This case has been cited 4 times or more.
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2015-01-21 |
PERLAS-BERNABE, J. |
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| In the instant case, the CA correctly upheld the RTC's finding that the prosecution was able to establish the fact that Balute poked his gun at SPO1 Manaois, took the latter's mobile phone, and thereafter, shot him, resulting in his death despite surgical and medical intervention. This is buttressed by Cristita and Blesilda's positive identification of Balute as the one who committed the crime as opposed to the latter's denial and alibi which was correctly considered by both the RTC and the CA as weak and self-serving, as it is well-settled that "alibi and denial are outweighed by positive identification that is categorical, consistent and untainted by any ill motive on the part of the [eyewitnesses] testifying on the matter."[18] This is especially true when the eyewitnesses are the relatives of the victim such as Cristita and Blesilda who are the wife and daughter of SPO1 Manaois, respectively since "[t]he natural interest of witnesses, who are relatives of the victim, in securing the conviction of the guilty would actually deter them from implicating persons other than the true culprits."[19] | |||||
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2013-07-03 |
LEONARDO-DE CASTRO, J. |
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| Jurisprudence is consistent in reiterating that the trial court is in a better position to adjudge the credibility of witnesses especially if it is affirmed by the Court of Appeals.[25] People v. Clores[26] reminds us that: When it comes to the matter of credibility of a witness, settled are the guiding rules some of which are that (1) the Appellate court will not disturb the factual findings of the lower Court, unless there is a showing that it had overlooked, misunderstood or misapplied some fact or circumstance of weight and substance that would have affected the result of the case, which showing is absent herein; (2) the findings of the Trial Court pertaining to the credibility of a witness is entitled to great respect since it had the opportunity to examine his demeanor as he testified on the witness stand, and, therefore, can discern if such witness is telling the truth or not[;] and (3) a witness who testifies in a categorical, straightforward, spontaneous and frank manner and remains consistent on cross-examination is a credible witness. (Citations omitted.) | |||||
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2013-01-16 |
LEONARDO-DE CASTRO, J. |
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| This Court has consistently stated that the trial court is in a better position to adjudge the credibility of witnesses, especially if its decision is affirmed by the Court of Appeals.[19] We have been reminded in People v. Clores[20] that: When it comes to the matter of credibility of a witness, settled are the guiding rules some of which are that (1) the [a]ppellate court will not disturb the factual findings of the lower [c]ourt, unless there is a showing that it had overlooked, misunderstood or misapplied some fact or circumstance of weight and substance that would have affected the result of the case x x x; (2) the findings of the [t]rial [c]ourt pertaining to the credibility of a witness is entitled to great respect since it had the opportunity to examine his demeanor as he testified on the witness stand, and, therefore, can discern if such witness is telling the truth or not[;] and (3) a witness who testifies in a categorical, straightforward, spontaneous and frank manner and remains consistent on cross-examination is a credible witness. (Citations omitted.) | |||||
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2012-11-12 |
LEONARDO-DE CASTRO, J. |
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| Time and again, this Court has stated that, in the absence of any clear showing that the trial court overlooked or misconstrued cogent facts and circumstances which would alter a conviction, it generally defers to the trial court's evaluation of the credibility of witnesses especially if such findings are affirmed by the Court of Appeals.[20] This must be so since the trial courts are in a better position to decide the question of credibility, having heard the witnesses themselves and having observed firsthand their deportment and manner of testifying under grueling examination.[21] | |||||