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PEOPLE vs. Vicente Zaballero

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. VICENTE ZABALLERO alias "ATOY," accused-appellant.

G.R. No. 100935 | 1997-06-30

D E C I S I O N

PANGANIBAN, J:

The straightforward, clear, positive and guileless testimony of the offended party, even if she is mentally weak and suffering from occasional epileptic bouts, is sufficient basis to convict appellant of rape. The trial court's assessment of the complainant's credibility is accorded great respect, even finality, absent any showing of arbitrariness or bias.

In a sworn complaint, 1 Hermie Galo assisted by her mother, accused Vicente Zaballero alias Atoy of the crime of rape before the Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Catarman-Sagay in Camiguin. After the requisite preliminary investigation and upon finding a...