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PEOPLE vs Matias Lagramada

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, appellee, vs. MATIAS LAGRAMADA, appellant.

G.R. Nos. 146357 & 148170 | 2002-08-29

D E C I S I O N

PANGANIBAN, J.:

If the inculpatory facts and circumstances are capable of two or more reasonable explanations, one of which is consistent with the innocence of the accused and the other with his guilt, then the evidence does not pass the test of moral certainty and will not suffice to support a conviction.

The Case

Matias Lagramada appeals the August 23, 2000 Decision[1] of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Morong, Rizal (Branch 79) in Criminal Case Nos. 3158-M and 3159-M, finding him guilty of rape and sentencing him to reclusion perpetua. The dispositive portion of the Decision reads:

WHEREFORE, in view of the...