Facts:

• Fortunato Balano was convicted of the crime of rape for assaulting Elsie Ninang.
• The incident occurred on April 20, 1996, in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.
• Elsie's daughter, Richeryll Ninang, witnessed the assault.
• Elsie reported the incident to her sister-in-law before seeking medical examination.
• The trial court found Elsie's testimony credible and rejected Balano's defense of denial and alibi.
• Balano was sentenced to reclusion perpetua and ordered to pay damages to the victim.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The court affirmed the decision of the trial court, finding Balano guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of rape.
• Balano's claim of innocence and his request for a reversal of his conviction were denied.
• The court held that the testimony of the victim, Elsie Ninang, was credible and convincing.
• The court also considered the testimony of Richeryll Ninang, who witn...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• In reviewing rape cases, the court follows the principles that an accusation of rape can be easily made but difficult to disprove, the testimony of the complainant must be scrutinized with caution, and the evidence for the prosecution must stand on its own merits.
• In this case, the court found Elsie's testimony to be credible and convincing.
• The court emphasized that a medical examination is not necessary for the succ...continue reading