People v. Akmad

Summary

Akmad was charged with subornation of perjury for allegedly inducing Moro Palao to give false testimony in a murder case. The prosecution claimed Akmad intimidated Palao into changing his testimony about whether he could see the accused on the night of the murder, causing the government to lose crucial evidence. The Court of First Instance convicted Akmad and imposed imprisonment, fine, and disqualification. However, the Supreme Court reversed the conviction, finding the evidence insufficient. The Court held that the prosecution failed to present the best evidence of the alleged false testimony and did not prove that the testimony was given under oath, both essential elements of subornation of perjury. The information was dismissed and defendant ordered released.