1. People v. Aguilos, G.R. No.

121828, 27 June 2003

Joselito Cupa and Julian Azul were drinking at a store. Edmar Aguilos & Odihon Lagibala just
came cast they were invited to the drinking spree. Heated argument Julian & Edmar Aguilos.
Joselito tried to placate but that did not sit well w/ Odilon, Odilon stabbed Joselito. Ronnie
Diamante and Rene Pilola (Appellant) saw Odilon and joined the fray, they stabbed the victim
Joselito. Witness Elisa (store owner) could not tell how many times was Joselito stabbed on
what parts of the body were hit by whom. Odilon & Rene fled. Ronnie picked-up a hollow block
and bashed Joselito's head, got a piece of broken bottle and struck Joselito once more. Julian ran
for his dear life. Joselito died on the spot. Autopsy report that victim sustained 11 stab wounds,
6 fatal in the chest & abdominal area. Trial court found Aguilos, Lagibala, and Rene Pilola guilty
of murder.

Rene Pilola appealed. He denied stabbing the victim, argues that he was in the house of his
cousin and remained there because he was suffering from ulcer. He also contends that Trial
court erred in finding conspiracy anent the incident. Rene avers that Elisa is not a credible
witness as she contradicted herself when she first said that Ronnie struck victim w/ hollow
block, then later she said that it is Edmar.

SC held that the identity of the person who hit the victim w/ hollow blocks is not important as
victim died of multiple stab wounds. Witness consistent in her testimony that appellant Rene
was one of those who stabbed the victim. Her statement was corroborated by the autopsy
report. Witness had no improper motive. Case law to findings is given high respect, gave
credence & full probative weight to Elisa's testimony. Conspiracy exist when accused had the
same purpose and were united in execution. Odilon all by himself initially decided to stab the
victim, but then Rene and Ronie decided to join him. They rushed to the scene and stabbed the
victim with their respective knives. Not merely an accomplice but a principal by direct
participation.