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.

[2] EspaƱo v. Court of Appeals, 351 Phil. 798 (1998).

[3] Id.