Facts:

• Jacinto Lantano was convicted of raping his fourteen-year-old daughter, AAA, in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, between April 1998 and January 1999.
• The Regional Trial Court found him guilty of violating Articles 266-A and 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 8353, in relation to Republic Acts Nos. 7610 and 7659.
• The Information stated that Lantano had carnal knowledge of AAA through force and intimidation, aggravated by their familial relationship.
• AAA testified that on April 11, 1998, while lying in bed with her younger sibling, Lantano approached her, kissed her, and made a disturbing remark about her mother.
• He threatened her with a knife, forcibly removed her clothing, and raped her, warning her not to tell anyone afterward.
• AAA initially remained silent due to fear, later revealing the incident to her mother through letters and eventually to her grandfather, leading to a police report and medical examination confirming signs of rape.
• Lantano's defense was an alibi, claiming he was fishing with relatives during the incident, but the trial court found this unconvincing and sentenced him to death.
• The Court of Appeals modified the sentence to reclusion perpetua, which Lantano appealed.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court ruled that the delay in reporting the rape was justified and did not undermine AAA's credibility.
• The Court upheld the trial court's dismissal of Lantano's alibi, finding it unconvincing.
• The eviden...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court emphasized that delays in reporting rape, especially in incest cases, often stem from fear and intimidation by the perpetrator.
• Victims may hesitate to report due to psychological terror, particularly when the aggressor is a family member.
• AAA's fear was heightened by Lantano's threats and the presence of a knife during the assault, which silenced her.
• The Court reiterated that alibi is a weak defense, especially wi...continue reading