Case Digest (G.R. No. 201106)
Facts:
- Gerald Ballacillo was charged with multiple counts of rape against his 15-year-old niece, AAA.
- The incidents occurred in April 1999 in Lagangilang, Abra, Philippines.
- The first incident happened on April 14, 1999, when Ballacillo forcibly had carnal knowledge of AAA under threat of a knife while gathering bamboo shoots.
- Additional assaults occurred on April 27 and April 29, 1999, under similar threatening circumstances.
- AAA delayed reporting the incidents due to fear of retaliation from Ballacillo and concern for her family's safety, particularly her father's violent temper.
- In September 1999, AAA confided in a friend, and her mother later discovered her pregnancy, confirmed by medical examination.
- Ballacillo denied the charges, claiming he was at a youth seminar during the alleged rapes and suggested his brother was responsible for AAA's pregnancy.
- The Regional Trial Court (RTC) found Ballacillo guilty of three counts of rape and acquitted him in one case due to lack of evidence, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua and ordering damages.
- The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the RTC's decision with modifications on damages, leading Ballacillo to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' decision, finding Ballacillo guilty beyond reasonable doubt of three counts of rape under the Revised Penal Code and the Anti-Rape Law of 1997.
- The Court upheld AAA's credibility and the medical evidence supporting her claims.
- The failure to specify the correct legal provision in the Informations did not invalidate the charges, as the facts clearly constituted the crime of rape. ...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court emphasized the significance of the victim's credibility in rape cases, especially involving minors.
- AAA's testimony was found to be straightforward and consistent, supported by medical findings confirming her pregnancy aligned with the dates of the alleged rapes.
- The Court noted that specific details of the crime's location are not essential element...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 201106)
Facts:
The case involves Gerald Ballacillo, the accused-appellant, who was charged with multiple counts of rape against his 15-year-old niece, referred to as AAA. The incidents occurred in April 1999 in Lagangilang, Abra, Philippines. The first incident took place on April 14, 1999, when Ballacillo, while gathering bamboo shoots with AAA, forcibly had carnal knowledge of her under threat of a knife. The subsequent incidents occurred on April 27 and April 29, 1999, where he again assaulted AAA in similar circumstances, using threats to ensure her compliance. AAA did not report the incidents immediately due to fear of retaliation from Ballacillo and concern for her family's well-being, particularly her father's violent temper. It was only in September 1999 that she confided in a friend, and later, her mother learned of her pregnancy, which was confirmed by medical examination.
Ballacillo denied the charges, claiming he was attending a youth seminar during the times of the alleged rapes and suggested that his brother, Sonny Boy, was responsible for AAA's pregnancy. The Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Bangued, Abra, found Ballacillo guilty of three counts of rape and acquitted him in one case due to lack of evidence. The RTC sentenced him to reclusion perpetua and ordered him to pay damages. The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the RTC's decision with modifications regarding the damages awarded. Ballacillo subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court.
Issue:
- Did the prosecution prove beyond reasonable doubt that Gerald Ballacillo committed the crime of rap...