"(A)ccusation is not according to the fundamental law, synonymous with guilt; the prosecution must overthrow the presumption of innocence with proof beyond reasonable doubt. To meet this standard, there is a need for the careful scrutiny of the testimony for the state, both oral and documentary, independently of whatever defense is offered by the accused. Only if the judge below and the appellate tribunal could arrive at a conclusion that the crime had been committed precisely by the person on trial thereof under such an exacting test should sentence be one of conviction. It is thus required that every circumstance favoring his innocence be duly taken into account. The proof against him must survive the test of reason, the strongest suspicion must not be permitted to sway judgment."[People vs. Dramayo, 42 SCRA 60]
