Facts:

• Accused, Reynaldo Balajadia, was found guilty of robbery with rape.
• Testimony of the complainant, Marlene Zinampan, served as the basis for the conviction.
• Defense argued that the complainant willingly went with the accused and had sexual intercourse with him.
• Testimony of four witnesses, employees of the Ginza Hotel, supported the actions of the complainant and the accused before the alleged rape.
• Trial court's decision was affirmed, and the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment or reclusion perpetua.
• Complainant was awarded moral damages in the amount of P40,000.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The court ruled that the complainant's testimony was credible and that there was no evidence to support the defense's version of events.
• The trial court's findings on credibility were not disturbed by the appellate court.
• Life imprisonment is not the same as reclusion perpetua, and reclusion ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• In determining the credibility of witnesses, they are to be weighed, not numbered.
• Appellate courts generally do not disturb the findings of the trial court on credibility unless certain facts of value have been plainly overlooked.
• The cour...continue reading