Case Digest (G.R. No. L-30190)
Facts:
- Case Title: People vs. Obtinalia (G.R. No. L-30190)
- Decision Date: April 30, 1971
- Respondents: Mariano Obtinalia, Teoly Ubalde (alias "Jorge"), Jimce Ubalde
- Charges: Robbery in band with rape
- Incident Date: June 5, 1968
- Location: Agno, Pangasinan
- Details of the Crime:
- Accused entered the home of spouses Clemente Fontanilla and Rufina Pitalbero armed with firearms and bolos.
- Mr. Fontanilla was assaulted, bound, and threatened.
- Mrs. Pitalbero was raped by all three accused in front of her husband.
- Trial Court's Decision: Convicted the accused based on victim testimonies; sentenced to death.
- Appeal: Accused claimed an alibi and questioned the sufficiency of the evidence.
- Supreme Court's Review: Upheld the trial court's decision.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's ruling.
- The guilty verdict for robbery in band with rape was upheld.
- The Court found the evidence, particularly the victims' testimonies, sufficient to establish guilt.
- The death penalty was deemed appropriate due to aggravating cir...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The victims' testimonies were credible and compelling, surviving rigorous cross-examination and supported by prompt police reporting.
- The defense of alibi was weak and did not outweigh the prosecution's strong evidence.
- The absence of spermatozoa in the medical examination did not negate the occurrence of rape, as other explanations were possible.
- The Court stated that the death penalty was appropriate...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. L-30190)
Facts:
The case titled "People vs. Obtinalia" (G.R. No. L-30190) was decided by the Supreme Court of the Philippines on April 30, 1971. The respondents in this case were Mariano Obtinalia, Teoly Ubalde (alias "Jorge"), and Jimce Ubalde, who faced accusations of robbery in band with rape. The incident took place on June 5, 1968, in Agno, Pangasinan, where the accused, armed with firearms and bolos, forcibly entered the residence of spouses Clemente Fontanilla and Rufina Pitalbero. During the invasion, the intruders assaulted Mr. Fontanilla, binding him and threatening his wife, Mrs. Pitalbero, while demanding money and valuables. Tragically, Mrs. Pitalbero was raped by all three accused in the presence of her husband. The trial court, upon reviewing the evidence, found the accused guilty based on the testimonies of the victims and subsequently sentenced them to death. The accused appealed the decision, asserting their alibi and questioning the sufficiency of the evidence against them. The Supreme Court reviewed the case, ultimately upholding the lower court's decision.
Issue:
- Did the trial court err in finding the accused guilty of robbery in band with rape based solely on the testimonies of the complainants? ...