Case Digest (G.R. No. 141123)
Facts:
The case involves the accused-appellant Nicomedes Canon who was charged with the crime of statutory rape. The victim, Genelyn Barnuevo Canon, accused her father of sexually abusing her on January 22, 1996. During the trial, Genelyn testified and positively identified her father as the perpetrator. The prosecution also presented the testimony of the examining physician who found irritations on Genelyn's labia majora, indicating possible sexual abuse. The defense, on the other hand, presented the alibi defense, claiming that the accused-appellant was too drunk to remember the events of that day.
Issue:
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Ruling:
The court affirmed the decision of the Regional Trial Court, finding the accused-appellant guilty of qualified rape and imposing the penalty of death. The court held that the defense's alibi defense was weak and could not prevail over the positive identification of the victim. The court also noted that the examining physician's findings supported the victim's claim o...(Unlock)
Ratio:
The court emphasized that alibi is an inherently weak defense and unless supported by clear and convincing evidence, it cannot prevail over the positive declaration of the victim. The court also stated that the trial court's evaluation of the credibility of the witnesses is accorded great weight, as the trial court has the unique opportunity to observe their demeanor and manner of testifying. The cour...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 141123)
Facts:
In the case of People v. Canon, the accused-appellant, Nicomedes Canon, was found guilty of qualified rape for sexually abusing his nine-year-old daughter. The trial court sentenced him to death. The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the trial court, stating that the trial court's evaluation of the credibility of the witnesses is accorded great weight. The court emphasized that unless it is shown that the trial court overlooked or misapplied some facts or circumstances, its findings will not be disturbed on appeal.
Issue:
The main issue in the case was whether the accused-appellant was guilty of qualified rape.
Ruling:
The court ruled that the accused-appellant's guilt was established beyond reasonable doubt based on the positive identification of the victim and the supporting medical findings. The court rejected the defense's alibi defense, stating that alibi is an inherently weak defense and cannot prevail over the positive declaration of the victim.
Ratio:
The court's decision was based on the evaluation of the credibility of the witnesses. The court emphasized that the trial court's findings will not be disturbed on appeal unless it is shown that the trial court overlooked or misapplied some facts or circumstances. In this case, the court found that the trial court's evaluation of the witnesses' credibility was sound and supported by the evidence presented.
The court also considered the positive identification of the victim and the supporting me...