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PEOPLE vs Pascual Balinad and Cenon Balinad

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. PASCUAL BALINAD alias “Daculo” and CENON BALINAD, accused-appellants.

G.R. No. 126036 | 2000-09-07

D E C I S I O N

KAPUNAN, J.:

It is evidentiary rule that the testimony of a single witness, if found credible, is sufficient to convict an accused. In the case at bar, the trial court, as well as the Court of Appeals, imposed upon the appellants the penalty of reclusion perpetua for the crime of murder on the basis solely of the testimony of an alleged eyewitness to the crime. However, a scrutiny of the records reveals that such testimony is gravely flawed and contains discrepancies with his previous Sworn Statement on material points. It is a mere concoction unworthy of belief; and hence, cannot be the basis of herein appellant's...