Facts:

On August 13, 1984, two separate informations for murder were filed against Eduardo Esmaquilan and several co-accused, including Eduardo Evangelista and various members of the Mondia family, for the deaths of Police Corporal Rogelio Dedal and Pablo Esteban. The trial was initially presided over by Judge Rodolfo C. Soledad and later by Judge Cristeto D. Dinopol. After the prosecution rested its case, the defense presented its evidence, including the testimony of Primitivo Fabian, the sole eyewitness.

Fabian testified that on June 9, 1984, he was riding a tricycle with Dedal and Esteban when they were confronted by a group of men, including the accused. The group attacked Dedal and Esteban, leading to their deaths. Fabian claimed to have witnessed the assault from a distance of about ten meters, where he hid in a ditch. He described how Dedal was stabbed and Esteban was also attacked, with various accused participating in the violence.

The trial court found several of the accused guilty of murder, sentencing them to reclusion perpetua and ordering them to pay indemnities to the heirs of the victims. Esmaquilan was among those convicted, and he appealed the decision.

Legal Issues:

1. Whether the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt the guilt of Eduardo Esmaquilan for the murders of Rogelio Dedal and Pablo Esteban.
2. The reliability and credibility of the eyewitness testimony provided by Primitivo Fabian.
3. The implications of the trial court's reliance on the testimony of co-accused Eduardo Evangelista.

Arguments:

Prosecution:

• The prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of Primitivo Fabian, who identified the accused and detailed their involvement in the murders.
• It argued that the collective actions of the accused constituted a conspiracy to commit murder, justifying their convictions.

Defense (Esmaquilan):

• Esmaquilan contended that the prosecution failed to establish his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, as Fabian's testimony did not directly implicate him in the actual killing.
• He argued that the trial court erred in relying on the self-serving testimony of Evangelista, which was inconsistent and lacked corroboration.

Court's Decision and Legal Reasoning:

The court found that the prosecution's evidence against Esmaquilan was insufficient to support a conviction. It emphasized the principle that guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. The court noted several inconsistencies in Fabian's testimony, including discrepancies regarding his position during the attack and the actions of the accused.

The court highlighted that while Fabian identified Esmaquilan as having dragged and stepped on Esteban's body, this alone did not establish his culpability for murder. The court also criticized the trial court for relying on Evangelista's testimony, which was deemed self-serving and not credible. The court concluded that the evidence presented did not support a finding of conspiracy or direct involvement in the killings by Esmaquilan.

As a result, the court reversed the trial court's decision regarding Esmaquilan, acquitting him of the charges.

Significant Legal Principles or Doctrines Established:

1. The presumption of innocence remains paramount, and the burden of proof lies with the prosecution to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
2. Eyewitness testimony must be credible and consistent; discrepancies can undermine the reliability of such evidence.
3. A conviction cannot be based solely on the testimony of co-accused unless corroborated by independent evidence.