Back

PEOPLE vs Arthur dela Cruz

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. ARTHUR DELA CRUZ, accused-appellant.

G.R. No. 130608 | 1999-08-26

D E C I S I O N

BELLOSILLO, J.:

ARTHUR DELA CRUZ was charged with murder before the Regional Trial Court of Kalibo, Aklan, for the death of Marbel Baptista on 24 October 1994 allegedly committed with treachery and evident premeditation.[1] On 19 June 1997 the trial court adjudged him guilty as charged but qualified only by treachery.

Appreciating the mitigating circumstance of voluntary surrender, the trial court sentenced him to reclusion perpetua and ordered him to pay the heirs of the victim P50,000.00 as death indemnity and P35,000.00 as funeral and burial expenses, and to pay the costs.[2]

On 24 October 1994 Diego Pelonio planned...