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People vs. Ramirez, Jr

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, versus FLORENTINO O. RAMIREZ JR., Appeellant.

G.R. Nos. 150079-80 | 2004-07-10

D E C I S I O N
 
PANGANIBAN, J.:
 
The Constitution presumes the accused to be innocent until the contrary is proved. No less than proof beyond reasonable doubt of every fact necessary to constitute the crime charged must be established to overcome such presumption. This duty subsists notwithstanding the weakness of the evidence for the defense. Prosecutors are enjoined to exert their best to lay out the facts faithfully, clarify contradictions and fill up gaps in their evidence.
 
The Case

Florentino O. Ramirez Jr. appeals the June 29, 2001 Decision[1] of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Lingayen, Pangasinan (Branch 68), in...