Facts:

• The case involves the People of the Philippines as the plaintiff-appellee against accused-appellants Romeo Magalong y Buado, Eduardo Lim alias "Pilay," and Arsenio Aquino y Gonzales.
• The incident occurred on November 17, 1987, in Olongapo City, where the body of 7-year-old Cecilia Arabis was found in a canal, indicating rape and homicide.
• Cecilia lived with her mother, Lilia Arabis, in a makeshift house.
• On the day of the crime, Cecilia visited Aquino's house searching for her mother, a jueteng collector.
• Magalong and Lim were present in the house, allegedly under the influence of marijuana.
• Magalong instructed Aquino to take Cecilia to a room, where they proceeded to strangle and sexually assault her.
• After realizing she was dead, they disposed of her body in a canal and covered it with garbage.
• An autopsy confirmed signs of trauma and sexual assault.
• Aquino was arrested and testified against Magalong and Lim, implicating them in the crime.
• The trial court found Magalong guilty as the principal perpetrator of rape with homicide, while Lim was convicted as an accomplice, both receiving a sentence of reclusion perpetua and ordered to indemnify Cecilia's heirs.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of Romeo Magalong, affirming the credibility of Aquino's testimony despite alleged inconsistencies.
• The Court ruled that Eduardo Lim was not merely an accomplice but a principal in the crime due to his direct participation in the strangulation of the victim.
• The Court modifi...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court emphasized the credibility of Arsenio Aquino's testimony, which provided a clear account of the events leading to Cecilia's death, despite minor inconsistencies.
• Discrepancies in a witness's testimony regarding collateral matter...continue reading