Facts:

The case involves the rape of Nancy Tejas, who was staying at Ellen's Folk House and Restaurant in Cotabato City. On April 15, 1984, at around 4:00 am, Nancy went out of her room to answer nature's call when she was confronted by the appellant. He covered her mouth, threatened to kill her if she shouted, and dragged her to the main door. He then forcibly raped her, using a sharp weapon to intimidate her. Two days later, Nancy felt a burning sensation in her vagina and sought medical examination, which revealed she had contracted gonorrhea. Nancy reported the incident to her mother and they filed a complaint for rape against the appellant. Appellant was arrested and found in possession of the weapon used in the assault.

Issue:

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Ruling:

The court ruled that the appellant is guilty of rape. The lower court found the appellant's claim that Nancy Tejas was his sweetheart to be without basis and not proven by evidence. The court also found that Nancy Tejas was a nursing student and an honor student, engaged to be married to someone else, and there was no evidence to suggest she was of ill-repute or had a flirtatious nature. The court concluded that Nancy Tejas was an unwilling victim who was intimidated by fear to submit to the appellant's desires. The court emphasized that consent ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

The court based its decision on the lack of credibility of the appellant's testimony and the undisputed facts presented. The court found that the appellant'...continue reading