Back

People of the Philippines Vs. Gilbert Reyes Wagas

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff—Appellee, -versus- GILBERT REYES WAGAS, Accused-Appellant.

G.R. No. 157943 | 2013-09-04

FIRST DIVISION

DECISION
BERSAMIN, J.:

The Bill of Rights guarantees the right of an accused to be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved. In order to overcome the presumption of innocence, the Prosecution is required to adduce against him nothing less than proof beyond reasonable doubt. Such proof is not only in relation to the elements of the offense, but also in relation to the identity of the offender. If the Prosecution fails to discharge its heavy burden, then it is not only the right of the accused to be freed, it becomes the Court’s constitutional duty to acquit him.

The Case

Gilbert R. Wagas...