Facts:

• The case involves the People of the Philippines (plaintiff-appellee) against Crisanto Baderes y Mapisa, also known as "Boy" (defendant-appellant).
• The incident occurred on April 19, 1973, in Barrio Pineda, Pasig, Rizal.
• Complainant Irene Anonuevo, 13 years old, lost her companion during a passion play and sought refuge at a family friend's house.
• On her way, she was confronted by Baderes, who threatened her with a sharp object and took her to a house with three accomplices: Enrique Mision, Enrico Pinacate, and Romeo Yumo.
• Inside the house, Irene was restrained, stripped, and raped by Baderes while his accomplices held her down.
• After the assault, she was threatened against reporting the incident.
• Irene informed her brother upon returning home, leading to a medico-legal examination at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
• The medical examination showed signs consistent with sexual intercourse but did not conclusively prove rape.
• The lower court convicted Baderes of rape, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua and damages to the victim.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court reversed the lower court's decision, acquitting Crisanto Baderes of the crime of rape.
• The Court determined that the prosecution did n...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court's decision focused on the credibility of the complainant's testimony, which was inconsistent and lacked credibility.
• The complainant's account was contradicted by her own statements and defense witnesses, who presented a plausible narrative of consensual relations.
• Medical findings indicated sexual intercourse but did not definitively support the claim of rape, as they were consistent w...continue reading