Case Digest

Facts:
 Defendants-appellants Gedtal Pampaluna y Makataon and Reynaldo Taneo y Balleque
were charged with murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder.
 The incident occurred on September 24, 1970, when former Cotabato Congressman
Salipada K. Pendatun and his party were ambushed while on their way home.
 The car they were in was fired upon, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to
the rest of the occupants.
 The defendants were sentenced to death for murder, and to varying prison terms for the
other charges.

Issue:
 The main issue in this case is whether or not the testimony of the key witness, Felicidad
Besa, is reliable and credible.

Ruling:
 The court found that the testimony of Felicidad Besa is unreliable and not credible.
 The court dismissed the charges against the defendants and ordered their immediate
discharge.

Ratio:
 The court based its decision on the fact that the testimony of the key witness, Felicidad
Besa, was not credible.
 The court pointed out the inconsistencies and contradictions in her testimony.
 The court also noted that her testimony goes against human nature and reason.
 Therefore, the court concluded that the defendants cannot be found guilty beyond
reasonable doubt based on her testimony alone.

Detailed Digest:
Facts:
 Defendants-appellants Gedtal Pampaluna y Makataon and Reynaldo Taneo y Balleque
were charged with murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder.
 The incident occurred on September 24, 1970, when former Cotabato Congressman
Salipada K. Pendatun and his party were ambushed while on their way home.
 The car they were in was fired upon, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to
the rest of the occupants.
 The defendants were sentenced to death for murder, and to varying prison terms for the
other charges.
Issue:
 The main issue in this case is whether or not the testimony of the key witness, Felicidad
Besa, is reliable and credible.
Ruling:
 The court found that the testimony of Felicidad Besa is unreliable and not credible.
 The court dismissed the charges against the defendants and ordered their immediate
discharge.
Ratio:
 The court based its decision on the fact that the testimony of the key witness, Felicidad
Besa, was not credible.
 The court pointed out the inconsistencies and contradictions in her testimony.
 The court also noted that her testimony goes against human nature and reason.
 Therefore, the court concluded that the defendants cannot be found guilty beyond
reasonable doubt based on her testimony alone.