Case Digest (G.R. No. 125537)
Facts:
- Jose Maglantay y Deo was convicted of rape by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 80, Quezon City, under Judge Agustin S. Dizon.
- The incident occurred on May 8, 1994, after a company excursion to Lingayen, Pangasinan.
- Complainant Lea Ubaldo asked co-worker Liza Fernandez Flores to accompany her to the comfort room.
- After parting ways with Liza, Jose Maglantay confronted Lea, forcibly held her hands, and kissed her against her will.
- Despite her attempts to escape, he dragged her upstairs and continued to assault her.
- Witness Mary Ann Robencio saw the struggle but was warned by Maglantay not to intervene.
- On the second floor, Maglantay laid Lea down, removed her clothing, and raped her.
- Security guard Alfonso Javier and a policeman responded to Lea's cries for help, finding her in distress with visible injuries.
- The trial court found the prosecution's witnesses credible, leading to Maglantay's conviction and a sentence of reclusion perpetua, along with an order for moral damages to the victim.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court affirmed the Regional Trial Court's decision, finding Jose Maglantay guilty beyond reasonable doubt of rape.
- The court upheld the credibility of the prosecution witnesses and complainant Lea...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court highlighted the trial court's role in assessing witness credibility, noting its opportunity to observe their demeanor during testimony.
- There was no compelling reason to doubt the prosecution witnesses' testimonies, particularly Lea Ubaldo's consistent and detailed account.
- The court rejected the accused's claims of consensual relations, emphasizing that Lea's immediate rea...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 125537)
Facts:
The case involves the appeal of Jose Maglantay y Deo, who was convicted of rape by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 80, Quezon City, presided over by Judge Agustin S. Dizon. The incident occurred on May 8, 1994, after a company excursion to Lingayen, Pangasinan. Upon returning to the Lowell Building in Quezon City, the complainant, Lea Ubaldo, requested her co-worker, Liza Fernandez Flores, to accompany her to the comfort room on the second floor. After parting ways with Liza, Lea was confronted by the accused, Jose Maglantay, who forcibly held her hands and began kissing her against her will. Despite her attempts to escape, he dragged her upstairs, where he continued to assault her.
Lea sought help from Mary Ann Robencio, who witnessed the struggle but was warned by Maglantay not to interfere. On the second floor, the accused laid Lea down, removed her clothing, and raped her. After the assault, a security guard, Alfonso Javier, and a policeman arrived, responding to Lea's cries for help. They found her in a distressed state, with visible injuries, and she was taken to the police station for investigation. The trial court found the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses credible, leading...