G.R. No. 134101 - People vs. Llanita y Opiana

The accused, Felino Llanita y Opiana, was charged with the rape of a five-year-old girl named Catherine Acol.
The alleged rape occurred on March 25, 1996.
Catherine testified that she was raped on three occasions by the accused; the charge was for the third alleged rape.

The accused denied the rape and presented an alibi, asserting he was working at a repair shop from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the date in question.
The trial court found the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced him to death.
The accused appealed, claiming that the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Catherine was examined by Dr. Armie Loreta the day after the alleged rape; no fresh lacerations were found, but "old healed complete hymenal lacerations" were present, indicating previous sexual abuse.
The medical report did not show physical injuries corroborating the alleged incident, but confirmed the possibility of penetration of the male organ despite Catherine’s tender age.

The prosecution's evidence on Catherine’s age consisted primarily of her own testimony that she was five years old.
The accused admitted that Catherine was five years old in 1996, claiming she was his niece.
Official birth certificate was submitted to this Court only after initial proceedings, confirming Catherine’s birth on June 19, 1990.

Whether the trial court erred in convicting the accused despite the alleged failure of the prosecution to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Whether the testimony of the child-victim, including her identification of the accused as the rapist, is credible and sufficient as sole evidence.
Whether the medical findings contradict the victim’s testimony on the commission of rape.
Whether the prosecution sufficiently established the victim’s age to qualify the crime for the death penalty, given the absence of initial documentary evidence proving age.
Whether the imposition of the death penalty under R.A. 7659 is justified in this case.