In a 13-page decision, Judge Ricardo Rosario ruled that Ricardo Comabig was guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the crime of murder against Romeo Solares last Jan. 27, 2001.
Based on records, the victim was intoxicated at the night of the incident after engaging in a drinking session with his co-workers at the PRC in Barangay Carmona, Makati City.
It was revealed that the victim was so drunk that he had to be dragged to the stable so he could get some sleep.
While the victim was sleeping, Comabig entered the stable and stabbed Solares twice in his chest using a hoe.
During the trial, Comabig admitted that he stabbed his cousin Solares, but only in self-defense.
According to Comabig, Solares attempted to stab him with a knife when he went inside the stable to check on him.
However, the court discarded his defense based on the argument that Solares could not have attempted to stab the accused because he was too intoxicated.
The accused also incriminated himself when he testified that he held a grudge with the victim. Comabig said he was upset that his cousin was ungrateful of his efforts to get him the job at the PRC.
The circumstances surrounding the death of the victim prompted Judge Rosario to rule that the crime was premeditated and done out of treachery.
Aside from the sentence of death, Rosario also ordered Comabig to indemnify the heirs of the victim the amount of P100,000 as moral damages. – Marvin Sy