This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2002-06-06 |
QUISUMBING, J. |
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| The trial court gave credence to the complainant's testimony, which it described as straightforward and unfaltering, despite the grueling and intensive cross and re-cross examination by the defense.[16] The testimony of complainant is unwavering that there was penile contact with her vagina. The trial court, in contrast, found appellant's testimony self-serving. His denials and contradictory claims could not prevail over the positive testimonies of witnesses for the prosecution, particularly that of the young victim. We have consistently held that the testimonies of rape victims who are of tender age are credible, especially if they are without any motive to testify falsely against the accused.[17] The ill-motive imputed by appellant to complainant's family is specious, to say the least. Nothing on record corroborates his self-serving claim. It is highly improbable for the parents of a young and innocent girl to subject their daughter to the harrowing travails of a rape trial only to exact revenge on someone for a debt of honor that took place almost thirty years ago. Moreover, if we follow appellant's logic, the present charge of complainant against him would only show his predilection to repeat an abusive and dishonorable act. In that case, he condemns rather than redeems himself by his own words. | |||||