1. Written by Judge Modesto C. Juanson. 2. Assailed Decision, p. 22; rollo, p. 62; records, p. 181. 3. The three were signed by Asst. Provincial Prosecutor Marlon S. Meneses. 4. Information dated June 22, 1998; rollo, p. 11. 5. Information dated June 22, 1998; rollo, p. 12. 6. Information dated June 22, 1998; rollo, p. 13. 7. Assisted by Atty. Pedrito B. Labarinto. 8. See the RTC’s Order dated July 20, 1998; records, p. 34. 9. This case was deemed submitted for resolution on July 11, 2000, when the Court received Appellee’s Brief. The filing of a reply brief was deemed waived, as none had been submitted within the reglementary period. 10. Signed by Sol. Gen. Ricardo P. Galvez, Asst. Sol. Gen. Carlos N. Ortega, and Sol. Geraldine C. Fiel-Macaraig. 11. Appellee’s Brief, pp. 5-16; rollo, pp. 188-199. (Citations omitted) 12. Signed by Atty. Pedrito B. Labarinto. 13. Appellant’s Brief, p. 51; rollo, p. 146. 14. Ibid., p. 9; rollo, p. 104. 15. RTC Decision, pp. 15-17; rollo, pp. 165-67. 16. Appellant’s Brief, p. 4; rollo, p. 99. 17. People v. Talo, G.R. No. 125542, October 25, 2000; People v. Malabad, supra. 18. People v. Sarmiento, G.R. No. 134768; People v Operaña Jr., G.R. No. 120546, October 13, 2000. 19. People v. Abalde, G.R. No. 123113, March 31, 2000; People v. Baygar, G.R. No. 132238, November 17, 1999. 20. TSN, July 29, 1998, pp. 12-15. 21. Ibid., pp. 3-6.