Reversal of findings on appeal requires overlooked, misunderstood or misapplied facts or law

In essence, at issue is the credibility of witnesses of the parties. On this score, it is doctrinally settled that appellate courts will generally not disturbed the findings of the trial court because of the latter's distinct advantage of having heard the witnesses themselves and observed their deportment and manner of testifying or conduct and behavior during the trial. The recognized exceptions to this rule are where the record shows that facts and circumstances of weight and influence have been overlooked, misunderstood or misapplied by the trial court which, if considered, would have affected the result of the case; and when such findings are arbitrary. We find no room to apply any of the exceptions. [G.R. No. 119591. November 21, 1996]