Case Digest (G.R. No. 124299)
Facts:
The People of the Philippines v. Cesar Lacanieta alias "Boy Alog", Jerry Ballenas alias "Marlon Marquez" and Carlito Gamad, G.R. No. 124299, April 12, 2000, Supreme Court Third Division, Gonzaga‑Reyes, J., writing for the Court. The criminal case arose from the abduction (March 20, 1987), rape and subsequent murder of 19‑year‑old Wilma Tayo. Her mother, Consorcia Tayo, reported that Wilma was taken at gunpoint that night; the body, found the next day, bore multiple stab wounds and fresh hymenal lacerations. Four suspects were investigated: Jerry Ballenas (alias “Marlon Marquez”), Cesar Lacanieta (alias “Boy Alog”), Alberto Salvador and Carlito Gamad. Salvador and Gamad died (shot) during or after police investigations; Lacanieta was charged but absconded.An Information for forcible abduction with rape (Article 335 in relation to Article 342 and Article 48, Revised Penal Code) was filed against Ballenas and Lacanieta; it was amended June 19, 1989 to allege, inter alia, use of a firearm. Ballenas had been arraigned and tried; the trial was delayedly regularized for arraignment on the amended Information on February 18, 1992 after the parties agreed that earlier‑presented evidence be deemed reproduced. Prosecution witnesses included Consorcia and Florencio Millones; documentary evidence and medico‑legal findings (autopsy) were presented. Ballenas testified in his own defense, asserting an alibi/innocent explanation (that he merely fetched Wilma to meet Lacanieta).
The Regional Trial Court, Branch 12, San Jose, Antique, rendered judgment on May 29, 1992, convicting Ballenas of forcible abduction with rape and sentencing him to ...(Pro-only)
Issues:
- Did the trial court err in finding accused‑appellant Jerry Ballenas guilty beyond reasonable doubt of forcible abduction with rape?
- Did the trial court err in the monetary awards—specifically the order to indemnify the heirs P50,000.00, to pay P30,000.00 funeral expens...(Pro-only)
Ruling:
- (Pro-only)
Ratio:
- (Pro-only)
Doctrine:
- (Pro-only)