Facts:

• Amante Padlan y Leones, also known as Butog, was accused of two counts of rape and one count of acts of lasciviousness against a nine-year-old girl referred to as "AAA."
• The incidents occurred in Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines, on August 7, 2005, September 27, 2005, and September 28, 2005.
• The prosecution filed three Informations against Padlan under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) in relation to Republic Act No. 7610 (RA 7610) for the rapes, and under Article 336 of the RPC for acts of lasciviousness.
• "AAA" testified that Padlan woke her while she was sleeping, touched her vagina, and raped her, threatening her to keep silent.
• The second incident involved Padlan luring "AAA" under the pretense of needing to borrow money before raping her.
• The third incident of lasciviousness occurred when Padlan touched "AAA's" vagina while she was asleep.
• "AAA's" mother, "BBB," confronted Padlan after noticing her daughter's condition, leading to police involvement.
• Padlan denied the charges, claiming an uncorroborated alibi.
• The Regional Trial Court (RTC) found Padlan guilty on November 10, 2011, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua for the rapes and a lesser penalty for the acts of lasciviousness.
• Padlan appealed to the Court of Appeals (CA), which affirmed the RTC's decision with modifications on damages.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeals, finding Padlan guilty beyond reasonable doubt of two counts of rape and one count of acts of lasciviousness.
• The Court modified the penalties ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court held that the prosecution established all elements of the crimes charged, particularly statutory rape, as "AAA" was under twelve years of age at the time of the incidents.
• The Court found "AAA's" testimony credible, clear, and consistent, deserving full weight given her young age.
• It was noted that a child of such tender years is unli...continue reading