This case has been cited 4 times or more.
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2016-02-10 |
PEREZ, J. |
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| After taking into account the location and the number of stab wounds sustained by the victim, the accused-appellant's claim of self-defense further crumbles. To reiterate, the first stab blow hit Severino's back jibing with Vicente's assertion that the former was stabbed from behind. Then, when the victim was totally caught by surprise with the initial attack, the second and third stab blows were delivered. Additionally, the number of wounds suffered by Severino invalidates the accused-appellant's allegation that he was only defending himself for the number of wounds inflicted are rather demonstrative of deliberate and criminal intent to end the life of the victim.[23] | |||||
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2003-09-30 |
QUISUMBING, J. |
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| When the issue boils down to the credibility of witnesses, the appellate court will not generally disturb the findings of the trial court because the latter is in the vantage position of observing witnesses through the various indicia of truthfulness or falsehood.[82] However, this rule is not absolute. One exception is where the judge who wrote the decision did not personally hear the prosecution's evidence.[83] In this case, the records show that Judge Angel V. Colet, who authored the assailed decision, took over from Judge Benigno M. Galacgac only on April 29, 1997 or after the witnesses for the prosecution had testified. It does not follow, however, that a judge who was not present at the trial cannot render a just and valid judgment. The records and the transcripts of stenographic notes are available to him as basis for his decision. | |||||
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2003-02-07 |
SANDOVAL-GUTIERREZ, J. |
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| As Guban had succumbed to death and his opportunity to divulge the truth on his demise had been lost, we cannot but cast a quizzical glance on accused-appellant's uncorroborated testimony. More so, when such testimony was contradicted by his own witness who happened to be his sister. Standing alone against the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses, accused-appellant's own account of the killing must necessarily fail. We hold that his guilt has been established to a degree of moral certainty. The trial court did not err in relying on the testimony of Fajardo, an eyewitness. Time and again, we have said that we will not interfere with the judgment of the trial court in determining the credibility of witnesses unless there appears on record some facts or circumstances of weight and influence which have been overlooked or the significance of which has been misinterpreted. This is so because the trial court has the advantage of observing the witnesses through the different indicators of truthfulness or falsehood.[39] | |||||
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2002-08-14 |
YNARES-SANTIAGO, J. |
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| weight and influence which has been overlooked or the significance of which has been misinterpreted. Factual findings of the trial court, especially on the credibility of witnesses, are accorded great weight and respect. This is so because the trial court has the advantage of observing the witnesses through the different indicators of truthfulness or falsehood.[22] In the instant case, there is no reason for us to disregard the trial court's finding that the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses are entitled to full faith and credit. Considering that accused-appellant's guilt was established beyond reasonable doubt, the trial court correctly imposed upon her the penalty of reclusion perpetua pursuant to Article 270 of the Revised Penal Code. | |||||