PEOPLE vs.

WEBB however, denied that the specimen is under their custody and that it
was turned over to the trial court. The trial court on the other hand,
CASE: denied the claim that the specimen was under their care. This prompted
Webb to file an urgent motion to acquit denying Webb of his right to
On June 30, 1991, Estrellita Vizconde and her daughters due process.
Carmela and Jennifer were brutally murdered in their home in
Paraaque. In an intense investigation, a group of suspects were ISSUE/HELD:
initially arrested by the police, but were eventually discharged due to
suspicions of frame up. Later in 1995, The National Bureau of 1.) Whether or not Webb was indeed denied of due process on the
Investigation announced the resolution of the crime as they presented a premise that the semen specimen was lost under the care of the
star witness Jessica M. Alfaro who pointed at the accused (herein government and must immediately be acquitted? NO.
appellants) Webb et.al. as the main culprits. She also included police
officer Gerardo Biong as an accessory to the crime. Relying on 2.) WON Alfaros testimony is entitled to belief? NO.
Alfaros testimony, information for rape with homicide was filed by
the public prosecutors against appellants. 3.) WON Webbs evidences are proven sufficient enough to rebut
Alfaros testimony? NO.
Regional Trial Court of Paraaque City Branch 274 presided
over by Judge Tolentino took over the case. With Alfaros detailed 4.) WON Biong acted to cover up the crime after its commission, thus
narration of the events of the crime, the court found her testimony making himself an accessory to the crime? NO.
credible, noting that her delivery are spontaneous and straightforward.
On January 4, 2000, trial court rendered judgment finding accused WHEREFORE, the Court REVERSES and SET ASIDE the
(herein appellants) guilty as charged, imposing them the penalty of Decision dated December 15, 2005 and Resolution dated January 26,
reclusion perpetua while Biong, as an accessory to the crime, was 2007 of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. CR-H.C. 0336 and Acquits
given an indeterminate prison term of eleven years, four months and accused-appellants Hubert Jeffrey P. Webb, Antonio Lejano, Michael
one day to twelve years. Damages were also awarded to Lauro A. Gatchalian, Hospicio Fernandez, Miguel Rodriguez, Peter Estrada
Vizconde. and Gerardo Biong of the crimes of which they were charged for
failure of the prosecution to prove their guild beyond reasonable doubt.
On appeal, the Court of Appeals affirmed the trial courts They are ordered immediately RELEASED from detention unless
decision, with a modification on Biongs penalty to six years minimum they are confined for another lawful cause.
and twelve years maximum, plus increased awards of damages to
Lauro Vizconde. A motion for reconsideration on the same court was 1.) Webb cited Brady v. Maryland, and claimed that he is entitled
also denied, hence the present appeal on the Supreme Court. to outright acquittal on the ground of violation of his right to
due process given the States failure to produce on order of the
On April 20, 2010, the Court granted the request of Webb to Court either by negligence or willfull suppression the semen
submit the semen specimen taken from Carmelas cadaver on DNA specimen taken from Carmela. Webb is not entitled to acquittal
analysis, believing it is under the safekeeping of the NBI. The NBI, for failure to produce the semen specimen at such stage. Brady
v. Maryland was overtaken by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling
 in Arizona v. Youngblood which held that due process does not stamped and his name was listed on the United Airlines Flights
require the State to preserve the semen specimen although it Passenger Manifest. Upon reaching US, the US Immigration
might be useful to the accused unless the latter is able to show recorded his entry to the country. Moreover, details of his stay
bad faith on the part of the prosecution or the police. Further, there, including his logs and paychecks when he worked,
during the previous appeals made on CA, the appellants documents when he purchased a car and his license are
expressed lack of interest in having a DNA test done, and so presented as additional evidence, and he left for Philippines on
the State cannot be deemed put on reasonable notice that it may October 26, 1992. Supreme Court accused the trial and court of
be required to be produced some future time. appeals as having a mind that is made cynical by the rule
drilled into his head that a defense of alibi is a hangmans
2.) Alfaros testimony, was found doubtful. Testified by Atty. noose in the faces of a witness sweaking I saw him do it. A
Sacaguing, he claimed that Alfaro was an asset of the NBI judge, according to the SC, must keep an open mind, and must
since 1994. When the officers one day teased her about being guard against slipping into hasty conclusion arising from a
dormant, she became piqued and suddenly claimed that she desire to quickly finish the job of deciding a case. For positive
know someone who knows about the massacre. But when the identification to be credible, two criteria must be met; 1.) the
said someone was not presented, she told Sacaguing that she positive identification of the offender must come from a
might as well assume the role of her informant. Alfraro never credible witness 2.) the witness story of what she personally
refuted such testimony. It is possible for Alfaro to lie even with saw must be believable, not inherently contrived. For alibi to
such intricate details, given that she practically lived in the NBI be credible and established on the other hand, it must be
office. Moreover, the media is all over the case that everything positive, clear, and documented. It must show that it was
is thoroughly reported. Generally, her story lacks sense or physically impossible for him to be at the scene of the crime.
suffers from inherent inconsistencies. Webb was able to establish his alibis credibility with his
documents. It is impossible for Webb, despite his so called
3.) Among the accused, it was Webb who presented the strongest power and connections to fix a foreign airlines passenger
alibi. His travel preparations were confirmed by Rajah Tours manifest. Webbs departure and arrival were authenticated by
and the Philippine immigration, confirming that he indeed left the Office of the US Attorney General and the State
for San Francisco, California with his Aunt Gloria on March 9, Department.
1991 on board United Airlines Flight 808. His passport was