G.R. No. 248204 - People vs. Evardone

Robbery with Rape under Article 294, paragraph 1, of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) (Criminal Case No. 11-43069).
Two counts of Rape under Article 266-A of the RPC (Criminal Case Nos. 11-43070 and 11-43071).

The charges stemmed from incidents on August 12, 2011, in Antipolo City, where the accused, with an unidentified male companion, allegedly forcibly robbed and raped the victim AAA.

Around 4:30 p.m., AAA was walking to take public transport when two men, one being the accused, threatened her with a knife and declared a hold-up.
The accused and his companion forcibly took AAA’s cellphone, money, and jewelry.
AAA tried to call for help, but no assistance came. She attempted to escape, but the accused caught her, forcibly pulled her to a canal side, and raped her against her will.
The accused raped AAA three times in different positions and places (canal and beside a car), threatening her with a knife and verbally abusing her with gender-based slurs.
AAA sustained injuries including an incised wound on her right thumb from an attempted stabbing by the accused.
After the incident, AAA reported to her family and police, and was medically examined. The medico-legal report confirmed recent blunt penetrating trauma to the hymen and external injuries consistent with her account.

AAA described the accused’s physical appearance, which helped identify him.
Accused and three others were brought to the barangay hall; AAA identified him as her assailant.
Witnesses testified consistent timelines placing the accused at a wake, followed by going to Sitio Broadway, a location near the crime scene.

RTC convicted accused of Robbery with Rape and two counts of Rape, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua and awarding damages to the victim.
On appeal, the CA affirmed the conviction for Robbery with Rape but acquitted the accused on the two separate rape charges, holding that multiple rapes forming part of the robbery with rape are merged into a single complex crime. Modifications were made to damages and penalty details.

Whether the accused-appellant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of Robbery with Rape under Article 294, paragraph 1 of the RPC.
Whether the appellant can be convicted separately for additional counts of rape allegedly committed on the occasion of the robbery or if those counts are merged into the single complex crime of Robbery with Rape.
The propriety of the penalty imposed and damages awarded, including whether the penalty should include “without eligibility for parole.”
The credibility and sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence, focusing on the alleged inconsistencies in the victim's testimony and identification of the accused.