8:30.
COURT:
Tothebestofyourrecollection,ataboutwhattimedidtheinvestigatorIamreferringto
Sgt.Mercado,starttakingdownthewrittenstatementofElbertoBase?
A......Sir,inmypresence?
Q......Inyourpresence?
A......Itwaspast8:00oclockalready,sir.
Q......Canyounotgiveamorespecifictimeconsideringyourprevioustestimonythatyouarrivedin
thecampataround8:30intheevening?
A......Maybepast8:30,YourHonor.
Q......Youarenotcertain?
A......Iamnotverysureofthetime,YourHonor.
Q......WhentheinvestigationstartedtakingdownthestatementofElbertoBaseinyourpresence,
youdidnotconsultyourwatchtodeterminewhattimetheinvestigationstarted?
A......Ididnot,YourHonor,butIamverysurenowthatbecauseofmyconferencethatIhavewith
ElbertoBasetheactualtakingofthestatementtookplaceabout8:30to9:00oclockintheevening.
COURT:Juris
Soyouarenotcertainastotheexacttime?
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A......Iamverycertain,YourHonor.
Q......Andthatwasperyourpreviousdeclaration8:30intheevening?.....
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Afterarrivinginthecampyouhate(sic)totalkwiththecommandingofficerandCapt.Zayde?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......AndonlyaftersuchconferencewereyouintroducedwithaccusedElbertoBase?
A......Conferencewithhimself.
Q......WithCapt.Zaydeandthecommandingofficer?
A......IhavenoconferencewithCapt.ZaydewithElbertoBase,only.
Q......Byconference,Imeantthatyoutalk(sic)withthecommandingofficerandCapt.Zaydebefore
youhadyourconferencewiththeaccused?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Andforhowlongdidyourconferencewiththeaccusedlast?
A......About20minutes,sir.
Q......Itwasonlyaftertheconferencewiththeaccusedthathisstatementwastakenagain?
A......Yes,sir.
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Now,Mr.Witness,yousaidyouwereabletotalkwithMr.Baseafterhewas
introducedtoyou?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Andthefirstthingyouutter(sic)whenhewasintroducedtoyou,isthat,IamAtty.Reyes?
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A......Yes,sir,Iintroducedmyself.
Q......ThatyouwererequestedbyCapt.Zaydetohelpyouintheinvestigation?
A......Thatsnotexactly(sic).Scjuris
Q......Yousaid,thatisnotexactly,whatwastheexactwords?(sic)
A......IcouldnotrecallexactlythewordsthatIusedbutItoldhimthatIwasrequestedtoassistyou
intheconductoftheinvestigation.
COURT:
Whatelsedidyoutellhim?
A......AndItoldhimifhehasacounselofhisown.Andhesaid,none.Ifurtheraskedhimifheis
willingtobeassistedbycounselinthegivingofhisstatementconsider(sic)thegravityofthe
offenseforwhichheisbeinginvestigated.
Q......Anyfurtherstatementthatyougave?
A......Aftersayingthatheiswillingtomakeuseofmyassistance,Iinformedhimofhisconstitutional
rightsandafterIhaveinformedhimIaskedhimifheisstillwillingtogiveafreeandvoluntary
statement.
Q......Yousaidthatyouinformedhimofhisconstitutionalrights,whatconstitutionalrightsdidyou
informtheaccused?
A......Thatheisstillpresumedtobeinnocent,thatheisentitledtoalawyerofhisownchoiceand
thatitishisrighttoremainsilent.
Q......Therightsthatyoutoldhimyouexplainedtohim?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Arethosetherightsthatyouexplainedtohim?
A......Andthathisstatementthatwillbegivenwillbeusedagainsthim.ThatisallthatIinformedthe
accused,YourHonor.
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xxx............................xxx............................xxx
Q......Now,InoticedinthisallegedExtraJudicialinvestigation,Mr.Witness,thattherewasan
erasureinthenameConradoReyes,doyouhaveahandinthechangingofyournameinthefirst
name,Mr.Witness?Jurissc
A......Yes,sir,thisismycorrection.
Q......Yourequestedcorrectionofyournameafteritwasalreadytypewritten?
A......Yes,sir.
ATTY.HERMOSO:
Ithinkthatwouldbeallforthewitness,YourHonor.
COURT:
Yousaidthatyouinformedtheaccusedofhisrighttoremainsilent,willyou
demonstratetotheCourthowyouexplainedthatrightoftheaccusedtoElbertoBase?
A......Yes,sir,Itoldhiminthevernacularthat,"Ikawaypuedenghuwagmagsalitaatsumagotsa
mgakatanungang(sic)nginvestigadorditosaimbistigasyongitohanggangsaikawayhuwagna
(sic)magbigayngsalaysaysapagkatitoaymaaringgamitinlabansaiyo."
Q......Thatshowyouexplainedtotheaccused?
A......Yes,YourHonor,onthatparticularrighttoremainsilent.
Q......Forhowmanyminutesdidtheinvestigationlast?
A......Ithinkitsalmostthree(3)hours.
Q......Inthecourseoftheinvestigation,whenaparticularquestionisaskedtotheaccused,you,as
acounsel,duringthatproceedings,didyouatanyparticularmomentadviseyourclientnotto
answerthatquestionbecauseitwillbeverydetrimentaltohim?
A......Therearetimesbeforetheactualtakingofthestatement,IinterviewedMr.Baseandafter
narratingtometheincidentItoldhimifthatwillbethesubstanceofhistestimonytobegiventothe
investigatorandhetoldme,yes.Andonthebasisofthatassurance,will(sic)Iallowhimtoanswer
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questionswithinthecontextofthenarrationthathegavetome,althoughtherearetimeswhenI
havetocautionhimduringourconferencethatthisisdangerous.Therearestatementsthatare
dangerousandIcautionedhimtobeware.Sppedsc
Q......Youhavenotyetansweredmyquestion.Repeatthequestion.
Q......Inthecourseoftheinvestigation,whenaparticularquestionisaskedtotheaccused,you,as
acounsel,duringthatproceedings,didyouatanyparticularmomentadviseyourclientnotto
answerthatquestionbecauseitwillbeverydetrimentaltohim?
A......Icautionedhimtothinkfirstbeforeheanswer(sic).
Q......Butyourobservationwasnotincludedintheinvestigationconductedbytheinvestigator?
A......Itwasnotincluded.
Q......Youdidnotrequestthatthisadvicetotheaccusedbegiventotheaccused?
A......Ididnot,YourHonor.
Q......Afterthestatementoftheaccusedwastakenthenbytheinvestigator,youandtheaccused
togetherreadthestatementagain?
A......Yes,YourHonor.
Q......Readthestatementforthefirsttime?
A......Yes,YourHonor.
Q......Anddidyoudiscussthiswrittenstatementtotheaccusedbeforehesignedit?
A......Yes,sir.
Q......Andyouadvisehimnottosignthestatement?
A......Well,Itoldhimifheisstillwillingtosignthestatement.
Q......Youdidnotanswerthequestionofthecourt?
A......Ididnotadvisehimtosign.[42]
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TheforegoingtestimonialexcerptsvividlyshowsthatAtty.Reyesparticipationduringthecustodialinvestigationofaccusedwas
anythingbutperfunctory.Muchlesscoulditbearguedthathewasremissinhisdutiestoassisttheaccused.Onthecontrary,
theyinfactunderscorehisactiveparticipationintheproceedings.Calrspped
Tosupporthisclaimthathisswornstatementwasirregularlytaken,accusedappellantfurtherinsiststhatthesamewas
obtainedthroughforceandpaintsagraphicpictureoftortureatthehandsoffifteenpersonswhorepeatedlybeathimupwith
gunbarrelsandbutts[43]asaresultofwhichheallegedlylostatoothandsustainedcontusions,abustedmouthandbroken
bonesathisback.[44]
Weremainunpersuaded.
Forallaccusedappellantsprotestationstothecontrary,histaleofcoercionandtortureinthehandsofhisinterrogatorstaxes
credulityvisvishistestimonialdeclarationsthatdespitesupposedlybeingseverelymauledandsustaininginjuriesasaresult
thereofhedidnot:1.]complaintotheseniorofficerofhisinterrogatorsabouthowhewastreatedduringhiscustodial
investigation[45]2.]tellhiswifeofhisinjurieswhenshearrivedthenextdaynordidheaskhertotakehimtoahospitalfor
treatment[46]3.]informhislawyeroftheallegedinjurieshesustainedatthehandsofhisinterrogatorsalthoughhehadseveral
opportunitiestodoso[47]4.]informhislawyerthathewasforcedtosigntheswornstatement[48]5.]presentanymedical
certificatetoprovetheexistenceofhisallegedinjuries.Toppingaccusedappellantsincredibletaleoftortureishisalmosttwo
yearsilenceontheincidentwhichonlycametolightwhenhetestifiedincourt.[49]Accusedappellantexplainsawaythese
lapsesastheproductsofhisfearofhisinterrogators.[50]However,hisfailuretospeakupanddisclosehisfearattheearliest
opportunitysubjectstoseriousdoubttherealityandsubstanceofthatsupposedfear.[51]Alongthesamevein,accused
appellantsunsupportedclaimsofphysicalabuseinthehandsofhisinterrogatorssimplyringhollowintheabsenceofother
prooftocorroboratethem.IndeedSccalr
"bareassertionsofmaltreatmentbythepoliceauthoritiesinextractingconfessionsfromtheaccusedarenot
sufficientinviewofthestandingruleenunciatedinthecasesofPeoplev.MadaISantalani[52]Peoplev.Balane
[53]
andPeoplev.Villanueva,[54]thatwherethedefendantsdidnotpresentevidenceofcompulsion,orduressnor
violenceontheirpersonwheretheyfailedtocomplaintotheofficerwhoadministeredtheiroathswheretheydid
notinstituteanycriminaloradministrativeactionagainsttheirallegedintimidatorsformaltreatmentwherethere
appearedtobenomarksofviolenceontheirbodiesandwheretheydidnothavethemselvesexaminedbya
reputablephysiciantobuttresstheirclaim,allthesewereconsideredbythisCourtasfactorsindicating
voluntariness."[55]
Goingbyaccusedappellantsaccount,theCourtlikewisefindsitoddforaccusedappellantsinterrogatorswhopickedhimup
forquestioningashedisembarkedfromabusatMataasnaLupa,LipaCity[56]totakeadetourbyfirstbringinghimtoLodlod,
LipaCityatthehouseofAmeliaQuizon[57]wherehewasboundhandandfootatgunpoint,[58]loadedonatopdownjeepand
thenbroughttothe217thPCDetachmentinRosario,Batangas[59]insteadofbeingforthwithtakentothePCCampfor
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questioningafterbeingapprehendedatthebusstop.Settledistherulethatevidence,tobebelieved,mustnotonlyproceed
fromthemouthofacrediblewitness,butmustbecredibleinitself.[60]Sufficeittostateinthisregardthatsuchcircumstances
narratedbyaccusedappellantonlytendstounderscoretheincongruityofhistaleoftorture.Calrsc
AcircumspectscrutinyofaccusedappellantsSinumpaangSalaysay[61]clearlyshowshowheandhiscoaccusedplannedthe
killingofthedeceasedaswellasthesequenceofeventsbeforeandaftertheoccurrenceoftheincident.Theseeventscould
nothavebeensuppliedeitheranyofthoseinterviewedbythepeaceofficersorbythepeaceofficersthemselvesbecausethe
saidstatementisrepletewithdetailswhichonlyonewhohasanintricateknowledgethereofcansupply.[62]Verily
"ItremainsonlytonotethattheextrajudicialstatementsofRomeoJabilandRufoLlenarasasarerepletewith
detailsandtheycorroborateandcomplementeachothersosubstantiallythatitisverydifficulttosupposethatthe
statementshadbeenmerelyderivedfromthecreativeimaginationofthepoliceofficersinvolved.The
confessions,inotherwords,havetheringoftruthaboutthem."[63]
When,asinthiscase,"[a]nextrajudicialstatementsatisfiestherequirementsoftheConstitution,itconstitutesevidenceofa
highorderbecauseofthestrongpresumptionthatnopersonofnormalmindwoulddeliberatelyandknowinglyconfesstoa
crimeunlesspromptedbytruthandconscience.[64]Thedefensehastheburdenofprovingthatitwasextractedbymeansof
force,duress,promiseorreward."[65]Unfortunatelyforaccusedappellant,hefailedtoovercometheoverwhelmingprosecution
evidencetothecontrary.
Section3,Rule133oftheRulesofCourtprovidesthat"[a]nextrajudicialconfessionmadebyanaccusedshallnotbesufficient
groundforconviction,unlesscorroboratedbyevidenceofcorpusdelicti."Inthiscasetheprosecutionpresentedotherevidence
toprovethetwoelementsofcorpusdelicti,towit:a.]acertainresulthasbeenproven,i.e.amanhasdiedand2.]some
personiscriminallyresponsible.[66]
Inthiscase,itisindubitablethatacrimehasbeencommittedandthattheotherpiecesofprosecutionevidenceclearlyshow
thataccusedappellanthadconspiredwiththeotheraccusedtocommitthecrime.[67]Infact,hewasseenbytheprosecution
witnessesinthecompanyofhisothercoaccused.Furthermore,Atty.RomeoT.Reyesandtheinterrogator,Sgt.Romulo
Mercado,testifiedtothevoluntarinessofhisconfession.Inthisregard,itmustbestressedthattheaforementionedrulemerely
requiresthatthereshouldbesomeotherevidence"tendingtoshowthecommissionofthecrimeapartfromtheconfession."[68]
Scedp
Alltold,anoverallscrutinyoftherecordsofthiscaseleadsustonootherconclusionbutthecorrectnessofthetrialcourtin
holdingthattheaccusedappellantandhiscoaccusedcommittedmurder.Whatremainstobedeterminediswhetherthe
elementsofthecrimehavebeenestablished.
Conspiracyisallegedintheinformationchargingtheaccusedappellantofthecrime.Conspiracy
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"existswhentwoormorepersonscometoanagreementconerningthecommissionofafelonyanddecideto
commitit.Directproofisnotessential,forconspiracymaybeinferredfromtheactsoftheaccusedpriorto,during
orsubsequenttotheincident.Suchactsmustpointtoajointpurpose,concertofactionorcommunityofinterest.
Hence,thevictimneednotbeactuallyhitbyeachoftheconspiratorsfortheactofoneofthemisdeemedtheact
ofall."[69]
AperusaloftheSinumpaangSalaysay[70]wouldreadilyshowaccusedappellantscomplicityintheslayingofthevictim.Inthe
swornstatement,henarratedthataweekbeforethekilling,hewaswiththeassassinsinconductingasurveillanceofthe
victimsresidence.[71]HealsodeclaredthathewaswithFrederickLazaroandEduardoPatrociniowhenthejeepwithPlate
NumberCFU178wasborrowedbythetwoaccused[72]andthathewaswiththemwhentheyleftPasayCityboundforSan
Juan,Batangas,thedaythevictimwasshot.[73]HelikewiseaverredthathewasleftonashedinIbaan,BatangaswhenLazaro
andPatrocinioreturnedtoRosario,BatangasandthathewaswiththemwhentheywenttothehouseofJunValeatSanJose,
Batangas[74]fromtheretheyproceededtoLodlod,LipaCitywheretheyleftthejeepinthepremisesofAmeliaQuizonshouse.
[75]
Finally,accusedappellantadmittedthathewastoldtorecoverthejeepinLodlod,LipaCityonthedayhewasarrested.[76]
Theoneweekintervalwhenaccusedappellantandhiscoconspiratorsfirstcasedthevictimshouseuptotheactualdateof
thekillingunderscoresthepresenceofevidentpremeditation.Forthisaggravatingcircumstancetobeconsidered,theremust
beproofofthefollowingelementsthereof,i.e.,1.]thetimetheoffendersdeterminedtocommitthecrime2.]anactmanifestly
indicatingthattheyclungtotheirdeterminationand3.]asufficientlapseoftimebetweendeterminationandexecutiontoallow
reflectionupontheconsequencesoftheact.[77]Sdjad
Treacheryisalsoallegedintheinformationindictingtheaccused.Thereistreachery"[w]hentheoffendercommitsanyofthe
crimesagainstpersons,employingmeans,methodsorformsintheexecutionthereofwhichtenddirectlyandspeciallytoinsure
itsexecutionwithoutrisktohimselfarisingfromthedefensewhichtheoffendedpartymightmake."[78]Theessenceofalevosia
istheswiftandunexectedattackontheunarmedvictimwithouttheslightestprovocationonthevictimspart.[79]Thefactthat
treacherymaybeshownifthevictimisattackedfrombehinddoesnotmeanitcannotalsobeappreciatediftheattackis
frontallylaunched.[80]Evenafrontalattackcanbetreacherouswhenitissuddenandthevictimisunarmed.[81]Inthiscase,the
suddennessoftheshootingwithouttheslightestprovocationfromthevictimwhowasunarmedandhadnoopportunityto
defendhimself,clearlyqualifiedthecrimewithtreachery.[82]
AtthetimethecrimewascommittedonFebruary8,1990,murderwaspunishablebyreclusiontemporalinitsmaximumperiod
todeath.Consideringthepresenceoftwoaggravatingcircumstanceswithnomitigatingcircumstance,themaximumpenaltyof
deathwouldbeimposableunderArticle63oftheRevisedPenalCode.However,sincetheoffensewascommittedduringthe
suspensionoftheimpositionofthedeathpenaltyandpriortoitsreimpositionunderRepublicActNo.7659,[83]theimposable
penaltyisreclusionperpetua.[84]Thispenaltyissingleandindivisible,thus,itshallbeimposedregardlessofanyattending
aggravatingormitigatingcircumstances.[85]
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ThesumofFiftyThousand(P50,000.00)Pesosawardedbythecourtaquoascivilindemnityexdelicto,withoutfurtherneedof
proofofdamage,isproperasitfollowsprevailingjurisprudenceandisinlinewiththepolicyoftheCourt.[86]Withregardto
actualdamages,thetrialcourtfoundthatthewifeofthevictimspentTwentyFiveThousand(P25,000.00)Pesosforfoodand
drinksduringthedeceasedstendaywakeTenThousand(P10,000.00)Pesosforfuneralservicesandtransportationexpenses
ofFiveThousand(P5,000.00)Pesos.[87]Sinceaccusedappellantdoesnotquestionthisfindingofthetrialcourt,heisliableto
privatecomplainantsinthesaidamountasactualdamages.[88]Misact
ThisCourt,however,cannotsustaintheawardofmoraldamagesintheabsenceofsufficientevidencetosupportit.[89]Itis
elementarythatformoraldamagestobeproperlyadjudicatedincriminaloffensesresultinginphysicalinjuries,theremustbea
factualbasisfortheawardthereof.[90]
WHEREFORE,withthesoleMODIFICATIONthattheawardofOneHundredThousand(P100,000.00)Pesosbywayofmoral
damagesbeDELETED,theDecisionappealedfromisherebyAFFIRMEDinallotherrespects.
SOORDERED.
Davide,Jr.,C.J.,(Chairman),Puno,Kapunan,andPardo,JJ.,concur.
[1] Record,pp.105106.
[2] Ibid.,pp.6061.
[3] Id.,p.223.
[4] TSN,12August1991,pp.1012.
[5] Ibid.,p.12.
[6] Id.,pp.1213.
[7] Id.,p.13.
[8] Id.
[9] Id.,p.14.
[10] Id.,pp.36,53.
[11] Id.,pp.19,23.
[12] Id.
[13] Id.,pp.1416.
[14] Id.,pp.1618.
[15] Id.,p.16.
[16] Exhibit4.
[17] TSN,12August1991,pp.1618.
[18] Ibid.,p.19.
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[19] Id.,p.36.
[20] Id.,pp.1920,35,47.
[21] Id.,pp.43,51.
[22] Id.,pp.5051,2122.
[23] Id.,p.50,52.
[24] ExhibitVandseries.
[25] TSN,12August1991,p.49.
[26] Ibid.,p.21.
[27] Id.,p.28.
[28] Id.
[29] Peoplev.Mantes,299SCRA562(1998)Peoplev.Deniega,251SCRA626(1995)Peoplev.Espanola,271SCRA689(1997)Peoplev.Cabiles,284SCRA199
(1998)Peoplev.Tan286SCRA207(1998)
[30] Peoplev.BernardinoDomantay@JuniorOtot,130612,11May1999,p.12.
[31] Peoplev.Andan,269SCRA95(1997)Bernas,TheConstitutionoftheRepublicofthePhilippines:ACommentary,1996ed.,p.412,citingPeoplev.Mara,236
SCRA565(1994)
[32] Peoplev.Andan,supra,citingBernas,TheConstitutionoftheRepublicofthePhilippines,supraandMirandav.Arizona,384U.S.436,16Led.2d694(1966)
[33] Peoplev.BenitoBravo,G.R.No.135562,22November1999,p.9,citingPeoplev.Deniega,supra.
[34] Peoplev.Serzo,Jr.,274SCRA553(1997)
[35] CitingIRecordoftheConstitutionalCommission731734IBernas,TheConstitutionoftheRepublicofthePhilippines,19871sted.,p.347.
[36] Peoplev.Suarez,267SCRA119(1997),citingPeoplev.Parojinog,203SCRA673(1991)
[37] Peoplev.Layuso,175SCRA47(1989)
[38] Peoplev.Suarez,supra,citingPeoplev.Aquino,186SCRA851(1990)
[39] TSN,8July1991,pp.2734italicssupplied.
[40] TSN,10July1991,pp.1727italicssupplied.
[41] TSN,26August1991,pp.615italicssupplied.
[42] TSN,26August1991,pp.1836italicssupplied.
[43] TSN,12August1991,pp.23,38.
[44] Ibid.,pp.161839.
[45] Id.,p.39.
[46] Id.,p.40.
[47] Id.,pp.4041.
[48] Id.,p.52.
[49] Id.,p.53.
[50] Id.,pp.39,53.
[51] Peoplev.Logronio,214SCRA519(1992)
[52] 93SCRA317(1979)
[53] 123SCRA614(1983)
[54] 128SCRA488(1983)
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5/13/2016
[55] Peoplev.Damaso,190SCRA595(1990italicssupplied.
[56] TSN,12August1991,pp.1013.
[57] Ibid.,p.13.
[58] Id.,pp.1314.
[59] Id.,pp.36,53.
[60] Peoplev.LeonardoK.Joyno,G.R.No.123982,15March1999,304SCRA655,citingPeoplev.Cayabyab,274SCRA387(1997)Peoplev.Salazar,272SCRA
481(1997)Peoplev.Salvatierra,257SCRA489(1996)Peoplev.Lian,255SCRA532(1996)
[62] Peoplev.Ribadajo,142SCRA637(1986)
[63] Peoplev.Llenaresas,248SCRA629(1995)
[64] Peoplev.Montiero,246SCRA786(1995)Peoplev.Alvarez,201SCRA364(1991)
[65] Peoplev.EdwinDeVerayGarcia,etal.,G.R.No.128966,18August1999,p.31,citingPeoplev.Dasig,221SCRA549(1993)
[66] Peoplev.Lorenzo,240SCRA624,(1995)
[67] ExhibitV,pp.23.
[68] Peoplev.EdwinDeVerayGarcia,supra,citingPeoplev.Lorenzo,supra.
[69] Peoplev.EleuterioCostelo,etal.,G.R.No.134311,13October1999,p.21,citingPeoplev.MaldoG.R.No.131347,19May1999italicssupplied.
[71] ExhibitV,pp.23.
[72] Ibid.,p.2.
[73] Id.
[74] Id.,p.3.
[75] Id.
[76] Id.
[77] Peoplev.PedroAcademia,Jr.yBaldado,G.R.No.129251,18May1999,p.7,citingPeoplev.Baydo,273SCRA526(1997)
[78] Article14,par.16,RevisedPenalCode.
[79] Peoplev.RomeoBelaro,G.R.No.99869,26May1999,citingPeoplev.Lascota,275SCRA591(1997)Peoplev.Quinao,269SCRA495(1997)andPeoplev.
Ombrog,268SCRA93(1997)
[80] Peoplev.Guillermo,G.R.No.113787,28January1999,301SCRA257.
[81] Peoplev.Chavez,278SCRA230(1997)Peoplev.Dansal,275SCRA549(1997)Peoplev.Tampon,258SCRA115(1996)
[82] Peoplev.JoseBinas@NestorBinas,G.R.No.121630,8December1999,p.37,citingPeoplev.RodolfoAtrejenioyLibanan,G.R.No.120160,13July1999,
citingPeoplev.Taclan,G.R.No.123109,17June1999.
[83] TookeffectonDecember31,1993.
[84] Peoplev.Pulusan,290SCRA353(1998)
[85] Peoplev.Abdul,G.R.No.128074,13July1999Peoplev.DemetrioNunezyDubduban,G.R.No.128875,8July1999Article63,RevisedPenalCode.
[86] Peoplev.VirgilioBorreros,G.R.No.125185,5May1999,citingPeoplev.Espanola,271SCRA689(1997)Peoplev.Gregorio,255SCRA380(1996)citing
Peoplev.Sison,189SCRA643(1990)Peoplev.Solis,291SCRA529(1998)
[87] RTCDecision,p.10Rollo,p.99.
[88] DionisiaArtajosv.CourtofAppealsandPeopleofthePhilippines,G.R.No.131113,21April1999,p.11.
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[89] Peoplev.AntonioEribal,G.R.No.127662,25March1999,p.10.
[90] Peoplev.PacificoBarellano@"Junior",G.R.No.121204,2December1999,p.26,citingPeoplev.LoretoNoay,296SCRA292(1998),citingPeoplev.alas,274
SCRA310(1997)
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