Case Digest (G.R. No. 247718) Core Legal Reasoning Model
Core Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
In People of the Philippines vs. Jaynard Agustin y Paraggua (G.R. No. 247718, March 3, 2021), accused-appellant Jaynard Agustin y Paraggua, a local resident of Cagayan, was charged with Rape with Homicide under an Information dated November 3, 2010. The Information alleged that on or about November 1, 2010, Agustin forcibly carried and dragged 12-year-old AAA into a sugarcane plantation in the municipality of Xxxxxxx, Province of Cagayan, raped her against her will, strangled her with intent to kill, and buried her to conceal the crime. During arraignment, the Information was read to Agustin in Ilocano, and he pleaded not guilty. At trial before the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 4, Tuguegarao City (Criminal Case No. 13738), the prosecution presented the victim’s mother (BBB), medico-legal officer Dr. Francisco Romulo D. Villaflor, Atty. Luis Donato, Jr., Barangay Captain Alfredo Ruam, and Police Officer 3 Joel Mora. Dr. Villaflor’s post-mortem report (Medico-Legal Report No Case Digest (G.R. No. 247718) Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
- Background and Indictment
- On November 3, 2010, an Information was filed against Jaynard Agustin y Paraggua for Rape with Homicide under Article 266-A No. 1(a) and (d) in relation to Article 266-B (4th par.) and Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code as amended by R.A. No. 8353, alleging that on November 1, 2010, he forcibly raped minor AAA, 12 years old, in a sugarcane plantation in Cagayan and strangled her to death to conceal the crime.
- During arraignment, Agustin pleaded not guilty after the Information was read and explained to him in Ilocano.
- Prosecution Evidence
- BBB (mother of AAA) testified as to the victim’s age and death, but her testimony was largely dispensed with by stipulation on civil indemnity (P50,000).
- Dr. Francisco Romulo D. Villaflor, medico-legal officer, conducted the November 2, 2010 post-mortem of AAA and found:
- Eight injuries on the body including hematomas and abrasions on the neck consistent with strangulation (cause of death: asphyxia by strangulation).
- Three fresh genital injuries—vaginal abrasion with hematoma, hymenal laceration (5 o’clock position), and fourchette laceration—indicative of forceful sexual intercourse.
- Atty. Luis Donato, Jr. assisted during Agustin’s extrajudicial confession on November 2, 2010, at the local police station. He testified that:
- He was requested by police to assist Agustin, translating questions from English to Ilocano and vice versa.
- Agustin was read his rights, insisted on confessing, recounted rape and killing of AAA, and affixed his thumbmark to the typewritten confession, which bore signatures of the investigator and counsel.
- Barangay Captain Alfredo Ruam was notified and initially presented but his testimony was not continued.
- Investigating Officer PO3 Joel Mora’s testimony was dispensed with by stipulation; the extrajudicial confession document (Exh. H) was offered and admitted.
- Defense Evidence
- Accused Agustin testified under oath, denying any involvement in the rape-homicide, denying knowledge of the confession document, claiming illiteracy and inability to read or write, and disavowing acquaintance with Atty. Donato, Jr.
Issues:
- Whether the trial court erred in admitting Agustin’s extrajudicial confession despite constitutional and statutory infirmities.
- Whether the remaining evidence proved Agustin’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)