Practice question
A prosecution witness asserts a positive identification, but the record shows the witness could not see the offender and the account leaves reasonable doubt. The accused gives only a denial. May the court convict solely because positive testimony always beats denial?
- Yes, the word positive ends the inquiry
- No, the prosecution must still establish credible identification and guilt beyond reasonable doubt
- Yes, every denial waives innocence
- Yes, all affirmative claims are conclusive
- No, because negative evidence always wins
Legal references
- Gomez v. Gomez-Samson, G.R. No. 156284, February 6, 2007; People v. Lastimosa, G.R. No. 265758, February 3, 2025, main decisions.
- Reviewed primary authority, Main decision, qualified positive-negative weight and expert methods: https://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/feb2007/gr_156284_2007.html
- Reviewed primary authority, Main decision, credible positive identification versus bare denial: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2025/feb2025/gr_265758_2025.html
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