SC upholds Datu Tato Ampatuan Sr.'s acquittal in Maguindanao case

The Supreme Court has upheld the acquittal of Datu Akmad 'Tato' Ampatuan Sr., who was indicted for 58 counts of murder related to the 1989 Maguindanao massacre.

In a January 27 decision, the high court affirmed rulings by lower courts that while Ampatuan had prior knowledge of the plot, there was insufficient evidence of an 'overt act' to prove his involvement in a criminal conspiracy.

The Court of Appeals dismissed the state's challenge, agreeing with the Regional Trial Court (RTC) that mere presence or acquiescence without an overt act does not establish liability as a conspirator.

The Supreme Court reiterated that expressions of approval alone are insufficient to constitute conspiracy and noted the prosecution failed to prove Ampatuan exerted moral ascendancy over the conspirators.

Citing Article 2040 of the Revised Penal Code, the court exempted relatives from criminal liability for accessory roles but acknowledged this does not signify their innocence due to blood ties.

Five of the seven Ampatuan family members who were masterminds behind the Philippines' worst election-related violence that left 58 people dead in 2009 received sentences ranging from reclusion perpetua to life imprisonment.