Case Digest (G.R. No. 229204)
Facts:
People of the Philippines v. Pacifico Sangcajo, Jr., G.R. No. 229204, September 05, 2018, the Supreme Court First Division, Bersamin, J., writing for the Court.The prosecution charged Pacifico Sangcajo, Jr. with rape for an incident alleged to have occurred on January 30, 2009 in Quezon City involving AAA (a protected name under R.A. No. 9262). The information alleged that after drinking together during AAA’s birthday, AAA grew dizzy and fell asleep on Pacifico’s papag; Pacifico then allegedly awakened her, pinned her down, removed her clothing, and inserted his penis into her vagina by means of force and intimidation.
AAA reported the incident the next day and submitted to a medico-legal examination on February 1, 2009; the Initial Medico-Legal Report (Medico-Legal Report No. R09-240) noted a fresh healing deep laceration of the hymen and findings “compatible with recent vaginal penetration.” The Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City filed the information in the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 80, Quezon City.
At trial the prosecution presented AAA and Dr. Rodney G. Rosario (medico-legal officer). The defense presented Pacifico and a character witness. The RTC, in a Decision dated August 13, 2014, convicted Pacifico of rape, finding AAA credible and awarding reclusion perpetua and civil indemnity of P50,000.00. On appeal, the Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the conviction but modified the award by adding moral damages of P50,000.00 and exemplary damages of P30,000.00, with interest; its decision was promulgated on March 31, 2016.
Pacifico sought review in the Supreme Court, challenging AAA’s credibility and asserting the intercourse was consensual; he argued improbabilities in AAA’s account (notably how she could be undressed while allegedly having both hands held) and the absenc...(Subscriber-Only)
Issues:
- Whether the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Pacifico committed rape.
- Whether AAA’s testimony was sufficiently credible and free from material improbabilities to dispel reasonable doubt and rule out consensua...(Subscriber-Only)
Ruling:
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Ratio:
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Doctrine:
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