Facts:

• Francisco Bermas y Asis appealed the Decision dated July 6, 2017, from the Court of Appeals (CA) in CA-G.R. CR-HC No. 06972.
• The CA upheld the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of EEE's Judgment dated May 16, 2014, which found Bermas guilty of Rape.
• The Information alleged that on January 10, 2008, in [DDD], Philippines, Bermas, motivated by lewd design and using force, had carnal knowledge of AAA, a mentally retarded individual, against her will.
• Witnesses included AAA, her mother BBB, Dr. Virginia Barasona, and Barangay Captain CCC.
• Testimonies indicated AAA had been mentally retarded since birth and displayed age-inconsistent behaviors.
• On the night of the incident, AAA was allegedly coerced by Bermas to remove her clothing, after which he and another man, Garry Padilla, sexually assaulted her.
• The defense claimed Bermas was merely passing by and had no involvement in the crime.
• The RTC convicted Bermas, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua, which he appealed to the CA, leading to a further appeal to the Supreme Court.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court granted the appeal, acquitting Francisco Bermas y Asis of the crime of Rape due to the prosecution's failure to prov...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court emphasized that the prosecution must prove two essential elements in rape cases:
  1. The offender had carnal knowledge of a woman.
  2. This act was accomplished through force or intimidation, or when the woman was deprived of reason.
• The evidence did not sufficiently establish that AAA was "deprived of reason" as required under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code.
• Testimonies from AAA's mother and Barangay Captain CCC indicated ...continue reading