Lawyerly

GR No. 175281

2007-09-27

TINGA, J.

Conformably with this Court's decision in People v. Mateo,[20] Reyes's and appellant's appeal was transferred to the Court of Appeals for intermediate review. Finding no sufficient basis to disturb the findings and conclusion of the trial court, the appellate court, on 14 July 2006, rendered its decision affirming in toto the conviction of Reyes and appellant.[21]

GR NO. 176153

2007-09-21

PEOPLE v. OLIGARIO BALONZO

CHICO-NAZARIO, J.

The records of the case were then forwarded to the Court of Appeals pursuant to this Court's holding in People v. Mateo,[9] which allows for the intermediate review by the Court of Appeals of cases where the penalty imposed is death, reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment.[10]

GR No. 175333

2007-09-21

PEOPLE v. SONNY RENTORIA Y VELASCO

CHICO-NAZARIO, J.

In view of the death penalty imposed by the trial court, the case was automatically elevated to this Court for review. Conformably with People v. Mateo,[18] however, in a Resolution dated 21 September 2004,[19] we directed the transfer of this case to the Court of Appeals for intermediate review.

GR No. 169642

2007-09-14

PEOPLE v. ENRIQUE CEBALLOS JR. Y CABRALES

CARPIO MORALES, J.

Let the entire record of th[ese] case[s] be forwarded to the Supreme Court for automatic review as mandated by law.[49] (Italics supplied) The records of the cases were forwarded to this Court for automatic review where they were docketed as G.R. Nos. 155493-155498. Per this Court's ruling in People v. Mateo,[50] however, the cases were referred to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.[51]

GR No. 169642

2007-09-14

PEOPLE v. ENRIQUE CEBALLOS JR. Y CABRALES

CARPIO MORALES, J.

Let the entire record of th[ese] case[s] be forwarded to the Supreme Court for automatic review as mandated by law.[49] (Italics supplied) The records of the cases were forwarded to this Court for automatic review where they were docketed as G.R. Nos. 155493-155498. Per this Court's ruling in People v. Mateo,[50] however, the cases were referred to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.[51]

GR No. 169642

2007-09-14

PEOPLE v. ENRIQUE CEBALLOS JR. Y CABRALES

CARPIO MORALES, J.

Let the entire record of th[ese] case[s] be forwarded to the Supreme Court for automatic review as mandated by law.[49] (Italics supplied) The records of the cases were forwarded to this Court for automatic review where they were docketed as G.R. Nos. 155493-155498. Per this Court's ruling in People v. Mateo,[50] however, the cases were referred to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.[51]

GR No. 169642

2007-09-14

PEOPLE v. ENRIQUE CEBALLOS JR. Y CABRALES

CARPIO MORALES, J.

Let the entire record of th[ese] case[s] be forwarded to the Supreme Court for automatic review as mandated by law.[49] (Italics supplied) The records of the cases were forwarded to this Court for automatic review where they were docketed as G.R. Nos. 155493-155498. Per this Court's ruling in People v. Mateo,[50] however, the cases were referred to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.[51]

GR No. 176632

2007-09-11

PEOPLE v. ROBERTO GINGOS y LATABI and NESTOR MARGOTE y CAICDOY

TINGA, J,

With the penalty imposed on appellant, the case was elevated to this Court on automatic review. However, pursuant to our ruling in People v. Mateo,[12] the case was transferred to the Court of Appeals for intermediate review. On 22 December 2006, the appellate court affirmed with modification the challenged decision. Noting the error of the trial court in imposing the penalty of life imprisonment on appellants, the Court of Appeals modified the decision a quo as to penalty and damages, thus:

GR No. 169059

2007-09-05

PEOPLE v. LAMBERTO RAFON

TINGA, J.

SO ORDERED.[9] The case was thereafter elevated to this Court on automatic review and the parties were directed to file their respective Briefs.[10] The parties complied. However, the Court issued a Resolution[11] on 21 September 2004, transferring the case to the CA for intermediate review conformably with the ruling in People v. Mateo.[12]

GR No. 176633

2007-09-05

PEOPLE v. ARMANDO SAN ANTONIO

CHICO-NAZARIO, J.

Pursuant to People v. Mateo,[23] the records of the present case were transferred to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.

GR NO. 175928

2007-08-31

PEOPLE v. ALVIN PRINGAS Y PANGANIBAN

CHICO-NAZARIO, J.

On 3 September 2004, appellant, through counsel, appealed the decision to the Court of Appeals via a Notice of Appeal.[35] With the filing of the Notice of Appeal, the trial court transmitted[36] the records of the case to the Court of Appeals for review pursuant to People v. Mateo.[37]

GR NO. 173797

2007-08-31

PEOPLE v. EMMANUEL ROCHA

CHICO-NAZARIO, J.

On 25 August 2004, pursuant to the Decision of this Court in People v. Mateo,[8] we transferred the case to the Court of Appeals.

GR NO. 174067

2007-08-29

PEOPLE v. DANTE JOSE DIVINA

CARPIO MORALES, J.

On appellant's appeal to this Court,[8] the case was referred for appropriate action to the Court of Appeals following the ruling in People v. Mateo[9] which calls for intermediate review of cases imposing the penalty of death, life imprisonment, or reclusion perpetua.[10]

GR NO. 175881

2007-08-28

PEOPLE v. ARMANDO RODAS

CHICO-NAZARIO, J.

With a Notice of Appeal[14] filed by accused-appellants, the trial court forwarded the entire records of the case to this Court.[15] However, pursuant to our ruling in People v. Mateo,[16] the case was remanded to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.

GR No. 175782

2007-08-24

PEOPLE v. DOMINGO HAPIN Y JAZO

TINGA, J.

This case was originally elevated before this Court on automatic review in view of the penalty imposed on appellant. However, in line with our ruling in People v. Mateo,[24] the case was referred to the Court of Appeals.

GR No. 172603

2007-08-24

PEOPLE v. DONALDO PADILLA Y SEVILLA

CARPIO MORALES, J.

On elevation of the case to this Court for automatic review, it referred the same to the Court of Appeals pursuant to People v. Mateo.[5]

GR No. 174473

2007-08-17

PEOPLE v. ALVIN ABULON Y SALVANIA

TINGA, J.

SO ORDERED.[25] With the death penalty imposed on appellant, the case was elevated to this Court on automatic review. However, pursuant to this Court's ruling in People v. Mateo,[26] the case was transferred to the Court of Appeals. On 28 April 2006, the appellate court rendered its decision affirming appellant's conviction, but with modification as to damages awarded to the victim. The dispositive portion of the decision states:

GR No. 175925

2007-08-17

PEOPLE v. JOSE BARCENAL

CHICO-NAZARIO, J.

Appellants filed a notice of appeal.[7] The trial court ordered the transmittal of the entire records of the case to this Court. Thereafter, this Court ordered the referral of the case to the Court of Appeals conformably with the ruling in People v. Mateo.[8]

GR No. 169082

2007-08-17

PEOPLE v. ERNESTO DE GUZMAN Y ELEMENCIO

CARPIO MORALES, J.

On appeal, this Court, by Resolution of December 6, 2004, transferred the case to the Court of Appeals pursuant to People v. Mateo.[8]

GR NO. 176266

2007-08-08

PEOPLE v. FELIX ORTOA Y OBIA

CHICO-NAZARIO, J.

The case was automatically elevated to this Court in view of the death penalty imposed by the trial court. On 26 July 2005, we resolved to transfer this case to the Court of Appeals pursuant to our holding in People v. Mateo,[13] which allowed intermediate review by the appellate court of cases where the penalty imposed is death, reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment.

GR NO. 176064

2007-08-07

PEOPLE v. ANTONIO MIRANDA Y DOE

TINGA, J.

Appellant pleaded not guilty on arraignment. Forthwith, trial ensued which culminated in the guilty verdict. The case was thereafter elevated to this Court on automatic review, but later referred to the Court of Appeals per People v. Mateo.[6] The Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment of the trial court. The case is again before us for our final disposition.

GR NO. 170477

2007-08-07

PEOPLE v. HAROLD WALLY CABIERTE

CARPIO MORALES, J.

By Resolution of August 30, 2004,[21] however, this Court transferred the case to the Court of Appeals following People v. Mateo[22] which provides for intermediate review of cases imposing the penalty of death, life imprisonment, or reclusion perpetua.[23]

GR NO. 166723

2007-08-02

PEOPLE v. ELMERATO DELA CRUZ Y FLORES

QUISUMBING, J.

Seasonably, the accused appealed. Following People v. Mateo,[9] the case was transferred and referred to the Court of Appeals. Upon review, the Court of Appeals rendered its decision affirming with modification the decision of the lower court. The fallo of the Court of Appeals decision reads:

GR NO. 173051

2007-07-31

PEOPLE v. GERARDO ORTEZA

TINGA, J.

SO ORDERED.[11] The judgment of conviction was elevated to the Court for automatic review. In a Resolution[12] dated 8 November 2005 of the Court in G.R. No. 161678,[13] the case was transferred to the Court of Appeals pursuant to the Court's ruling in People v. Efren Mateo.[14]

GR NO. 166544

2007-07-27

PEOPLE v. ARDEL CANUTO

CARPIO MORALES, J.

By Decision of May 16, 2002, the RTC of Iriga City, Branch 35, convicted appellant of rape, the dispositive portion of which decision reads: WHEREFORE, finding accused, Ardel Canuto GUILTY of the crime of rape under Art. 335 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Rep. Act 7659, further amended by Art. 266-A and 266-B beyond reasonable doubt, he is sentenced to a penalty of death, to pay an indemnity of FIFTY THOUSAND (Php 50,000.00) PESOS and to pay the costs.[23] After a review of the case by the Court of Appeals to which it was forwarded by this Court pursuant to People v. Mateo,[24] the appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision with modification consisting of an increase in the amount of civil indemnity and an addition of moral and exemplary damages awarded to AAA, thus: WHEREFORE, premises considered, the Decision dated May 16, 2002 of the Regional Trial Court of Iriga City, Branch 35, in Criminal Case No. IR-5814 finding accused-appellant guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of rape and sentencing him to suffer the supreme penalty of DEATH is hereby AFFIRMED with MODIFICATIONS in that he is ordered to pay the private complainant, [AAA], P75,000.00 as civil indemnity ex delicto; P75,000.00 as moral damages; and P25,000.00 as exemplary damages.

GR NO. 170359

2007-07-27

PEOPLE v. PHILIP DILAO Y CASTRO

GARCIA, J.

Per Resolution dated March 9, 2005,[9] however, the Court, in line with its ruling in People v. Mateo,[10] referred the cases to the CA for intermediate review, whereat it was docketed C.A. G.R. CR.-H.C. No. 00920.

GR NO. 169962

2007-07-12

PEOPLE v. RAUL CENAHONON

NACHURA, J.

In a Resolution[27] dated October 12, 2004, this Court transferred the records of the case to the CA for appropriate action and disposition pursuant to People of the Philippines v. Efren Mateo[28] which modified Sections 3 and 10 of Rule 122, Section 13 of Rule 124, and Section 3 of Rule 125, all of the Revised Rules on Criminal Procedure, and allowed intermediate review by the Court of Appeals.

GR NO. 169869

2007-07-12

PEOPLE v. PEDRO DELIMA

AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ, J.

Appellant filed a Notice of Appeal to this Court but per Resolution dated September 22, 2004, the case was transferred to the CA in accordance with this Court's Decision in People v. Mateo.[4]

GR NO. 175880

2007-07-06

PEOPLE v. RICARDO COMANDA Y CAMOTE

TINGA, J.

Conformably with this Court's decision in People v. Mateo,[23] appellant's appeal by way of automatic review was transferred to the Court of Appeals. Finding no sufficient basis to disturb the finding and conclusions of the trial court, the appellate court, on 12 October 2006, rendered its decision affirming in toto appellant's conviction.[24]

GR NO. 171163

2007-07-04

PEOPLE v. MELITON JALBUENA Y TADIOSA

CARPIO MORALES, J.

This case was forwarded to this Court for automatic review in view of the death penalty imposed. Per People v. Mateo,[12] however, this Court referred the case to the Court of Appeals by Resolution of July 26, 2005.[13]

GR NO. 166617

2007-07-03

PEOPLE v. AGUSTIN ABELLERA Y CAMANA

CORONA, J.

This case was first brought to us on automatic review. However, following People v. Mateo,[10] we transferred it to the CA. There, respondent assigned the following errors to the trial court: (1) giving full credence to the testimonies of the complainants; (2) rejecting his testimony, his wife's and youngest daughter's and (3) convicting him.

GR NO. 174060

2007-06-25

PEOPLE v. LITO BEJIC Y ANTONI

CHICO-NAZARIO, J.

WHEREFORE, finding accused Lito Bejic y Antoni guilty beyond reasonable doubt of qualified incestuous rape, the court sentences him to death and orders him to pay his daughter civil indemnity in the sum of P75,000.00 and moral damages in the sum of P50,000.00. With costs.[16] The case was automatically elevated to this Court for review by reason of the death penalty imposed on appellant. However, pursuant to our ruling in People v. Mateo,[17] the case was transferred and referred to the Court of Appeals for proper disposition.

GR NO. 174472

2007-06-19

PEOPLE v. BENIGNO FETALINO Y GABALDON

CHICO-NAZARIO, J.

In view of the death penalty imposed by the trial court, the cases were automatically elevated to this Court for review. However, in our Resolution dated 13 December 2005,[21] we ordered the remand of these cases to the Court of Appeals pursuant to our holding in People v. Mateo.[22]

GR NO. 169873

2007-06-08

PEOPLE v. NORBERTO ASTROLOGO Y DE DIOS

CHICO-NAZARIO, J.

Pursuant to People v. Mateo,[14] the records of the present case were transferred to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.

GR No. 174064

2007-06-08

PEOPLE v. HENRY TOGAHAN

TINGA, J.

With the death penalty imposed on appellants, the case was elevated to this Court on automatic review. However, pursuant to this Court's ruling in People v. Mateo,[28] the case was transferred to the Court of Appeals.

GR No. 169061

2007-06-08

PEOPLE v. ROQUE ABELLANO

NACHURA, J.

Initially, this case was brought to this Court for automatic review. However, on September 7, 2004, the Court transferred this case to the CA consistent with its ruling in People v. Mateo.[10]

	GR No. 175281 2007-09-27	PEOPLE v. VINCENT EVANGELISTA TINGA, J.
Conformably with this Court's decision in People v. Mateo,[20] Reyes's and appellant's appeal was transferred to the Court of Appeals for intermediate review. Finding no sufficient basis to disturb the findings and conclusion of the trial court, the appellate court, on 14 July 2006, rendered its decision affirming in toto the conviction of Reyes and appellant.[21]
	GR NO. 176153 2007-09-21	PEOPLE v. OLIGARIO BALONZO CHICO-NAZARIO, J.
The records of the case were then forwarded to the Court of Appeals pursuant to this Court's holding in People v. Mateo,[9] which allows for the intermediate review by the Court of Appeals of cases where the penalty imposed is death, reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment.[10]
	GR No. 175333 2007-09-21	PEOPLE v. SONNY RENTORIA Y VELASCO CHICO-NAZARIO, J.
In view of the death penalty imposed by the trial court, the case was automatically elevated to this Court for review. Conformably with People v. Mateo,[18] however, in a Resolution dated 21 September 2004,[19] we directed the transfer of this case to the Court of Appeals for intermediate review.
	GR No. 169642 2007-09-14	PEOPLE v. ENRIQUE CEBALLOS JR. Y CABRALES CARPIO MORALES, J.
Let the entire record of th[ese] case[s] be forwarded to the Supreme Court for automatic review as mandated by law.[49] (Italics supplied) The records of the cases were forwarded to this Court for automatic review where they were docketed as G.R. Nos. 155493-155498. Per this Court's ruling in People v. Mateo,[50] however, the cases were referred to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.[51]
	GR No. 169642 2007-09-14	PEOPLE v. ENRIQUE CEBALLOS JR. Y CABRALES CARPIO MORALES, J.
Let the entire record of th[ese] case[s] be forwarded to the Supreme Court for automatic review as mandated by law.[49] (Italics supplied) The records of the cases were forwarded to this Court for automatic review where they were docketed as G.R. Nos. 155493-155498. Per this Court's ruling in People v. Mateo,[50] however, the cases were referred to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.[51]
	GR No. 169642 2007-09-14	PEOPLE v. ENRIQUE CEBALLOS JR. Y CABRALES CARPIO MORALES, J.
Let the entire record of th[ese] case[s] be forwarded to the Supreme Court for automatic review as mandated by law.[49] (Italics supplied) The records of the cases were forwarded to this Court for automatic review where they were docketed as G.R. Nos. 155493-155498. Per this Court's ruling in People v. Mateo,[50] however, the cases were referred to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.[51]
	GR No. 169642 2007-09-14	PEOPLE v. ENRIQUE CEBALLOS JR. Y CABRALES CARPIO MORALES, J.
Let the entire record of th[ese] case[s] be forwarded to the Supreme Court for automatic review as mandated by law.[49] (Italics supplied) The records of the cases were forwarded to this Court for automatic review where they were docketed as G.R. Nos. 155493-155498. Per this Court's ruling in People v. Mateo,[50] however, the cases were referred to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.[51]
	GR No. 176632 2007-09-11	PEOPLE v. ROBERTO GINGOS y LATABI and NESTOR MARGOTE y CAICDOY TINGA, J,
With the penalty imposed on appellant, the case was elevated to this Court on automatic review. However, pursuant to our ruling in People v. Mateo,[12] the case was transferred to the Court of Appeals for intermediate review. On 22 December 2006, the appellate court affirmed with modification the challenged decision. Noting the error of the trial court in imposing the penalty of life imprisonment on appellants, the Court of Appeals modified the decision a quo as to penalty and damages, thus:
	GR No. 169059 2007-09-05	PEOPLE v. LAMBERTO RAFON TINGA, J.
SO ORDERED.[9] The case was thereafter elevated to this Court on automatic review and the parties were directed to file their respective Briefs.[10] The parties complied. However, the Court issued a Resolution[11] on 21 September 2004, transferring the case to the CA for intermediate review conformably with the ruling in People v. Mateo.[12]
	GR No. 176633 2007-09-05	PEOPLE v. ARMANDO SAN ANTONIO CHICO-NAZARIO, J.
Pursuant to People v. Mateo,[23] the records of the present case were transferred to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.
	GR NO. 175928 2007-08-31	PEOPLE v. ALVIN PRINGAS Y PANGANIBAN CHICO-NAZARIO, J.
On 3 September 2004, appellant, through counsel, appealed the decision to the Court of Appeals via a Notice of Appeal.[35] With the filing of the Notice of Appeal, the trial court transmitted[36] the records of the case to the Court of Appeals for review pursuant to People v. Mateo.[37]
	GR NO. 173797 2007-08-31	PEOPLE v. EMMANUEL ROCHA CHICO-NAZARIO, J.
On 25 August 2004, pursuant to the Decision of this Court in People v. Mateo,[8] we transferred the case to the Court of Appeals.
	GR NO. 174067 2007-08-29	PEOPLE v. DANTE JOSE DIVINA CARPIO MORALES, J.
On appellant's appeal to this Court,[8] the case was referred for appropriate action to the Court of Appeals following the ruling in People v. Mateo[9] which calls for intermediate review of cases imposing the penalty of death, life imprisonment, or reclusion perpetua.[10]
	GR NO. 175881 2007-08-28	PEOPLE v. ARMANDO RODAS CHICO-NAZARIO, J.
With a Notice of Appeal[14] filed by accused-appellants, the trial court forwarded the entire records of the case to this Court.[15] However, pursuant to our ruling in People v. Mateo,[16] the case was remanded to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.
	GR No. 175782 2007-08-24	PEOPLE v. DOMINGO HAPIN Y JAZO TINGA, J.
This case was originally elevated before this Court on automatic review in view of the penalty imposed on appellant. However, in line with our ruling in People v. Mateo,[24] the case was referred to the Court of Appeals.
	GR No. 172603 2007-08-24	PEOPLE v. DONALDO PADILLA Y SEVILLA CARPIO MORALES, J.
On elevation of the case to this Court for automatic review, it referred the same to the Court of Appeals pursuant to People v. Mateo.[5]
	GR No. 174473 2007-08-17	PEOPLE v. ALVIN ABULON Y SALVANIA TINGA, J.
SO ORDERED.[25] With the death penalty imposed on appellant, the case was elevated to this Court on automatic review. However, pursuant to this Court's ruling in People v. Mateo,[26] the case was transferred to the Court of Appeals. On 28 April 2006, the appellate court rendered its decision affirming appellant's conviction, but with modification as to damages awarded to the victim. The dispositive portion of the decision states:
	GR No. 175925 2007-08-17	PEOPLE v. JOSE BARCENAL CHICO-NAZARIO, J.
Appellants filed a notice of appeal.[7] The trial court ordered the transmittal of the entire records of the case to this Court. Thereafter, this Court ordered the referral of the case to the Court of Appeals conformably with the ruling in People v. Mateo.[8]
	GR No. 169082 2007-08-17	PEOPLE v. ERNESTO DE GUZMAN Y ELEMENCIO CARPIO MORALES, J.
On appeal, this Court, by Resolution of December 6, 2004, transferred the case to the Court of Appeals pursuant to People v. Mateo.[8]
	GR NO. 176266 2007-08-08	PEOPLE v. FELIX ORTOA Y OBIA CHICO-NAZARIO, J.
The case was automatically elevated to this Court in view of the death penalty imposed by the trial court. On 26 July 2005, we resolved to transfer this case to the Court of Appeals pursuant to our holding in People v. Mateo,[13] which allowed intermediate review by the appellate court of cases where the penalty imposed is death, reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment.
	GR NO. 176064 2007-08-07	PEOPLE v. ANTONIO MIRANDA Y DOE TINGA, J.
Appellant pleaded not guilty on arraignment. Forthwith, trial ensued which culminated in the guilty verdict. The case was thereafter elevated to this Court on automatic review, but later referred to the Court of Appeals per People v. Mateo.[6] The Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment of the trial court. The case is again before us for our final disposition.
	GR NO. 170477 2007-08-07	PEOPLE v. HAROLD WALLY CABIERTE CARPIO MORALES, J.
By Resolution of August 30, 2004,[21] however, this Court transferred the case to the Court of Appeals following People v. Mateo[22] which provides for intermediate review of cases imposing the penalty of death, life imprisonment, or reclusion perpetua.[23]
	GR NO. 166723 2007-08-02	PEOPLE v. ELMERATO DELA CRUZ Y FLORES QUISUMBING, J.
Seasonably, the accused appealed. Following People v. Mateo,[9] the case was transferred and referred to the Court of Appeals. Upon review, the Court of Appeals rendered its decision affirming with modification the decision of the lower court. The fallo of the Court of Appeals decision reads:
	GR NO. 173051 2007-07-31	PEOPLE v. GERARDO ORTEZA TINGA, J.
SO ORDERED.[11] The judgment of conviction was elevated to the Court for automatic review. In a Resolution[12] dated 8 November 2005 of the Court in G.R. No. 161678,[13] the case was transferred to the Court of Appeals pursuant to the Court's ruling in People v. Efren Mateo.[14]
	GR NO. 166544 2007-07-27	PEOPLE v. ARDEL CANUTO CARPIO MORALES, J.
By Decision of May 16, 2002, the RTC of Iriga City, Branch 35, convicted appellant of rape, the dispositive portion of which decision reads: WHEREFORE, finding accused, Ardel Canuto GUILTY of the crime of rape under Art. 335 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Rep. Act 7659, further amended by Art. 266-A and 266-B beyond reasonable doubt, he is sentenced to a penalty of death, to pay an indemnity of FIFTY THOUSAND (Php 50,000.00) PESOS and to pay the costs.[23] After a review of the case by the Court of Appeals to which it was forwarded by this Court pursuant to People v. Mateo,[24] the appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision with modification consisting of an increase in the amount of civil indemnity and an addition of moral and exemplary damages awarded to AAA, thus: WHEREFORE, premises considered, the Decision dated May 16, 2002 of the Regional Trial Court of Iriga City, Branch 35, in Criminal Case No. IR-5814 finding accused-appellant guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of rape and sentencing him to suffer the supreme penalty of DEATH is hereby AFFIRMED with MODIFICATIONS in that he is ordered to pay the private complainant, [AAA], P75,000.00 as civil indemnity ex delicto; P75,000.00 as moral damages; and P25,000.00 as exemplary damages.
	GR NO. 170359 2007-07-27	PEOPLE v. PHILIP DILAO Y CASTRO GARCIA, J.
Per Resolution dated March 9, 2005,[9] however, the Court, in line with its ruling in People v. Mateo,[10] referred the cases to the CA for intermediate review, whereat it was docketed C.A. G.R. CR.-H.C. No. 00920.
	GR NO. 169962 2007-07-12	PEOPLE v. RAUL CENAHONON NACHURA, J.
In a Resolution[27] dated October 12, 2004, this Court transferred the records of the case to the CA for appropriate action and disposition pursuant to People of the Philippines v. Efren Mateo[28] which modified Sections 3 and 10 of Rule 122, Section 13 of Rule 124, and Section 3 of Rule 125, all of the Revised Rules on Criminal Procedure, and allowed intermediate review by the Court of Appeals.
	GR NO. 169869 2007-07-12	PEOPLE v. PEDRO DELIMA AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ, J.
Appellant filed a Notice of Appeal to this Court but per Resolution dated September 22, 2004, the case was transferred to the CA in accordance with this Court's Decision in People v. Mateo.[4]
	GR NO. 175880 2007-07-06	PEOPLE v. RICARDO COMANDA Y CAMOTE TINGA, J.
Conformably with this Court's decision in People v. Mateo,[23] appellant's appeal by way of automatic review was transferred to the Court of Appeals. Finding no sufficient basis to disturb the finding and conclusions of the trial court, the appellate court, on 12 October 2006, rendered its decision affirming in toto appellant's conviction.[24]
	GR NO. 171163 2007-07-04	PEOPLE v. MELITON JALBUENA Y TADIOSA CARPIO MORALES, J.
This case was forwarded to this Court for automatic review in view of the death penalty imposed. Per People v. Mateo,[12] however, this Court referred the case to the Court of Appeals by Resolution of July 26, 2005.[13]
	GR NO. 166617 2007-07-03	PEOPLE v. AGUSTIN ABELLERA Y CAMANA CORONA, J.
This case was first brought to us on automatic review. However, following People v. Mateo,[10] we transferred it to the CA. There, respondent assigned the following errors to the trial court: (1) giving full credence to the testimonies of the complainants; (2) rejecting his testimony, his wife's and youngest daughter's and (3) convicting him.
	GR NO. 174060 2007-06-25	PEOPLE v. LITO BEJIC Y ANTONI CHICO-NAZARIO, J.
WHEREFORE, finding accused Lito Bejic y Antoni guilty beyond reasonable doubt of qualified incestuous rape, the court sentences him to death and orders him to pay his daughter civil indemnity in the sum of P75,000.00 and moral damages in the sum of P50,000.00. With costs.[16] The case was automatically elevated to this Court for review by reason of the death penalty imposed on appellant. However, pursuant to our ruling in People v. Mateo,[17] the case was transferred and referred to the Court of Appeals for proper disposition.
	GR NO. 174472 2007-06-19	PEOPLE v. BENIGNO FETALINO Y GABALDON CHICO-NAZARIO, J.
In view of the death penalty imposed by the trial court, the cases were automatically elevated to this Court for review. However, in our Resolution dated 13 December 2005,[21] we ordered the remand of these cases to the Court of Appeals pursuant to our holding in People v. Mateo.[22]
	GR NO. 169873 2007-06-08	PEOPLE v. NORBERTO ASTROLOGO Y DE DIOS CHICO-NAZARIO, J.
Pursuant to People v. Mateo,[14] the records of the present case were transferred to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action and disposition.
	GR No. 174064 2007-06-08	PEOPLE v. HENRY TOGAHAN TINGA, J.
With the death penalty imposed on appellants, the case was elevated to this Court on automatic review. However, pursuant to this Court's ruling in People v. Mateo,[28] the case was transferred to the Court of Appeals.
	GR No. 169061 2007-06-08	PEOPLE v. ROQUE ABELLANO NACHURA, J.
Initially, this case was brought to this Court for automatic review. However, on September 7, 2004, the Court transferred this case to the CA consistent with its ruling in People v. Mateo.[10]

PEOPLE v. EFREN MATEO Y GARCIA