G.R. No. 262473 - Palacio vs. Valmores

Marilou Palacio y Valmores (Marilou) and Sonny Febra, Sr. y Comiso (Sonny) were charged with trafficking in persons under Section 4(a), in relation to Section 6(c), of Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended).
The Information alleged that prior to and on February 2, 2016, in the jurisdiction of the court, Marilou and Sonny conspired to recruit, obtain, provide, and offer three private complainants to engage in sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual exploitation for money or profit.

Police Senior Inspector Jerome Brian Saniano (PSI Saniano) was tasked by Police Chief Superintendent Rosauro Acio to conduct surveillance on trafficking activities along a certain area.
PSI Saniano, posing as "Jeff," a foreign customer, contacted a number linked to Marilou (alias Analyn) via text.
Marilou immediately offered boys and girls aged 13 to 17 years for sexual services at stated prices.
Meetings were arranged at Max's Restaurant on February 1 and February 2, 2016, involving Marilou, Sonny, victims, and the poseur buyers.
An entrapment operation was conducted where marked money was handed to Marilou and Sonny and subsequently, they were arrested along with the victims.

AAA testified receiving an offer from Sonny and that Marilou was present during meetings to recruit girls to provide "good service" (which involved showing their bodies, drinking with guests, and occasionally sexual intercourse).
CCC supported AAA's testimony, describing the recruitment and boarding of a van that took the girls to foreign customers.
PSI Saniano testified about the text conversations with Marilou, meeting with her and Sonny, and the entrapment details.
Dennilyn Villanueva claimed alias Analyn and Marilou were different persons and that she was recruited as a tour guide, not for sexual exploitation.

Sonny claimed his presence was only for a farewell party and denied knowledge of transactions or that he recruited girls.
Marilou denied the charges, alleging she and Sonny were invited to a farewell party as tour guides and that others named Ace and Alex could corroborate.

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) found Marilou and Sonny guilty beyond reasonable doubt of trafficking in persons, sentencing each to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of PHP 1,000,000 to PHP 2,000,000.
The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the RTC decision with modification, adding the award of moral damages of PHP 500,000 and exemplary damages of PHP 100,000 to each private complainant.

Marilou filed a Petition for Review on Certiorari to the Supreme Court arguing that the prosecution failed to prove recruitment and conspiracy.
The People opposed, asserting proof of guilt was established.

Whether the prosecution sufficiently established the elements of trafficking in persons against Marilou and Sonny.
Whether Marilou and Sonny conspired to commit trafficking in persons.
Whether the penalty and awards of damages were appropriate.