Case Digest (G.R. No. 246146) Core Legal Reasoning Model
Core Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
In G.R. No. 246146, March 18, 2021, the Supreme Court resolved a petition for review on certiorari filed by CICL XXX, a 15-year-old child in conflict with the law, who was convicted of Acts of Lasciviousness under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code. The incident occurred on August 30, 2012, inside the campus of xxxxxxxxxxx in Quezon City, when petitioner, armed with an icepick, forcibly embraced, kissed, unbuttoned, and removed the upper garments and panties of AAA, then also 15, and mashed her breasts without her consent. AAA reported the ordeal a week later, first to a priest, then to her aunt and the barangay, and finally to the Women’s Desk of the Batasan Hills Police Station. At the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City, Branch 94, petitioner pleaded not guilty but was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt in the June 2, 2017 Decision and was sentenced to twenty days of arresto menor, with damages and a suspended sentence due to his minority. The Court of Appeals (CA)... Case Digest (G.R. No. 246146) Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
- Charge and nature of the case
- On August 30, 2012, in Quezon City, CICL XXX (then age 15) was charged with Acts of Lasciviousness under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code for pointing an icepick at AAA (age 15), kissing her lips and neck, unbuttoning her blouse, removing her sando, bra and panties, and fondling her breasts without consent.
- The information alleged force, intimidation and lewd design contrary to law.
- Trial proceedings
- Upon arraignment, CICL XXX pleaded not guilty. The trial proceeded with AAA as the lone prosecution witness.
- Defense presented petitioner’s alibi: attendance in MAPEH class from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., supported by teacher FFF and classmates CCC and DDD.
- Lower courts’ decisions and appellate history
- RTC (Quezon City, Branch 94) Decision dated June 2, 2017: found CICL XXX guilty beyond reasonable doubt; imposed 20 days arresto menor; awarded P20,000 civil indemnity, P30,000 moral damages, P2,000 exemplary damages; suspended sentence due to minority.
- CA in CA-G.R. CR No. 40165: affirmed RTC in a September 27, 2018 Decision and denied motion for reconsideration in a March 4, 2019 Resolution.
- Petitioner filed a petition for review on certiorari before the Supreme Court, challenging the sufficiency of evidence and witness credibility findings.
Issues:
- Sufficiency and credibility of evidence
- Whether the Court of Appeals erred in giving credence to the lone prosecution witness.
- Whether the uncontroverted defense evidence (alibi) required acquittal.
- Legal classification and penalty
- Whether the crime should be designated under Article 336 RPC or as Lascivious Conduct under Section 5(b) of R.A. 7610.
- Appropriate penalty range and application of suspension under R.A. 9344 (Juvenile Justice Act).
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)