- Petitioner
- Evelyn Panahon
- Respondent
- People
- Citation
- G.R. No. 134342
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Division
- Third Division
- Ponente
- Garcia, J.
- Decided
- August 11, 2005
Criminal prosecution for estafa under Article 315, paragraph 2(a) of the Revised Penal Code involving fraudulent taking of money through false…
Summary
This criminal case involves Evelyn Panahon's conviction for estafa under Article 315, paragraph 2(a) of the Revised Penal Code. Panahon obtained P21,163.25 from Susan Jocson, her townmate and neighbor, under the false pretense of buying ready-to-wear clothes abroad for their business. However, she never left the country and disappeared with the money. The Regional Trial Court convicted her based solely on Jocson's testimony, which was affirmed by the Court of Appeals and ultimately by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court emphasized that the testimony of a single credible witness is sufficient for conviction beyond reasonable doubt, particularly given the relationship between the parties and absence of ill motive. The Court confirmed the proper application of the Indeterminate Sentence Law in imposing the penalty.