G.R. No. 43929 ; November 6, 1935
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, plaintiff-appellee, vs. SOPRIANO DURAN (alias Sopi), defendant-appellant.

FACTS

The defendant-appellant, Sopriano Duran, was convicted by the Court of First Instance of Samar for the crime of rape and sentenced to a prison term. The complaining witness was an ignorant, weak-minded, and deaf peasant girl who gave part of her testimony through gestures and signs. Her testimony was corroborated by her father and a neighbor. The appellant denied the accusation, claiming he was being persecuted due to personal and political differences with the chief of police and the complainant’s father. His testimony was uncorroborated.

ISSUE

Whether the evidence is sufficient to sustain the appellant’s conviction for rape, raising a question of fact regarding the credibility of witnesses.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. Applying the settled rule that it will not disturb the trial court’s findings on witness credibility unless some material fact was overlooked or misinterpreted, the Court held that the trial judge was in a singularly favorable position to assess the evidence, especially given the complainant’s condition and manner of testifying. In the absence of a clear showing that the trial court acted unjustly or arbitrarily, its conclusions are to be respected. The judgment was affirmed with costs against the appellant.

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