G.R. No.

170470

September 26, 2006

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, vs. EDNA MALNGAN y MAYO, Appellant,

DECISION

CHICO-NAZARIO, J.:

The Case F o r r e v i e w i s t h e D e c i s i o n [ 1 ] o f t h e C o u rt o f A p p e al s i n C A - G . R . C R HC N o . 0 1 1 39 p r o m u l g at ed o n 2 S ep t e m b e r 2 0 0 5 , a f f i r m i n g w i t h m o d i f i c a t i o n t h e J u d g m e n t [ 2 ] o f t h e R eg i o n al T r i al C o u rt ( R T C ) o f M an i l a , B r an c h 4 1 , i n C r i m i n a l C a s e N o . 0 1 - 1 8 8 42 4 p r o m u l g at ed o n 1 3 O ct o b er 2 0 0 3 , f i n d i n g ap p el l an t E d n a M al n g a n y M a y o ( E d n a ) g u i l t y b e y o n d r e a s o n ab l e d o u bt o f t h e c r i m e o f A r s o n w i t h M u l t i p l e Ho m i c i d e o r A r s o n r e s u l t i n g t o t h e d e a t h o f s i x ( 6 ) p e o p l e , an d s en t en c i n g h er t o s u f f er t h e p en a l t y o f d e at h .

The Facts

A s s u m m a r i z e d [ 3 ] b y t h e C o u r t o f A p p eal s ,

t h e an t ec e d e n t f ac t s ar e as f o l l o w s :

From the personal account of Remigio Bernardo, the Barangay Chairman in the area, as well as the personal account of the pedicab driver named Rolando Gruta, it was at around 4:45 a.m. on January 2, 2001 when Remigio Bernardo and his tanods saw the accused-appellant EDNA, one hired as a h o u s e m a i d b y R o b e r t o S e p a r a , S r . , w i t h h e r h e a d t u r n i n g i n d i f f e r e n t d i r e c t i o ns , h u r r i e d l y l e a v i n g t h e house of her employer at No. 172 Moderna Street, Balut, Tondo, Manila. She was seen to have boarded a pedicab which was driven by a person later identified as Rolando Gruta. She was heard by the pedicab driver to have instructed that she be brought to Nipa Street, but upon her arrival there, she changed her m i n d a nd a s k e d t h a t s h e b e b r o u g h t i n s t e a d t o B a l a s a n S t r e e t w h e r e s h e f i n a l l y a l i g h t e d , a f t e r p a y i n g f o r her fare. Thirty minutes later, at around 5:15 a.m. Barangay Chairma n Bernardos group later discovered that a fire gutted the house of the employer of the housemaid. Barangay Chairman Bernardo and his t a n o d s r e s p o n d e d t o t h e f i r e u p o n h e a r i n g s ho u t s f r o m t h e r e s i d e n t s a n d t h e r e a f t e r , f i r e me n f r o m t h e F i r e District 1-NCR arrived at the fire scene to contain the fire. When Barangay Chairman Bernardo returned to the Barangay Hall, he received a report from p e d i c a b d r i v e r R o l a n d o G r u t a , w h o w a s a l s o a t a n o d , t h a t s ho r t l y b e f o r e t h e o c c u r r e n c e o f t h e f i r e , h e s a w a w o m a n ( t h e h o u s e m a i d ) c o m i n g o u t o f t h e h o u s e a t N o . 1 7 2 M o d e r n a S t r e e t , B a l u t , T o n d o , Ma n i l a a n d h e r e ce i v e d a c a l l f r o m h i s w i f e t e l l i n g h i m o f a w o m a n ( t h e s a m e h o u s e ma i d ) w h o w a s a c t i n g s t r a n g e l y a nd s u s p i c i o u s l y o n B a l a s a n S t r e e t . B a r a n g a y C h a i r m a n B e r n a r d o , R o l a n d o G r u t a a n d t h e other tanods proceeded to Balasan Street and found the woman who was later identified as the accuseda p p e l l a n t . A f t e r R o l a n d o G r u t a p o s i t i v e l y i d e n t i f i e d t h e w o ma n a s t h e s a me p e r s o n w ho l e f t N o . 1 7 2 M o d e r n a S t r e e t , B a l u t , T o n d o , M a n i l a , B a r a n g a y C h a i r m a n B e r n a r d o a n d h i s t a n o d s a p p r e h e n d e d h e r a nd brought her to the Barangay Hall for investigation. At the Barangay Hall, Mercedita Mendoza, neighbor of R o b e r t o S e p a r a , S r . a nd w h o s e h o u s e w a s a l s o b u r n e d , i d e n t i f i e d t h e w o m a n a s a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t E D N A w h o w a s t h e h o u s e m a i d o f R o b e r t o S e p a r a , S r . U p o n i n s p e c t i o n , a d i s po s a b l e l i g h t e r w a s f o u n d i n s i d e accused-appellant EDNAs bag. Thereafter, accused-appellant EDNA confessed to Barangay Chairma n Bernardo in the presence of multitudes of angry residents outside the Barangay Hall that she set her employers house on fire because she had not been paid her salary for about a year and that she wanted t o g o h o m e t o h e r p r o v i n c e b u t h e r e m p l o y e r t o l d h e r t o j u s t r i d e a b r o o ms t i c k i n g o i n g h o m e . Accused-appellant EDNA was then turned over to arson investigators headed by S [ F ] O 4 D a n i l o T a l u s a n , w h o b r o u g h t h e r t o t h e S a n L a z a r o F i r e S t a t i o n i n S t a . C r u z , M a n i l a w h e r e s he was further investigated and then detained. W h e n M e r c e d i t a M e n d o z a w e n t t o t h e Sa n L a z a r o F i r e S t a t i o n t o g i v e h e r s w o r n s t a t e m e n t , s he h a d t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o a s k a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t E D N A a t t h e l a t t e r s d e t e n t i o n c e l l w h y s he d i d t h e b u r n i n g o f h e r e m p l o y e r s h o u s e a n d a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t E D N A r e p l i e d t h a t s he s e t t h e h o u s e o n f i r e b e c a u s e w h e n s h e a s k e d p e r m i s s i o n t o g o h o m e t o h e r p r o v i n c e , t h e w i f e o f h e r e m p l o y e r R o b e r t o Se p a r a , S r . , n a m e d V i r g i n i a S e p a r a ( s i c ) s h o u t e d a t h e r : S i g e u mu w i k a , p a g d a t i n g m o m a p u t i k a n a . S u m a k a y k a s a w a l i s , p a g d a t i n g m o m a p u t i k a n a ( T S N , J a n u a r y 2 2 , 2 0 0 2 , p . 6 ) ( Go a h e a d , w h e n y o u a r r i v e y o u r c o l o r w o u l d b e f a i r a l r e a d y . R i d e a b r o o m s t i c k , w h e n y o u a r r i v e y o u r c o l o r w o u l d b e f a i r a l r e a d y . ) A n d w he n M e r c e d i t a M e n d o z a a s k e d a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t E D N A h o w s he b u r n e d t h e h o u s e , a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t E D N A told her: Naglukot ako ng maraming diyaryo, sinindihan ko ng disposable lighter at hinagis ko sa ibabaw n g l a m e sa sa l o o b n g b a h a y ( T S N , J a n u a r y 2 2 , 2 0 0 2 , p . 7 . ) ( I c r u m p l e d n e w s p a p e r s , l i g h t e d t h e m w i t h a d i s p o s a b l e l i g h t e r a nd t h r e w t h e m o n t o p o f t h e t a b l e i n s i d e t h e h o u s e . )

When interviewed by Carmelita Valdez, a reporter of ABS-CBN Network, accused-appellant EDNA while under detention (sic) was heard by SFO4 (sic) Danilo Talusan as having admitted the crime and e v e n n a r r a t e d t h e m a n n e r h o w s he a c c o m p l i s h e d i t . S F O 4 ( s i c ) D a n i l o T a l u s a n w a s a b l e t o h e a r t h e same confession, this time at his home, while watching the television program True Crime hosted by G u s A b e l g a s a l s o o f AB S - C B N N e t w o r k . The fire resulted in [the] destruction of the house of Roberto Separa, Sr. and other adjoining houses and the death of Roberto Separa, Sr. and Virginia Separa together with their four (4) children, n a m e l y : M i c h a e l , D a p h n e , P r i s c i l l a a nd R o b e r t o , J r .

O n 9 J a n u a r y 2 0 0 1 , a n I n f o r m a t i o n [ 4 ] w as f i l ed b ef o r e t h e R T C o f M an i l a , B r an c h 4 1 , c h ar g i n g ac c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t w i t h t h e c r i m e o f A r s o n w i t h M u l t i p l e H o m i c i d e . T h e c as e w as d o c k et ed as C r i m i n al C as e N o . 0 1 - 1 8 8 4 2 4 . T h e a c c u s a t o r y p o r t i o n o f s ai d I n f o r m at i o n p r o v i d es :
That on or about January 2, 2001, in the City of Manila, Philippines, the said accused, with i n t e n t t o c a u s e d a ma g e , d i d t h e n a n d t h e r e w i l l f u l l y , u n l a w f u l l y , f e l o n i o u s l y a n d d e l i b e r a t e l y s e t f i r e u p o n the two-storey residential house of ROBERTO SEPARA and family mostly made of wooden materials l o ca t e d a t N o . 1 7 2 M o d e r n a S t . , B a l u t , T o n d o , t h i s c i t y , b y l i g h t i n g c r u m p l e d n e w s p a p e r w i t h t h e u s e o f disposable lighter inside said house knowing the same to be an inhabited house and situated in a thickly p o p u l a t e d p l a c e a n d a s a c o n s e q u e n c e t h e r e o f a c o n f l a g r a t i o n e ns u e d a nd t h e s a i d b u i l d i n g , t o g e t h e r with some seven (7) adjoining residential houses, were razed by fire; that by reason and on the occasion of the said fire, the following, namely, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Roberto Separa, Sr., 45 years of age Virginia Separa y Mendoza, 40 years of age Michael Separa, 24 years of age Daphne Separa, 18 years of age P r i s c i l l a Se p a r a , 1 4 y e a r s o f a g e Roberto Separa, Jr., 11 years of age

sustained burn injuries which were the direct cause of their death immediately thereafter.[5]

W h e n a r r a i g n e d , a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t w it h as s i s t an c e o f c o u n s el d e o f i c i o , p l e ad ed [ 6 ] N ot G u i l t y t o t h e crime charged. Thereafter, trial ensued. [7]

T h e p r o s e c u t i o n p r e s e n t e d f i v e ( 5 ) w it n es s es , n am el y , S P O 4 [ 8 ] D an i l o T al u s a n , R o l an d o G r u t a, R em i g i o B e r n a r d o , M e r c e d i t a M e n d o z a a n d R o d o l f o M o v i l l a t o es t ab l i s h it s c h ar g e t h at ac c u s ed - ap p el l an t E d n a c o m m i t t e d t h e c r i m e o f a r s o n w i t h m u l t i p l e h o m i c i d e.

S P O 4 D a n i l o Ta l u s a n , a r s o n i n v e s t i g at o r, t est i f i e d t h at h e w as o n e o f t h o s e w h o r es p o n d e d t o t h e f i r e t h at o c c u r r e d o n 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 0 1 a n d w h i c h s t art ed at N o . 1 72 M o d e r n a S t . , B al u t , To n d o , M an i l a. H e st at ed t h at t h e f i r e k i l l e d R o b e r t o S e p a r a , S r. a n d a l l t h e o t h er m em b er s o f h i s f am i l y, n am el y h i s w i f e, Vi r g i n i a, a n d h i s c h i l d r e n , M i c h a e l , D a p h n e , P r i s c i l l a a n d R o b er t o , J r. ; t h e f i r e al s o d es t r o y ed t h ei r ab o d e as w el l as s i x n ei g h b o r i n g h o u s e s . H e l i k e w i s e t e s t i f i e d t h at h e t wi c e h e ar d a c c u s ed - ap p e l l a nt o n c e w h i l e t h e l at t er w as b ei n g i n t e r v i e w e d b y C a r m e l i t a Va l d e z , a r ep o r t er o f A B S - CB N , a n d t h e o t h er t i m e w h en i t w as s h o w n o n c h an n e l 2 o n t e l e v i s i o n d u r i n g t h e a i r i n g o f t h e t el ev i s i o n p r o g r am e nt i t l ed Tr u e C r i m e h o st ed b y G u s A b el g a s c o n f e s s t o h a v i n g c o m m i t t e d t h e c r i m e c h ar g ed , t o w it :
Pros. Rebagay: Based on your investigation, was there any occasion when the accused Edna Malngan admitted to the burning of the house of the Separa Family? x x x x Witness: Yes, sir.

Pros. Rebagay: When was that? A: On January 2 she was interviewed by the media, sir. The one who took the coverage was C a r m e l i t a V a l d e z o f C h a n n e l 2 , AB S - C B N . T h e y h a v e a f o o t a g e t h a t E d n a a d m i t t e d b e f o r e t h e m , sir. A n d w he r e w e r e y o u w h e n E d n a M a l n g a n m a d e t h a t s t a t e m e n t o r a d m i s s i o n t o C a r m e l i t a V a l d e z o f ABS-CBN? I was at our office, sir. Wa s t h e r e a n y o t h e r o c c a s i o n w h e r e i n t h e a c c u s e d m a d e a no t h e r c o n f e s s i o n r e l a t i v e t o t h e admission of the crime? Yes, sir. When was that? Last Friday, sir. It was shown in True Crime of Gus Abelgas. She was interviewed at the City Jail a n d s he a d m i t t e d t h a t s h e w a s t h e o n e w h o a u t h o r e d t h e c r i m e , s i r .

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

Pros. Rebagay: A n d w he r e w e r e y o u w he n t h a t a d m i s s i o n t o G u s A b e l g a s w a s m a d e ? A: Q: A: I was in the house and I just saw it on tv, sir. What was that admission that you heard personally, when you were present, when the accused made the confession to Carmelita Valdez? Naglukot po siya ng papel, sinidihan niya ng lighter at inilagay niya sa ibabaw ng mesa yung mga diyaryo at sinunog niya. x x x x Q: A: As i d e f r o m t h a t s t a t e m e n t , w a s t h e r e a n y o t h e r s t a t e m e n t m a d e b y t h e a c c u s e d E d n a M a l n g a n ? Y e s , s i r . K a y a p o n i y a n a g a w a y o n g a l i t p o s i y a s a k a n y a n g a mo n a s i V i r g i n i a , h i n d i s i y a p i n a s u w e l d o a t g u s t o n a p o n i y a n g u mu w i n a ( s i c ) a y a w s i y a n g p a y a g a n . N a g s a l i t a p a p o s a k a n y a n a , Su m a k a y k a n a l a n g s a w a l i s . P a g b a l i k m o d i t o m a p u t i k a n a . ( s i c ) Yo n p o a n g s i n a b i n g k a n y a n g a mo .

Atty. Masweng: That was a statement of an alleged dead person, your Honor. Court: Sabi ni Valdes, ha? Pros. Rebagay: Sabi ni Edna Malngan kay Carmelita Valdez, Your Honor. Court: Double hearsay na yon. Pros. Rebagay: No, Your Honor, the witness was present, Your Honor, when that confession was made by the a c c u s e d t o C a r m e l i t a Va l d e z . [ 9 ]

R o l a n d o G r u t a , t h e p e d i c a b d r i v e r a n d o n e o f t h e b ar an g ay t a n o d s i n t h e ar e a, t es t i f i ed :
Pros. Rebagay: M r . W i t n e s s , w ha t i s y o u r p r o f e s s i o n ? A: Q: A: Sidecar driver, sir. O n J a n u a r y 2 , 2 0 0 1 a t a r o u n d 4 : 4 5 i n t h e m o r n i n g , d o y o u r e c a l l w he r e w e r e ( s i c ) y o u ? I was at the corner of Moderna Street, sir.

Pros. Rebagay: And while you were at the corner of Moderna St., what happened if any, Mr. Witness? A: Q: I saw Edna coming out from the door of the house of Roberto Separa, sir. D o y o u k n o w t h e n u m b e r o f t h e h o u s e o f t h e Se p a r a F a m i l y ?

A:

172 Moderna St., Balut, Tondo, Manila, sir. x x x x

Q: A:

And you said you saw Edna coming out from the house of the Separa Family. How far is that house f r o m t h e p l a c e w h e r e y o u w e r e w a i t i n g a t t h e c o r n e r o f M o d e r n a a n d Pa u l i n o S t r e e t s ? About three meters from Moderna and Paulino Streets where my pedicab was placed. My distance was about three meters, sir. x x x x

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Court:

A n d h o w d i d y o u k n o w t h a t t h e h o u s e w h e r e E d n a c a m e o u t i s t h a t o f t h e h o u s e o f t h e Se p a r a Family? Mismong nakita po ng dalawang mata ko na doon siya galing sa bahay ng Separa Family. How long have you known the Separa Family, if you know them? About two years, sir. How about this Edna, the one you just pointed (to) awhile ago? Do you know her prior to January 2, 2001? Yes, sir. I knew(sic) her for two years. Why?

Witness: Madalas ko po siyang maging pasahero ng aking pedicab. Pros. Rebagay: How about the Separa family? Why do you know them? A: Q: A: Q: A: They were the employers of Edna, sir. You said you saw Edna coming out from the house of the Separa Family. What happe ned when you saw Edna coming out from the house of the Separa Family? Wa l a p a p o n g a n o y a n n a i s a k a y k o n a s i y a s a s i d e c a r . A n d w ha t d i d y o u o b s e r v e f r o m E d n a w h e n y o u s a w h e r c o m i n g o u t f r o m t h e h o u s e o f t h e Se p a r a family? N a g ma m a d a l i p o s i y a n g l u ma k a d a t p a l i n g a - l i n g a . x x x x Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: After she boarded your pedicab, what happened, if any? Nagpahatid po siya sa akin. Where? To Nipa Street, sir. D i d y o u b r i n g h e r t o N i p a S t r e e t a s s he r e q u e s t e d ? Yes, sir. x x x x Q: A: Q: A: You said that you brought her to Nipa Street. What happened when you go (sic) there at Nipa Street, if any? Nagpahinto po siya doon ng saglit, mga tatlong minuto po. W h a t d i d s he d o w h e n s h e a s k e d ( y o u ) t o s t o p t h e r e f o r t h r e e m i n u t e s ? After three minutes she requested me to bring her directly to Balasan Street, sir. x x x x Q: A: What happened after that? When we arrived there, she alighted and pay (sic) P5.00, sir.

And then what transpired after she alighted from your pedicab?

Witness: I went home and I looked for another passenger, sir. Pros. Rebagay: After that, what happened when you were on you way to your house to look for passengers? A Q: A: Nakita ko na nga po na pagdating ko sa Moderna, naglalagablab na apoy. From what place was that fire coming out? From the house of Roberto Separa Family, sir. x x x x Pros. Rebagay: A f t e r y o u n o t i c e d t h a t t h e r e w a s a f i r e f r o m t h e h o u s e o f R o b e r t o S e p a r a F a m i l y , w h a t d i d yo u d o if any? A: Q: A: S i y e m p r e p o , i s a n g Ba r a n g a y T a n o d p o a k o , n a g r e s p o n d e n a p o k a m i s a s u n o g . B i n u k s a n n a p o ng Chairman naming yung tangke, binomba na po naming yung apoy ng tubig. After that incident, Mr. Witness, have you seen Edna Again (sic). No, sir.

Pros. Rebagay: And after that incident, did you come to know if Edna was apprehended or not? x x x x A: I was called by our Barangay Chairman in order to identify Edna, sir. x x x x[10]

R e m i g i o B er n a r d o , B a r a n g a y C h a i r m an o f t h e a r e a w h er e t h e f i r e o c c u r r ed , st at ed :
Pros. Rebagay: O n J a n u a r y 2 , 2 0 0 1 , d o y o u r e c a l l i f t h e r e i s a f i r e t h a t o c c u r r e d s o me w h e r e i n y o u r a r e a o f jurisdiction, particularlyModerna Street? A: Q: A: Yes, sir. Now, where were you when this incident happened? Kasi ugali ko na po tuwing umagang-umaga po ako na pupunta sa barangay Hall mga siguro 6:00 or 5:00 o clock, me sumigaw ng sunog nirespondehan namin iyong sunog eh me dala kaming fire. You just answer the question. Where were you when this incident happened? Witness: I was at the Barangay Hall, Your Honor. Pros. Rebagay: And you said that there was a fire that occurred, what did you do? Witness: I yo n n g a n a g r e s p o n d e k a m i d o o n s a s u n o g e h n a k i t a k o i y o n g s u n o g m u k h a t a l a g a n g a r s o n d a h i l n a p a k a l a k i k a a g a d , m e r o n p o n g m g a t i p o n g I y o n g n a ma t a y p o c o n t r a c t o r p o i y o n e h k a ya siguro napakaraming kalat ng mga pintura, mga container, kaya hindi po namin naapula kaagad iyong apoy, nasunog ultimo iyong fire tanknamin sa lakas, sir. Pros. Rebagay: Now, will you please tell us where this fire occurred? A: Q: A: At the house of the six victims, sir. Whose house is that? The house of the victims, sir.

Court:

x x x x Pros. Rebagay: You said that you responded to the place, what transpired after you responded to the place? A: Iyon nga po ang nagsabi may lumabas na isang babae po noon sa bahay na nagmamadali habang may sunog, me isang barangay tanod po akong nagsabi may humahangos na isang babae na may dalang bag papunta po roon palabas ng sasakyan, sir. A n d s o w ha t h a p p e n e d ? S i y e m p r e h i n d i n a ma n a k o n a g t a n o n g k u n g s i n o n g a y o n m a y d u ma t i n g g a l i n g n a s a b a h a y n a m i n g , m a y t u m a w a g , t u ma w a g p o s i K o n s e h a l a A l f o n s o n a m a y i s a n g b a b a e n a h i n d i m a p a k a l i doon sa Calle Pedro Alfonso, ke konsehal na baka ito sabi niya iyong ganito ganoon nirespondehan ko po, sir. Where did you respond? At Balasan, sir, but its not the area of my jurisdiction. x x x x Q: A: Court: Witness pointing to accused Edna Malngan. Pros. Rebagay: A n d w ha t h a p p e n e d ? A: Q: A: I brought her to the barangay hall, sir. And what happened at the barangay hall? Inembestigahan ko, kinuha naming iyong bag niya, me lighter siya eh. Inamin niya po sa amin na kaya niya sinunog hindi siya pinasasahod ng more or less isang taon na eh. Ngayon sabi ko b a k i t e h g u s t o k o n g u mu w i n g p r o b i n s y a a n g s a b i s a a k i n n g a m o k o s u m a k a y n a l a n g d a w p o ako ng walis tingting para makauwi, sir. What happened when you reached that place? Siya po ang nahuli ko doon, sir.

Q: A:

Q: A:

Atty. Herman: We would like to object, Your Honor on the ground that that is hearsay. Pros. Rebagay: That is not a hearsay statement, Your Honor, straight from the mouth of the accused. Atty. Herman: Its not under the exemption under the Rules of Court, Your Honor. He is testifying according to what he has heard. Court: Thats part of the narration. Whether it is true or not, thats another matter. Let it remain. Pros. Rebagay: N o w , w ho w e r e p r e s e n t w h e n t h e a c c u s e d a r e t e l l i n g y o u t h i s ? A: I yo n n g a i y o n g m g a t a n o d k o , m a m a m a y a n d o o n n a k a p a l i g i d , s i y e m p r e m a y s u n o g n a g k a k a g u l o , g u st o n g a s i y a n g k u n i n n g m g a m a m a ma y a n p a r a s a k t a n h i n d i k o m a i b i g a y p a p a t a y i n s i y a g a w a n g m a y n a ma t a y e h a n i m n a t a o a n d n a ma t a y , k a y a i y o n g m g a t a o k i n o k o n t r o l s i y a madidisgrasya siya dahil pin-pointed po siya, Your Honor, iyong dami na iyon libo iyong n a ka p a l i g i d d o o n s a b a r a n g a y h a l l n a p a k a h i r a p a w a t i n . Gu s t o n g - g u s t o s i y a n g k u n i n n g m g a taong-bayan, nagalit dahil ang daming bahay hong nasunog.[11 ]

F o r h e r p a r t , M e r c e d i t a M e n d o z a , o n e o f t h e n ei g h b o r s o f t h e S ep a r a F am i l y a n d w h o s e h o u s e w as one of those destroyed by the fire, recount ed:

Pros. Rebagay: Madam Witness, on January 2, 2001, do you recall where were you residing then? A: Q: Yes, sir. Where were you residing at?

A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q:

At No. 170 Moderna St., Balut, Tondo, Manila, sir. Why did you transfer your residence? Awhile ago you testified that you are now residing at 147 Moderna St., Balut, Tondo, Manila? Because our house was burned, sir. More or less, how much did the loss incurred on the burning of your house (sic)? More or less, P100,000.00, sir Do you know the accused in this case Edna Malngan? Yes, sir. Why do you know her? She is the house helper of the family who were (sic) burned, sir. What family? Cifara (sic) family, sir. W h o i n p a r t i c u l a r d o y o u k n o w a mo n g C i f a r a ( s i c ) f a m i l y ? T h e w o ma n , s i r . What is the name? V i r g i n i a Me n d o z a C i f a r a ( s i c ) , s i r . A r e yo u r e l a t e d t o V i r g i n i a Me n d o z a C i f a r a ( s i c ) ? My husband, sir. What is the relationship of your husband to the late Virginia Mendoza Cifara (sic)? They were first cousins, sir. How far is your house from the house of the Cifara (sic) family? Magkadikit lang po. Pader lang ang pagitan. Y o u s a i d t h a t E d n a M a l n g a n w a s w o r k i n g w i t h t h e C i f a r a ( s i c ) f a m i l y . W h a t i s t h e w o r k o f Ed n a Malngan? Nangangamuhan po. House helper, sir. How long do you know Edna Malngan as house helper of the Cifara (sic) family? I cannot estimate but she stayed there for three to four years, sir. Do you know who caused the burning of the house of the Cifara (sic) family?

Witness: Edna Malngan, sir. Pros. Rebagay: Why do you know that it was Edna Malngan who burned the house of the Cifara (sic) family? A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: When the fire incident happened, sir, on January 3, we went to San Lazaro Fire Station and I saw Edna Malngan detained there, sir. A n d s o w ha t i s y o u r b a s i s i n p o i n t i n g t o E d n a M a l n g a n a s t h e c u l p r i t o r t h e o n e w h o b u r n e d t h e house of the Cifara (sic) family? I t a l ke d t o h e r w h e n w e w e n t t h e r e a t t h a t d a y , s i r . What transpired then? I t a l ke d t o h e r a n d I t o l d h e r , Ed n a , b a k i t m o n a m a n g i n a w a y u n g g a n u n ? And what was the answer of Edna? S h e a ns w e r e d , K a s i p a g n a g p a p a a l a m a k o s a k a n y a n g u m u w i n g p r o b i n s y a , n a g p a p a a l a m p o siyang umuwi ng probinsya ang sinasabi daw po sa kanya ni Baby Cifara (sic) na, ( s i c ) S i g e u mu w i k a , p a g d a t i n g mo m a p u t i k a n a . S u m a k a y k a s a w a l i s p a g d a t i n g m o m a p u t i k a na.

Pros. Rebagay: W h a t i s t h e b a s i s t h e r e t h a t s h e w a s t h e o n e w h o b u r n e d t h e h o u s e o f t h e C i f a r a ( s i c ) f a m i l y? A: I also asked her, Paano mo ginawa yung sunog? She told me, Naglukot ako ng maraming diyaryo, sinindihan ko ng disposable lighter at hinagis niya sa ibabaw ng lamesa sa loob ng bahay. (sic)[12 ]

L a s t l y , t h e p r o s e c u t i o n p r e s e n t e d R o d o l f o M o v i l l a , o w n er o f t h e h o u s e s i t u at ed b es i d e t h at o f t h e S e p a r a f a m i l y . H e t e s t i f i e d t h a t h i s h o u s e w as al s o g ut t ed b y t h e f ir e t h at k i l l ed t h e S ep ar a f am i l y an d t h at h e t r i e d t o h e l p s a i d v i c t i m s b u t t o n o a v ai l . T h e p r o s e c u t i o n p r e s e n t e d o t h e r d o c u m en t ar y ev i d en c e [ 1 3 ] an d t h er e af t er r es t ed i t s c as e. W h e n i t c a m e t i m e f o r t h e d e f e n s e t o p r es e n t ex c u l p at o r y ev i d en c e, i n s t ead o f d o i n g s o , ac c u s ed ap p el l a n t Evidence filed

[15]

a Motion

to

Admit

Demurrer

to

E v i d e n c e [ 1 4 ] an d

the

c o r r es p o n d i n g D e m u r r e r

to

w i t h t h e f o r m e r e x p r e s s l y s t a t i n g t h at s ai d D e m u r r e r t o E v i d e n c e w as b ei n g f i l ed x x x w it h o ut

ex p r es s l e a v e o f c o u r t x x x . [ 1 6 ] In her Demurrer to Evidence, a c c u s ed - ap p el l an t as s e r t s t h at the p r o s ec u t i o n s

[17]

ev i d en c e

w as

i n s u f f i c i e n t t o p r o v e h e r g u i l t b e y o n d r e a s o n a b l e d o u bt f o r t h e f o l l o w i n g r e as o n s :

( a) t h at s h e i s c h ar g e d

w i t h c r i m e n o t d e f i n e d a n d p e n a l i z e d b y l a w ; ( b ) t h at c i r c u m s t ant i al ev i d en c e w as i n s u f f i c i en t t o p r o v e h er g u i l t b e y o n d r e a s o n a b l e d o u b t ; a n d ( c ) t h at t h e t est i m o n i es g i v en b y t h e w i t n es s es o f t h e p r o s ec u t i o n w er e h e ar s a y , t h u s , i n a d m i s s i b l e i n e v i d e n c e a g a i n s t h er . T h e p r o s e c u t i o n f i l e d i t s C o m m e n t / O p p o s i t i o n t o ac c u s ed - ap p el l an t s D e m u r r e r t o E v i d e n c e .

On 13 its Judgment
[18]

October

2003,

acting

on

the

D em u r r e r

to

E v i d en c e ,

the

RT C

p r o m u l g at ed

w h e r e i n i t p r o c e e d e d t o r e s o l v e t h e s u b j ect c as e b as ed o n t h e ev i d e n c e o f t h e p r o s ec u t i o n . t o h av e w ai v ed h er r i g ht t o p r es e nt ev i d en c e, h av i n g f i l ed

T h e RT C c o n s i d e r e d a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t

the Demurrer to Evidence without leave of court.

I n f i n d i n g a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t E d n a g u i l t y b ey o n d r e as o n ab l e d o u bt o f t h e c r i m e o f A r s o n w i t h M u l t i p l e H o m i c i d e , t h e RT C r u l e d t h a t :
The first argument of the accused that she is charged with an act not defined and pe nalized by law is without merit. x x x the ca ption which charges the accused with the crime of Arso n with Multiple Homicide is merely descriptive of the charge of Arson that resulted to Multiple Homicide. The fact is that the accused is charged with Arson which resulted to Multiple Homicide (death of victims) and that charge is embodied and stated in the body of the information. What is co ntrolling is the allegatio n in the body of the Information and not the title or caption thereof. x x x. x x x x The second and third arguments will be discussed jointly as they are interrelated with each other. x x x. x x x x [W]hile there is no direct evidence that points to the accused in the act of burning the house or actually starting the subject fire, the following circumstances that show that the accused intentionally caused or w a s r e s po n s i b l e f o r t h e s u b j e c t f i r e h a v e b e e n d u l y e s t a b l i s h e d : 1. t h a t i m m e d i a t e l y b e f o r e t h e b u r n i n g o f t h e h o u s e , t h e a c c u s e d h u r r i e d l y a nd w i t h h e a d turning in different directions (palinga-linga) went out of the said house and rode a pedicab apparently n o t k n o w i n g w he r e t o g o x x x ;

2. t h a t i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r t h e f i r e , u p o n a r e p o r t t h a t t h e r e w a s a w o ma n i n B a l a s a n S t . w h o appears confused and apprehensive (balisa), the Barangay Chairman and his tanods went there, found t h e a c c u s e d a n d a p p r e h e n d e d h e r a nd b r o u g h t h e r t o t h e b a r a n g a y h a l l a s s h o w n b y t h e t e s t i m o n y o f B a r a n g a y C h a i r m a n R e m i g i o B e r n a r d o ; a nd 3. t h a t w h e n s he w a s a p p r e h e n d e d a n d i n v e s t i g a t e d b y t h e b a r a n g a y o f f i c i a l s a n d w h e n h e r bag was opened, the same contained a disposable lighter as likewise shown by the testimony of the Barangay Chairman. [ T ] h e t i m i n g o f h e r h u r r i e d d e p a r t u r e a n d n e r v o u s d e m e a n o r i m m e d i a t e l y b e f o r e t h e f i r e w h e n s he l e f t t h e house and rode a pedicab and her same demeanor, physical and mental condition when found and a p p r e h e n d e d a t t h e s a m e p l a c e w h e r e s h e a l i g h t e d f r o m t h e p e d i c a b a nd t h e d i s c o v e r y o f t h e l i g h t e r i n h e r b a g t h e r e a f t e r w h e n i n v e s t i g a t e d i n d i s p u t a b l y s ho w h e r g u i l t a s c h a r g e d . If there is any doubt of her guilt that remains with the circumstantial evidence against her, the s a m e i s r e m o v e d o r o b l i t e r a t e d w i t h t h e co n f e s s i o n s / a d m i s s i o ns o f t h e c o m m i s s i o n o f t h e o f f e n s e a n d t h e manner thereof that she made to the prosecution witnesses Barangay Chairman Remigio Bernardo, M e r c e d i t a M e n d o z a a nd t o t h e m e d i a , r e s p e c t i v e l y . x x x x [H] er confessions/admissions are positive acknowledgment of guilt of the crime and appear to have been v o l u n t a r i l y a nd i n t e l l i g e n t l y g i v e n . T h e s e c o n f e s s i o ns / a d m i s s i o n s , e s pe c i a l l y t h e o n e g i v e n t o h e r n e i g h b o r M e r c e d i t a M e n d o z a a n d t h e m e d i a , a l be i t u n c o u ns e l l e d a n d m a d e w h i l e s h e w a s a l r e a d y u n d e r the custody of authorities, it is believed, are not violative of her right under the Constitution.

T h e d e c r e t a l p a r t o f t h e RT C s J u d g m e n t r e ad s :
WHEREFORE, the Demurrer to Evidence is hereby denied and judgment is hereby rendered finding the accused EDNA MALNGAN Y MAYO guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of Arson with Multiple Homicide or Arson resulting to the death of six (6) people and sentencing her to suffer the mandatory penalty of death, and ordering her to pay the heirs of the victims Roberto Separa, Sr. and V i r g i n i a Se p a r a a n d c h i l d r e n M i c h a e l , D a p h n e , P r i s c i l l a a n d R o b e r t o , J r . , t h e a mo u n t o f F i f t y T h o u s a n d ( P 5 0 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 ) P e s o s f o r e a c h v i c t i m a n d t h e a m o u n t o f O n e H u n d r e d T h o u s a n d ( P 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 ) Pe s o s a s t e m p e r a t e d a ma g e s f o r t h e i r b u r n e d h o u s e o r a t o t a l o f F o u r H u n d r e d T h o u s a n d ( P 4 0 0 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 ) Pe s o s a n d t o R o d o l f o M o v i l l a t h e a mo u n t o f O n e H u n d r e d [ T h o u s a n d ] ( P 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 ) Pe s o s .

D u e t o t h e d e a t h p e n a l t y i m p o s e d b y t h e R T C , t h e c as e w as d i r ec t l y el ev at ed t o t h i s C o u r t f o r au t o m a t i c r e v i e w . C o n f o r m a b l y w i t h o u r d e c i s i o n i n P e o p l e v . E f r e n M a t e o y G a r c i a , [ 1 9 ] h o w ev er , w e r ef er r e d t h e c a s e a n d i t s r e c o r d s t o t h e C A f o r a p p r o p r i at e ac t i o n an d d i s p o s i t i o n . O n 2 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 5 , t h e C o u r t o f A p p e al s af f i r m ed w it h m o d i f i c at i o n t h e d ec i s i o n o f t h e R T C , the fallo of which reads:

WHEREFORE, premises considered, the assailed October 13, 2003 Judgment of the Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 41, finding accused-appellant Edna Malngan y Mayo guilty beyond r e a s o n a b l e d o u b t o f A r s o n w i t h m u l t i p l e h o m i c i d e a n d s e nt e n c i n g h e r t o s u f f e r t h e D E A T H P E N A L T Y i s hereby AFFIRMED with MODIFICATION in that she is further ordered to pay P50,000.00 as moral d a ma g e s a n d a n o t h e r P 5 0 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 a s e x e m p l a r y d a m a g e s f o r e a c h o f t h e v i c t i m s w h o p e r i s h e d i n t h e f i r e , to be paid to their heirs. She is ordered to pay Rodolfo Movilla, one whose house was also burned, the sum of P50,000.00 as exemplary damage. P u r s u a n t t o S e c t i o n 1 3 ( a ) , R u l e 1 2 4 o f t h e 2 0 0 0 R u l e s o f C r i m i n a l P r o c e d u r e a s a me n d e d b y A.M. No. 00-5-03-SC dated September 28, 2004, which became effective on October 15, 2004, the Court of Appeals, after rendering judgment, hereby refrains from making an entry of judgment and forthwith certifies the case and elevates the entire record of this case to the Supreme Court for review.[20]

I t i s t h e c o n t e n t i o n o f a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t t h at t h e ev i d en c e p r es en t ed b y t h e p r o s ec u t i o n i s n ot s u f f i c i e n t t o e s t a b l i s h h e r g u i l t b e y o n d r e a s o n a b l e d o u bt as t h e p er p et r at o r o f t h e c r i m e c h ar g e d . I n s u p p o rt o f s ai d e x c u l p a t o r y p r o p o s i t i o n , s h e a s s i g n s t h e f o l l o w i n g er r o r s [ 2 1 ] :
I. T H E H O N O R AB L E C O U R T ER R E D I N R U L I N G T H A T T H E C I R C U M S T A N T I A L E V I D E N C E P R E S E N T E D B Y T H E P R O S E C U T I O N I S S U F F I C I E N T T O C O N V I C T T H E A C C U S E D ; a nd II.

T H E H O N OR A B L E C O U R T E R R E D I N A L L O W I N G A N D G I V I N G C R E D E N C E T O T H E H E A R S A Y E V I D E N C E A N D U N C O U N S E L L E D A D M I S S I O N S AL L E G E D L Y G I V E N B Y T H E A C C U S E D T O T H E W I T N E S S E S B AR A N G A Y C H A I R M A N R E M I G I O B ER N A R D O , M E R C E D I T A M E N D O Z A A N D T H E M E D I A .

T H E R E I S N O C O M P L E X C R I M E O F ARS O N W I T H (MUL T I P L E ) HO MI CI DE . T h e I n f o r m a t i o n i n t h i s c a s e e r r o n e o u s l y c h ar g ed ac c u s e d - ap p el l a n t w i t h a c o m p l e x c r i m e , i . e . , A r s o n w i t h M u l t i p l e H o m i c i d e . P r e s e n t l y , t h e r e a r e t wo ( 2 ) l aw s t h at g o v er n t h e cr i m e o f ar s o n w h er e d eat h r es u l t s t h e r e f r o m A r t i c l e 3 2 0 o f t h e R e v i s e d P e n a l C o d e ( R P C ) , a s a m e n d e d b y R e p u b l i c A c t ( R A ) N o . 7 6 5 9 , [ 2 2 ] a n d S e c t i o n 5 o f P r e s i d e n t i a l D e c r e e ( P D ) N o . 1 6 1 3 [ 2 3 ] , qu o t ed h er eu n d er , t o w it :

Revised Penal Code: A R T . 3 20 . D e s t r u c t i v e A r s o n . x x x x If as a consequence of the commission of any of the acts penalized under this Article, death r e s u l t s , t h e m a n d a t o r y p e n a l t y o f d e a t h s ha l l b e i m p o s e d . [ E m p h a s i s s u p p l i e d . ] P r e s i d e n t i a l D e c r e e N o . 1 6 1 3: S E C . 5 . Wh e r e D e a t h R e s u l t s f r o m A r s o n . I f b y r e a s o n o f o r o n t h e o c c a s i o n o f t h e a r s o n d e a t h r e s u l t s , t h e p e n a l t y o f r e c l u s i o n p e r p e t u a t o d e a t h s ha l l b e i m p o s e d . [ E m p h a s i s s u p p l i e d . ]

A r t . 3 2 0 o f t h e R P C , a s a m e n d e d , w i t h r es p ec t t o d es t r u c t i v e ar s o n , an d t h e p r o v i s i o n s o f P D N o . 1 6 1 3 r e s p e c t i n g ot h e r c a s e s o f a r s o n p r o v i d e o n l y o n e p e n a l t y f o r t h e c o m m i s s i o n o f a r s o n , w h e t h e r c o n s i d e r e d d e s t r u c t i v e o r o t h e r w i s e , w h e r e d e a t h r e s u l t s t h e r e f r o m . T h e r a i s o n d ' t r e i s t h at ar s o n i s i t s el f t h e en d a n d d e a t h i s s i m p l y t h e c o n s e q u e n c e . [ 2 4 ] W h e t h e r t h e c r i m e o f a r s o n w i l l a b s o r b t h e r es u l t an t d eat h o r w i l l h av e t o b e a s ep ar at e cr i m e al t o g e t h e r , t h e j o i n t d i s c u s s i o n [ 2 5 ] o f t h e l a t e M r . C h i ef Ju s t i c e R am o n C . A qu i n o an d M m e. Ju s t i c e C ar o l i n a C . G r i o - A q u i n o , o n t h e s u b j e c t o f t h e c r i m e s o f ar s o n an d m u r d er / h o m i c i d e, i s h i g h l y i n st r u ct i v e:
G r o i z a r d s a y s t h a t w h e n f i r e i s u s e d w i t h t h e i n t e n t t o k i l l a p a r t i c u l a r p e r s o n w ho m a y b e i n a house and that objective is attained by burning the house, the crime is murder only. When the Penal C o d e d e cl a r e s t h a t k i l l i n g c o m m i t t e d b y m e a ns o f f i r e i s m u r d e r , i t i n t e n d s t h a t f i r e s ho u l d b e p u r p o s e l y adopted as a means to that end. There can be no murder without a design to take life. [26] In other words, if the main object of the offender is to kill by means of fire, the offense is murder. But if the main o b j e c t i v e i s t h e b u r n i n g o f t h e b u i l d i n g , t h e r e s u l t i n g h o m i c i d e m a y b e a bs o r b e d b y t h e c r i m e o f a r s o n . [ 2 7 ] x x x x If the house was set on fire after the victims therein were killed, fire would not be a qualifying circumstance. The accused would be liable for the separate offenses of murder or homicide, as the case may be, and arson.[28]

A c c o r d i n g l y , i n c a s e s w h e r e b o t h b u r n i n g an d d eat h o c c u r , i n o r d er t o d et er m i n e w h at c r i m e/ c r i m es w as / w e r e p e r p e t r a t e d w h e t h e r a r s o n , m u r d er o r ar s o n an d h o m i c i d e/ m u r d er , i t i s d e r i g u e u r t o as c er t ai n t h e m a i n o b j e c t i v e o f t h e m a l e f a c t o r : ( a ) i f t h e m ai n o b j ec t i v e i s t h e b u r n i n g o f t h e b u i l d i n g o r ed i f i c e, b ut d e at h r e s u l t s b y r e a s o n o r o n t h e o c c a s i o n o f ar s o n , t h e c r i m e i s s i m p l y a r s o n , an d t h e r es u l t i n g h o m i c i d e i s ab s o r b e d ; ( b ) i f , o n t h e o t h e r h a n d , t h e m a i n o b j ec t i v e i s t o k i l l a p ar t i c u l ar p er s o n w h o m ay b e i n a b u i l d i n g or ed i f i c e , when fire is resorted to as the m ea n s to ac c o m p l i s h such g o al the crime c o m m it t ed i s m u r d e r o n l y ; l a s t l y , ( c ) i f t h e o b j e c t i v e i s , l i k ew i s e, t o k i l l a p ar t i c u l ar p er s o n , an d i n f ac t t h e o f f en d er h as al r ea d y d o n e s o , b u t f i r e i s r e s o r t e d t o a s a m e an s t o c o v er u p t h e k i l l i n g , t h en t h er e ar e t wo s ep ar at e an d distinct crimes committed homicide/murder and arson. Where then does this case fall under?

F r o m a r e a d i n g o f t h e b o d y o f t h e I n f o r m at i o n :
That on or about January 2, 2001, in the City of Manila, Philippines, the said accused, with i n t e n t t o c a u s e d a ma g e , d i d t h e n a n d t h e r e w i l l f u l l y , u nl a w f u l l y , f e l o n i o u s l y a n d d e l i b e r a t e l y s e t f i r e u p o n t h e t w o - s t o r e y r e s i d e n t i a l h o u s e o f R O B ER T O S E P A R A a n d f a m i l y m o s t l y m a d e o f w o o d e n m a t e r i a l s l o ca t e d a t N o . 1 7 2 M o d e r n a S t . , B a l u t , T o n d o , t h i s c i t y , b y l i g h t i n g c r u m p l e d n e w s p a p e r w i t h t h e u s e o f disposable lighter inside said house knowing the same to be an inhabited house and situated in a thickly p o p u l a t e d p l a c e a n d a s a c o n s e q u e n c e t h e r e o f a c o n f l a g r a t i o n e ns u e d a nd t h e s a i d b u i l d i n g , t o g e t h e r w i t h s o me s e v e n ( 7 ) a d j o i n i n g r e s i d e n t i a l h o u s e s , w e r e r a z e d b y f i r e ; t h a t b y r e a s o n a n d o n t h e o c c a s i o n of the said fire, the following, namely, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
[29]

Roberto Separa, Sr., 45 years of age Virginia Separa y Mendoza, 40 years of age Michael Separa, 24 years of age Daphne Separa, 18 years of age Priscilla Separa, 14 years of age Roberto Separa, Jr., 11 years of age

sustained burn injuries which were the direct cause of their death immediately thereafter. [Emphasis supplied.]

ac c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t i s b e i n g c h a r g e d w i t h t h e c r i m e o f ar s o n . I t i t i s c l e ar f r o m t h e f o r eg o i n g t h at h er i nt en t w as m e r e l y t o d e s t r o y h e r e m p l o y e r s h o u s e t hr o u g h t h e u s e o f f i r e. W e n o w g o t o t h e i s s u e s r a i s e d . U n d er t h e f i r st as s i g n m e n t o f er r o r , i n as s er t i n g t h e i n s u f f i c i en c y o f t h e p r o s e c u t i o n s e v i d e n c e t o e s t a b l i s h h e r g u i l t b ey o n d r eas o n ab l e d o u b t , ac c u s ed - ap p el l an t ar g u es t h at t h e p r o s e c u t i o n w a s o n l y a b l e t o a d d u c e c i r c u m st an t i al ev i d en c e h ar d l y en o u g h t o p r o v e h er g u i l t b ey o n d r e as o n a b l e d o u b t . S h e r a t i o c i n a t e s t h at t h e f o l l o w i n g c i r c u m st an c es :
1. That immediately before the burning of the house , the accused hurriedly and with head turning in different directions (palinga-linga) went out of the said house and rode a pedicab apparently not k n o w i n g w h e r e t o g o f o r s he f i r s t r e q u e s t e d t o b e b r o u g h t t o N i p a S t . b u t u p o n r e a c h i n g t h e r e r e q u e s t e d a g a i n t o b e b r o u g h t t o B a l a s a n S t . a s s ho w n b y t h e t e s t i m o n y o f p r o s e c u t i o n w i t n e s s Rolando Gruta; T h a t i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r t h e f i r e , u p o n a r e p o r t t h a t t h e r e w a s a w o ma n i n B a l a s a n S t . w h o a p p e a r s confused and apprehensive (balisa), the Barangay Chairman and his tanods went there, found t h e a c c u s e d a n d a p p r e h e n d e d h e r a nd b r o u g h t h e r t o t h e b a r a n g a y h a l l a s s h o w n b y t h e testimony of Barangay Chairman Remigio Bernardo; and T h a t w he n s he w a s a p p r e h e n d e d a n d i n v e s t i g a t e d b y t h e b a r a n g a y o f f i c i a l s a n d w he n h e r b a g w a s o p e n e d , t h e s a m e c o n t a i n e d a d i s po s a b l e l i g h t e r a s l i k e w i s e s h o w n b y t h e t e s t i m o n y o f t h e Barangay Chairman.[30]

2.

3.

f al l s h o r t o f p r o v i n g t h a t s h e h a d a n y i n v o l v em e n t i n s et t i n g h er em p l o y er s h o u s e o n f i r e, m u c h l es s s h o w g u i l t b e y o n d r e a s o n a b l e d o u b t , g i v e n t h a t i t i s a f ac t t h at h o u s em a i d s ar e t h e f i r s t p er s o n s i n t h e h o u s e t o w ak e u p e a r l y t o p e r f o r m r o u t i n e c h o r e s f o r t h ei r em p l o y er s , [ 3 1 ] o n e o f w h i c h i s p r ep ar i n g an d c o o k i n g t h e m o r n i n g m e a l f o r t h e m e m b e r s o f t h e h o u s e h o l d ; an d n ec e s s i t y r equ i r es h er t o g o o ut ear l y t o l o o k f o r o p en s t o r es o r e v e n n e a r b y m a r k e t p l a c e s t o b u y t h i n g s t h at w i l l c o m p l et e t h e ear l y m e al f o r t h e d ay . [ 3 2 ] S h e t h en c o n c l u d e s t h at i t w a s n o r m a l f o r h e r t o h a v e b een s e en g o i n g o ut o f h er em p l o y er s h o u s e i n a h u r r y at t h at t im e o f t h e d a y a n d t o l o o k a t a l l d i r e c t i o n s t o i n s u r e t h at t h e h o u s e i s s ec u r e an d t h at t h er e ar e n o o t h er p er s o n s i n t h e v i c i n i t y . [ 3 3 ] We are far from persuaded. T r u e , b y t h e n a t u r e o f t h e i r j o b s , h o u s em a i d s ar e r e qu i r ed t o st ar t t h e d ay ear l y ; h o w ev e r , c o n t r ar y t o s ai d a s s e r t i o n , t h e a c t u a t i o n s a n d t h e d e m ea n o r o f ac c u s ed - ap p e l l a n t o n t h at f at ef u l ear l y m o r n i n g as o b s er v e d f i r s t h a n d b y R o l a n d o G r u t a , o n e o f t h e w i t n es s es o f t h e p r o s ec u t i o n , b el i e h er c l ai m o f n o r m al c y , to wit:

Q: A: Q: A:

You said you saw Edna coming out from the house of the Separa Family. What happe ned when you saw Edna coming out from the house of the Separa Family? Wa l a p a p o n g a n o y a n n a i s a k a y k o n a s i y a s a s i d e c a r . A n d w ha t d i d y o u o b s e r v e f r o m E d n a w h e n y o u s a w h e r c o m i n g o u t f r o m t h e h o u s e o f t h e Se p a r a family? N a g ma m a d a l i p o s i y a n g l u ma k a d a t p a l i n g a - l i n g a . x x x x

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

After she boarded your pedicab, what happened, if any? Nagpahatid po siya sa akin. Where? To Nipa Street, sir. D i d y o u b r i n g h e r t o N i p a S t r e e t a s s he r e q u e s t e d ? Yes, sir. x x x x

Q: A: Q: A:

You said that you brought her to Nipa Street. What happened when you go (sic) there at Nipa Street, if any? Nagpahinto po siya doon ng saglit, mga tatlong minuto po. W h a t d i d s he d o w h e n s h e a s k e d ( y o u ) t o s t o p t h e r e f o r t h r e e m i n u t e s ? After three minutes she requested me to bring her directly to Balasan Street, sir. x x x x

We

quote

with

approval

the

p r o n o u n c em en t

of

the

RTC

in

d i s c r ed i t i n g

ac c u s ed - ap p e l l a n t s

af o r em e n t i o n e d r a t i o n a l e :
[ O ] b v i o u s l y i t i s n e v e r n o r m a l , c o m m o n o r o r d i n a r y t o l e a v e t h e h o u s e i n s u c h a d i s t u r b e d , n e r v o u s a nd agitated manner, demeanor and condition. The timing of her hurried departure and nervous demeanor i m m e d i a t e l y b e f o r e t h e f i r e w h e n s he l e f t t h e h o u s e a n d r o d e a p e d i c a b a n d h e r s a me d e m e a n o r , p h y s i c a l a n d m e n t a l c o n d i t i o n w h e n f o u n d a n d a p p r e h e n d e d a t t h e s a me p l a c e w h e r e s h e a l i g h t e d f r o m t h e p e d i c a b a n d t h e d i s c o v e r y o f t h e l i g h t e r i n h e r b a g t h e r e a f t e r w he n i n v e s t i g a t e d i n d i s p u t a b l y s ho w her guilt as charged.[34]

A l l t h e w i t n e s s e s a r e i n a c c o r d t h at ac c u s e d - ap p el l a n t s ag i t at ed ap p e ar an c e w as o u t o f t h e o r d i n a r y . R e m a r k a b l y , s h e h a s n e v e r d e n i e d t h i s o b s er v at i o n .

W e g i v e g r e a t w e i g h t t o t h e f i n d i n g s o f t h e R T C an d s o ac c o r d c r ed en c e t o t h e t est i m o n i es o f t h e p r o s ec u t i o n w i t n e s s e s a s i t h a d t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o o b s er v e t h em d i r ec t l y . T h e c r ed i b i l i t y g i v en b y t r i al c o u r t s t o p r o s e c u t i o n w i t n e s s e s i s a n i m p o r t a n t a s p ec t o f ev i d en c e w h i c h ap p e l l at e c o u rt s c an r el y o n b ec a u s e o f i t s u n i q u e o p p o r t u n i t y t o o b s e r v e t h e m , p a r t i c u l ar l y t h ei r d em e an o r , c o n d u ct , an d at t i t u d e, d u r i n g t h e d i r ec t an d c r o s s - e x a m i n a t i o n b y c o u n s e l s . H e r e , R em i g i o B er n ar d o , R o l an d o G r u t a an d M er c ed i t a M en d o z a ar e d i s i n t e r e s t e d w i t n e s s e s a n d t h e r e i s n o t a n i ot a o f ev i d en c e i n t h e r ec o r d s t o i n d i c at e t h at t h ey ar e s u b o r n ed w i t n es s e s . T h e records of the RTC even show t h at R em i g i o B er n ar d o , t h e B ar an g ay C h ai r m an , k ep t

ac c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t f r o m b e i n g m a u l e d b y t h e an g r y c r o w d o ut s i d e o f t h e b ar an g ay h al l :
Pros. Rebagay: N o w , w ho w e r e p r e s e n t w h e n t h e a c c u s e d a r e ( s i c ) t e l l i n g y o u t h i s ?

A:

I yo n n g a i y o n g m g a t a n o d k o , m a m a m a y a n d o o n n a k a p a l i g i d , s i y e m p r e m a y s u n o g n a g k a k a g u l o , g u st o n g a s i y a n g k u n i n n g m g a m a m a ma y a n p a r a s a k t a n h i n d i k o m a i b i g a y p a p a t a y i n s i y a g a w a n g m a y n a ma t a y e h a n i m n a t a o a n d n a ma t a y , k a y a i y o n g m g a t a o k i n o k o n t r o l s i y a madidisgrasya siya dahil pin-pointed po siya, Your Honor, iyong dami na iyon libo iyong n a ka p a l i g i d d o o n s a b a r a n g a y h a l l n a p a k a h i r a p a w a t i n . G u s t i n g - g u s t o s i y a n g k u n i n n g m g a taong-bayan, nagalit dahil ang daming bahay hong nasunog.[35]

A c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t h a s n o t s h o w n a n y c o m p el l i n g r eas o n w h y t h e w it n es s es p r es e n t ed w o u l d o p en l y , p u b l i c l y a n d d e l i b e r a t e l y l i e o r c o n c o c t a s t o r y , t o s en d an i n n o c en t p er s o n t o j ai l al l t h e w h i l e k n o w i n g t h at t h e r e a l m a l e f a c t o r r e m a i n s a t l a r g e . S u c h p r o p o s it i o n d ef i es l o g i c . A n d w h er e t h e d ef e n s e f ai l ed t o s h o w an y e v i l o r i m p r o p e r m o t i v e o n t h e p a r t o f t h e p r o s ec u t i o n w it n es s es , t h e p r es u m p t i o n i s t h at t h ei r t es t i m o n i e s a r e t r u e a n d t h u s e n t i t l e d t o f u l l f ai t h an d c r ed en c e . [ 3 6 ]

W h i l e t h e p r o s e c u t i o n w i t n e s s e s d i d n o t s ee ac c u s ed - ap p e l l a n t ac t u al l y st ar t i n g t h e f i r e t h at b u r n ed s ev er a l h o u s e s a n d k i l l e d t h e S e p a r a f a m i l y , h er g u i l t m ay st i l l b e es t ab l i s h e d t hr o u g h c i r c u m s t ant i al ev i d en c e p r o v i d e d t h a t : ( 1 ) t h e r e i s m o r e t h an o n e c i r c u m s t an c e; ( 2 ) t h e f ac t s f r o m w h i c h t h e i n f er en c es ar e d er i v e d a r e p r o v e n ; a n d , ( 3 ) t h e c o m b i n a t i o n o f al l t h e c i r c u m s t an c es i s s u c h as t o p r o d u c e c o n v i c t i o n b ey o n d r e a s o n a b l e d o u b t . [ 3 7 ] C i r c u m s t a n t i a l e v i d e n c e i s t h at e v i d e n c e w h i c h p r o v es a f ac t o r s er i es o f f ac t s f r o m w h i c h t h e f ac t s i n i s s u e m a y b e e s t a b l i s h e d b y i n f e r e n c e . [ 3 8 ] I t i s f o u n d ed o n ex p er i en c e an d o b s er v ed f ac t s an d c o i n c i d en c e s es t ab l i s h i n g a c o n n e c t i o n b e t w e e n t h e k n o w n an d p r o v en f ac t s an d t h e f ac t s s o u g h t t o b e p r o v ed . [ 3 9 ] I n o r d er t o b r i n g a b o u t a c o n v i c t i o n , t h e c i r c u m s t ant i al ev i d en c e p r es en t ed m u st c o n st it u t e an u n b r o k en c h ai n , w h i c h l e a d s t o o n e f a i r a n d r e a s o n a b l e c o n c l u s i o n p o i n t i n g t o t h e ac c u s ed , t o t h e ex c l u s i o n o f ot h er s , as t h e guilty person. [40] I n t h i s c a s e , t h e i n t e r l o c k i n g t e s t i m o n i es o f t h e p r o s ec u t i o n w it n es s e s , t ak en t og et h er , ex em p l i f y a c as e w h e r e c o n v i c t i o n c a n b e u p h e l d o n t h e b as i s o f c i r c u m st an t i al ev i d en c e . F i r s t , p r o s ec u t i o n w it n es s R o l an d o G r u t a , t h e d r i v e r o f t h e p e d i c a b t h at ac c u s ed - ap p el l an t r o d e o n , t est i f i ed t h at h e k n ew f o r a f ac t t h at s h e w o r k e d a s a h o u s e m a i d o f t h e v i c t i m s , an d t h at h e p o s i t i v el y i d en t i f i ed h er as t h e p er s o n h u r r i ed l y l e av i n g t h e h o u s e o f t h e v i c t i m s o n 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 01 at 4 : 4 5 a. m . , an d ac t i n g i n a n er v o u s m an n er . T h at w h i l e r i d i n g o n t h e p e d i c a b , a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t w as u n s u r e o f h er i nt en d ed d es t i n at i o n . Up o n r e ac h i n g t h e p l ac e w h er e he originally picked up a c c u s e d - ap p el l an t only a f ew m i n ut es af t er dropping h er off, R o l an d o G r u t a s a w t h e S e p a r a s h o u s e b e i n g g ut t ed b y a b l az i n g f i r e. S ec o n d , R em i g i o B er n ar d o t est i f i ed t h at h e a n d h i s t a n o d s , i n c l u d i n g R o l a n d o G r ut a , w er e t h e o n es w h o p i c k ed u p ac c u s ed - ap p e l l a n t E d n a at B al a s a n S t r e e t ( w h e r e R o l a n d o G r u t a d r o p p ed h er o f f ) af t er r ec ei v i n g a c al l t h at t h er e w as a w o m an ac t i n g strangely at said street and who ap p e ar ed to h av e n o w h er e to go. Third, S P O 4 D a n i l o T a l u s a n o v e r h e a r d a c c u s e d - a p p el l an t ad m i t t o C ar m el i t a V al d e z , a r ep o r t er o f C h an n el 2 ( A B S C B N ) t h a t s a i d a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t s t a r t e d t h e f i r e, p l u s t h e f ac t t h at h e w as ab l e s e e t h e t el ec as t o f G u s A b e l g a s s h o w w h e r e a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t , w h i l e b ei n g i nt er v i ew e d , c o n f es s ed t o t h e cr i m e as w el l . T h e f o r eg o i n g t e s t i m o n i e s j u x t a p o s e d w i t h t h e t est i m o n y o f M er c ed i t a M en d o z a v al i d at i n g t h e f ac t t h at ac c u s ed ap p el l a n t c o n f e s s e d t o h a v i n g s t a r t e d t h e f i r e w h i c h k i l l ed t h e S ep ar a f am i l y as w el l as b u r n ed s ev en h o u s es i n c l u d i n g t h a t o f t h e v i c t i m s , c o n v i n c i n g l y f o r m an u n b r o k en c h ai n , w h i c h l e ad s t o t h e u n as s ai l ab l e c o n c l u s i o n p i n p o i nt i n g a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t a s t h e p er s o n b eh i n d t h e c r i m e o f s i m p l e ar s o n . I n h e r s e c o n d a s s i g n e d e r r o r , a c c u s ed - ap p el l an t qu es t i o n s t h e ad m i s s i b i l i t y o f h er u n c o u n s el l ed ex t r aj u d i c i a l c o n f e s s i o n g i v e n t o p r o s e c u t i o n w i t n es s es , n am el y R em i g i o B er n ar d o , M er c ed i t a M en d o z a, an d t o t h e m e d i a . A c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t E d n a c o n t en d s t h at b ei n g u n c o u n s el l e d ex t r aj u d i c i al c o n f es s i o n , h er

ad m i s s i o n s t o h a v i n g c o m m i t t e d t h e c r i m e c h ar g e d s h o u l d h av e b ee n ex c l u d ed i n ev i d e n c e ag ai n s t h er f o r b ei n g v i o l a t i v e o f A r t i c l e I I I , S e c t i o n 1 2 ( 1 ) o f t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n . P a r t i c u l a r l y , s h e t a k e s e x c e p t i o n t o t h e t es t i m o n y o f p r o s ec u t i o n w i t n es s es R em i g i o B er n ar d o an d M er c e d i t a M e n d o z a f o r b e i n g h e a r s a y a n d i n t h e n at u r e o f an u n c o u n s el l e d ad m i s s i o n . W i t h t h e a b o v e v i t a l p i e c e s o f e v i d en c e ex c l u d ed , ac c u s ed - ap p e l l a n t i s o f t h e p o s i t i o n t h at t h e r em ai n i n g p r o o f o f h e r a l l e g e d g u i l t , c o n s i s t i n g i n t h e m ai n o f c i r c u m s t ant i al ev i d en c e, i s i n ad eq u at e t o es t ab l i s h h e r g u i l t b e y o n d r e a s o n a b l e d o u b t . We partly disagree. A r t i c l e I I I , S e c t i o n 1 2 o f t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n i n p ar t p r o v i d es :

(1) Any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the right to be informed of his right to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel preferably of his o w n c h o i c e . I f t h e p e r s o n c a n n o t a f f o r d t h e s e r v i c e s o f c o u n s e l , h e m u s t b e p r o v i d e d w i t h o ne . T h e s e rights cannot be waived except in writing and in the presence of counsel. x x x x (3) Any confession or admission obtained in violation of this Section or Section 17 hereof shall be inadmissible in evidence.

W e h a v e h e l d t h a t t h e a b o v e q u o t e d p r o v i s i o n ap p l i es t o t h e s t ag e o f c u s t o d i al i n v es t i g at i o n w h en t h e i n v e s t i g a t i o n i s n o l o n g e r a g e n e r a l i n qu i r y i n t o an u n s o l v ed c r i m e b ut st ar t s t o f o c u s o n a p ar t i c u l ar p er s o n a s a s u s p e c t . [ 4 1 ] S a i d c o n s t i t u t i o n a l g u ar an t e e h as al s o b ee n ex t en d ed t o s i t u at i o n s i n w h i c h an i n d i v i d u a l h a s n o t b e e n f o r m a l l y a r r e s t e d b u t h as m er el y b e en i n v it ed f o r qu es t i o n i n g . [ 4 2 ] T o b e a d m i s s i b l e i n e v i d e n c e a g a i n s t an ac c u s e d , t h e ex t r aj u d i c i al c o n f es s i o n s m ad e m u s t s at i s f y t h e following requirements:
(1) (2) (3) (4) it it it it must must must must be be be be voluntary; ma d e w i t h t h e a s s i s t a n c e o f c o m p e t e n t a n d i n d e p e n d e n t c o u n s e l ; e x p r e s s ; a nd in writing.[43]

A r g u a b l y , t h e b a r a n g a y t a n o d s , i n c l u d i n g t h e B ar an g ay C h ai r m an , i n t h i s p ar t i c u l ar i n st an c e, m a y b e d e em e d a s l a w e n f o r c e m e n t o f f i c e r f o r p u r p o s es o f ap p l y i n g A rt i c l e I I I , S ec t i o n 1 2 (1 ) an d ( 3 ) , o f t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n . W h e n a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t w a s b r o u g h t t o t h e b ar an g ay h al l i n t h e m o r n i n g o f 2 J an u ar y 2 00 1 , s h e w a s a l r e a d y a s u s p e c t , a c t u a l l y t h e o n l y o n e, i n t h e f i r e t h at d es t r o y ed s ev er al h o u s es as w el l as k i l l ed t h e w h o l e f a m i l y o f R o b e r t o S e p a r a , S r . S h e w as , t h er ef o r e, al r e ad y u n d er c u st o d i al i n v es t i g at i o n an d t h e r i g h t s g u a r a n t e e d b y A r t i c l e I I I , S e c t i o n 1 2 (1 ), o f t h e C o n st it ut i o n s h o u l d h av e al r e ad y b e en o b s er v ed o r ap p l i e d t o h e r . A c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t s c o n f es s i o n t o B ar an g ay C h ai r m an R em i g i o B er n ar d o w as m ad e i n r es p o n s e t o t h e i n t e r r o g a t i o n m a d e b y t h e l at t er ad m i t t ed l y c o n d u ct ed w it h o ut f i r st i n f o r m i n g ac c u s ed ap p el l a n t o f h e r r i g h t s u n d e r t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n o r d o n e i n t h e p r es en c e o f c o u n s el . F o r t h i s r eas o n , t h e c o n f es s i o n o f a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t , g i v e n t o B ar an g ay C h ai r m an R em i g i o B er n ar d o , as w el l as t h e l i g h t er f o u n d b y t h e l a t t e r i n h e r b a g a r e i n a d m i s s i b l e i n ev i d en c e ag ai n s t h er as s u c h w er e o b t ai n ed i n v i o l at i o n o f h er constitutional rights. B e t h a t a s i t m a y , t h e i n a d m i s s i b i l i t y o f ac c u s e d - ap p el l an t s c o n f es s i o n t o B ar an g ay C h ai r m an R em i g i o B e r n a r d o a n d t h e l i g h t e r a s e v i d e n c e d o n o t au t o m at i c al l y l ead t o h er ac qu i t t al . I t s h o u l d w el l b e

r ec al l e d t h a t t h e c o n s t i t u t i o n a l s a f e g u a r d s d u r i n g c u s t o d i al i n v es t i g at i o n s d o n ot ap p l y t o t h o s e n o t el i c i t ed t hr o u g h q u e s t i o n i n g b y t h e p o l i c e o r t h e i r ag e n t s b ut g i v en i n an o r d i n ar y m an n er w h er eb y t h e ac c u s ed v er b al l y a d m i t s t o h a v i n g c o m m i t t e d t h e o f f en s e as w h at h ap p en ed i n t h e c as e at b ar w h en ac c u s ed ap p el l a n t a d m i t t e d t o M e r c e d i t a M e n d o z a , o n e o f t h e n ei g h b o r s o f R o b er t o S ep ar a, S r . , t o h av i n g s t art ed t h e f i r e i n t h e S e p a r a s h o u s e . T h e t e s t i m o n y o f M er c ed i t a M en d o z a r ec o u n t i n g s ai d ad m i s s i o n i s , u n f o rt u n at el y f o r ac c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t , a d m i s s i b l e i n e v i d e n c e ag a i n s t h er an d i s n o t c o v er e d b y t h e af o r es ai d c o n s t it ut i o n al g u ar a n t e e . A r t i c l e I I I o f t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n , o r t h e B il l o f R i g h t s , s o l el y g o v er n s t h e r el at i o n s h i p b et w een t h e i n d i v i d u a l o n o n e h a n d a n d t h e S t a t e ( a n d i t s ag en t s ) o n t h e ot h er ; it d o es n ot c o n c er n it s el f w i t h t h e r el at i o n b et w e e n a p r i v a t e i n d i v i d u a l a n d a n o t h e r p r i v at e i n d i v i d u al as b ot h ac c u s e d - ap p el l an t an d p r o s ec u t i o n w i t n es s M e r c e d i t a M e n d o z a u n d o u b t e d l y a r e . [ 4 4 ] Her e, t h er e i s n o ev i d e n c e o n r ec o r d t o s h o w t h at s ai d w i t n es s w a s a c t i n g u n d e r p o l i c e a u t h o r i t y , s o ap p r o p r i at el y , ac c u s ed - ap p e l l a n t s u n c o u n s el l ed ex t r aj u d i c i a l c o n f es s i o n t o s a i d w i t n e s s w a s p r o p e r l y a d m i t t ed b y t h e R T C .

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S P O 4 D a n i l o T a l u s a n . C o n t e n d i n g t h at [ w ] h en S P O 4 D an i l o T al u s an t est i f i ed i n c o u rt , h i s s t o r y i s m o r e o f ev en t s , w h i c h a r e n o t w i t h i n h i s p e r s o n a l k n o w l ed g e b u t b as e d f r o m ac c o u n t s o f w i t n es s es w h o d er i v ed i n f o r m a t i o n a l l e g e d l y f r o m t h e a c c u s e d o r s o m e ot h er p er s o n s x x x . I n o t h er w o r d s , s h e o b j ec t s t o t h e t es t i m o n y f o r b e i n g m e r e l y h e a r s a y . W i t h t h i s i m p ut at i o n o f i n ad m i s s i b i l i t y , w e ag r ee w it h w h at t h e C o u rt o f Appeals had to say:

Although this testimony of SFO4 Danilo Talusan is hearsay because he was not present when Gus Abelgas interviewed accused-appellant EDNA, it may nevertheless be admitted in evidence as an independently relevant statement to establish not the truth but the tenor of the statement or the fact that the statement was made [People v. Mallari, G.R. No. 103547, July 20, 1999, 310 SCRA 621 citing People v. Cusi, Jr., G.R. No. L-20986, August 14, 1965, 14 SCRA 944.]. In People vs. Velasquez, G.R. Nos. 132635 & 143872-75, February 21, 2001, 352 SCRA 455, the Supreme Court ruled that: Under the doctrine of independently relevant statements, regardless of their truth or falsity, the fact that such statements have been made is relevant. The hearsay rule does not apply, and the statements are admissible as evidence. Evidence as to the m a k i n g o f s u c h s t a t e m e n t i s n o t s e c o n d a r y b u t p r i m a r y , f o r t h e s t a t e m e n t i t s e l f ma y constitute a fact in issue or be circumstantially relevant as to the existence of such a fact.[45]

A s r e g a r d s t h e c o n f e s s i o n g i v e n b y a c c u s e d - ap p el l an t t o t h e m ed i a, w e n eed n o t d i s c u s s i t f u rt h er f o r the reporters were never presented to testify in court. A s a f i n a l a t t e m p t a t e x c u l p a t i o n , a c c u s ed - ap p el l an t as s er t s t h at s i n c e t h e i d en t i t i es o f t h e b u r n ed b o d i es w e r e n e v e r c o n c l u s i v e l y e s t a b l i s h e d , s h e c an n o t b e r es p o n s i b l e f o r t h ei r d e at h s . Such assertion is bereft of merit. I n t h e c r i m e o f a r s o n , t h e i d e n t i t i e s o f t h e v i ct i m s ar e i m m at er i al i n t h at i n t ent t o k i l l t h em p ar t i c u l ar l y i s n ot o n e o f t h e e l e m e n t s o f t h e c r i m e . A s w e h av e c l ar i f i ed ea r l i e r , t h e k i l l i n g o f a p er s o n i s ab s o r b ed i n t h e c h a r g e o f a r s o n , s i m p l e o r d e s t r u c t i v e. T h e p r o s ec u t i o n n eed o n l y p r o v e, t h at t h e b u r n i n g w as i n t ent i o n a l a n d t h a t w h a t w a s i n t e n t i o n a l l y b u r n ed i s an i n h ab i t ed h o u s e o r d w el l i n g . A g ai n , i n t h e c as e of People v. Soriano,[46] we explained that:
A l t h o u g h i n t e n t ma y b e a n i n g r e d i e n t o f t h e c r i m e o f A r s o n , i t m a y b e i n f e r r e d f r o m t h e a c t s o f t h e a c c u s e d . T h e r e i s a p r e s u m p t i o n t h a t o n e i n t e n d s t h e n a t u r a l c o ns e q u e n c e s o f h i s a c t ; a nd w h e n i t i s shown that one has deliberately set fire to a building, the prosecution is not bound to produce further evidence of his wrongful intent.[47]

T h e u l t i m a t e q u e r y n o w i s w h i c h k i n d o f ar s o n i s ac c u s ed - ap p el l an t g u i lt y o f ?

A s p r e v i o u s l y d i s c u s s e d , t h e r e a r e t wo (2 ) c at eg o r i es o f t h e c r i m e o f ar s o n : 1 ) d e s t r u c t i v e a r s o n , u n d er A r t . 3 2 0 o f t h e R e v i s e d P e n a l C o d e , as am en d ed b y R ep u b l i c A ct N o . 7 65 9 ; an d 2 ) s i m p l e a r s o n , u n d er P r e s i d e n t i a l D e c r e e N o . 1 61 3 . S a i d c l as s i f i c at i o n i s b as ed o n t h e k i n d , c h ar ac t er an d l o c at i o n o f t h e p r o p er t y b u r n e d , r e g a r d l e s s o f t h e v a l u e o f t h e d am ag e c au s ed , [ 4 8 ] t o w it :

A r t i c l e 3 2 0 o f T h e R e v i s e d P e n a l C o d e , a s a me n d e d b y R A 7 6 5 9 , c o n t e m p l a t e s t h e m a l i c i o u s b u r n i n g o f s t r u c t u r e s , b o t h p u b l i c a n d p r i v a t e, h o t e l s , b u i l d i n g s , e d i f i c e s , t r a i n s , v e s s e l s , a i r c r a f t , factories and other military, government or commercial establishments by any person or group of persons.[[49] ] The classification of this type of crime is known as Destructive Arson, which is punishable by reclusion perpetua to death. The reason for the law is self-evident: to effectively discourage and deter the commission of this dastardly crime, to prevent the destruction of properties and protect the lives of innocent people. Exposure to a brewing conflagration leaves only destruction and despair in its wake; h e n c e , t h e S t a t e m a n d a t e s g r e a t e r r e t r i b u t i o n t o a u t h o r s o f t h i s h e i n o u s c r i m e . T h e e x c e p t i o n a l l y s e ve r e punishme nt imposed for this crime takes into consideration the extreme danger to human lives exposed by the malicious burning of these structures; the danger to property resulting from the conflagration; the fact that it is normally difficult to adopt precautions against its commission, and the difficulty in pinpointing the perpetrators; and, the greater impact on the social, economic, security and political fabric of the nation. [Emphasis supplied.] I f a s a c o n s e q u e n c e o f t h e c o m m i s s i o n o f a n y o f t h e a c t s p e n a l i z e d u nd e r A r t . 3 20 , d e a t h s ho u l d result, the mandatory penalty of death shall be imposed. On the other hand, PD 1613 which repealed Arts. 321 to 326-B of The Revised Penal Code remains the governing law for Simple Arson. This decree contemplates the malicious burning of public a n d p r i v a t e s t r u c t u r e s , r e g a r d l e s s o f s i z e , n o t i n c l u d e d i n A r t . 3 2 0 , a s a me n d e d b y R A 7 6 5 9 , a n d classified as other cases of arson. These include houses, dwellings, government buildings, farms, m i l l s , p l a n t a t i o n s , r a i l w a y s , b u s s t a t i o n s , a i r p o r t s , wh a r v e s a n d o t h e r i n d u s t r i a l e s t a b l i s h m e n t s . [ [ 5 0 ] ] A l t h o u g h t h e p u r p o s e o f t h e l a w o n S i m p l e A r s o n i s t o p r e v e n t t h e h i g h i n c i d e n c e o f f i r e s a nd o t h e r crimes involving destruction, protect the national economy and preserve the social, economic and political stability of the nation, PD 1613 tempers the penalty to be meted to offenders. This separate classification of Simple Arson recognizes the need to lessen the severity of punishment commensurate to the act or acts committed, depending on the particular facts and circumstances of each case. [Emphasis supplied.]

To emphasize:
The nature of Destructive Arson is distinguished from Simple Arson by the degree of perversity or viciousness of the criminal offender. The acts committed under Art. 320 of the Revised Penal Code (as amended) constituting Destructive Arsonare characterized as heinous crimes for being grievous, odious a n d h a t e f u l o f f e n s e s a nd w h i c h , b y r e a s o n o f t h e i r i n h e r e n t o r m a n i f e s t w i c k e d n e s s , v i c i o u s n e s s , a t r o c i t y a n d p e r v e r s i t y a r e r e p u g n a n t a n d o u t r a g e o u s t o t h e c o m m o n s t a n d a r d s a nd n o r m s o f d e c e n c y a n d morality in a just, civilized and ordered society.[51] On the other hand, acts committed under PD 1613 constituting Simple Arson are crimes with a lesser degree of perversity and viciousness that the law punishes with a lesser penalty. In other words, Simple Arson contemplates crimes with less significant social, economic, political and national security implications than Destructive Arson. However, acts falling under Simple Arson may nevertheless be converted into Destructive Arson depending on the qualifying circumstances present. [Emphasis supplied.][52]

P r e s c i n d i n g f r o m t h e a b o v e c l a r i f i c at i o n v i s - - v i s t h e d es c r i p t i o n o f t h e c r i m e as st at ed i n t h e ac c u s a t o r y p o r t i o n o f t h e I n f o r m a t i o n , i t i s qu i t e ev i d en t t h at ac c u s ed - ap p e l l a n t w as c h ar g ed w it h t h e c r i m e o f S i m p l e A r s o n f o r h a v i n g d e l i b e r a t e l y s e t f i r e u p o n t h e tw o -st o rey r es i d en t i al h o u s e o f R O B E R T O SEPARA and family x x xknowing the same to be an inhabited house and situated in a thickly populated place and as a consequence thereof a conflagration ensued and the said building, together with some seven ( 7 ) a d j o i n i n g r e s i d e n t i a l h o u s e s , w e r e r a z e d b y f i r e . [ E m p h as i s s u p p l i ed . ]

T h e f a c t s o f t h e c a s e a t b a r i s s o m e w h at s i m i l ar t o t h e f ac t s o f t h e c as e o f P e o p l e v . S o r i a n o . [ 5 3 ] T h e ac c u s e d i n t h e l a t t e r c a s e c a u s e d t h e b u r n i n g o f a p ar t i c u l ar h o u s e. Un f o r t u n at el y , t h e b l az e s p r e ad an d g u t t ed d o w n f i v e ( 5 ) n e i g h b o r i n g h o u s e s . T h e R T C t h er ei n f o u n d t h e ac c u s ed g u i lt y o f d es t r u c t i v e ar s o n u n d er p a r a g r a p h 1 [ 5 4 ] o f A r t . 3 2 0 o f t h e R e v i s ed P en al C o d e, as am en d e d b y R ep u b l i c A c t N o . 7 65 9 . T h i s C o u r t , t h r o u g h M r . J u s t i c e B e l l o s i l l o , h o w e v er , d ec l ar ed t h at :
x x x [T]he applicable provision of law should be Sec. 3, par. 2, of PD 1613, which imposes a penalty of reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua for other cases of arson as the properties burned by accusedappellant are specifically described as houses, contemplating inhabited houses or dwellings under the aforesaid law. The descriptions as alleged in the second Amended Information particularly refer to the structures as houses rather than as buildings or edifices. The applicable law should therefore be Sec. 3, Par. 2, of PD 1613, and not Art. 320, par. 1 of the Penal Code. In case of ambiguity in construction of penal laws, it is well-settled that such laws shall be construed strictly against the government, and liberally in favor of the accused. The elements of arson under Sec. 3, par. 2, of PD 1613 are: (a) there is intentional burning; and ( b ) w h a t i s i n t e n t i o n a l l y b u r n e d i s a n i n h a b i t e d h o u s e o r d w e l l i n g . I n c i d e n t a l l y , t h e s e e l e me n t s c o n c u r i n the case at bar.[55]

A s s t at e d i n t h e b o d y o f t h e I n f o r m at i o n , ac c u s ed - ap p el l an t w as c h ar g ed w it h h av i n g i n t ent i o n al l y b u r n ed t h e t w o -s t o r e y residential house of R o b er t S ep ar a . S ai d c o n f l ag r at i o n l i k ew i s e s p r e ad an d d es t r o y e d s e v e n ( 7 ) a d j o i n i n g h o u s e s . C o n s eq u e n t l y , i f p r o v ed , as i t w as p r o v ed , at t h e t r i al , s h e m ay b e c o n v i c t e d , a n d s e n t e n c e d a c c o r d i n g l y , o f t h e c r i m e o f si mp l e ar so n . S u c h i s t h e c as e n ot w it h st an d i n g t h e er r o r i n t h e d e s i g n a t i o n o f t h e o f f e n s e i n t h e i n f o r m at i o n , t h e i n f o r m at i o n r em ai n s ef f ec t i v e i n s o f ar as i t s t at es t h e f a c t s c o n s t i t u t i n g t h e c r i m e a l l e g e d t h er ei n . [ 5 6 ] W h at i s c o n t r o l l i n g i s n o t t h e t i t l e o f t h e c o m p l a i n t , n o r t h e d e s i g n a t i o n o f t h e o f f e n s e c h ar g ed o r t h e p ar t i c u l ar l aw o r p ar t t h er eo f al l eg e d l y v i o l at e, x x x , b u t t h e d e s c r i p t i o n o f t h e c r i m e c h a r g e d an d t h e p ar t i c u l ar f ac t s t h er ei n r ec i t ed . [ 5 7 ] T h e r e i s , t h u s , a n e e d t o m o d i f y t h e p en a l t y i m p o s ed b y t h e R T C as S ec . 5 o f P D N o . 1 61 3 c at eg o r i c a l l y p r o v i d e s t h a t t h e p e n a l t y t o b e i m p o s ed f o r s i m p l e ar s o n i s :

S E C . 5 . Wh e r e D e a t h R e s u l t s f r o m A r s o n . - I f b y r e a s o n o f o r o n t h e o c c a s i o n o f a r s o n d e a t h results, the penalty ofreclusion perpetua to death shall be imposed. [Emphasis supplied.]

A c c o r d i n g l y , t h e r e b e i n g n o a g g r a v at i n g c i r c u m s t an c e al l eg ed i n t h e I n f o r m at i o n , t h e i m p o s ab l e p en al t y o n a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t i s r e c l u s i o n p e r p e t u a . Apropos the civil liabilities o f a c c u s ed - ap p el l an t , c u r r en t j u r i s p r u d en c e [ 5 8 ] d i c t at e t h at

[59]

the civil

i n d em n i t y d u e f r o m a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t i s P 5 0 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 f o r t h e d e at h o f eac h o f t h e v i c t i m s .

Ho w ev e r , t h e

m o n et a r y a w a r d s f o r m o r a l a n d e x e m p l a r y d am a g e s g i v en b y t h e C o u rt o f A p p ea l s , b o t h i n t h e am o u n t o f P 5 0 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 , d u e t h e h e i r s o f t h e v i c t i m s , h av e t o b e d e l e t e d f o r l ac k o f m at er i a l b as i s . S i m i l ar l y , t h e C o u r t o f A p p e a l s a w a r d o f e x e m p l a r y d a m a g e s t o R o d o l f o M o v i l l a i n t h e am o u n t o f P 5 0 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 f o r t h e d es t r u c t i o n o f h i s h o u s e , a l s o h a s t o b e d e l e t e d , b u t i n t hi s i n st an c e f o r b ei n g i m p r o p er . M o r al d am ag es c an n o t b e aw ar d b y t h i s C o u r t i n t h e a b s e n c e o f p r o o f o f m en t al o r p h y s i c al s u f f er i n g o n t h e p ar t o f t h e h ei r s o f t h e v i c t i m s . [ 6 0 ] C o n c e r n i n g t h e a w a r d o f e x e m p l ar y d am ag es , t h e r eas o n f o r t h e d el et i o n b ei n g t h at
[61]

no

ag g r a v a t i n g c i r c u m s t a n c e h a d b e e n a l l e g e d an d p r o v ed b y t h e p r o s ec u t i o n i n t h e c as e at b ar .

T o s u m m a r i z e , a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t s al t er n at i v e p l e a t h at s h e b e ac qu i t t ed o f t h e cr i m e m u st b e r ej ec t e d . W i t h t h e e v i d e n c e o n r e c o r d , w e f i n d n o c o g en t r e as o n t o d i s t u r b t h e f i n d i n g s o f t h e R T C an d t h e C o u r t o f A p p e a l s . I t i s i n d u b i t a b l e t h at a c c u s ed - ap p el l an t i s t h e au t h o r o f t h e c r i m e o f s i m p l e ar s o n . A l l t h e c i r c u m s t a n t i a l e v i d e n c e p r e s e n t e d b e f o r e t h e R T C , v i ew ed i n i t s en t i r et y , i s as c o n v i n c i n g as d i r ec t ev i d en c e an d , a s s u c h , n e g a t e s a c c u s e d - a p p e l l a n t s i n n o c en c e, an d w h en c o n s i d er e d c o n c u r r en t l y w i t h h er ad m i s s i o n g i v en t o M e r c e d i t a M e n d o z a , t h ef o r m e r s g u i l t b ey o n d r eas o n ab l e d o u bt i s t w i c e as ev i d en t . H en c e , h er c o n v i c t i o n i s e f f e c t i v e l y j u s t i f i e d . M o r e s o , as i t i s p r o p i t i o u s t o n o t e t h at i n s t ar k c o nt r as t t o t h e f ac t u al c i r c u m s t a n c e s p r e s e n t e d b y t h e p r o s e c u t i o n , ac c u s ed - ap p el l an t n ei t h er m u st er ed a d en i al n o r an al i b i ex c ep t f o r t h e p r o p o s i t i o n t h a t h e r g u i l t h a d n o t b e e n es t ab l i s h ed b ey o n d r ea s o n a b l e d o u b t .

I N V I E W W H E R E O F , t h e D e c i s i o n o f t h e C o u rt o f A p p e al s d at ed 2 S ep t em b e r 2 00 5 , i n C A G . R . C R HC No. 01139, is hereby AFFIRMED i n s o f ar as the conviction of ac c u s ed - ap p e l l a n t EDNA M A L N G A N Y M A Y O i s c o n c e r n e d . T h e s e n t en c e t o b e i m p o s ed an d t h e am o u n t o f d am a g e s t o b e aw ar d ed , h o w ev e r , a r e M O D I F I E D . I n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h S ec . 5 o f P r es i d en t i al D ec r ee N o . 1 61 3 , ac c u s e d - ap p el l a n t i s h er eb y s e n t e n c e d t o R E C L U S I O N P E R P E T U A . A c c u s ed - ap p e l l a n t i s h er eb y o r d er ed t o p ay t h e h ei r s o f eac h of the victims P50,000.00 as civil indemnity.

SO ORDERED.

M INITA V. CH ICO- NAZARIO