October 2011 - Philippine Supreme Court Resolutions
Philippine Supreme Court Resolutions
[G.R. No. 198396 : October 17, 2011]
CESAR ARANAS V. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES
G.R. No. 198396 (Cesar Aranas v. People of the Philippines).
RESOLUTION
After a review of the records, the Court resolves to DENY the petition for failure to show that the Court of Appeals (CA) committed reversible error when it upheld the RTC decision convicting petitioner of simple theft. The CA is correct when it held that positive identification should prevail over the defense of bare denial. The defense of frame-up is likewise unavailing unless it is clearly established by evidence other than the sole and self-serving claim of the petitioner. Finally, it is a well-settled doctrine that findings of trial courts on the credibility of witnesses deserve a high degree of respect. Having observed the deportment of witnesses during the trial, the trial judge is in a better position to determine the issue of credibility; hence, his findings will not be disturbed on appeal in the absence of any clear showing that he overlooked, misunderstood or misapplied some facts or circumstances of weight and substance that could have altered the conviction of petitioner.
SO ORDERED.
Very truly yours,
(Sgd.) LUCITA ABJELINA-SORIANO
Division Clerk of Court