Facts:

The case involves the accused-appellants Gregorio de la Cruz, Ernesto de los Santos, and Rosalino de los Santos who were charged with the crime of forcible abduction with rape. The complainant, Leticia Octavio, alleged that on February 25, 1967, she was forcibly abducted by the accused and taken to various locations where she was raped multiple times. She claimed that she was threatened with a gun and acid, and was forced to comply with her abductors' demands. Leticia reported the incident to the police on March 3, 1967.

Issue:

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Ruling:

The trial court found Gregorio de la Cruz guilty beyond reasonable doubt of forcible abduction with rape and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua. Ernesto de los Santos and Rosalino de los Santos were found guilty as accomplices and were sentenced to an indeterminate penalty of not less than six years and one day of prison mayor and not more than fourt...(Unlock)

Ratio:

The court emphasized that the findings of fact by the trial court are generally entitled to great weight on appeal, unless there are strong and cogent reasons to disturb them. However, if there are inconsistencies and contradictions in the testimony of a witness, particularly on important matters that affect their credibility, the court should not simply brush them aside. In this case, the court noted that there were significant inconsistencies and contradictions in Leticia's testimony, which cast doubt on her credibility.

Furthermore, in cases where the versions of the prosecution and defense are contradictory and depend on the credibility of witnesses, corroboration of material events must be provided to overcome the presumption of innocence. Leticia's claim of rape by Gregorio was uncorroborated by any other witness. While direct evidence is not necessary for a conviction of rape, the victim's story must be supported by circumstantial evidence such as torn garments or physical injuries. In this case, Leticia's story lacked such evi...continue reading