Back

PEOPLE vs Arnulfo Quilaton, Diding Mamalingping, et al

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. ARNULFO1 QUILATON alias "ARNOLD," PATRICIO QUIYO, DIDING MAMALINGPING, AVELINO AHAO y LATIMBANG, HILDO BUACON y EMPONG, accused; [Sometimes spelled "Arnolfo" in the appealed Judgment and in some portions of the records.] ARNULFO QUILATON alias "ARNOLD," appellant.

G.R. No. 131835 | 2000-02-03

D E C I S I O N

PANGANIBAN, J.:

The burden of proof rests upon the prosecution. Unless it succeeds in proving the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt, the constitutional presumption of innocence remains. Mere passive presence at the crime scene does not prove participation in the conspiracy.

Statement of the Case

Arnulfo Quilaton appeals before us the February 5, 1996 "Judgment"2 [Written by Judge Rodolfo M. Serrano.] of the Regional Trial Court of Kidapawan, Cotabato (Branch 17), in Criminal Case No. 1560 which disposed as follows:3 [ Judgment, pp. 9-10; rollo, pp. 28-29.]

"WHEREFORE, prescinding from all the foregoing...