FIRST DIVISION
[G.R. No. 236426. April 23, 2018.]
DENNIS CARTAGENA, petitioner,vs. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, respondent.
NOTICE
Sirs/Mesdames :
Please take notice that the Court, First Division, issued a Resolution datedApril 23, 2018which reads as follows: DcHSEa
"G.R. No. 236426 (Dennis Cartagena v. People of the Philippines). — The motion for extension of time filed by petitioner is GRANTED.
Nevertheless, after review of the records, the Court resolves to DENY the petition for failure of petitioner to show any reversible error in the assailed ruling. Both the Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals (CA) found that petitioner committed the crime of Murder of former Ajuy, Iloilo Vice-Mayor Ramon Rojas, Jr. Absent any clear showing of abuse, arbitrariness, or capriciousness committed by the lower court, its findings of facts, especially when affirmed by the CA, as in this case, are accorded respect if not finality and are considered binding on this Court.
WHEREFORE, premises considered, the petition is DENIED. The March 23, 2017 Decision and November 13, 2017 Resolution of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. CR HC No. 02046 are hereby AFFIRMED with the MODIFICATION that the moral and exemplary damages awarded to the heirs of Ramon Rojas, Jr. are increased to P75,000.00 each.
SO ORDERED."Sereno, C.J., on leave; Leonardo-de Castro, J., designated as Acting Chairperson of the First Division per Special Order No. 2540 dated February 28, 2018.
Very truly yours,
(SGD.) LIBRADA C. BUENADeputy Division Clerk of Court