Case Digest: PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES v. SALOMON DIONEDA Y DELA CRUZ a.k.a. SIMON DIONEDA DELA CRUZ 587 SCRA 312 (2009)

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES v. SALOMON DIONEDA Y DELA CRUZ a.k.a. SIMON DIONEDA DELA CRUZ 587 SCRA 312 (2009)

Forthright witnesses are not immune from committing minor inaccuracies in their narration of events. Salomon Dioneda was charged with rape before the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City. The Information alleged that Dioneda willfully, unlawfully and feloniously had carnal knowledge with AAA who was then six (6) years old. The RTC of Quezon City found Dela Cruz guilty of rape and was credited the privilege mitigating circumstance of minority. The Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction. Dioneda later assails AAA‘s credibility due to the inconsistency of her testimonies as to the floor where the she was told to wait.

ISSUE:

Whether or not the inconsistencies of the narration of facts of AAA warrant the acquittal of Salomon Dioneda y Dela Cruz

HELD:

The place where AAA met Dioneda when she was about to leave the Dajao residence, whether on the ground or second floor is a trivial matter. AAA, a child of tender age, could not be expected to give a perfect recollection of the exact floor of the house where she met appellant. Forthright witnesses are not immune from committing minor inaccuracies in their narration of events. Trivial inconsistencies and inconsequential discrepancies on minor details in the testimonies of witness do not impair their credibility. Dioneda‘s challenge to the assailed decision having failed, and no circumstance which creates reasonable doubt on his guilt being extant, his conviction must be upheld.