Case Digest (G.R. No. 56487) Core Legal Reasoning Model
Core Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
In People v. Jalosjos (G.R. Nos. 132875–76, November 16, 2001), the accused‐appellant, Romeo G. Jalosjos, then a sitting Congressman, was charged with multiple counts of statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against eleven‐year‐old Maria Rosilyn Delantar, a commercial sex worker peddled by her guardian, Simplicio Delantar. On December 16, 1996, two informations for statutory rape (June 18 and 20, 1996 at Ritz Towers, Makati City) and twelve for acts of lasciviousness (on separate dates from June 14 to July 21, 1996) were filed before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Makati, Branch 62. After Rosilyn’s detailed testimony and medical and documentary proofs—including her birth and baptismal certificates and hospital records—RTC convicted Jalosjos in Criminal Cases Nos. 96-1985 and 96-1986 for statutory rape, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua for each count, and in Criminal Cases Nos. 96-1987, 96-1988, 96-1989, 96-1990, 96-1992, and 96-1993 for six counts of lasciviousness un Case Digest (G.R. No. 56487) Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
- Procedural History
- On December 16, 1996, two informations for statutory rape (Criminal Cases Nos. 96-1985 & 96-1986) and twelve for acts of lasciviousness (Criminal Cases Nos. 96-1987 to 96-1998) were filed against Congressman Romeo G. Jalosjos for offenses under Art. 335(3) and Art. 336 RPC in relation to Sec. 5(b), R.A. 7610.
- After arraignment, accused refused to plead; plea of not guilty entered. The Regional Trial Court (RTC) convicted him of two counts of statutory rape and six counts of acts of lasciviousness, acquitting him on six other lasciviousness charges for reasonable doubt.
- Underlying Facts
- Victim’s Background
- Maria Rosilyn Delantar, born May 11, 1985, was an 11-year-old minor exploited by her guardian Simplicio Delantar, a pimp who introduced her to prostitution.
- Simplicio treated her as foster daughter and sold her for sexual favors to various clients.
- Meetings and Exploitation by Accused
- First met in February 1996; accused promised an acting career, referred to himself as “Daddy,” gave money, and proposed adoption.
- From June 14 to July 20, 1996, in Ritz Towers, Makati City, accused repeatedly:
- Kissed her lips, fondled her breasts, inserted his fingers into her vagina, and pressed and poked his penis between her spread thighs until ejaculation on her thighs;
- Bathed her while touching her private parts;
- Paid her varying sums (P2,000–P10,000) and took her shopping.
- Victim’s Escape and Investigation
- On August 16, 1996, Rosilyn ran away and filed complaint against Simplicio; NBI investigated and formal charges were filed against accused.
- Victim underwent medico-legal examination showing healed hymenal lacerations and non-virgin state without signs of violence.
Issues:
- Credibility of Victim’s Testimony
- Alleged inconsistencies between in-court testimony and out-of-court affidavits/interviews.
- Claims of rehearsed testimony and failure to identify accused in photo array.
- Identification and Misidentification
- Defense assertion that victim thought her abuser was Dominador “Jun” Jalosjos based on introduction and office nameplates.
- Cartographic sketch resemblance issues and failure to note accused’s age or mole.
- Age of the Victim
- Dispute over whether victim was under 12 at the time of offenses.
- Admissibility of birth certificate (subject to cancellation proceedings) versus hospital records and baptismal certificate.
- Alibi Defense and Acquittals
- Accused’s claim of being in Dipolog/Dapitan on certain dates (supported by airline tickets, manifests, photos) leading to acquittals on some counts.
- Alleged alibi for mornings of June 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, and 29, 1996.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)