Facts:

• Felipe Cabanela was charged with raping his 14-year-old daughter, Genelyn O. Cabanela.
• The incident occurred on April 14, 1995, in Barangay San Roque, Mercedes, Camarines Norte.
• The Information alleged that Cabanela committed sexual intercourse with Genelyn against her will, using force and intimidation.
• Genelyn testified that her father raped her three times, with the last incident on the date mentioned.
• She described threats made by her father against her and her siblings if she disclosed the assaults.
• Genelyn confided in her mother, Juanita O. Cabanela, who confirmed prior disclosures of the rapes.
• Gerry Cabanela, Genelyn's brother, corroborated her account by witnessing the assault.
• A medico-legal examination revealed healed hymenal lacerations, indicating sexual assault.
• Cabanela pleaded not guilty, claiming an alibi of being out fishing during the incident.
• The trial court found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced him to death, ordering damages to be paid to the victim.
• The case was automatically appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed Felipe Cabanela's conviction for rape.
• The Court held that the prosecution's evidence was sufficient to support the conviction.
• The Court ruled that ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of the victim's testimony in crimes against chastity, which should not be dismissed lightly.
• Genelyn's credibility was established through corroboration from her brother and medical evidence.
• The trial court's assessment of Genelyn's demeanor during her testimony indicated her sincerity and trauma.
• Cabanela's alibi was deemed weak and uncorroborated by disinterested witnesses.
• The argument that a father of eight would not commit such a crime was rejected, as parental resp...continue reading