Case Digest (G.R. No. 240662) Core Legal Reasoning Model
Core Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
In People v. Rapiz (G.R. No. 240662, September 16, 2020), the People of the Philippines charged Raymundo Rapiz y Correa with the rape of “AAA” on or about April 2, 2015, at his house in Las Piñas City. AAA, a 20-year-old niece of Rapiz’s live-in partner, testified that Rapiz forcibly undressed her at knifepoint, covered her mouth, threatened to kill her and her mother if she resisted, and inserted his penis into her vagina. Over the next several days, AAA and Rapiz met on at least three occasions—at a balete tree (April 3), at a vulcanizing shop where Rapiz worked (April 4), and in Baclaran (April 6)—during which he kissed, hugged, fondled her and made unfulfilled promises to buy her slippers. On April 7, AAA’s mother filed a barangay complaint; AAA disclosed three to four instances of rape. A medico-legal examination by Dr. Cornelio revealed healed hymenal lacerations and evidence of blunt penetrating trauma. At the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 275, Las Piñas City, Rapiz Case Digest (G.R. No. 240662) Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
- Charge and Trial Background
- Raymundo Rapiz y Correa was charged with the rape of AAA on or about April 2, 2015 in Las Piñas City, pleaded not guilty at arraignment, and the case was raffled to RTC Branch 275.
- Trial on the merits ensued before the Regional Trial Court.
- Prosecution Evidence
- AAA testified that Rapiz, her mother’s cousin, pointed a deadly weapon at her, undressed her, threatened to kill her and her mother, and forcibly inserted his penis into her vagina; she later recounted continued sexual advances on April 3, 4, and 6.
- Medico-legal report by Dr. Cornelio showed healed lacerations of the hymen consistent with blunt penetrating trauma; barangay hearing confirmed three to four prior insertions.
- Defense Evidence
- Rapiz denied the rape, alleging the complaint was motivated by his refusal to lend P1,500; character witnesses (employers and live-in partner) testified to his good moral character and denied knowledge of any rape.
- No affirmative defense of consent was raised.
- Trial Court and Court of Appeals Decisions
- RTC (Jan. 29, 2016) convicted Rapiz of rape under Art. 266-A(1)(a) RPC, sentenced him to reclusion perpetua, and awarded AAA P50,000 civil indemnity and P50,000 moral damages.
- CA (Feb. 7, 2018) affirmed conviction but increased civil indemnity and moral damages to P75,000 each and awarded P75,000 exemplary damages.
Issues:
- Whether the Court of Appeals erred in convicting appellant of rape by affirming that the prosecution proved force, threat, or intimidation beyond reasonable doubt.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)