Case Digest (G.R. No. 117406)
Facts:
The People of the Philippines v. Alberto Garcia y Boton, G.R. No. 117406, January 16, 2001, Supreme Court Second Division, Mendoza, J., writing for the Court.The complainant (hereinafter AAA) accused her father, Alberto Garcia y Boton (accused-appellant), of having raped her. The information charged that on or about December 11, 1992, in the trial court's jurisdiction, accused, "with lewd design and by means of force and intimidation," had carnal knowledge of AAA against her will.
At arraignment on February 2, 1993, accused pleaded not guilty and the case proceeded to trial. AAA (then 13 years old) and her mother, BBB, testified for the prosecution. AAA recounted that her father, drunk, lay on top of her, held her hands, fondled her, struck her when she resisted, undressed both of them, kissed and pressed on her breasts and then inserted his penis into her vagina, causing pain; she also described the emission of “white sticky fluid.” AAA testified that accused threatened to kill her and other family members if she told anyone. Following the incident, AAA told her mother and they reported to the police and secured a medico-legal examination at Camp Crame; the medico-legal report (Exh. A) recorded shallow healed hymenal lacerations.
After the prosecution rested (November 15, 1993), the defense was granted time to file a demurrer to evidence but failed to do so within the period. The trial court ordered the defense to present its evidence; subsequent requests for additional time and motions for reconsideration were granted and denied at various points, but ultimately accused failed to present evidence and the case was submitted for decision. On February 26, 1996, the Regional Trial Court (Judge DDD) found accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt of rape and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua and ordered indemnity of P20,000 plus costs.
Accused appealed to the Supreme Court (G.R. No...(Subscriber-Only)
Issues:
- Was the conviction proper despite alleged contradictions and doubts in the complainant's testimony?
- Was the guilt of accused-appellant proven beyond reasonable...(Subscriber-Only)
Ruling:
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Ratio:
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Doctrine:
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