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 RegionalTrial 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 createsreasonable doubt on his guilt being extant, his conviction
must be upheld.