EN BANC

[G.R. No. 127663. March 11, 1999.] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. ROLANDO VALDEZ, accused-appellant. The Solicitor General for plaintiff-app ll . Fernando P. Cabrera for acc!" #-app llant. SYNOPSIS $h R %ional $rial Co!rt, Branch &', (r#an ta, )an%a"inan con*ict # a" char% # th acc!" #-app llant Rolan#o +al# , for th co-pl . cri- of M!ltipl M!r# r /ith 0o!1l 2r!"trat # M!r# r an# 3ll %al )o"" ""ion of 2ir ar-" an# A--!nition" 4)r "i# ntial 0 cr No. 15666 an# " nt nc # hi- to "!ff r th p nalt7 of # ath an# th pri"on t r- of r cl!"ion p rp t!a, r "p cti* l7. $h con*iction /a" 1a" # on th *i# nc pr " nt # 17 th pro" c!tion that on 8 pt -1 r 17, 199' at aro!n# 59:: o;cloc< in th * nin%, =illia- Montano, Ran#7 $i1!l , > an Mari Garcia, =illi Aco"ta, 8an#ra Montano an# Ra-on Garcia, >r. ro# on a tric7cl #ri* n 17 Ra-on Garcia in %oin% to 8itio Ca1aoan%an to att n# th / ##in% part7 of > an Mari ;" co!"in. ?n th ir /a7, th 7 - t th app llant an# hi" co-panion" /ho / r ar- # /ith %!n", an# /itho!t an7 /arnin%, th 7 point # th ir %!n" an# fir # at th - /hich ca!" # th in"tantan o!" # ath of > an Mari Garcia, =illi Aco"ta, 8an#ra Montano, an# Ra-on Garcia, >r. an# fatal in@!ri " to =illia- Montano an# Ran#7 $i1!l . $h app llant # ni # an7 participation in th "ai# inci# nt an# h A! "tion # hi" con*iction clai-in%, a-on% oth r", that th trial co!rt rr # in failin% to con"i# r -oti* on th part of B rnar#o Ca"tro to fir at, a" h act!all7 fir # at th occ!pant" of th -otori, # tric7cl . B nc , th in"tant r *i /. Acc!" #-app llant pr #icat # hi" ar%!- nt on th -i"ta< n pr -i" that h /a" not po"iti* l7 i# ntifi # in th ca" at 1ar altho!%h h a#-itt # that it /a" "ta1li"h # that h /a" at th "c n of th cri- . $hi" ar%!- nt /ill not hol# "i-pl7 1 ca!" acc!" #app llant ha# 1 n po"iti* l7 i# ntifi # 17 7 /itn "" " an# *icti-" =illia- Montano an# Ran#7 $i1!l . 3t i" 1a"ic an# f!n#a- ntal r!l that proof of -oti* i" n c ""ar7 for con*iction onl7 /h n th r i" #o!1t a" to th i# ntit7 of th acc!" #, not /h n acc!" # ha" 1 n po"iti* l7 i# ntifi # a" in th pr " nt ca" .

3t /a" cl ar fro- th *i# nc that th fo!r cri- " of -!r# r r "!lt # not fro- a "in%l act 1!t fro- " * ral in#i*i#!al an# #i"tinct act". Each act 17 ach %!n-an p!llin% th tri%% r of th ir r "p cti* fir ar-", ai-in% ach partic!lar -o- nt at #iff r nt p r"on" con"tit!t #i"tinct an# in#i*i#!al act" /hich cannot %i* ri" to th co-pl . cri- of -!ltipl -!r# r. $h Co!rt r!l # that acc!" #-app llant /a" %!ilt7, not of a co-pl . cri- of -!ltipl -!r# r, 1!t of fo!r co!nt" of -!r# r for th # ath of th fo!r *icti-" in thi" ca" . 3n th "a- -ann r, acc!" #-app llant /a" li< /i" h l# %!ilt7 for t/o co!nt" of fr!"trat # -!r# r. $h # ci"ion /a" M?0323E0. SYLLABUS 1.REME03AC CA=D E+30ENCED M?$3+ED NECE88ARE ?NCE =BEN $BERE 38 0?(B$ A8 $? $BE 30EN$3$E ?2 $BE ACC(8E0D N?$ A))C3CABCE 3N CA8E A$ BAR. F Acc!" #-app llant f!rth r ar%! " that it i" not h 1!t Ca"tro /ho ha# th -oti* to "hoot an# fir at th occ!pant" of th -otori, # tric7cl , -i"ta<in% on of th occ!pant" th r of for 3"i#ro Capi"trano, Ca"tro;" for- r cla""-at an# /ith /ho- h arli r ha# an alt rcation. 3t i" * r7 cl ar in hi" 1ri f, ho/ * r, that acc!" #-app llant pr #icat " thi" ar%!- nt on th -i"ta< n pr -i" that h /a" not po"iti* l7 i# ntifi # in th ca" at 1ar altho!%h h a#-it" that it i" "ta1li"h # that h /a" at th "c n of th cri- 4p. 11&, Rollo6. $hi" ar%!- nt /ill not hol# "i-pl7 1 ca!" it i" " ttl # that acc!" #-app llant ha# 1 n po"iti* l7 i# ntifi # 17 7 /itn "" " an# *icti-" =illiaMontano an# Ran#7 $i1!l . 3t i" 1a"ic an# f!n#a- ntal r!l that proof of -oti* i" n c ""ar7 for con*iction onl7 /h n th r i" #o!1t a" to th i# ntit7 of th acc!" #, not /h n acc!" # ha" 1 n po"iti* l7 i# ntifi # a" in th pr " nt ca" 4People vs. Caggauan, 9& )hil. 115 [19'3]D People vs. Realon, 99 8CRA &&2 [195:]D People vs. Pano, 2'7 8CRA 27& [1996]6.
cdasia

2.30.D 30.D 30.D $BE AB8ENCE $BERE?2, 0?E8 N?$ )RECC(0E C?N+3C$3?N. F B "i# ", it i" al"o to 1 not # that lac< of -oti* for co--ittin% th cri- #o " not pr cl!# con*iction, con"i# rin% that, no/a#a7", it i" a -att r of @!#icial <no/l #% that p r"on" ha* <ill # or co--itt # " rio!" off n" for no r a"on at all 4People vs. Cabodoc, 263 8CRA 157 [1996]6. 3.30.D 30.D CRE03B3C3$ED 23N03NG8 ?2 2AC$8 ?2 $R3AC C?(R$ ARE C?NCC(83+E. F Aft r - tic!lo!"l7 an# car f!ll7 %oin% thro!%h ach an# * r7 pi c of *i# nc on r cor#, th Co!rt fin#" no r a"on to # part fro- th trial co!rt;" accor# of cr # nc to th 7 /itn "" acco!nt" of =illia- Montano an# Ran#7 $i1!l /ho po"iti* l7 i# ntifi # acc!" #-app llant a" on of th p r"on" /ho "hot an# fir # at th an# th ir co-panion" that fat f!l ni%ht. = a%r /ith th trial co!rt that th *i# nc

point" 1 7on# r a"ona1l #o!1t that acc!" #-app llant /a" on of tho" principall7 r "pon"i1l for th # ath" of th fo!r *icti-" in thi" ca" an# th /o!n#in% of t/o oth r". &.CR3M3NAC CA= G(AC32E3NG C3RC(M8$ANCED $REACBERED EH)CA3NE0. F (n# r para%raph 16, Articl 1& of th R *i" # ) nal Co# , th A!alif7in% circ!-"tanc of tr ach r7 i" pr " nt /h n th off n# r -plo7" - an", - tho#", or for-" in th . c!tion of th cri- /hich t n# #ir ctl7 an# "p ciall7 to n"!r it" . c!tion /itho!t ri"< to hi-" lf ari"in% fro- an7 # f n"i* or r taliator7 act /hich th *icti- -i%ht -a< 4People vs. Santos, 27: 8CRA 6': [1997]6. $h " ttl # r!l i" that tr ach r7 can .i"t * n if th attac< i" frontal if it i" "!## n an# !n .p ct #, %i*in% th *icti- no opport!nit7 to r p l it or # f n# hi-" lf a%ain"t "!ch attac<. =hat i" # ci"i* i" that th . c!tion of th attac<, /itho!t th "li%ht "t pro*ocation fro- th *icti- /ho i" !nar- #, -a# it i-po""i1l for th *icti- to # f n# hi-" lf or to r taliat 4People vs. Javier, 269 8CRA 151 [1997]6. '.30.D AGGRA+A$3NG C3RC(M8$ANCED E+30EN$ )REME03$A$3?ND N?$ )RE8EN$ 3N CA8E A$ BAR. F Aft r r *i /in% th *i# nc , ho/ * r, / #o not fin# an7 "ho/in% of *i# nt pr - #itation on th part of acc!" #-app llant. =hil th r -a7 1 t "ti-onial *i# nc pointin% to an alt rcation 1 t/ n B rnar# Ca"tro an# a c rtain Capi"trano, it #o " "!ffici ntl7 pro* th att n#anc of th a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc of *i# nt pr - #itation. 3t i" not no!%h that *i# nt pr - #itation i" "!"p ct # or "!r-i" #, 1!t cri-inal int nt -!"t 1 *i# nc # 17 notorio!" o!t/ar# act" *i# ncin% # t r-ination to co--it th cri- . 3n or# r to 1 con"i# r # an a%%ra*ation of th off n" , th circ!-"tanc -!"t not - r l7 1 Ipr - #itationID it -!"t 1 I *i# nt pr - #itationI 4People vs. Torejas, &3 8CRA 1'5 [1972]6. 6.30.D 30.D 30.D ECEMEN$8. F $o "ta1li"h th .i"t nc of *i# nt pr - #itation, th follo/in% ha* to 1 pro* #9 416 th cri- /h n th off n# r # t r-in # to co--it th cri- D 426 an act -anif "tl7 in#icatin% that th off n# r ha# cl!n% to hi" # t r-inationD an# 436 "!ffici ntl7 lap" of ti- 1 t/ n th # t r-ination an# th . c!tion to allo/ th off n# r to r fl ct on th con" A! nc " of hi" act 4People vs. Juan, 2'& 8CRA &75 [1996]6. 7.30.D 30.D 30.D 30.D $B3R0 ECEMEN$ 38 3N038)EN8ABCE $? AGGRA+A$E $BE CR3ME. F E"ta1li"hin% a 1a"i" or -oti* for th co--i""ion of th cri- #o " not con"tit!t "!ffici nt %ro!n# to con"i# r th .i"t nc of *i# nt pr - #itation. At 1 "t, it -a7 in#icat th ti- /h n th off n# r" # t r-in # to co--it th cri- 4th fir"t l - nt6. $h ir act of ar-in% th -" l* " /ith cali1 r .3: car1in " an# th r aft r /aitin% for th ir "!ppo" # *icti-" at a-1!"h po"ition" -a7 ha* al"o in#icat # that th 7 cl!n% to th ir # t r-ination to co--it th cri- 4th " con# l - nt6 Mor i-portant than th " t/o l - nt" i" th proof that a "!ffici nt p rio# of ti- ha# lap" # 1 t/ n th o!t/ar# act *i# ncin% int nt an# act!al co--i""ion of th off n" 4th thir# l - nt6.

$h r -!"t ha* 1 n no!%h opport!nit7 for th initial i-p!l" to "!1"i# . $hi" l - nt i" in#i"p n"a1l for circ!-"tanc of *i# nt pr - #itation to a%%ra*at th cri- .
c3ACa$

5.30.D 30.D 30.D 30.D 30.D N?$ )RE8EN$ 3N CA8E A$ BAR. F A" arl7 a" in People vs. urante, '3 )hil. 363 [1929], th Co!rt ha# "tr "" # th i-portanc of "!ffici nt ti1 t/ n th cri-inal act an# th r "ol!tion to carr7 o!t th cri-inal int nt, affor#in% "!ch opport!nit7 for cool tho!%ht an# r fl ction to arri* at a cal- @!#%- nt. ?1*io!"l7, thi" l - nt i" /antin% in th ca" at 1ar. Ri%ht aft r th "!ppo" # h at # ar%!- nt 1 t/ n B rnar# Ca"tro an# Capi"trano, Ca"tro an# co-pan7 / nt ho- to % t th fir ar-" an# not lon% th r aft r -o!nt # th a""a!lt. $h r /a" no chanc for th an% r to "!1"i# . $h c!lprit" in th ca" at 1ar ha# no opport!nit7 for cool tho!%ht an# r fl ction to arri* at a cal- @!#%- nt. 9.30.D 30.D AB(8E ?2 8()ER3?R 8$RENG$BD AB8?RBE0 3N $REACBERE. F $h oth r a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc con"i# r # 17 th trial co!rt i" that of a1!" of "!p rior "tr n%th. $hi" contra* n " th * r7 1a"ic an# l - ntar7 #octrin in o!r @!ri"#iction that th a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc of a1!" of "!p rior "tr n%th i" a1"or1 # in tr ach r7 4People vs. !obe, 51 )hil. '5 [19&5]D People vs. "ierra, 96 8CRA 1 [195:]D People vs. Torrefiel, 2'6 8CRA 369 [1996]6. 1:.30.D C?M)CEH CR3MED N?$ A))C3CABCE 3N CA8E A$ BAR. F 3t i" cl ar froth *i# nc on r cor#, ho/ * r, that th fo!r cri- " of -!r# r r "!lt # not fro- a "in%l act 1!t fro- " * ral in#i*i#!al an# #i"tinct act". 2or on thin%, th *i# nc in#icat " that th r /a" -or than on %!n-an in*ol* #, an# th act of ach %!n-an i" #i"tinct fro- that of th oth r. 3t cannot 1 "ai# th r for , that th r i" 1!t a "in%l act of firin% a "in%l fir ar-. $h r / r al"o " * ral -pt7 1!ll t "h ll" r co* r # fro- th "c n of th cri- . $hi" confir-" th fact that " * ral "hot" / r fir #. 2!rth r-or , con"i# rin% th r lati* po"ition" of th %!n- n an# th ir *icti-", "o- of /ho- / r ri#in% th -otori, # tric7cl it" lf /hil th oth r" / r " at # in"i# th "i# car th r of, it /a" a1"ol!t l7 i-po""i1l for th fo!r *icti-" to ha* 1 n hit an# <ill # 17 a "in%l 1!ll t. Each act 17 ach %!n-an p!llin% th tri%% r of th ir r "p cti* fir ar-", ai-in% ach partic!lar -o- nt at #iff r nt p r"on" con"tit!t #i"tinct an# in#i*i#!al act" /hich cannot %i* ri" to th co-pl . cri- of -!ltipl -!r# r. = th r for r!l that acc!" #app llant i" %!ilt7, not of a co-pl . cri- of -!ltipl -!r# r, 1!t of fo!r co!nt" of -!r# r for th # ath of th fo!r *icti-" in thi" ca" 3n th "a- -ann r, acc!" #app llant i" li< /i" h l# %!ilt7 for t/o co!nt" of fr!"trat # -!r# r.

11.30.D 2?(R C?(N$8 ?2 M(R0ER AN0 $=? C?(N$8 ?2 2R(8$RA$E0 M(R0ERD )R?)ER )ENAC$E. F Articl 2&5 of th R *i" # ) nal Co# , a" a- n# #, pro*i# " th p nalt7 of reclusion perpetua to # ath for th cri- of -!r# r. =itho!t an7 -iti%atin% or a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc att n#ant in th co--i""ion of th cri- , th

- #i!- p nalt7 i" th lo/ r in#i*i"i1l p nalt7 of reclusion perpetua. 3n th ca" at 1ar, acc!" #-app llant, 1 in% %!ilt7 of fo!r " parat co!nt" of -!r# r, th prop r p nalt7 "ho!l# 1 fo!r " nt nc " of reclusion perpetua. 3n a##ition, h 1 in% %!ilt7 of t/o co!nt" of fr!"trat # -!r# r, acc!" #-app llant -!"t 1 - t # o!t an in# t r-inat " nt nc ran%in% fro- a -ini-!- of 6 7 ar" an# 1 #a7 of prision #a$or to a -a.i-!- of 12 7 ar" an# 1 #a7 of reclusion te#poral for ach off n" .
c$3E80

12.30.D 3CCEGAC )?88E883?N ?2 23REARMD $? BE $AJEN A8 AGGRA+A$3NG C3RC(M8$ANCE8 ?NCE. F No/, to th -att r of acc!" #-app llant;" con*iction for ill %al po"" ""ion of !nlic n" # fir ar- !n# r )r "i# ntial 0 cr No. 1566. 3t /a" r c ntl7 h l# in th ca" ntitl # People vs. !olina 4G.R. No". 11'53'-36, >!l7 22, 19956, an# r it rat # in People vs. Feloteo 4G.R. No. 12&212, 8 pt -1 r 17, 19956, that th r can 1 no " parat con*iction of th cri- of ill %al po"" ""ion of fir ar-" !n# r )r "i# ntial 0 cr No. 1566 in *i / of th a- n#- nt" intro#!c # 17 R p!1lic Act No. 529&. 3n"t a#, ill %al po"" ""ion of fir ar-" i" - r l7 to 1 ta< n a" an a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc p r 8 ction 1 of R p!1lic Act. No. 529&, /hich in part, pro*i# "9 3f ho-ici# or -!r# r i" co--itt # /ith th !" of !nlic n" # fir ar-, "!ch !" of an !nlic n" # fir ar- "hall 1 con"i# r # a" an a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc ". 13.30.D RE)(BC3C AC$ N?. 529&D G3+EN RE$R?AC$3+E A))C3CA$3?N. F R p!1lic Act No. 529& too< ff ct on >!l7 6, 1997, fift n #a7" aft r it" p!1lication on >!n 21, 1997. $h cri- " in*ol* # in th ca" at 1ar / r co--itt # on 8 pt -1 r 17, 199'. A" in th ca" of an7 p nal la/, th pro*i"ion" of R p!1lic Act No. 529& /ill % n rall7 ha* pro"p cti* application. 3n ca" ", ho/ * r, /h r th n / la/ /ill 1 a#*anta% o!" to th acc!" #, th la/ -a7 1 %i* n r troacti* application 4Articl 22, R *i" # ) nal Co# 6. 3n"ofar a" it /ill "par acc!" #-app llant in th ca" at 1ar fro- a " parat con*iction for th cri- of ill %al po"" ""ion of fir ar-", R p!1lic Act No. 529& -a7 1 %i* n r troacti* application in Cri-inal Ca" No. (-57&9 4for 3ll %al )o"" ""ion of 2ir ar-6 "!1@ ct of thi" pr " nt r *i /. 1&.30.D 30.D N?$ G3+EN RE$R?AC$3+E A))C3CA$3?ND CA8E A$ BAR. F Bo/ * r, th !" of an !nlic n" # fir ar- in th ca" at 1ar cannot 1 con"i# r # a" a "p cial a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc in Cri-inal Ca" No. (-57&7 4for Co-pl . Cri- of M!ltipl M!r# r6, al"o !n# r r *i / h r in, 1 ca!" it /ill !n#!l7 rai" th p nalt7 for th fo!r co!nt" of -!r# r fro- fo!r reclusion perpetua to that of fo!r-fol# # ath. 3n"ofar a" thi" partic!lar pro*i"ion of R p!1lic Act No. 529& i" not 1 n ficial to acc!" #app llant 1 ca!" it !n#!l7 a%%ra*at " th cri- , thi" n / /ill not 1 %i* n r troacti* application, l "t it -i%ht acA!ir th charact r of an e%-post facto la/.
cBA3E8

DECISION

MELO, J 9
p

Acc!" #-app llant Rolan#o +al# , " <" r * r"al of th @!#%- nt of con*iction pro-!l%at # 17 Branch &' of th R %ional $rial Co!rt of th 2ir"t >!#icial R %ion "tation # in (r#an ta, )an%a"inan, on ?cto1 r 2&, 1996 " nt ncin% hi- to # ath for th co-pl . cri- of M!ltipl M!r# r /ith 0o!1l 2r!"trat # M!r# r, an# li< /i" " parat l7 " nt ncin% hi- to "!ff r th pri"on t r- of reclusion perpetua for th cri- of 3ll %al )o"" ""ion of 2ir ar-" an# A--!nition" 4)r "i# ntial 0 cr No. 15666. $h 3nfor-ation a%ain"t acc!" #-app llant, B rnar#o Ca"tro, an# on >ohn 0o for th co-pl . cri- of M!ltipl M!r# r /ith 0o!1l 2r!"trat # M!r# r char% #9
c#tai

$hat on or a1o!t 593: o;cloc< in th * nin% of 8 pt -1 r 17, 199', at 8itio Ca1aoan%an, 1aran%a7 Nal"ian, -!nicipalit7 of Manaoa%, pro*inc of )an%a"inan, an# /ithin an# @!ri"#iction of thi" Bonora1l Co!rt, th "ai# acc!" # con"pirin%, conf # ratin% an# -!t!all7 h lpin% on anoth r /ith int nt to <ill, an# ach ar- # /ith cali1 r .3: car1in " #i# th n an# th r /ilf!ll7, !nla/f!ll7 an# f lonio!"l7, /ith *i# nt pr - #itation, a1!" of "!p rior "tr n%th an# tr ach r7, "i-!ltan o!"l7 attac< # an# fir # th ir cali1 r .3: car1in " at Ra-on Garcia, >r., > an Mari Garcia, =ill7 Aco"ta, 8an#ra Montano, =illia- Montano an# Ran#7 $i1!l /hil th 7 / r on 1oar# a tric7cl , on th ir /a7 to a #anc part7, hittin% th - in th #iff r nt part" of th ir 1o#i " /hich ca!" # th in"tantan o!" # ath of Ra-on Garcia, >r., > an Mari Garcia, =ill7 Aco"ta an# 8an#ra Montano, to th #a-a% an# pr @!#ic of th ir r "p cti* h ir", an# inflictin% fatal in@!ri " to =illia- Montano an# Ran#7 $i1!l , in th #iff r nt part" of th ir 1o#i ", ha*in% th!" p rfor- # all th act" /hich /o!l# ha* pro#!c # th cri- of -!r# r /ith r "p ct to 1oth 1!t /hich #i# not 17 r a"on of ca!" " in# p n# nt of th /ill of th acc!" #, na- l7, th a1l an# ti- l7 - #ical a""i"tanc %i* n th "ai# *icti-" =illia- Montano an# Ran#7 $i1!l , /hich pr * nt # th ir # ath. Contrar7 to Articl 2&5 in R lation to Articl &5 an# Articl 6 of th R)C. 4pp. 1-2, R cor# of Cri-. Ca" No. (-57&76

$h 3nfor-ation for 3ll %al )o"" ""ion of 2ir ar-" an# A--!nition" p rtin ntl7 a* rr #9
$hat on or a1o!t 593: o;cloc< in th * nin% of 8 pt -1 r 17, 199' at 8itio Ca1aoan%an, Baran%a7 Nal"ian, M!nicipalit7 of Manaoa%, pro*inc of )an%a"inan an# /ithin an# @!ri"#iction of thi" Bonora1l Co!rt, th "ai# acc!" #, #i# th n an# th r /ilf!ll7, !nla/f!ll7 an# f lonio!"l7, ha* in hi" po"" ""ion, c!"to#7 an# control, a fir ar-, to /it9 Cali1 r .3: car1in /itho!t fir"t ha*in% " c!r # th prop r lic n" th r of fro- th a!thoriti " an# /hich h !" # in co--ittin% th off n" of -!ltipl -!r# r an# #o!1l fr!"trat # -!r# r.

Contrar7 to )r "i# ntial 0 cr

1566.

4p. 1, R cor# of Cri-. Ca" No. (-57&96

$h inc!lpator7 fact" a##!c # 17 th pro" c!tion #!rin% trial ar "!ccinctl7 "!--ari, # in th ) opl ;" 1ri f a" follo/"9
?n 8 pt -1 r 17, 199', at aro!n# 59:: in th * nin%, =illia- Montano 416 7 ar" ol#6, Ran#7 $i1!l 417 7 ar" ol#6, > an Mari Garcia, =illi Aco"ta, 8an#ra Montano an# Ra-on Garcia, >r. / r at th ho!" of Ran#7 $i1!l in Manaoa%, )an%a"inan. $h 7 / r #i"c!""in% ho/ to %o to th / ##in% part7 of > an Mari ;" co!"in in 8itio Ca1aoan%an 4$8N >!n 11, 1996, pp. 7-5D >!n 15, 1996, pp. 23-2&6. Aft r #i"c!""ion, th 7 ro# in th tric7cl #ri* n 17 Ra-on Garcia %oin% to Ca1aoan%an. B hin# Garcia / r $i1!l an# =illi . > an /a" " at # in"i# th "i# car /ith 8an#ra an# =illia- Montano 4$8N >!n 11, 1996, pp. 7-11D $8N >!n 15, 1996, pp. 23-2'6. Aft r -a<in% a t!rn alon% th 1aran%a7 roa# l a#in% to 8itio Ca1aoan%an, th 7 - t app llant Rolan#o +al# , an# hi" co-panion" /ho / r ar- # /ith %!n". $h tric7cl ;" h a#li%ht fla"h # on th ir fac ". =itho!t /arnin%, th 7 point # th ir %!n" an# fir # at Montano;" %ro!p. $h r aft r, aft r !tt rin% th /or#", Inata7#an, -apan ta7onI 4$h 7 ar alr a#7 # a#. C t !" %o6, +al# , an# co-panion" l ft 4$8N >!n 11, 1996, pp. 11-1&6. $h "hootin% inci# nt l ft Ra-on Garcia, > an Mari Garcia, 8an#ra Montano an# =illi Aco"ta # a# 4$8N >!n 11, 1996, pp. 1&-166. $h 7 "!"tain # th follo/in% in@!ri "9 > an Mari Garcia9 F%!n"hot /o!n# .' c-. in #ia- t r, 1 inch lat ral of th nippl ri%ht thro!%h an# thro!%h tra@ ctin% th -i##l lo1 of th l!n%", rt * ntricl of th h art, -i##l lo1 of th l!n%, l ft /ith point of .it 1 inch in #ia- t r 1 inch lat ral of th nippl , l ft. 4E.hi1it B6 Ra-on Garcia9 F%!n"hot /o!n#, .' c-. in #ia- t r point of ntranc ar canal l ft thr! an# thr! tra@ ctin% th "<!ll 1rain "!1"tanc /ith point of .it t -poral ar a ri%ht.

Fanoth r %!n"hot /o!n# .' c- in #ia- t r point of ntranc ant rior a.illar7 lin l ft at th la1l nippl tra@ ctin% th l!n% 4l ft6 h art * ntricl an# l!n% 4ri%ht6 /ith point of .it 1 c-. in #ia- t r, 1 inch lat ral th nippl ri%ht. 4E.hi1it C6 8an#ra Montano9 F%!n"hot /o!n# .6 c-. in #ia- t r, point of ntranc at th t -poral ar a l ft, p n tratin% th "<in, "<!ll -ini%a", 1rain "!1"tanc 4ri%ht6 t -poral r %i"6 /h r th "l!% lo#% . 4E.hi1it 06 =illi Aco"ta9 F%!n"hot /o!n#, .' c-. in #ia- t r 1 lo/ coa"tal arch point of ntranc tra@ ctin% th !pp r 3r# of th "to-ach thr! an# thr! tra@ ctin% th !pp r thir# of th "to-ach of thoracic * in /ith th point of .it 1 c-. in #ia- t r at th l * l of th 7th thora"ic * rt 1ra . 4E.hi1it E6 ?n th oth r han#, =illia- Montano an# Ran#7 $i1!l "!r*i* # th attac<. $h 7 "!ff r # " rio!" %!n"hot in@!ri " that co!l# ha* ca!" # th ir # ath / r it not for th ti- l7 - #ical att ntion %i* n th - 4$8N >!l7 3, 1996, p. 66. Montano "!"tain # " * ral %!n"hot /o!n#" on th l ft ar-, t/o on th l ft !pp r 1ac<, anoth r on th l ft "ho!l# r an# -i##l ri%ht fin% r 4$8N >!n 2', 1996, p. 6:56. $i1!l "!"tain # t/o %!n"hot /o!n#", on at th fifth !pp r A!a#rant 4"to-ach6 an# th oth r at th l ft p ri!-1 lical 4$8N >!l7 3, 1996, pp. 7-56. 4pp. 21'-219, Rollo.6

3n it" # ci"ion #at # ?cto1 r 2&, 1996, th trial co!rt r n# r # a @!#%- nt of con*iction in th t/o ca" ", fin#in% an# #i"po"in%9
3N CR3M3NAC CA8E N?. (-57&79 F th acc!" # R?CAN0? +AC0EK 7 C3)(R0A, G(3C$E 1 7on# r a"ona1l #o!1t of th cri- of M(C$3)CE M(R0ER =3$B 0?(BCE 2R(8$RA$E0 M(R0ER # fin # an# p nali, # !n# r R p!1lic Act No. 76'9 oth r/i" <no/n a" th B ino!" Cri- Ca/, th off n" ha*in% 1 n a co-pl . cri- th p nalt7 of /hich i" in th -a.i-!-, an# /ith th att n#ant a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc " of *i# nt pr - #itation an# a1!" of "!p rior "tr n%th, h r 17

" nt nc " hi- th ulti#u# supplicu# of 0EA$B to 1 . c!t # p!r"!ant to R p!1lic Act No. 5177 <no/n a" th C thal 3n@ ction Ca/, to pa7 th h ir" of th # c a" # RAM?N GARC3A, >R., =3CC3E AC?8$A, >EMAR3E GARC3A an# 8AN0RA M?N$AN? an# th in@!r # *icti-" =3CC3AM M?N$AN? an# RAN0E $3B(CE, a" follo/"9
c#a"ia

16$o th h ir" of th # c a" # Ra-on Garcia, >r.9 a6)':,::: a" in# -nit7 16)'2,116.:: a" act!al #a-a% " c6)'::,:::.:: a" -oral #a-a% " 26$o th h ir" of th # c a" # =3CC3E AC?8$A9 a6)':,::: a" in# -nit7 16)26,3'5.:: a" act!al #a-a% " c6)'::,:::.:: a" -oral #a-a% " 36$o th h ir" of th # c a" # >EMAR3E GARC3A9 a6)':,::: a" in# -nit7 16)'::,:::.:: a" -oral #a-a% " &6$o th h ir" of th # c a" # 8an#ra Montano9 a6)':,::: a" in# -nit7 16)&5,269.5: a" act!al #a-a% " c6)'::,:::.:: a" -oral #a-a% " '6$o th *icti- =3CC3AM M?N$AN?9 a6)39,133.92 a" act!al #a-a% " 16)1::,:::.:: a" -oral #a-a% " 66$o th *icti- RAN0E $3B(CE9 a6)36,233.6' a" act!al #a-a% "

16)1::,:::.:: a" -oral #a-a% " an# to pa7 th co"t". =3$B RE8)EC$ $? CR3M3NAC CA8E N?. (-57&99 F th acc!" # R?CAN0? +AC0EK 7 C3)(R0A G(3C$E 1 7on# r a"ona1l #o!1t of th cri- of 3CCEGAC )?88E883?N ?2 23REARM AN0 AMM(N3$3?N8 4)r "i# ntial 0 cr No. 15666 an# h r 17 " nt nc " hi- to "!ff r i-pri"on- nt of RECC(83?N )ER)E$(A an# to pa7 th co"t". 2inall7, it i" "ai#9 I ura le%, sed le%,I tran"lat # a"9 I$h la/ i" har"h, 1!t that i" th la/LI 8? ?R0ERE0. 4pp. 15:-151, Rollo.6

B nc , th in"tant r *i /, /ith acc!" #-app llant anchorin% hi" pl a for r * r"al on th follo/in% a""i%n # rror"9
3.$BE $R3AC C?(R$ ERRE0 2A3C3NG $? C?N830ER $BE MA$ER3AC, 8(B8$AN$3AC, 3M)?R$AN$ AN0 83GN323CAN$, 038CRE)ANC3E8 3N $BE A2230A+3$8 ?2 )R?8EC($3?N =3$NE88E8 AN0 $BE3R $E8$3M?N3E8 3N C?(R$D 33.$BE $R3AC C?(R$ ERRE0 3N ()B?C03NG $BE RECAN$A$3?N8 ?2 )R?8EC($3?N =3$NE88E8D 333.$BE $R3AC C?(R$ ERRE0 3N 2A3C3NG $? C?N830ER $BE 8ER3?(8 0?(B$8 ?N $BE 30EN$3$E ?2 ACC(8E0, R?CAN0? +AC0EK A8 $BE G(NMAND 3+.$BE $R3AC C?(R$ ERRE0 3N 2A3C3NG $? C?N830ER M?$3+E ?N $BE )AR$ ?2 BERNAR0? CA8$R? $? 23RE A$, A8 BE AC$(ACCE 23RE0 A$ $BE ?CC()AN$8 ?2 M?$?R3KE0 $R3CECCED +.$BE $R3AC C?(R$ ERRE0 3N 2A3C3NG $? A))REC3A$E AGA3N8$ $BE )R?8EC($3?N 3$8 0EC3BERA$E 2A3C(RE $? )RE8EN$ $BE )?C3CE 3N+E8$3GA$?R8 =B? 3N+E8$3GA$E0 $BE 3NC30EN$ AN0 3$ =A8 $BE 0E2EN8E =B3CB )RE8EN$E0 8A30 )?C3CE 3N+E8$3GA$?R8D +3.$BE $R3AC C?(R$ ERRE0 3N 0ECCAR3NG $BA$ ACC(8E0 R?CAN0? +AC0EK 030 N?$ 0ENE $BE ACC(8A$3?N

AGA3N8$ B3M 2?R +3?CA$3?N ?2 ).0. 1566 BECA(8E BE 030 N?$ ACCEGE0CE $?(CBE0 3$ 3N B38 MEM?RAN0(M. 4pp. 1:6-1:7, Rollo6

Aft r a pain"ta<in% r *i / of th r cor# an# a # li1 rat con"i# ration of th ar%!- nt" of acc!" #-app llant, th Co!rt #o " not fin# no!%h 1a"i" to r * r" . Acc!" #-app llant clai-" that th trial co!rt rr # in failin% to con"i# r /hat h "a7" ar -at rial, "!1"tantial, i-portant an# "i%nificant #i"cr panci " 1 t/ n th affi#a*it" of pro" c!tion /itn "" " an# th ir t "ti-oni " in co!rt. Acc!" #-app llant point" to th 8tat - nt of =illia- Montano, ta< n 17 8)?1 Mario 8!rato" on 8 pt -1 r 2:, 199' 4E.hi1it 19 p. 235, R cor#6, an# th 8tat - nt ta< n on 8 pt -1 r 2&, 199' 4E.hi1it &9 p. 291, R cor#6, 1oth in +illaflor Bo"pital, 0a%!pan Cit7 /h r =illia- Montano "p cificall7 na- # B rnar# Ca"tro a" th p r"on /ho fla%% # #o/n th -otori, # tric7cl h an# th oth r *icti-" / r ri#in%. $hi", h clai-", i" incon"i"t nt /ith hi" t "ti-on7 #!rin% th trial /h r h "tat #9
A$$E. RANCBEK9 G.No/, / r 7o! a1l to r ach 8itio Ca1a!an%an, Nal"ian, Manaoa%, )an%a"inanM A.No, "ir. G.=h7M A.=h n / / r nt rin% th roa# at 8itio Ca1a!an%an at aro!n# t n to fift n - t r", "o- 1o#7 pl!%% # 4"ic6 #o/n th tric7cl , "ir. G.An# /hat happ n # n .t aft r "o- 1o#7 pl!%% # 4"ic6 #o/n 7o!r tric7cl M A.8o- 1o#7 "tan#in% /a" li%ht # 17 th h a#li%ht of o!r -otorc7cl , "ir. G.No/, /hat happ n # n .t, if an7M A.$h on /ho /a" "tan#in% an# /a" li%ht # /ith th h a#li%ht /a" i-- #iat l7 r co%ni, # 17 - , "ir. G.=ho /a" that p r"on /ho- 7o! "a/ an# 7o! i-- #iat l7 r co%ni, #M A.$hat on , "ir. AC$G. 3N$ER)RE$ER9

=itn "" pointin% to a p r"on / arin% /hit t-"hirt " at # at th 1 nch for th acc!" #, an# /h n a"< # hi" na- , h %a* hi" na- a" Rolan#o +al# ,. 4pp. 11-12, t"n, >!n 11, 19966

= ar not p r"!a# #. 3n hi" 8tat - nt" #at # 8 pt -1 r 2:, 199' 4E.hi1it 16 an# 8 pt -1 r 2&, 199' 4E.hi1it &6, =illia- Montano point # to B rnar# Ca"tro a" th p r"on /ho fla%% # #o/n th -otori, # tric7cl ri## n 17 th *icti-". ?n No* -1 r 5, 199', =illia- an# hi" co*icti-N"!r*i*or Ran#7 $i1!l . c!t # a I)ina%"a-an% 8ala7"a7 "a )a%-!!ron% n% 0 -an#aI /h r th 7 #i"clai- # ha*in% " n B rnar# Ca"tro at th "c n of th cri- . $h 7 # clar # that aft r a -or thoro!%h con"i# ration of /hat tran"pir #, th 7 ha* r ali, # that th filin% of th co-plaint a%ain"t B rnar# Ca"tro /a" a -i"ta< an# th r "!lt of -i"!n# r"tan#in% or -i"appr h n"ion of /hat act!all7 happ n #. 3n hi" t "ti-on7 in co!rt, =illia-, ho/ * r, i# ntifi # acc!" #-app llant a" th p r"on ill!-inat # 17 th h a#li%ht of th tric7cl , for /hich r a"on =illia- r a#il7 r co%ni, # hi-. = , th r for , fin# nothin% incon"i"t nt 1 t/ n hi" # claration" #!rin% th in* "ti%ation an# hi" t "ti-on7 in co!rt. $h lac< of pr ci"ion /ith /hich h #i"tin%!i"h # 1 t/ n th p r"on /ho fla%% # #o/n th tric7cl an# th oth r p r"on /ho- h r co%ni, # 1 ca!" of th h a#li%ht of th tric7cl cannot 1 con"i# r # a" incon"i"t nc7 at all. $h "a- hol#" tr! /ith clai- # #i"cr panci " 1 t/ n th "tat - nt" of Ran#7 $i1!l #!rin% th in* "ti%ation an# hi" t "ti-on7 in co!rt.
CC@!r

Acc!" #-app llant "t!11ornl7 in"i"t" that follo/in% th /ith#ra/al or r traction of th acc!"ation of " * ral /itn "" " a%ain"t B rnar# Ca"tro, th " "a- /itn "" "; acc!"ation a%ain"t acc!" #-app llant 1 co- " #o!1tf!l. = ar not con*inc #. 3n all th r f r nc " 17 acc!" #-app llant in pa% " 1:-12 of hi" 1ri f to th "/orn # claration" of pro" c!tion /itn "" " -a# #!rin% th in* "ti%ation of th ca" , B rnar# Ca"tro -a7 ha* in# # 1 n i# ntifi # an# na- # a" on of th %!n- n. 3t -a7 r a#il7 1 not # in th " * r7 "a- r f r nc ", ho/ * r, that all th " pro" c!tion /itn "" " r f rr # to t/o oth r co-panion", th n !ni# ntifi #, of B rnar# Ca"tro. E* n in th >oint Affi#a*it 4E.hi1it I7I6 r f rr # to in pa% 11 of th 1ri f, th polic in* "ti%ator" cat %oricall7 r f rr # to IB rnar# Ca"tro 7 Na,ar no, alia" $oti a" on of th "!"p ct" or a""ailant" in*ol* # in th "hootin% inci# ntI 4p. 112, Rollo6. $h lo%ical concl!"ion that -a7 1 #ra/n th r fro- i" that th r i" at l a"t on oth r a""ailant in a##ition to B rnar# Ca"tro, an# a" it # * lop #, acc!" #-app llant /a" "!1" A! ntl7 an# po"iti* l7 na- # a" "!ch. =ithal, / cannot "!1"cri1 to acc!" #-app llant;" ratiocination that if th /itn "" " point # to B rnar# Ca"tro a" on of th p rp trator" of th cri- , th n it follo/" that acc!" #-app llant cannot 1 on oth r an# a##itional p rp trator an7-or .

Acc!" #-app llant;" r a"onin% on thi" point i" a1"ol!t l7 fla/ #. 3t i" totall7 !nacc pta1l . Acc!" #-app llant li< /i" " <" "h lt r in th -7"t rio!" /ith#ra/al of th *icti-"; char% " a%ain"t B rnar# Ca"tro. B in"in!at " that "!ch r cantation "ho!l# not ha* 1 n %i* n an7 con"i# ration. B!t, thi" i" /at r !n# r th 1ri#% . An7/a7, * n in th r -ot "t po""i1ilit7 that th r traction of th acc!"ation a%ain"t B rnar# Ca"tro -a7 1 r * r" #, it #o " not % t acc!" #-app llant off th hoo<. Con"i# rin% that acc!" #app llant ha# hi-" lf 1 n po"iti* l7 i# ntifi #, to% th r /ith B rnar# Ca"tro, a" on of th oth r p rp trator" of th cri- , hi" con*iction -a7 "till "tan# in# p n# ntl7 an# r %ar#l "" of /h th r or not Ca"tro i" in#ict # or r -ain" !npro" c!t #. Acc!" #-app llant f!rth r ar%! " that it i" not h 1!t Ca"tro /ho ha# th -oti* to "hoot an# fir at th occ!pant" of th -otori, # tric7cl , -i"ta<in% on of th occ!pant" th r of for 3"i#ro Capi"trano, Ca"tro;" for- r cla""-at an# /ith /ho- h arli r ha# an alt rcation. 3t i" * r7 cl ar in hi" 1ri f, ho/ * r, that acc!" #-app llant pr #icat " thi" ar%!- nt on th -i"ta< n pr -i" that h /a" not po"iti* l7 i# ntifi # in th ca" at 1ar altho!%h h a#-it" that it i" "ta1li"h # that h /a" at th "c n of th cri- 4p. 11&, Rollo6. $hi" ar%!- nt /ill not hol# "i-pl7 1 ca!" it i" " ttl # that acc!" #-app llant ha# 1 n po"iti* l7 i# ntifi # 17 7 /itn "" " an# *icti-" =illia- Montano an# Ran#7 $i1!l . 3t i" 1a"ic an# f!n#a- ntal r!l that proof of -oti* i" n c ""ar7 for con*iction onl7 /h n th r i" #o!1t a" to th i# ntit7 of th acc!" #, not /h n acc!" # ha" 1 n po"iti* l7 i# ntifi # a" in th pr " nt ca" 4People vs. Caggauan, 9& )hil. 115 [19'3]D People vs. Realon, 99 8CRA &22 [195:]D People vs. Pano, 2'7 8CRA 27& [1996]6. B "i# ", it i" al"o to 1 not # that lac< of -oti* for co--ittin% th cri- #o " not pr cl!# con*iction, con"i# rin% that, no/a#a7", it i" a -att r of @!#icial <no/l #% that p r"on" ha* <ill # or co--itt # " rio!" off n" for no r a"on at all 4People vs. Cabodoc, 263 8CRA 157 [1996]6. Acc!" #-app llant f!rth r cont n#" that th pro" c!tion;" # li1 rat an# int ntional fail!r to pr " nt th in* "ti%atin% polic offic r" an# th ir >oint Affi#a*it 4E.hi1it I7I6 con"tit!t " c!lpa1l "!ppr ""ion of *i# nc /hich, if #!l7 ta< n into acco!nt, /ill - rit hi" acA!ittal. $h ar%!- nt i" p! ril , "i-pl7 1 ca!" th # f n" it" lf /a" a1l to pr " nt th polic offic r" an# E.hi1it I7I 4p. 116, Rollo6. 3t i" to 1 f!rth r not # that a" arli r point # o!t, th # claration of 8)?1 8!rato" an# 8)?1 Car1on l #i# not cat %oricall7 r!l o!t th po""i1ilit7 of con*ictin% oth r p r"on" a" co-principal" of Ca"tro. ?n th contrar7, it i" cl ar fro- "!ch affi#a*it that th r /a" -or than @!"t on p rp trator of th cri- . 3t * n confir-" an# corro1orat " th 7 /itn "" acco!nt" of =illia- Montano an# Ran#7 $i1!l pointin% to acc!" #-app llant a" on of th oth r co-panion" of Ca"tro.

Aft r - tic!lo!"l7 an# car f!ll7 %oin% thro!%h ach an# * r7 pi c of *i# nc on r cor#, th Co!rt fin#" no r a"on to # part fro- th trial co!rt;" accor# of cr # nc to th 7 /itn "" acco!nt" of =illia- Montano an# Ran#7 $i1!l /ho po"iti* l7 i# ntifi # acc!" #-app llant a" on of th p r"on" /ho "hot an# fir # at th - an# th ir co-panion" that fat f!l ni%ht. = a%r /ith th trial Co!rt that th *i# nc point" 1 7on# r a"ona1l #o!1t that acc!" #-app llant /a" on of tho" principall7 r "pon"i1l for th # ath" of th fo!r *icti-" in thi" ca" an# th /o!n#in% of t/o oth r". $h r i" al"o "!ffici nt *i# nc that th a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc of tr ach r7 att n# # th <illin%", th!", A!alif7in% th "a- to -!r# r.

(n# r para%raph 16, Articl 1& of th R *i" # ) nal Co# , th A!alif7in% circ!-"tanc of tr ach r7 i" pr " nt /h n th off n# r -plo7" - an", - tho#", or for-" in th . c!tion of th cri- /hich t n# #ir ctl7 an# "p ciall7 to n"!r it" . c!tion /itho!t ri"< to hi-" lf ari"in% fro- an7 # f n"i* or r taliator7 act /hich th *icti- -i%ht -a< 4People vs. Santos, 27: 8CRA 6': [19976. $h " ttl # r!l i" that tr ach r7 can .i"t * n if th attac< i" frontal if it i" "!## n an# !n .p ct #, %i*in% th *icti- no opport!nit7 to r p l it or # f n# hi-" lf a%ain"t "!ch attac<. =hat i" # ci"i* i" that th . c!tion of th attac<, /itho!t th "li%ht "t pro*ocation fro- th *icti- /ho i" !nar- #, -a# it i-po""i1l for th *icti- to # f n# hi-" lf or to r taliat 4People vs. Javier, 269 8CRA 151 [1997]6. $h trial co!rt r!l # that *i# nt pr - #itation i" li< /i" pr " nt. Aft r r *i /in% th *i# nc , ho/ * r, / #o not fin# an7 "ho/in% of *i# nt pr - #itation on th part of acc!" #-app llant. =hil th r -a7 1 t "ti-onial *i# nc pointin% to an alt rcation 1 t/ n B rnar# Ca"tro an# a c rtain Capi"trano, it #o " "!ffici ntl7 pro* th att n#anc of th a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc of *i# nt pr - #itation. 3t i" not no!%h that *i# nt pr - #itation i" "!"p ct # or "!r-i" #, 1!t cri-inal int nt -!"t 1 *i# nc # 17 notorio!" o!t/ar# act" *i# ncin% # t r-ination to co--it th cri- . 3n or# r to 1 con"i# r # an a%%ra*ation of th off n" , th circ!-"tanc -!"t not - r l7 1 Ipr - #itationID it -!"t 1 I *i# nt pr - #itationI 4People vs. Torejas, &3 8CRA 1'5 [1972]6. $o "ta1li"h th .i"t nc of *i# nt pr - #itation, th follo/in% ha* to 1 pro* #9 416 th ti- /h n th off n# r # t r-in # to co--it th cri- D 426 an act -anif "tl7 in#icatin% that th off n# r ha# cl!n% to hi" # t r-inationD an# 436 "!ffici nt lap" of ti- 1 t/ n th # t r-ination an# th . c!tion to allo/ th off n# r to r fl ct on th con" A! nc " of hi" act 4People vs. Juan, 2'& 8CRA &75 [1996]6. E"ta1li"hin% a 1a"i" or -oti* for th co--i""ion of th cri- #o " not con"tit!t "!ffici nt %ro!n# to con"i# r th .i"t nc of *i# nt pr - #itation. At 1 "t, it -a7 in#icat th ti- /h n th off n# r" # t r-in # to co--it th cri- 4th fir"t l - nt6.

$h ir act of ar-in% th -" l* " /ith cali1 r .3: car1in " an# th r aft r /aitin% for th ir "!ppo" # *icti-" at a-1!"h po"ition" -a7 ha* al"o in#icat # that th 7 cl!n% to th ir # t r-ination to co--it th cri- 4th " con# l - nt6. Mor i-portant that th " t/o l - nt" i" th proof that a "!ffici nt p rio# of ti- ha# lap" # 1 t/ n th o!t/ar# act *i# ncin% int nt an# act!al co--i""ion of th off n" 4th thir# l - nt6. $h r -!"t ha* 1 n no!%h opport!nit7 for th initial i-p!l" to "!1"i# . $hi" l - nt i" in#i"p n"a1l for circ!-"tanc of *i# nt pr - #itation to a%%ra*at th cri- . 3n People vs. Canial, &6 8CRA 13& [1972], thi" Co!rt r it rat "9
3n oth r /or#", thi" circ!-"tanc can 1 ta< n into acco!nt onl7 /h n th r ha# 1 n a col# an# # p - #itation, an# a t nacio!" p r"i"t nc in th acco-pli"h- nt of th cri-inal act. $h r -!"t 1 ;an opport!nit7 to cooll7 an# " r n l7 thin< an# # li1 rat on th - anin% an# th con" A! nc " of /hat th 7 ha# plann # to #o, an int r*al lon% no!%h for th con"ci nc an# 1 tt r @!#%- nt to o* rco- th *il # "ir an# "ch - . . . . 4p. 6&96

A" arl7 a" in People vs. urante, '3 )hil. 363 [1929], th Co!rt ha# "tr "" # th i-portanc of "!ffici nt ti- 1 t/ n th cri-inal act an# th r "ol!tion to carr7 o!t th cri-inal int nt, affor#in% "!ch opport!nit7 for cool tho!%ht an# r fl ction to arri* at a cal- @!#%- nt. ?1*io!"l7, thi" l - nt i" /antin% in th ca" at 1ar. Ri%ht aft r th "!ppo" # h at # ar%!- nt 1 t/ n B rnar# Ca"tro an# Capi"trano, Ca"tro an# co-pan7 / nt ho- to % t th fir ar-" an# not lon% th r aft r -o!nt # th a""a!lt. $h r /a" no chanc for th an% r to "!1"i# . $h c!lprit" in th ca" at 1ar ha# no opport!nit7 for cool tho!%ht an# r fl ction to arri* at a cal- @!#%- nt. $h oth r a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc con"i# r # 17 th trial co!rt i" that of a1!" of "!p rior "tr n%th. $hi" contra* n " th * r7 1a"ic an# l - ntar7 #octrin in o!r @!ri"#iction that th a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc of a1!" of "!p rior "tr n%th i" a1"or1 # in tr ach r7 4People vs. !obe, 51 )hil. '5 [19&5]D People vs. "ierra, 96 8CRA 1 [195:]D People vs. Torrefiel, 2'6 8CRA 369 [1996]6. Not/ith"tan#in% th a1" nc of an7 a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc ", if / / r to !phol# th trial co!rt"; pr -i" " on th co-pl . nat!r of th cri- co--itt #, th # ath " nt nc , 1 in% th -a.i-!- p nalt7 for -!r# r, /o!l# "till ha* 1 n th i-po"a1l p nalt7 !n# r Articl &5 of th R *i" # ) nal Co# . $h Co!rt ho/ * r, fin#" co-p llin% r a"on" to r #!c th " nt nc fro- on # ath p nalt7 4for th co-pl . cri- of -!ltipl -!r# r /ith #o!1l fr!"trat # -!r# r6 an# on reclusion perpetua 4for th cri- of ill %al po"" ""ion of fir ar-" an# a--!nition"6 to fo!r co!nt" of reclusion perpetua 4for & -!r# r"6 an# t/o in# t r-inat " nt nc " of prision #a$or to reclusion te#poral 4for th 2 fr!"trat # -!r# r"6.

$h r co-- n#ation of th 8olicitor G n ral in th ) opl ;" 1ri f that acc!" #-app llant "ho!l# in"t a# 1 con*ict # of fo!r co!nt" of -!r# r an# t/o co!nt" of fr!"trat # -!r# r i" / ll ta< n. $h trial co!rt rr # /h n it allo/ # it" lf to 1 carri # a/a7 17 th rron o!" 3nfor-ation fil # 17 th ?ffic of th )ro*incial )ro" c!tor of )an%a"inan char%in% th co-pl . cri- of -!ltipl -!r# r an# #o!1l fr!"trat # -!r# r 4p. 1, R cor#9 Cri-. Ca" No. (-57&76. 3t -a7 1 not # that in hi" R "ol!tion #at # 8 pt -1 r 26, 199', th in* "ti%atin% -!nicipal trial co!rt @!#% of Manaoa%, )an%a"inan, fo!n# a pri#a facie ca" for fo!r " parat co!nt" of -!r# r 4pp. 1:1-1:2, &bid.6 $oo, th "a- in* "ti%atin% @!#% in hi" R "ol!tion #at # ?cto1 r 31, 199' fo!n# a pri#a facie ca" for t/o co!nt" of fr!"trat # -!r# r 4pp. &3-&&, &bid.6. 3t /a" !pon r in* "ti%ation 17 th ?ffic of th )ro*incial )ro" c!tor of )an%a"inan that a ca" for th co-pl . cri- of -!r# r /ith #o!1l fr!"trat # -!r# r /a" in"t a# fil # p r it" >oint R "ol!tion #at # No* -1 r 17, 199' 4pp. &-6, &bid.6.
CCphil

$h conc pt of a co-pl . cri- i" # fin # in Articl &5 of th R *i" # ) nal Co# , to /it9
AR$3CCE &5.Penalt$ for co#ple% cri#es F =h n a "in%l act con"tit!t " t/o or -or %ra* or l "" %ra* f loni " or /h n an off n" i" a n c ""ar7 - an" for co--ittin% th oth r, th p nalt7 for th -o"t " rio!" cri- "hall 1 i-po" #, th "a- to 1 appli # in it" -a.i-!- p rio#. 4A" a- n# # 17 Act No. &:::.6

$h ca" at 1ar #o " not fall !n# r an7 of th t/o in"tanc " # fin # a1o* . $h ?ffic of th )ro*incial )ro" c!tor of )an%a"inan rron o!"l7 con"i# r # th ca" a" fallin% !n# r th fir"t. 3t i" cl ar fro- th *i# nc on r cor#, ho/ * r, that th fo!r cri- " of -!r# r r "!lt # not fro- a "in%l act 1!t fro- " * ral in#i*i#!al an# #i"tinct act". 2or on thin%, th *i# nc in#icat " that th r /a" -or than on %!n-an in*ol* #, an# th act of ach %!n-an i" #i"tinct fro- that of th oth r. 3t cannot 1 "ai# th r for , that th r i" 1!t a "in%l act of firin% a "in%l fir ar-. $h r / r al"o " * ral -pt7 1!ll t "h ll" r co* r # fro- th "c n of th cri- . $hi" confir-" th fact that " * ral "hot" / r fir #. 2!rth r-or , con"i# rin% th r lati* po"ition" of th %!n- n an# th ir *icti-", "o- of /ho- / r ri#in% th -otori, # tric7cl it" lf /hil th oth r" / r " at # in"i# th "i# car th r of, it /a" a1"ol!t l7 i-po""i1l for th fo!r *icti-" to ha* 1 n hit an# <ill # 17 a "in%l 1!ll t. Each act 17 ach %!n-an p!llin% th tri%% r of th ir r "p cti* fir ar-", ai-in% ach partic!lar -o- nt at #iff r nt p r"on" con"tit!t #i"tinct an# in#i*i#!al act" /hich cannot %i* ri" to th co-pl . cri- of -!ltipl -!r# r. = th r for r!l that acc!" #-app llant i" %!ilt7, not of a co-pl . cri- of -!ltipl -!r# r, 1!t of fo!r co!nt" of -!r# r for th # ath of th fo!r *icti-" in thi" ca" . 3n th "a-ann r, acc!" #-app llant i" li< /i" h l# %!ilt7 for t/o co!nt" of fr!"trat # -!r# r.

Articl 2&5 of th R *i" # ) nal Co# , a" a- n# #, pro*i# " th p nalt7 of reclusion perpetua to # ath for th cri- of -!r# r. =itho!t an7 -iti%atin% or a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc att n#ant in th co--i""ion of th cri- , th - #i!- p nalt7 i" th lo/ r in#i*i"i1l p nalt7 of reclusion perpetua. 3n th ca" at 1ar, acc!" #-app llant, 1 in% %!ilt7 of fo!r " parat co!nt" of -!r# r, th prop r p nalt7 "ho!l# 1 fo!r " nt nc " of reclusion perpetua. 3n a##ition, h 1 in% %!ilt7 of t/o co!nt" of fr!"trat # -!r# r, acc!" #-app llant -!"t 1 - t # o!t an in# t r-inat " nt nc ran%in% fro- a -ini-!of 6 7 ar" an# 1 #a7 of prision #a$or or to a -a.i-!- of 12 7 ar" an# 1 #a7 of reclusion te#poral for ach off n" . No/, to th -att r of acc!" #-app llant;" con*iction for ill %al po"" ""ion of !nlic n" # fir ar- !n# r )r "i# ntial 0 cr No. 1566. 3t /a" r c ntl7 h l# in th ca" ntitl # People vs. !olina 4G.R. No". 11'53'-36, >!l7 22, 19956, an# r it rat # in People vs. Feloteo 4G.R. No. 12&212, 8 pt -1 r 17, 19956, that th r can 1 no " parat con*iction of th cri- of ill %al po"" ""ion of fir ar-" !n# r )r "i# ntial 0 cr No. 1566 in *i / of th a- n#- nt" intro#!c # 17 R p!1lic Act No. 529&. 3n"t a#, ill %al po"" ""ion of fir ar-" i" - r l7 to 1 ta< n a" an a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc p r 8 ction 1 of R p!1lic Act No. 529&, /hich in part, pro*i# "9
3f ho-ici# or -!r# r i" co--itt # /ith th !" of !nlic n" # fir ar-, "!ch !" of an !nlic n" # fir ar- "hall 1 con"i# r # a" an a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc .

R p!1lic Act No. 529& too< ff ct on >!l7 6, 1997, fift n #a7" aft r it" p!1lication on >!n 21, 1997. $h cri- " in*ol* # in th ca" at 1ar / r co--itt # on 8 pt -1 r 17, 199'. A" in th ca" of an7 p nal la/, th pro*i"ion" of R p!1lic Act No. 529& /ill % n rall7 ha* pro"p cti* application. 3n ca" ", ho/ * r, /h r th n / la/ /ill 1 a#*anta% o!" to th acc!" #, th la/ -a7 1 %i* n r troacti* application 4Articl 22, R *i" # ) nal Co# 6. 3n"ofar a" it /ill "par acc!" #-app llant in th ca" at 1ar fro- a " parat con*iction for th cri- of ill %al po"" ""ion of fir ar-", R p!1lic Act No. 529& -a7 1 %i* n r troacti* application in Cri-inal Ca" No. (-57&9 4for 3ll %al )o"" ""ion of 2ir ar-6 "!1@ ct of thi" pr " nt r *i /.

A" a /or# of ca!tion, ho/ * r, th #i"-i""al of th pr " nt ca" for ill %al po"" ""ion of fir ar- "ho!l# not 1 -i"int rpr t # a" - anin% that th r can no lon% r 1 an7 pro" c!tion for th cri- of ill %al po"" ""ion of fir ar-. 3n % n ral, all p n#in% ca" " in*ol*in% ill %al po"" ""ion of fir ar- "ho!l# contin! to 1 pro" c!t # an# tri # if no oth r cri- " .pr ""l7 in#icat # in R p!1lic Act No. 529& ar in*ol* # 4-!r# r or ho-ici# !n# r 8 ction 1, an# r 1 llion, in"!rr ction, " #ition or att -pt # coup d'etat !n# r 8 ction 36.

Bo/ * r, th !" of an !nlic n" # fir ar- in th ca" at 1ar cannot 1 con"i# r # a" a "p cial a%%ra*atin% circ!-"tanc in Cri-inal Ca" No. (-57&7 4for Co-pl . Cri- of M!ltipl M!r# r6, al"o !n# r r *i / h r in, 1 ca!" it /ill !n#!l7 rai" th p nalt7 for th fo!r co!nt" of -!r# r fro- fo!r reclusion perpetua to that of fo!r-fol# # ath. 3n"ofar a" thi" partic!lar pro*i"ion of R p!1lic Act No. 529& i" not 1 n ficial to acc!" #app llant 1 ca!" it !n#!l7 a%%ra*at " th cri- , thi" n / la/ /ill not 1 %i* n r troacti* application, l "t it -i%ht acA!ir th charact r of an e%-post facto la/. =BERE2?RE, pr -i" " con"i# r #, th # ci"ion /ith r "p ct to Cri-inal Ca" No. (57&7 i" h r 17 M?0323E0. Acc!" #-app llant i" fo!n# %!ilt7 1 7on# r a"ona1l #o!1t of fo!r co!nt" of -!r# r an# h r 17 " nt nc # to "!ff r th p nalt7 of fo!r " nt nc " of reclusion perpetua. B i" al"o fo!n# %!ilt7 1 7on# r a"ona1l #o!1t of t/o co!nt" of fr!"trat # -!r# r an# h r 17 - t # t/o in# t r-inat " nt nc ", ach, ran%in% fro- "i. 466 7 ar" an# on 416 #a7 of prision #a$or, a" -ini-!-, to t/ l* 4126 7 ar" an# on 416 #a7 of reclusion te#poral, a" -a.i-!-. $h app al # @!#%- nt r latin% to th ci*il lia1iliti " of acc!" #-app llant to/ar#" th "i. *icti-" i" A223RME0. Cri-inal Ca" No. (-57&9 in*ol*in% )r "i# ntial 0 cr No "p cial prono!nc - nt i" -a# a" to co"t". 8? ?R0ERE0. avide, Jr., C.J., Ro#ero, (ellosillo, Puno, )itug, *apunan, +uisu#bing, Purisi#a, Pardo, (uena an# Gon,aga-Re$es, JJ., conc!r. !endo,a an# Panganiban, JJ., conc!r in th r "!lt. No. 1566 i" h r 17 #i"-i"" #.
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