Facts:

• Ramon Dadaeg, a teacher at the Community School in Roxas, Palawan, was accused of raping 13-year-old student Teofila Dangan.
• The incident occurred on April 14, 1966, after Dadaeg dismissed his grade six class during recess.
• Dadaeg asked Teofila to assist him in correcting test papers at his father's house.
• Once there, he allegedly dragged her into the bushes, overpowered her, and threatened her with a knife.
• Dadaeg stripped Teofila and succeeded in having sexual intercourse with her.
• An eyewitness, Benjamin Bagona, observed the incident from a nearby tree.
• Teofila ran home crying but initially remained silent due to Dadaeg's threats.
• She later confided in her parents, leading to a medical examination on April 20, 1966, which revealed signs of sexual abuse, including a ruptured hymen.
• Dadaeg was tried, found guilty of rape, and sentenced to reclusion perpetua, along with a P12,000 indemnification to Teofila.
• Dadaeg appealed, claiming errors in the trial court's judgment regarding Teofila's credibility, the absence of sperm, and the condition of the hymen.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's decision, finding Ramon Dadaeg guilty of rape.
• The indemnification amount was modified to P30,000....(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court upheld the trial court's assessment of Teofila Dangan's testimony as credible and consistent, despite claims of contradictions.
• The complainant's age and demeanor during her testimony were significant factors in establishing her credibility.
• Dadaeg's defense of alibi was considered weak and unconvincing, as the corroborating witness lacked credibility and did not adequately establish his whereabouts during the crime.
• The absence of sperm in the medical examination...continue reading