Facts:

• Rodrigo Gutierez y Robles, known as "Rod and John Lennon," was charged with statutory rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code.
• The incident occurred on November 29, 2005, in Baguio City, Philippines.
• The victim, AAA, was a 10-year-old Grade 2 student at Camp 7 Elementary School.
• AAA went home for lunch and encountered Rodrigo, who took her to his room, laid her on the bed, raised her skirt, removed her panties, and inserted his penis into her vagina.
• After the act, Rodrigo gave AAA five pesos before she returned to school.
• AAA's tardiness and subsequent disclosure to her teachers led to an investigation, including a medical examination that confirmed sexual abuse.
• AAA testified that Rodrigo had raped her about ten times on separate occasions, each time giving her a small amount of money.
• Rodrigo denied the allegations, claiming he was at work during the incident and suggesting a prior relationship with AAA's sister.
• The Regional Trial Court of Baguio City found Rodrigo guilty beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua, along with damages.
• The Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction, leading to Rodrigo's appeal to the Supreme Court.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeals, finding Rodrigo Gutierez y Robles guilty beyond reasonable doubt of statutory rape.
• The Court imposed the penalty of reclusion perpetua.
• Rodrigo was ordered to pay AAA P100,000.00 as civil indemnity, P100,000.00 as moral damages, a...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court's decision was based on the clear and categorical testimony of the victim, AAA, who narrated the details of the rape incident.
• The critical elements in statutory rape are the age of the victim and the occurrence of carnal knowledge, both of which were undisputed in this case.
• AAA&#...continue reading