Facts:

• The case involves Roger Gardoce Galagati (appellant) and the People of the Philippines (appellee).
• The incidents occurred in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, where Galagati was accused of raping AAA, a fifteen-year-old minor.
• The first incident took place on September 13, 2002, where Galagati allegedly forced AAA into sexual intercourse under threats to harm her family.
• Six additional Informations were filed against him for similar offenses in October 2002.
• AAA was the sole witness for the prosecution, detailing incidents of penetration and sexual assault.
• Galagati denied the allegations, claiming AAA's testimony was fabricated due to family disputes.
• The Regional Trial Court (RTC) convicted Galagati of one count of rape and five counts of sexual assault, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua and imposing civil liabilities.
• Galagati appealed, leading to a review by the Court of Appeals (CA), which acquitted him of the five counts of sexual assault but upheld the rape conviction.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed Galagati's conviction for rape, finding the evidence sufficient to establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
• The Court of Appeals' decision to acquit Galagati of the five counts of s...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court highlighted the significance of the victim's credibility in rape cases, noting that trial courts' assessments of witness credibility are generally respected.
• AAA's testimony was found credible, especially regarding the rape incident on September 13, 2002, where she described Galagati's use of force and intimidation.
• The Court clarified that the law does not require physical ...continue reading