Facts:

The case involves the defendant, Jose Pon-an, who was charged with rape after allegedly sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl named Josie Tayam. The incident occurred when Pon-an asked Tayam to buy cigarettes for him and then brought her to a nipa swamp where he kissed her, removed her panty, and inserted his penis into her private parts. Tayam cried in pain and was later taken by her mother for a medical examination. The doctor testified that the swelling of Tayam's vulva and ruptured hymen could have been caused by sexual intercourse with a man. Pon-an denied the charge and claimed alibi, but admitted to asking Tayam to buy cigarettes and embracing and kissing her.

Issue:

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Ruling:

The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the lower court, finding th...(Unlock)

Ratio:

1. The lower court is given deference in determining the credibility of witnesses and which version of events to believe. In this case, the lower court found the victim's testimony and the doctor's testimony credible, leading to the conviction of the defendant.
2. The cause of the rupture of the hymen is not necessary to establish rape. The court emphasized that t...continue reading