Findings of trial courts will not be disturbed on appeal
It is a well-settled doctrine that findings of trial courts on the credibility
of witnesses deserve a high degree of respect.[1] Having observed their
deportment in court, the trial judge is in a better position to determine the
issue of credibility.[2] For this reason, the
findings of trial judges will not be disturbed on appeal
in the absence of any clear showing that they have overlooked, misunderstood or
misapplied some facts or circumstances of weight and substance that could have
altered the conviction of appellants.[3]
[1] People v. Pateoy Garcia, G.R. No. 156786, 03 June 2004.
[1] People v. Pateoy Garcia, G.R. No. 156786, 03 June 2004.
[2] Españo v. Court of Appeals, 351 Phil. 798 (1998).
[3] Id.