Facts:

• Virgilio Romero was convicted of two counts of rape against his step-granddaughter, Marilou Romero.
• The incidents occurred in April 1996 in Barangay Apad, Polangui, Albay, Philippines.
• The Regional Trial Court of Ligao, Albay, sentenced Romero to death on December 17, 1998, under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 7659.
• The prosecution filed two separate informations on September 12, 1997, alleging that Romero had carnal knowledge of Marilou against her will.
• Marilou, who was 15 years old at the time of the trial, testified that she had lived with Romero and his common-law wife, Flora, since she was one year old.
• She reported that the first rape occurred when she was ten years old in Batangas, with subsequent incidents happening in Polangui when she was thirteen.
• The prosecution presented witnesses, including Rodolfo Sameniano (barangay chairman) and Dr. Arnel Borja (medical examiner).
• The defense, represented by Virgilio and Flora Romero, denied the allegations, claiming Marilou was lying due to family conflicts.
• The trial court found Romero guilty beyond reasonable doubt, leading to an automatic review by the Supreme Court.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the credibility of the prosecution witnesses, supporting the trial court's findings.
• The Court determined that the rape was not qualified, as the information did not alleg...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court noted that minor inconsistencies in witness testimonies do not necessarily undermine credibility.
• The trial judge is best positioned to assess witness demeanor and credibility; Marilou's and other witnesses' testimonies were found consistent on essential facts.
• Delays in reporting the crime are common among young victims and do not automatically suggest fabrication.
• For the death penalty under Article 335, the in...continue reading