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PEOPLE v. PATRICK A. COLISAO

This case has been cited 4 times or more.

	GR Nos. 139474-75 2003-12-11	PEOPLE v. EDUARDO PABILLARE Y VARONA PER CURIAM
It has been repeatedly held in a number of cases that denial, like alibi, is inherently a weak defense, for it is easy to concoct and difficult to disprove. It cannot stand vis-a-vis the unequivocal assertion to the contrary of the complainant. It can safely be stated that the defense of denial assumes significance only when the prosecution's evidence is such that it does not prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.[19]
	GR Nos. 136592-93 2003-11-27	PEOPLE v. MANOLITO PANCHO SANDOVAL-GUTIERREZ, J.
Appellant's denial is an inherently weak defense. It has always been viewed upon with disfavor by the courts due to the ease with which it can be concocted.[28] Inherently weak, denial as a defense crumbles in the light of positive identification of the accused, as in this case. The defense of denial assumes significance only when the prosecution's evidence is such that it does not prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.[29] Verily, mere denial, unsubstantiated by clear and convincing evidence, is negative self-serving evidence which cannot be given greater evidentiary weight than the testimony of the complaining witness who testified on affirmative matters. [30]
	GR No. 128882 2003-10-02	PEOPLE v. JOEL AYUDA SANDOVAL-GUTIERREZ, J.
An impeccable recollection cannot reasonably be expected from the victim of a horrendous crime, such that minor contradictions in her testimony are perceived to enhance, rather than detract from, her credibility.[5] Thus, inconsistencies and discrepancies which refer to minor matters are irrelevant to the elements of the crime and cannot be considered as grounds for acquittal.[6]
	GR No. 146020 2002-05-29	PEOPLE v. NORMAN PALARCA Y MERCADO YNARES-SANTIAGO, J.
The Court sustains the award of P50,000.00 as moral damages which need no proof since it is presumed that the rape victim suffered moral injuries.[20] In addition, accused-appellant must also be ordered to pay the amount of P50,000.00 as civil indemnity for the offense. The payment of civil indemnity is mandatory upon a finding of rape; it is distinct from any award for moral damages as the latter is based on a different jural foundation and is assessed at the trial court's sound discretion.[21]