Facts:

• On May 9, 1990, Maria Primavera, seven months pregnant, visited Sitio Racracan, Barangay Burabod, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, at her husband Egar Primavera's request to inspect their ricefield.
• Accompanied by her mother and brother, Maria separated to check their camote plantation.
• While returning home, she encountered her cousin, Jimmy PeAero y Barranda, who was wielding an unsheathed bolo and had his pants unzipped.
• PeAero made a lascivious remark, frightening Maria, who then cried out.
• He ordered her to sit, embraced her despite her resistance, and forced her to the ground, proceeding to have sexual intercourse with her while threatening her with the bolo.
• After the assault, PeAero threatened Maria to keep the incident secret or face death.
• On June 27, 1990, an Information for rape was filed against PeAero, alleging he had carnal knowledge of Maria against her will.
• During the trial, PeAero admitted to the encounter but claimed it was consensual, asserting that Maria was his lover and had fabricated the charge.
• The trial court found him guilty of rape, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua and ordering damages, leading to his appeal.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's decision, upholding Jimmy PeAero y Barranda's conviction for rape.
• The court found that the evidence supported th...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court reasoned that the trial court's rejection of PeAero's claim of consensual intercourse was justified by the circumstances.
• The presence of an unsheathed bolo and PeAero's aggressive behavior created a fearful environment, consistent with the victim's reaction.
• The court emphasized that a victim's failure to resist does not negate the occurrence of rap...continue reading