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Uriarte, Manolito & Jose Acosta vs PEOPLE

FEDIL URIARTE, MANOLITO ACOSTA and JOSE ACOSTA, petitioners, vs. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, respondent.

G.R. No. 137344 | 2001-01-30

D E C I S I O N

BELLOSILLO, J.:

One corpse. Two (2) versions of one death. Both backed by testimonies and supported by medical examinations. Each version professes to be true. But both trial court and appellate court sustained the version consistent with petitioners' guilt, not of murder but homicide. Such finding is stamped with the imprimatur of utmost respect, if not reverence, and may only be overturned upon the most cogent reason.

On 15 August 1992 one Reynaldo Lamera died under mysterious circumstances. Subsequently, for his death, petitioners

Fedil Uriarte, Manolito Acosta and Jose Acosta alias "Otik" were charged with murder....