G.R. NO.

L-2189 NOVEMBER 3,
1906

THE UNITED STATES

VS

FRANCISCO BAUTISTA, ET AL

FACTS:

In 1903 a junta was organized and a conspiracy was entered into by a number of Filipinos in
Hongkong, for the purpose of overthrowing the government of the United States in the Philippine
Islands by force of arms and establishing a new government.

Francisco Bautista, a close friend of the chief of military forces took part of several meetings.
Tomas Puzon held several conferences where at plans are made for the coming insurrection; he was
appointed Brigadier – General of the Signal Corps of the revolutionary forces. Aniceto De Guzman
accepted some bonds from one of the conspirators.

The lower court convicted Francisco Bautista, Tomas Puzon, and Aniceto De Guzman for
conspiracy to overthrow the Government by force.

ISSUE:

Whether or Not the accused are guilty of conspiracy

RULING:

Yes, Bautista and Puzon are guilty of conspiracy. Bautista was fully aware of the purposes of the
meetings he participated in, and even gave an assurance to the chief of military forces that he is making
the necessary preparations. Puzon voluntarily accepted his appointment and in doing so assumed all the
obligations implied by such acceptance. This may be considered as an evidence of the criminal
connection of the accused with the conspiracy.

However, de Guzman is not guilty of conspiracy. He might have been helping the conspirators by
accepting bonds in the bundles, but he has not been aware of the contents nor does he was, in any
occasion, assumed any obligation with respect to those bonds.

Judgement for Bautista and Puzon Confirmed. Judgement for de guzman Reversed.