People V. Castillo, G.R. no.

132895, March 10, 2004

Facts: On March 1, 1995, in Paraaque, Metro Manila, Philippines the accused ELIZABETH
CASTILLO and EVANGELINE PADAYHAG, conspiring together kidnapped Horacio Cebrero IV, a
five years old which lasted for more than three (3) days for the purpose of extorting ransom
from the parents of the victim.
Issue: WHETHER OR NOT, THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN CONCLUDING THAT THERE WAS
CONSPIRACY TO EXTORT RANSOM IN THIS CASE?
Ruling:
The prosecution failed to prove Padayhags guilt beyond reasonable doubt. In People v.
Gonzales, it was held that:
In the absence of conspiracy, if the inculpatory facts and circumstances are capable of
two or more explanations, one of which is 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 is not sufficient to support a conviction.
Every person accused has the right to be presumed innocent until the contrary is proven
beyond reasonable doubt. The presumption of innocence stands as a fundamental principle
of both constitutional and criminal law.[37] Thus, the prosecution has the burden of proving
every single fact establishing guilt. [38] Every vestige of doubt having a rational basis must be
removed.[39] The defense of the accused, even if weak, is no reason to convict. [40] Within this
framework, the prosecution must prove its case beyond any hint of uncertainty. The defense
need not even speak at all. The presumption of innocence is more than sufficient. Padayhags
is acquitted and Castillo was sentenced to suffer the penalty of death.