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PEOPLE Vs. Laudemar De La Cruz

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. LAUDEMAR DE LA CRUZ y VERDADERO, accused-appellant.

G.R. Nos. 109619-23 | 1998-06-26

D E C I S I O N

PANGANIBAN, J:

In resolving this appeal, the Court reiterates the time-honored doctrine that the findings of trial courts on the credibility of witnesses and their testimonies are entitled to great weight and are generally not disturbed on appeal, except for strong and valid reasons. In addition, the Court underscores the principle that nighttime does not automatically aggravate a crime. The prosecution, must prove that the accused deliberately sought the darkness, took advantage of it and benefited from it by ensuring his non-identification or capture.

The Case

This is an appeal from the 20-page Decision 1 dated...