Facts:

• Roberto Oliquino, also known as "Berto," was convicted of rape by the RTC of Calauag, Quezon, Branch 63.
• The incident occurred on August 5, 1988, involving complainant Eden Argudo, a 20-year-old college student.
• Eden was taken to Oliquino's residence for treatment of stomach pain, accompanied by her mother, Tarciana Argudo, a friend of the appellant.
• Oliquino, a known faith healer, had previously treated Eden for various ailments.
• After instructing Tarciana to pray inside his house, Oliquino led Eden to a secluded area and threatened her with a knife.
• He forced her to undress and raped her, warning her against disclosing the incident.
• Eden showed signs of emotional distress, leading her parents to seek medical help in November 1988, where it was confirmed she had been raped and was pregnant.
• A criminal complaint was filed against Oliquino on February 7, 1989.
• The defense presented witnesses claiming other patients were present, but the RTC found the evidence against Oliquino compelling.
• On June 20, 1990, the trial court convicted him of rape, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua and ordering him to pay Eden P30,000 in damages.
• Oliquino appealed, arguing the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Roberto Oliquino, finding that the prosecution proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• The Court ruled that the delay in reporting the incident did not automatically render Eden's testimony incredible.
• The Court u...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court emphasized that rape convictions often depend on the credibility of the complainant's testimony, as such crimes usually occur without witnesses.
• The Court noted that the prosecution's evidence must be evaluated on its own merits, and delays in reporting do not inherently undermine a victim's c...continue reading