JULIUS AMANQUITON, G.R. No.

186080
Petitioner,

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES,
Respondent.


FACTS:

On October 30, 2001, Leoselie John Banaga was involved and mauled in a gang trouble in Taguig City.
During the course of that incident, Julius Amanquiton, a barangay tanod, Dominador Amante and a
certain Cabisudo chased and apprehended him. On the way to the police station, one Gepulane
suddenly appeared from nowhere and boxed Baaga in the face. Gepulane was also apprehended.
Records were taken. Thereafter, an information was filed against the apprehenders a violation of child
abuse. Trial commenced and Amanquiton and Amante was found guilty of the crime beyond reasonable
doubt. They appealed to the Court of Appeals and they received an adverse decision, affirming the
decision of the lower court. Hence, the petition to the Supreme Court.

ISSUE:

Whether or not Amanquiton was guilty of the crime of child abuse beyond reasaonble doubt.

RULING:

NO. The Court found serious doubt on whether Banagas injuries were inflicted by Amanquiton, et. Al.,
to the exclusion of other people. It noted Banagas statement that during the apprehension there were
many people around, yet only the testimonies of Banaga, his aunt, who only came after the incident, a
certain Alimpuyo, Dr. Cruz, were presented and these did not fortify the allegation of Banaga that
Amanquiton mauled him, when the prosecution can offer testimonies in an unbiased manner from
other people.

The Court apply the pro reo principle and the equipoise rule in this case. Where the evidence on an issue
of fact is in question or there is doubt on which side the evidence weighs, the doubt should be resolved
in favor of the accused. If inculpatory facts and circumstances are capable of two or more explanations,
one consistent with the innocence of the accused and the other consistent with his guilt, then the
evidence does not fulfill the test of moral certainty and will not justify a conviction.
The petition was granted. Amanquiton was acquitted of the crime of child abuse.


Romeo Glenn B. Bongulto