Facts:

• The case involves the People of the Philippines as the plaintiff-appellee against Romeo Republo, the accused-appellant.
• The incidents occurred in September 1997 in Caloocan City, Metro Manila.
• Republo was charged with two counts of rape and one count of attempted rape against AAA, a 12-year-old minor.
• The first incident involved Republo forcing AAA to lie down and having sexual intercourse with her.
• The second incident occurred two days later when Republo attempted to rape AAA while she was studying, but she escaped.
• The third incident involved another rape, where Republo threatened AAA not to tell anyone.
• At the time, AAA's mother, BBB, was working abroad, leaving AAA in the care of her aunt, RRR, who was married to Republo.
• The incidents were revealed when AAA asked her mother about the meaning of "rape" upon her return, prompting BBB to confront Republo and file charges.
• The prosecution presented testimonies from AAA, her mother, a police officer, and a medical doctor who confirmed signs of sexual abuse.
• Republo denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated due to personal grievances.
• The Regional Trial Court (RTC) found Republo guilty, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua for the two counts of rape and a lesser sentence for attempted rape.
• The RTC's decision was appealed to the Court of Appeals, which affirmed the ruling.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeals, which upheld the RTC's conviction of Romeo Republo for two counts of rape and one count of attempted rape.
• The Court found no merit in the arguments presented by the accused-appellant ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court emphasized the significance of the victim's credibility, especially in cases involving minors.
• AAA's clear and consistent testimony, supported by medical evidence, was deemed suf...continue reading