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PEOPLE vs Richard R. Deauna

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, appellee, vs. RICHARD R. DEAUNA, appellant.

G.R. Nos. 143200-01 | 2002-08-01

D E C I S I O N

PANGANIBAN, J.:

Recantations and affidavits of desistance given by rape victims, especially after the trial court has already convicted the accused, cannot negate or degrade credible and clear testimonies rendered in open court. Solemn trials and credible declarations in court cannot be mocked and placed at the mercy of out-of-court, uncross-examined post facto statements.

The Case

Richard R. Deauna appeals the Decision[1] of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of San Mateo, Rizal (Branch 76), dated July 30, 1999, in Criminal Case Nos. 3609 and 3610, finding him guilty beyond reasonable doubt of two (2) counts of rape and...